Description

This icon depicts the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan, it is one of the Major Feasts and is also known as "Theophany" (manifestation of God) or "Epiphany" (manifestation from above) — this is because the Holy Trinity is revealed to us in this scene: the Son is baptised in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descends in the likeness of a dove, and the voice of the Father speaks from Heaven. (Matthew 3:13–17)

Christ's Baptism is not for the renewal of our nature alone, but also for the sanctification of the waters. His a near-nakedness signify His humility and self-emptying. St John the Forerunner is seen baptising Christ, next to him is a tree with an axe laid on it which represents his warning of the judgement to come and exortation to repentance — “The axe is laid unto the root of the trees” (Matthew 3:10).

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos

Iconographer: -

Date: 16th century

Tradition: Cretan

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