This is also a standard depiction in the iconostasis. St. John
the Baptist is also known as the "Fore-runner". In a very real sense
he is the summation of the Old Testament. Christ, Himself says "The
law and the prophets were until John..." (Luke 16:16). St. John announced
the coming of Christ. He was "a voice crying 'In the wilderness,
prepare ye the way of the Lord...' " ( Lk.3:4). In much
the same way Christian writers refer to the whole of the Old Testament
writings as pointing to Christ as their fulfillment. The scroll
contains the words from Mark 1:15 ", ... for the kingdom of
God is at hand, Repent...". In the usual depiction St. John
is shown pointing the way to Christ. However, in this icon, the reverse
is found as a mistake was made as to direction.
Photo by John Washinsky
Text by the Ken Mitchel Family
