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.
