The ikon, or holy picture, before you of the Virgin Mary with Jesus, is one that is used throughout the world and especially in Eastern Orthodox Christian churches.
Ikons are painted or ‘written’ after much careful prayer, and there are set patterns that have to be followed in making them.
Ikons are understood as windows into heaven that are made to help guide and focus prayer, rather than be objects of worship. Many Christians believe that one can gaze through the window and enter the mystical presence of the person or event depicted.
The Virgin of Kazan is a window that is highly symbolic. In this picture Mary bends towards Jesus in worship. Jesus is not depicted as a baby but as a ‘growing lad’. He stares out at us with an almost in challenging gaze. He asks us this single question “Whom do you say that I am?”
You are invited to sit in this peaceful corner of our church and consider this question Jesus asks of you
“Whom do you say that I am?”
This ikon was donated by Michael Baker, a lay reader and a beloved and faithful member of our church family for many years. Michael would often sit in this corner to pray.