Renovation

All of the virtues and powers of God are attained primarily by prayer. Without prayer, there is no spiritual life. Prayer is natural and we were fashioned by God to live a life of prayer. It should be brief and regular so that it can be kept in all conditions and circumstances. To remind yourself that it is "face to face," place an icon of Christ before you as you pray. At this time, we are in the season of Great Lent. At all of the Lenten services the Prayer of St. Ephraim of Syria is read. It supplicates God for those virtues especially necessary to the Christian life.

The Annunciation to the Mother of God

Everything in the Icon leads to and is centered in the Mother of God. The joy of the Incarnation is expressed by the colors and the details. The very posture of the Archangel Gabriel is depicted in graceful motion holding a staff, the ancient symbol of the messenger, in his left hand. His right hand is extended toward the Mother of God in both greeting and communication. The Mother of God is portrayed in a unique position. It is said that at the time of the Annunciation, she was occupied with spinning. Thus, the ball of thread in her hand dropped as if forgotten in her surprise at the appearance of the Angel and the weightiness of his message. The Mother of God accepts the message of the Annunciation and is shown with her head inclined in consent. The Icon celebrates the Virgin’s agreement to be the mother of the Incarnate Son of God. The rays of light descending on the Virgin illustrate the message of the Angel, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Lk. 1:35) The Icon of the Annunciation is prescribed as a pictorial element for the Royal Doors of the Icon Screen.