www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Divine Mercy Icons

Since there are Byzantine Catholics who privately practice the Divine Mercy devotions as revealed to Saint Faustina, I wanted to post some icons of Divine Mercy that have been written.

A well known version is from Monastery Icons:

[Linked Image]

Br. Claude Lane, the Benedictine iconographer from Mt. Angel Abbey, Oregon, has written two icons of Divine Mercy as well:

[Linked Image]

and
[Linked Image]

What do you think? Which one is your favorite?
If you are aware of other icon versions of Divine Mercy, please post them.

It is generally forbidden to paint symbolic depictions of the heart of Christ in iconography; one could argue that Brother Claude is restoring western religious art to a more deeply traditional and iconic style and that he is not bound by iconographic canons. I would not argue much with that line of reasoning, though that is not what I am attempting in my work.
Everyone should avoid patronizing Monastery icons, though; they are gnostic heretics only too willing to take the money of Catholic and Orthodox folks who remain unaware of their abberations.

Iconophile, could you tell me more about the background for this icon writing rule, please? Or maybe indicate a weblink where there is more to read about it?
Thank you kindly,
Shiloah

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
13. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14. But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
15. But SANCTIFY THE LORD GOD IN YOUR HEARTS: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16. Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." 1.Pet.3:12-16 (KJV emphasis added)

There is a discussion on this at the iconofile web page [iconofile.com] in the general questions part of their forum, with both Catholics and Orthodox weighing in. This site, by the way is excellent for anyone interested in the theological and practical aspects of icon painting. In general I think the East is reluctant to portray anything less than the whole Christ [ie, isolated body parts, however symbolicly rendered]. But I have also found that one can find exceptions to almost every iconographic principle somewhere. I am not an iconographic fundamentalist [which does not mean I have any patience with Robert Lentz or others who abuse the art].

Dear Griego,

I think I prefer the middle icon you show in your post the best!

Iconophile is quite right, one would not depict the heart on either our Lord or the Mother of God in iconography.

One way Eastern iconographers have gotten around that rule is to be seen in the miraculous icons of the Seven Arrows and "Softener of evil hearts" where the familiar Western theme of Seven Swords of Sorrow are depicted encircling the front of the Mother of God but with no pierced heart depicted.

There is also strong Eastern liturgical devotion to the Heart of Christ as shown by St Nicholas Cabasilas in the book published by St Vladimir Seminary press. The Forward to that book juxtaposes that veneration to the Western devotion to the Heart of Jesus.

The Wounded Side of Christ is highly venerated as part of the devotion to "Christ the Lover of Mankind" and Orthodox Christians kiss the edge of the Chalice after receiving Communion - and this kiss venerates the Wounded Side of Christ.

The icons of the Mercy of Christ have an ecumenical iconographic theme in that it does NOT depict the physical heart of Christ and it celebrates the Wounded Side of Christ from which flowed Blood and Water, Mercy and Forgiveness etc.

This icon inspired my own little akathist to our Lord Jesus Christ and His Wounded Side.

Alex

Dear Alex,

Yes, I also prefer the middle icon as well.

It is interesting that you mention devotion to the Wounded Side of Christ. Below is a version of the Crucifixion icon that I have in my home:

[Linked Image]

I often times pray the Chaplet of Mercy before this icon, while focusing on the Blood and Water that comes forth from the Wounded Side of Christ. The Blood and Water flowing form Our Lord's wound in the icon reminds me so much of the two rays of Blood and Water depicted on the Divine Mercy image.

There are definitely influences of the East in the Divine Mercy image and devotion.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us and on the whole world!
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us and on the whole world!
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us and on the whole world!

God bless you,
griego

Yes, the body of the prayer is a repeated "...have mercy on us [and on the whole world]; very eastern.
Alex is right, actually the icons do not directly represent the heart of Christ; they merely imply it, and Christ is frequently gesturing toward the Heart in icons. I actually like the third icon, though the second is more traditional [see I told you I am not an iconographic fundamentalist]