Icon symbolic
Icon symbolic
Jesus blesses. Jesus always holds up three fingers pointing upwards or downwards. In this case downwards. This symbolises the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus blesses. In this case he holds his fingers upwards. A common practise with orthodox priests.
Mary. The never fading rose. The name originates from a hymn, which is sung in church a few weeks before Easter. It acknowledges the Godmother as the woman who has given birth to the never fading rose, which means to say Jesus Christ, our Lord. It compares Jesus with the noblest of all flowers.
Open hand. Here the hand of the holy Elisabeth. (The mother of John the Baptist). Female Saints may not bless. They hold up the open hand as a symbolic act in rejection of ordinary life and a belonging with God.
Hodigitria. (The female guide). Mary points with her hand towards Jesus. She wants to say "do as he says" or "follow his road".
St Patrick with his trefoil symbolises Ireland.
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