Transfiguration icon by Theophanes the Greek, 15th century 1408
Mounted on wood
15cm x 11cm
This icon featured in this study is by one of the greatest masters of the icon, Theophanes the Greek. During the late 14th and early 15th centuries Theophanes worked in various cities in the Byzantine Empire before moving to Nizhny Novgorod, and finally to Moscow.
Icons in the Orthodox tradition are considered an important part of the life of the church, holding much the same position as a sermon might. We in the Western church are taught to understand the purpose of a sermon: It is intended to teach truth through hearing and lead thence to worship. In a similar way the Eastern Church understands an icon to teach truth through seeing and lead thence to worship. Because of this high calling within the church community, icon painters—or writers as they are sometimes called—are kept to a stricter rule than creators of religious images in the West. Where in the West images may be more likely to flow from individual fancy or interpretation, images in the Orthodox tradition are expected to proceed from theological truth. Some might criticize as lack of imagination the resulting formal repetition among icons, but the unmistakable advantage is a consistent theological message closely tied to the biblical text.
Aim The Aim of this study is to encourage personal and theological meditation on the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, using both the word of Scripture and a painted icon. The Transfiguration of Christ is recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels and undoubtedly the icon will rely on all of these. While it would be enriching to look at all three accounts, this study shall focus on the account provided in the Gospel of Mark.
Structure First, you are asked to read and reflect upon the text in Mark 9:1-13. Then, having discussed the written word through the basic questions below, you should spend time meditating on the icon with the text in hand, moving back and forth between the two. The questions that follow this stage will seek to further open up the visual language of the icon and lead—it is hoped—to a deeper understanding of this significant event in the life of our Lord. Commentary written in blue following each of the questions should be read only after personal consideration and/or group discussion. In a group study it will be helpful for the leader to have read Mark, chapters 8 and 9 for the context of the passage.
