Icon of Christ the Bridegroom

ICON OF CHRIST THE BRIDEGROOM

How our icons are made

Christ is depicted in a state of total humility, with a crown of thorns and a somber look. The icon is called "Bridegroom" in connection with Christ's selfless love for His Bride, the Church. Christ is the Divine Bridegroom of the Church as described in the Book of Isaiah.

This icon is connected to the "Bridegroom Matins" services, which take place during Holy Week from Palm Sunday evening, until Holy Wednesday. During these services, the following hymn is sung:

"Behold, the Bridegroom cometh at midnight, and blessed is that servant whom He shall fine watching; but unworthy is he whom He shall find heedless. Beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be weighed down with sleep; lest thou be given up to death, and be shut out from the kingdom. But rouse thyself and cry: Holy, Holy, Holy, art Thou, O God, through the Theotokos have mercy on us."