The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari: A Sacred Site of Christian Pilgrimage
Nestled along the Adriatic coast in Bari, Italy, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas is one of the most celebrated religious sites in Europe, blending ancient history with enduring spiritual significance. Known as the final resting place of Saint Nicholas of Myra—a saint revered in both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions—the basilica has attracted pilgrims from across the world for nearly a millennium. Its origins, architecture, and the annual pilgrimage tradition associated with the saint’s feast day create a fascinating story...
Top 100 Most Valuable Icons Sold at Sotheby's New York and London
What are the pricing trends of antique Russian icons and how the economic realities reflect in valuing fine and rare examples? What factual characteristics influence their value and how this influence changes over time? To answer these questions, we analyzed Russian icons sold at Sotheby’s auction house during the Russian-themed sales in New York and London between 2007 and 2020. For the purposes of this study, we selected only icons with the realized prices (comprised of the “hammer price” and the auction’s...
Fancy antique reliquaries sold at Sotheby’s - a visual retrospective
A selection of the notable antique reliquaries offered by Sotheby's auction house in the past. Many of them sold at amounts several times above the original estimates. All images ©️ Sotheby’s
How to Read Inscriptions in Antique Catholic Reliquaries
18th-century theca containing a piece of the Shroud of Turin (Ex Sindone D.N.J.C.) 19th century theca containing First Class relics of several saints 19th-century theca containing relics of XII Apostles. Theca is sealed on the reverse with a red Spanishwax seal with the imprint of the coat of arms of the issuing Roman Catholic authority Relic's Certificate of Authenticity FIRST CLASS RELICS Ex capillis - from the hair Ex capsa mortuaria - bodily particles from the mortuary box Ex carne - from...
The Veneration and Cult of Holy Relics in the Orthodox Church
The veneration of holy relics is a deeply rooted tradition in the Orthodox Church, tracing its origins back to the early Christian centuries. This practice is not merely an act of reverence but also a profound expression of the Orthodox understanding of sanctity, the human body, and the communion of saints. The relics associated with the Passion of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints and martyrs hold a special place within this tradition, embodying the Church's history and its...
The Sacred Legacy: Dissemination of Catholic Relics from St. Helena to Modern Devotion
The dissemination of Christian relics by the Vatican and the Catholic Church has been crucial in developing Christian worship and devotion throughout history. Among the most revered relics are those associated with the Passion of Christ, particularly the relics of the True Cross. The story of these relics begins with St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, who is credited with discovering the True Cross in the early 4th century. St. Helena embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land...
The History of the Russian Orthodox Miracle-Working Icons of the Mother of God
The iconography of the Theotokos, or the Mother of God, holds a central place in the Russian Orthodox Church, reflecting deep theological and spiritual reverence for the Virgin Mary. The tradition of depicting the Theotokos in Russia traces its origins to the Christianization of Kievan Rus in 988 AD, when Prince Vladimir accepted Byzantine Christianity, bringing with it the rich artistic traditions of the Eastern Roman Empire. The Byzantine influence profoundly shaped Russian religious art, particularly in the depiction of...
Verifying the Holy Relics: the Authentication of Objects of Christian Veneration by the Catholic Church
The authentication of relics has been a crucial aspect of Catholic tradition, particularly concerning relics associated with the Passion of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christian martyrs, and saints. The Catholic Church, through the Vatican, has developed a rigorous process for verifying the authenticity of these sacred objects to preserve their sanctity and ensure their proper veneration. This essay will explore the historical development of relic authentication, the role of the Vatican in this process, and the significance of these...
History and Significance of Venerating First-Class Relics in Christian Tradition: Relics of the Passion, the Virgin Mary, Martyrs, and Saints
The veneration of relics, especially first-class relics, has been a significant aspect of Catholic devotion for centuries. First-class relics include physical remains of saints, such as bones or hair, and objects directly associated with Christ's Passion or the Blessed Virgin Mary. The practice of venerating these sacred items is rooted in the early Christian Church. It has evolved over time, reflecting these relics' deep spiritual and cultural significance to the faithful. This essay will explore the history and importance of...
The Veneration of the True Cross: A Profound Symbol of Christian Faith
For Christians worldwide, the True Cross of Jesus Christ holds immense significance as an enduring symbol of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. This revered relic, believed to be the actual wooden cross upon which Jesus was crucified, has inspired generations of believers to venerate it with profound reverence and devotion. The veneration of the True Cross is deeply rooted in biblical history and holds a central place in Christian theology, reminding believers of the core tenets of their faith. The historical...
The Sacred Connection: Understanding the Veneration of Relics of Saints
For centuries, people from diverse religious backgrounds have venerated relics of saints, attributing them with immense spiritual significance and healing powers. These sacred objects, often preserved from the remains of holy individuals, hold a profound place in the hearts of believers. The veneration of relics is rooted in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, among others. Although practices may differ across cultures and religions, the underlying reasons for the veneration of these relics remain remarkably similar. Spiritual...
The Timeless Allure: 5 Reasons Why People Buy Antique Orthodox Icons
Antique Orthodox Icons hold a profound spiritual significance and an undeniable historical charm that continues to captivate people from all walks of life. These sacred artifacts, often dating back centuries, are not just collectibles; they represent an intrinsic connection to faith, culture, and the rich legacy of Eastern Christianity. The allure of antique Orthodox Icons extends beyond religious devotion, drawing enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Let's delve into the five primary reasons why people choose to acquire these timeless treasures....
Praying with Orthodox Icons by Fr. Paul Halovatch
Religious icons are commonly referred to as "windows into heaven." Icons give a view into the eternal realm and can easily be an aid in prayer. Praying with icons is an ancient practice that involves using natural and "spiritual" eyes, seeing what the image communicates in both your mind and soul. Be unassuming: Approach an icon with reverence; it unlocks the sacred and the eternal. Simply seek to observe and understand the scene and setting. Icons represent a heavenly presence...
Fine Russian Icons in the collection of the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg
The Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia is a privately owned museum that was established to repatriate objects of Russian cultural heritage primarily in the field of decorative arts. The museum's collection contains more than 4,000 works of decorative applied and fine arts, including gold and silver items, paintings, porcelain, and bronze. A highlight of the museum's collection is the group of nine Imperial Easter eggs created by Fabergé for the last two Russian Tsars. One of the museum's rooms...
Holy Matrimony: Orthodox Tradition of Presenting Icons as a Wedding Gift
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, marriage, or holy matrimony, is treated as a Sacred Mystery that serves to unite a woman and a man in eternal union before God. In Orthodoxy, a pair of icons used to bless the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony. The icons, usually matching in size and style of decoration and depicting the Savior and the Mother of God with Christ Child, are called the Wedding Icons (Russian: Венчальные иконы) or The Wedding Pair. The icons are meant to bless...
The Russian Store Sponsors "Tradition & Opulence: Easter in Imperial Russia" Exhibit at the Museum of Russian Icons
CLINTON, MA – On view July 17–October 25, 2020 The Russian Store is delighted to sponsor Tradition & Opulence: Easter in Imperial Russia, an exhibition recreating the splendor of Orthodox Easter celebrations during the last days of the Tsars. After the COVID-related delay, the exhibition is open for viewing at the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, Massachusetts. Easter (Paskha), the “feast of feasts,” celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, one of the foundations of Christian belief, as well as the promise of mankind’s...
Interpreting Symbolism in Russian Orthodox Easter Iconography
Easter imagery in Russia, while deeply rooted in ancient Orthodox tradition, over the centuries transformed to incorporate a Western interpretation of the Resurrection, resulting in a unique iconography that reflected Russia's historical role as a spiritual link between the Orthodox East and the Catholic West. The Anastasis or Resurrection is one of the most striking images of Russian iconography. Often called the Harrowing of Hades, the image depicts Christ's triumphal descent into the world of the dead to free...
A Guide to the Roman Catholic Cult of Relics
By + Vladimir Saemmler-Hindrichs Purcellville 12 October 2012 The cult of relics has been an instrumental part of the Christian Faith since the days of the early Church. The Eucharist is celebrated on an altar that is dedicated to and blessed with the presence of the saints. In the Roman Catholic tradition, this takes the form of relics embedded in the altar itself, and formerly in an altar stone, which had a specific relic or relics sealed within it. In...
The Treasure of the ‘Chapel of Relics’ exhibition at Palazzo Pitti
This exhibition, devoted to a reconstruction of the treasure in the ‘Chapel of Relics’ in Palazzo Pitti, as the subtitle beneath the succinct but evocative title ‘Sacred Splendour’ tells us, means that almost four centuries later we will be able to rediscover in all its magnificence the forgotten and now dispersed identity of a perfect domestic sanctuary inside the Medici residence inaugurated in the course of a solemn ceremony in 1616. » (Cristina Acidini).
Marian Relics: Veneration of Holy Relics of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Marian relics were known and venerated from the time of Byzantium. The principal relics kept in the Constantinople churches dedicated to the Theotokos were Her Girdle and the Veil. The Girdle was particularly associated with the Chalcoprateia church, the Veil with the church of Blachernae. Both relics, along with a portrait of the Holy Mother believed to have been painted from the living model by Luke the Evangelist, were brought to Constantinople from Jerusalem by Arcadius, the son of Theodosius the Great, and set in...
St. John of Damascus and the Church’s Defense of Holy Icons
In the early part of the eighth century, a controversy arose in the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire over the use of icons, both in public worship and in private devotion. This was a major break with Church teachings and liturgy, as sacred art had been used since the first Christian missionaries came to this area. Nevertheless, a school of theologians now claimed that the Old Testament gave a clear prohibition against images depicting God (Exodus 20:4/Deuteronomy 5:8), and...
The Place of Sacred Art in Early Christian Prayer and Worship
From the earliest days of the Church, Christians incorporated sacred art in their celebration of the sacraments, liturgical rites, and private prayer. This was a departure from the traditions of Judaism and many pagan cultures that forbid figurative representations of any deity, even in abstract forms. Scripture and historical books speak of the majesty of the great temple in Jerusalem, but made no mention of crafted images of God or the prophets within its walls. However, the very first principle...
The Rite of Canonization of Catholic Saints
The process of canonization in the earliest centuries of the church was performed by the local bishop (or the pope, if it was in the city of Rome) and by the popular acclamation of the local church. After an investigation was done, testimony was given by those who knew the candidate for sainthood, the faithful would give popular acclaim to the request, and the bishop would then enroll the name of the holy man or woman in the official liturgies...
Veneration of Holy Relics and the Catholic Mass
The miracles which derive from the holy relics witness to the fact that their pious veneration by the people is pleasing to God (Saint Justin Popovich) Of all the many ways of showing veneration of the relics of saints and martyrs, one of the most profound is that the Church has maintained a custom of placing them in the altar where the Mass is celebrated. Both the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and the Code of Canon Law...
"Opulence Rediscovered: The Romanov Liturgical Silver" - an exhibit at the Museum of Russian Icons co-curated by the Russian Store.
Exhibition dates: October 19, 2018 – January 13, 2019 CLINTON, MASS. - The Museum of Russian Icons will be presenting Opulence Rediscovered: the Romanov Liturgical Silver, the first exhibition in more than 50 years of a lost masterpiece, October 19, 2018 – January 13, 2019. This extraordinary set of Russian Orthodox liturgical implements was made in 1877 as part of the imperial dowry of Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna Romanova (1853-1920), the only surviving daughter of Russian Emperor Alexander II,...
Role of the Postulator in the Process of Canonization of a Saint
A postulator is the person designated to guide the case of beatification or canonization through the juridical process required in the Catholic Church. The postulator may be a cleric, religious, or lay person, who has an understanding of the theological, historical, medical, and canonical demands that make up the process of canonization required by the Holy See and the Congregation for the Cause of Saints. The postulator must also be a person of the highest integrity so as to avoid...
Veneration of Holy Relics and the Cause of Canonization
Canonization is the act by which the Catholic Church declares that a person who has died is now added to the list of saints in the glory of heaven. The process takes its name from the Greek word for list (canon), and includes a comprehensive investigation of the faith, heroic virtues, and approval of any miracles worked through the person’s intercession. Once canonized the saint may be publically invoked for intercession and included in the prayers of the Church (including...
Veneration of Holy Relics in the Catholic Church’s Sacred Liturgies
One of the principal ways the Church teaches the faithful is through its sacred liturgy. How the Church prays communicates what we believe. The prayers, gestures, vestments, and art work that make up the solemn rites of the Church make visible before our eyes the timeless truths of the Church. Devotion to the saints, and the veneration of their relics, play an important role in the life and liturgy of the Church. First, the Church’s liturgy teaches that the relics...
Veneration of Martyrs' Relics in the Early Christian Church
Among all the holy men and women of the Church, martyrs have a special place of honor. The word martyr translates as “witness”. This is a man, woman, or child who gave the ultimate witness to Our Lord and to the faith of the Church, by freely laying down their lives. Their death was a public testimony to their faith and fidelity. They are teachers of the gospel to both believers and non-believers, without using any words. Their death was a...
Is Veneration of the Relics of Saints Biblical?
Both the Old and New Testaments show that the people of God gave great respect to the mortal remains and possessions of holy men and women. When acts of veneration where given to these holy relics, it expressed respect for the deceased person who lived a holy life. More importantly, any honor given to the relics also expressed respect for God, who had revealed His power through this holy person and their participation in God’s work. Throughout the scriptures, whenever devotion to...
Is it Biblical to Seek the Intercession of the Saints?
Christians worship God alone. However, Christians do show honor to the Virgin Mary and the saints. When Christians recite the Apostles Creed (and the Nicene Creed) they profess a belief in the “communion of the saints”. This is the Church’s understanding of the relationship between the members of the Church on Earth and the members of the Church in heaven. “Communion” refers to the bond formed by all who share life with Christ in baptism. By sharing life with Christ,...
Significance of the Holy Relics of Jesus Christ’s Passion
The central belief of Christianity is that God became man and dwelt among us on Earth. During His life, public ministry, death, and resurrection, the apostles and those who recognized Jesus as the Messiah, gave the upmost respect to those objects and places connected to the Lord. The early Church made great efforts to remember the places where Jesus preached, worked miracles, and suffered His passion. For this reason, pilgrims can visit these sites in the Holy Land today with...
How to Care For Your Antique Icon: Display. Care. Precautions. Restoration
Caring for antique icons is a simple and straightforward process. Following the basic guidelines will assure that your icon is always kept in optimum condition and properly preserved. Place or hang icons away from heaters, radiators, bright or heat lamps or direct sunlight. Do not place icons in your kitchen or bathroom. It is recommended but not necessary to keep icon in custom wooden case with glass front called kiot which better protects it from dust, light and humidity changes....
Major types of Russian Orthodox icons depicting Virgin Mary
Like the icon of Christ, that of the Mother of God (Theokotos) is considered authentic, an object of worship, because it is a revealed truth. Tradition identifies the first portretist of the Virgin and Child as the evangelist Saint Luke, even though he did not meet Mary until after Christ's death when she was already elderly. "Painting your image most worthy of honor, Saint Luke, author of the Gospel of Christ, inspired by the voice of God, depicted the Creator...
History of Reliquaries with Relics of the True Cross of Jesus Christ
SS. Crucis D.N.J.C. [of The Most Holy Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ] According to several Church historians of the 4th and 5th centuries, the True Cross was discovered in 325 AD when Emperor Constantine the Great ordered the removal of a pagan temple built by Hadrian over the site of Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre. Beneath the structure, in an old cistern, three crosses, the titulus with the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," and three nails,...
Sacred Holy Catholic Relics: Objects of Faith
The word relics comes from the Latin reliquiae (the counterpart of the Greek leipsana) which already before the propagation of Christianity was used to describe an object, notably part of the body or clothes, remaining as a memorial of a departed saint. In the minds of the early Christians, the bodies of the saints were transformed into “temples of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) In the Middle Ages, relic veneration became obligatory and every church in Christendom was required to have a holy relic....
Tested Mettle: Russian Antique Silver Icons
Russian Orthodox religious items and pre-revolution status symbols proving to be worthwhile investments. Cover story article in Antique Trader magazine. Tested Mettle: Russian Antique Silver
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