Russian and Greek Icons of the Holy Trinity

The Orthodox iconography of the Holy Trinity is quite widespread nowadays and constitutes a unique religious and cultural heritage. It was antique Christian art that became the basis for all the existing images representing the concept of the Holy Trinity, including Russian and Greek icons. Monuments of this type are distinguished by different interpretations of the symbols that are enclosed in their traditional composition. Keep reading our new blog post to learn more about the Holy Trinity icons.

The Hospitality of Abraham

The scene taken by Orthodox iconographers is derived from the book of Genesis and is known as “Abraham’s Hospitality.” The story tells us about three angels who appeared to the first patriarch Abraham and his wife Sarah on one scorching day. Abraham invited them to have a meal near a tree, bringing them water, milk, and a calf. The three angels responded to Abraham as “one,” so it is believed that the Lord Himself was among them that day.

Russian and Greek icons of the Holy Trinity

Traditional Russian and Greek icons of the Holy Trinity do not depict the image of the Lord directly but use the story of three beautiful angels symbolizing God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Orthodox icons depict the story of the appearance of the three angels to Abraham and his wife Sarah. The angels are shown sitting at a table during a meal, with the outlines of a tree and the house of Abraham and Sarah behind them. Sometimes, Russian and Greek icons also feature the images of the spouses standing near the angels and offering them food. 

The most famous Christian icon of the Holy Trinity is “The Trinity” by Andrei Rublev, which formed the foundation for later depictions of this type. Rublev’s iconography is simple and concise, yet he managed to depict each figure with individual features as if indirectly defining who each of the angels is. It should be noted that new interpretations are still emerging as to which of the angels is the central image of God the Father.

Whether antique or modern, the Holy Trinity icons are highly important for the Orthodox world. After all, they remind people of the trinity nature of God.