Description

The Gospel of John recounts Jesus's first miraculous "sign" at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, where he transformed water into wine. This event, where Jesus, his mother, and disciples were guests, became necessary when the wine ran out. The Mother of Jesus (never referred to as Mary by name in John's Gospel) prompted Jesus, telling him, "they have no wine." Her role here is seen as highly symbolic; she is presented as the "New Eve," acting in harmony with God's will, in contrast to the original Eve. This initial act of intercession by Jesus's mother foreshadows her ongoing role as an intercessor for humanity after Christ's death and resurrection.

Jesus's response to his mother, and her subsequent instruction to the servers, "Do whatever He tells you," led to the miraculous transformation. This act signifies the replacement of the insufficient water of Jewish purification rites with the "good wine" of Christ's new covenant. The timing of this miracle on the "third day" after Philip's call is a clear foreshadowing of Christ's Resurrection on the third day, revealing his glory. This miracle at a wedding, with its abundance of wine, also anticipates the joyful messianic banquet in God's Kingdom and, more specifically, the Eucharist, where the consecrated wine becomes the Blood of Christ, nourishing believers and preparing them for the "marriage supper of the Lamb" in Revelation.

Furthermore, the timing of the Cana miracle on day seven of Christ's ministry, following John the Baptist's first appearance, alludes to the Genesis creation account, signifying that Jesus's ministry inaugurates a New Creation where humanity is reconciled to God. This connection between the Cana wedding and a new creation is profoundly significant for the Sacrament of Matrimony in the Orthodox Church. The Gospel reading for Orthodox weddings is John 2:1-11, emphasizing Christ's presence and blessing in every marriage within the Church. Just as water was transformed into wine at Cana, a civil marriage can be elevated to a Christ-centered sacramental marriage through faith, enabling couples to experience the abundant grace and love manifested by Christ.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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