|
Theotokos Riverview
Fleeing prosperity and comfort, the martyrs George and Elizabeth found safe harbor in you, O Theotokos! Now we who are in bondage to things that pass away cry out to you: “Open the river before us, O Virgin, that we too may be redeemed from slavery.” Fleeing to you, we fall down before your throne, O Mother of Life! Petition your son that we too may be delivered as slaves to the Author of Life. By your intercessions, preserve the Apostle's City, grant peace to the whole world and salvation to those who bend the knee to you: “Rejoice, O Queen through whom the proud are scattered in the imagination of their hearts!” 
|
About the Icon
The icon above, written by Olga Ivkin, depicts an eschatological view of the City of St. Paul and the Mississippi River from the historic West Side/Riverview neighborhood. The following communities are included in the icon's cityscape: St. George, West St. Paul* St. Elizabeth, West Side Holy Trinity, East Side St. George, Summit You can also see the St. Paul Cathedral in the icon, nestled among the skyscrapers. The icon presents Mary enthroned, holding Jesus coming in power—flanked by St. Elizabeth and St. George—who bear the following inscriptions: St. George “I am a slave of Christ Jesus and in him do I trust; nothing in this passing life can weaken my resolve to serve God.” - From St. George's testimony before the throne of Diocletian. He is depicted holding his own head, indicating the manner of his execution. St. Elizabeth "We are unprofitable slaves: we have done only that which was our duty to do." - From Luke's gospel (17:10) used by St. Elizabeth in her monastic rule for the Martha and Mary Convent of Mercy. St. Elizabeth is shown holding a cross, signifying her martyrdom at Alapayevsk. *The original icon resides at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in West St. Paul, where it was presented on the Feast of the Dormition in August, 2017. | ||