The Holy Family

The familiar family grouping of Mary and Joseph with the Child Jesus is here rendered in iconographic language. Mary wears her traditional blue garment covered by a dark mantle bordered in gold and marked with the three stars that indicate her virginity before, during and after childbirth. The inscription by her head means “Mother of God”.The Child Jesus is clothed in glorious gold streaked garments and raises one hand in blessing, while the other holds the scroll of divine judgments. The Greek letters in His halo stand for “I AM”, the great divine name revealed to Moses. IC XC stands for “Jesus Christ, Savior.”St. Joseph is robed in traditional iconographic colors. His hands are crossed before his breast. In the Eastern churches, those who approach the Eucharist assume this posture. It is a gesture of both reverence and communion.