September 8, 2013

The Icon of Crucified Asia Minor


The icon above is in the Sacred Church of Saint Nicholas in Nicaea of Attica. The Cross in the center symbolizes "Crucified Asia Minor". The Bell Tower in the middle of the Cross was the Bell Tower of the Sacred Church of Saint Photini in Smyrna made entirely of copper. From right to left are depicted the following Hieromartyrs of 1921-22: † Euthymios of Zilon, † Gregory of Kidonion, † Chrysostomos of Smyrna, † Prokopios of Ikoniou, † Ambrose of Moschonision. To the left of the Cross is the depiction of a Monk, who represents all the Monks massacred during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. To the right of the Cross is the depiction of a Cleric, who represents all the Clergy massacred during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. To the bottom right is depicted a Male of Asia Minor, who represents the entire male population that suffered and was massacred during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. To the bottom left is a Woman-Mother and Child of Asia Minor, who represent the entire female and child population that suffered and was massacred during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. These Holy Martyrs who gave their lives are honored and commemorated by the Holy Church on the Sunday before the Feast of the Elevation of the Honorable Cross on September 14th.