Wedding feast of heaven and earth

Holy Mount Athos
by painter Alfons Mucha

This morning I came across this wonderful painting by Czech artist Alfons Mucha, which I want to share. For me it makes visible what is invisible to the naked eye during the Divine Liturgy, what the eye of faith can sometimes catch a glimpse of. Notice that the saints joining the humble people of God in worship are both majestic and passionless. I especially love the expression on the face of the Theotokos (Mother of God) in the platytera. Ikons do not have to be stiff and unhuman, but should display a deep and abiding mercy and tenderness. Greetings to all the brethren on this Forgiveness Sunday. May the Lord forgive us all, as we forgive all of each other. Then, as we enter the joy of the Lord on the road to Pascha these next forty days, may all meet together at the wedding feast of heaven and earth. Καλή Σαρακοστή! Kalí Sarakostí!