Nativity icon

NATIVITY OF CHRIST

          This icon was modeled after the well-known scene of the Nativity at the Cave, according to the Orthodox tradition. It provides a more detailed portrayal of the main characters and of the symbolism of the event. Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, is portrayed as a young girl with purity, innocence, and love, especially through her eyes. The ancient Coptic iconography, particularly the Fayum portraits and the icon of Christ Pantocrator at St. Catherine’s monastery in Egypt has such expressive eyes that speak to us and allow us to converse with Christ and the saints. The Star of Bethlehem above in the center is surrounded by the symbols of Christ Alpha and Omega, being the beginning and the end. The infant Jesus rests in a little box that is simultaneously a coffin and a ship, sailing on a river flowing from the veil of the Theotokos.