Pondering Mary: Her Story Through Icons

This exhibit will explore Mary’s life as portrayed in icons; how her relationship with her Son has defined her; and how the Russians have viewed her complex role in salvation.

Mary’s role in Christianity grew out of her role as Jesus’ mother. As early Christians tried to figure out who Jesus was and how he related to God, they also began asking questions about Mary: If Jesus was entirely divine from the beginning of his life on earth—as the Council of Nicaea declared in 325—then how was Mary Jesus’ mother? Did she only give birth to the human Jesus? Or did she also give birth to the divine Jesus, the Son of God?

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.

Whether you go or not,  Mary, Mother of God: Her Life in Icons and Scripture presents rare and precious Oriental icons, some created in mosaics, all arranged to tell the story of Mary. The accompanying text offers comments and explanations of the images and their symbols. A life of Mary as presented in the writings of the great fathers of the Orthodox Church and in the liturgical rites of the Byzantine traditions is also included. Its visual impact and beauty, as well as its different perspective, makes Mary, Mother of God: Her Life in Icons and Scripture both a treasured addition to one's personal library and a lovely gift idea. The explanation of the symbolism of the icons and the lovely images themselves will serve as inspiration for meditation.