Growing up, my mom would come into my room at night to turn on the light on my iconostasis (a shelf with icons) hanging on the wall, with the Theotokis at the center, that she inherited as a child in Greece.
I took comfort in this end of the day ritual, anticipating my mom’s kiss good night, and then looking up when she left my room, at the lit face of the Theotokis watching over me.
In the Orthodox Faith, Icons are considered a reflection of God’s presence on earth. A window into another world. The Theotokis, in particular, represents, the universal love and forgiveness of all mothers here on earth.
When I was ill, my mother’s avgolemeno chicken soup sustained me both physically and emotionally. There were immeasurable things that she did, that even later in life, helped me muster up the courage to face the hurdles of everyday life. She sacrificed so much.
Like the Theotokis, my mother was constantly forgiving. She introduced me to Church and my faith, but didn’t force it heavy handedly, so I’d enjoy it, rather than fear it. She intervened for my wellness, both physically and spiritually. She is reflected in the Icon lit up in my room that made me feel safe at night.
To this day, looking at an icon makes praying much easier. My husband and I have an iconostasis in our house, just as both of our mothers did. The icons are a combination of my mom’s, my mother in law’s and ones we’ve picked up during church visits.
I love having visible icons around the house, since they remind me that I need to put down my computer, my phone, books, my pen, my pots and pans, and make time to pray, especially during Lent.
Rest in Peace, Mom (Stephanie). You will be sorely missed by many. Heaven will welcome you.
A Blessed Lent to all.
The Cultural Easton 