[Siobhan]

I had something between html tags that vanished. It is funny to read just "Be prepared" -- but indeed, that could be said of the Dormition Fast or the Novena of Fasting and Praying for the Assumption, that one was being prepared.

[Siobhan]

Maronite Mother of the Light

This icon depicts Mary presenting the Christ Child to the viewer. The dome at the top consists of a blue arch, a middle row of leaves, and a sheet of gold with inlaid gems, and symbolizes the life of the Triune God. The shrine, represents the Kingdom in which dwell Mary and the Lord of heaven and earth. The Lady of paradise is dressed in a purple cloak, a color reserved for kings and queens, which suggests that she is the Mother of the King. Her red shoes, the footwear of Byzantine queens, notes that Mary is the mother of the Divine Lord. The Child holds a scroll of the eternal law for Christ is its fulfillment.

The Virgin and Child are a "Greek" style, yet the haloes, reveal significant Syriac features, namely:

• the 3 basic colors from which all others are derived
• no cross in the halo of Christ
• no initials for "Mother of God" in the Virgin's halo

Siobhan says: I always think of this famous Maronite ikon whenver I think of the Assumption for our most glorious Lady and ever-Virgin Mary is taken beyond the realm of time where in a way that saints can imagine she once again holds her infant son, stands by his side, finds her Virgin Soul held by him, and is led to her throne beside Him. Forgive me if I do not state this with the accuracy of a theologian or the artistry of a poet, but I wished to convey the devotion in my heart.

Another point for me is the genius in Syriac iconography of using the 3 primary colours in the haloes for Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Mother of God. From these come all loveliness.