Description

The Meaning of This Icon

The Icon of Christ the Resting One (ἀναπέσω) is deeply tied to Psalm 121:4: "He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." The core meaning behind it is that even as Christ's human body rested in sleep, His divine nature as God remained ever-wakeful and sustaining all of creation.

The icon's ultimate significance is powerfully revealed on Holy Saturday. On this day, Christ lay "asleep" in the tomb in His humanity, yet in His divinity, He was actively filling all things. This profound paradox is beautifully captured in the Paschal hymn: "In the grave with the body but in Hades with the soul as God; in paradise with the thief, and on the throne with the Father and the Holy Spirit wast Thou, O Christ, filling all things, Thyself uncircumscribed."

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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