Christ and the animals

This icon shows Christ with animals - especially birds and fishes (animals living in heaven and those living in water). It relates to Genesis 1:20: "God said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth within the vaults of heaven'. And so it was."

All the animals and plants are in harmony with each other, joyfully drawn and concentrated on Jesus like on a magnet. A bird is nearly touching his hand and a fish nearly touching his left foot, whereas Christ is touching the water - where the fishes live in - and the air, where the birds live in.

Christ is standing there - a totally free man - in the guesture of teaching and at the same time gives His blessings to the creatures. It is the garden of Eden.

Holy Trinity: Unity in Diversity

This icon was taken from the famous "Trinity" of Andrej Rubljew, which is valued as one of the most famous icons. It shows the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in persons, and at the same time in an abstract expression. All are same age - or said better: they are ageless - and looking very similar, and all have a rod in hand, which symbolises majesty. The difference is shown by gesture only. There is much symmetry in this icon. It is of the main form of a circle, and if you look closer you may discover more symmetrical forms. The icon is also full of symbolics, which may not be understood without explanation.

The background of this icon is the event in the Old Testament where God reveals Himself to Abraham in the three persons. (Gen 18,1-5) The left side shows the Father, who points to the Son. The Son in the middle looks in obedience to the Father and points to the communion cup. At the right side is the Holy Spirit, who points to the rectangular thing in the table, which symbolises the world. It describes the belief on Christ as the saviour of the world in obedience to the Father and in the love and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. But the general theme is just unity in diversity.

Who wants to read more on Andrej Rubljew, see: http://www.russianartgallery.org/oldicons/inside2.htm

St. Therese of Lisieux

"In spite of my extreme littleness, I still

dare to gaze upon the Divine Sun."

St. Therese of Lisieux

If interested in St. Therese, you may have a look at :

http://www.littleflower.org/