Icon of The Baptism of Christ

On Sunday, 8th January it is the Feast of the Baptism of Christ when we gather with all those who were baptised into our parish community during the last year to celebrate our Baptism Reunion.  We invite you to join us in prayer at this icon recalling those children in the first years of their lives; recalling your own baptism and the gift of your relationship with God.
 

 Prayer at the Icon

John the Baptist came to announce
the coming of Jesus Christ
He anointed with water
and pointed to the One who would come
and baptise with the Holy Spirit

God our Father let this icon
be a message for us
Announcing that we are
A chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a people set apart
 

Father remind us as we pray here that you have
called us out of darkness into your own wonderful light
Awaken us so that we might respond to the Spirit's call

Let us be a sign of your life in the world
And never let us be parted from you

I bless this icon
In the name of the Father
And of the Son
And of the Holy Spirit
Amen.

The Baptism of Christ based on a XVI Cent. Greek Icon

This is the day when Christ became known to all – the Icon reproduces in colour the Gosepl testimony.  The mystery of the Trinity was made manifest in sensory forms – three persons in one Godhead.  In the upper part of the icon there is a segment of a circle symbolising the opening heavens which Adam had closed to himself.  From here the Father speaks ‘This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased’.

Within the ray of light descending to the Saviour there appears the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.  As the dove was prefigured announcing the end of the flood to Noah so too now the dove announces God’s mercy in the world and the remission of sin.

 Jesus stands in the Jordan symbolising his total immersion.  The initiative belongs to him.  He stands meekly before his cousin the Baptist.  John with his right hand having blessed the water, which becomes an image of birth into new life, places his hand over the Saviour’s head.  This sacramental gesture has always been part of the ritual of Baptism.  Withh the left hand he makes a gesture of prayer.  Beside him is shown the axe which ‘is laid to the foot of the trees.’

The Angels are shown attending and witnessing the baptism.  Three are shown looking at Jesus and one looking up to the Holy Spirit descending on him.  All have their hands covered by their cloaks a sign of humility and reverence before God.

Original Icon by Fearghal O’Farrell, Iconographer

 ©June 2002