Icon of The Presentation (Meeting) of Our Lord
This Icon of the Presentation (Meeting) of Our Lord , is found on the Iconostas of our church, in the row of great feasts.
About the icon
This Holy Icon shows that the meeting takes place inside the Temple and in front of the altar. The Theotokos stands to the left and is holding out her hands in a gesture of offering. The hands of the Theotokos is covered by her cloak or as it is known, the maphorion. She has just handed her Son to Simeon.
Christ is shown as a child, but He is not in swaddling clothes. He is clothed in a small dress and his legs are bare. Jesus appears to be giving a blessing. Simeon holds Jesus with both hands which are covered. This shows the reverence Simeon had for the Messiah. Simeon is bare headed and there is nothing to show that he is a priest. Some biblical scholars say that Simeon was probably a priest of the Temple or a Doctor of the Law.
Joseph is behind the Theotokos. He is carrying the two turtle doves for the sacrifice. Anna the Prophetess is also standing behind the Theotokos and is pointing to the Christ child and holding a scroll.
The words Simeon spoke when he saw the Christ Child are known as “St. Simeon’s Prayer.” This prayer is sung daily at the evening Vespers services of the Orthodox Church.