My icon story started in 1970 on the island of Mykonos, Greece, when my husband and I were on our honeymoon. We were strolling through a maze of narrow cobblestoned lanes lined with whitewashed churches, outdoor cafes, and shops. We spied it! There was a triptych (three-paneled) icon in a shop window. The brilliant gold background almost seemed to glow in the sunlight. We entered the shop to have a look. On closer inspection, we saw that this icon was very different from the many other icons appearing in the shops of Athens. Something about this icon called out to us.
It was a ten-inch triptych with an icon featuring Christ the Teacher, Pantocrator (Almighty Ruler) holding a Greek gospel open to the text of John 8:12: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of Life.” The archangel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary for the feast of Annunciation appear on the left and right panels. The troparion (hymn) for the feast of the Annunciation is “This is the beginning of our salvation,” which felt appropriate as we were beginning our lives together. Mary holds a spindle of scarlet yarn, showing her at her task of repairing the purple and scarlet veil for the Temple in Jerusalem. The side panels are attached in a primitive fashion, using wires instead of hinges. The dark wooden frame is hand carved with a cross, flowers, and geometric designs that create a beautiful yet imperfect style.
We really wanted to purchase it but hesitated because of the cost–we were doing Europe on $5 a day, and this icon was 15 times that–so we left the shop. But we didn’t want to leave Mykonos without it, so before departing back to Athens, we purchased it as our wedding gift to each other! My husband was going to be ordained within six weeks of our honeymoon, and this icon would join us in our Orthodox Church ministry service.
In today’s world, for many people, the word ‘icon’ refers to a small visual representation on our phone or computer screen that we can click to reach a program or app. I am often amazed at what hides behind that tiny icon on our computer screen. Our honeymoon icon is not unlike that. What is hidden behind this Annunciation icon for us is joy, hope, confidence, strength, obedience to God’s call, wisdom and grace. Christ in the center reminds us of our goal tof having a Christ-centered life. Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger, is a constant reminder that we, too, are messengers. ( “So we are ambassadors (messengers) for Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:20.) Mary’s willingness to accept God’s command shows that God is our strength and a reminder not to be afraid and to fulfill God’s purpose for us.
During the 54 years since we acquired it, we have been blessed to have many icons in our home. However, this first icon holds such special personal and spiritual meanings.
Janet Kunsaw Augusta is a retired teacher who resides in West Hartford, Connecticut, with her husband Fr. Don. They have served Orthodox churches in Connecticut since 1970. Jan has Master’s degrees in Education and Counseling. She enjoys family time, genealogy, art, theater, and travel.