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Can someone please explain to this Latin Catholic the signifigance of the Nymphios (Bridegroom) icon. What all is at work in this image and why is it called "Bridegroom." I have been learning quite a bit lately about JPII's theology of the body and I have a feeling this icon expresses what is at the center of this theology better than a hundred books.
-Mark
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Originally posted by Mark A:
Can someone please explain to this Latin Catholic the signifigance of the Nymphios (Bridegroom) icon. What all is at work in this image and why is it called "Bridegroom." I have been learning quite a bit lately about JPII's theology of the body and I have a feeling this icon expresses what is at the center of this theology better than a hundred books.
-Mark Read the 25th chapter of Matthew, beginning at verse 1: The Parable of the Ten Virgins. Of course, Christ is the Bridegroom. And what is the Church? The Bride of Christ. The Nymphios service is a part of the regular Holy Week services of the Orthodox Church. ER
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Dear Mark,
Forgive me a sinner!
The symbolism of the "Bridegroom" as applied to our Saviour is rich in meaning.
The Midnight Service of the Byzantine Horologion has the beautiful prayer "Behold the Bridegroom" where the image of the End of the World is represented by the return of Christ Who invites us to His Kingdom that is represented by a wedding feast, where the life of Grace is signified by the white vestments one wears to a wedding amidst candles and lamps filled with Oil, that signifies the indwelling of the Most Holy Spirit.
The imagery of the Bridegroom is also present in the Services of Pascha, the Resurrection Matins where Christ's moving through the seal of His Tomb is compared to the human bridegroom that opens the virginal womb.
Resurrection, Life, Light, Oil of Gladness, Rejoicing -- all these are ours as we, by faith, hope and love, join ourselves to the wedding feast of the Bridegroom, Our Lord, God and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Forgive me a sinner,
Alex
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I understand that Christ is our bridegroom and that we (the Church) are his bride. But what is it about this image (the nymphios icon) that distinguishes Christ as bridgroom as opposed to the many other icons of Our Lord? Jesus' hands are bound with rope and he seems to be holding some sort of rod/pole. Other images do not have his hands bound but do have him holding a rod. How are these elements related to Christ as bridegroom? The image I am looking at can be found here [ skete.com] . -Mark [ 03-18-2002: Message edited by: Mark A ]
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Dear Mark,
The other name for this icon is "Extreme Humility" as you know.
As the Orthodox Nun who gave me a copy of this icon to carry with me at all times (and I do!) told me, it is through His Passion and Humiliation that Christ became the Church's Bridegroom as He destroyed the root of sin that is pride.
What do I know?
Forgive me a sinner,
Alex
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Originally posted by Mark A: I understand that Christ is our bridegroom and that we (the Church) are his bride. But what is it about this image (the nymphios icon) that distinguishes Christ as bridgroom as opposed to the many other icons of Our Lord? Jesus' hands are bound with rope and he seems to be holding some sort of rod/pole. Other images do not have his hands bound but do have him holding a rod. How are these elements related to Christ as bridegroom? The image I am looking at can be found here [skete.com] .
-Mark
[ 03-18-2002: Message edited by: Mark A ]"This day radiates with the first fruits of the Passion of the Lord. Come, therefore, O feast-loving friends, let us meet, and greet it with hymns; for the Creator comes, condescending to the Cross; to questioning and to lashings, judged by Pilate. Also smitten on the head by a servant, He endures all to save mankind."--Nymphios Prayer (during the veneration of the Nymphios icon). The rod represents the Judge and Judgement. So, the Christ who is the Divine Judge is himself judged by sinners; but He condescends to allowing Himself to be "bound" by sinners and offered as the perfect sacrifice of our salvation. The Bridegroom calls the Bride to the feast of salvation. ER [ 03-18-2002: Message edited by: Ephraim Reynolds ]
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(Reference to all who posted on this thread) - One can only say to all others: "Wisdom, attend!" for there is much wisdom herein.
Follow up: But Christ in the *exact* same pose (that half form but less robe and staff, and eyes closed in death)is also depicted as "coming out of" a coffin.
An entirely diffent icon type, or the same?
[ 03-18-2002: Message edited by: durak ]
[ 03-18-2002: Message edited by: durak ]
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Dear durak, You are right. This type of icon is the "Extreme Humility" type. The other above is the "Bridegroom" type. Sorry that I am such a "durak"  . Alex
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Glory to Jesus Christ!
There are actuallly two icons known as the Nymphios. One is the bound Christ with the Rod and the Other is a Christ in a Royal purple wedding Garment sans rod and rope. Both have Christ not as a joyful groom but rather as the sorrowful Christ. The second Nymphios icon I have only seen in prints used for veneration at the Nymphios services and in Greek Orthodox Churches. The icon I believe is available in the larger catalog of St. Issac of Syria Skete.
Your brother in Christ,
Thomas
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