St Innocent of Moscow (Enlightener of Alaska)

St Innocent of Moscow (Enlightener of Alaska)Written by Deacon Paul Drozdowski of Holy Trinity Monastery, this icon of St. Innocent of Moscow presents the Enlightener of Alaska and North America in the canonical style of Holy Trinity Monastery fitting, as Jordanville has been a center of devotion to the American saints since their glorification. St. Innocent's extraordinary life of missionary service and pastoral genius makes him a model for the Church in every age and land. An Orthodox mounted

This icon belongs to the Moscow school and the tradition of St

and the scroll proclaiming repentance — with the quiet authority of the classical Russian tradition

The feast of October 1/14 — beloved throughout Russia and the Orthodox diaspora — celebrates the Theotokos's maternal protection over all who gather under her veil and seek her intercession

this icon renders the virgin-martyr with the crown and wheel that are her traditional attributes

The great Wonderworker and Archbishop is depicted with the episcopal dignity and gentle mercy for which he has been beloved across centuries of Orthodox devotion

this icon of Christ the Savior is rendered in the living Russian iconographic tradition that continues to flourish at Jordanville

George the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer — depicted here in the standing pose rather than the equestrian scene — presenting the soldier-martyr of Lydda in the traditional military garb of a Roman officer

especially for those who honor him as their patron

and Antoninus — fled the persecution of Decius into a cave and slept miraculously for centuries

and her song of thanksgiving at Samuel's birth prefigure the prayer and song of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Annunciation

Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria

This pre-20th-century Russian example renders that awesome vision with the solemnity and reverence it demands