Inseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience. Because the icons provide direct personal contact with the holy persons represented on them, these images were objects of veneration, in either a public or private setting, and were even believed to have the ability to heal. Jesus said, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). This icon has a wonderful and comforting appearance. Depicted in the center is an enormous guilded chalice, standing in the middle of a large fountain filled with water. The Mother of God is seated inside the Chalice, holding the Christ child in her lap, surrounded on both sides by two angels, all crowned with golden halos. Water spills out of the chalice and falls into the fountain. To the reservoir filled with life-giving water have streamed those who thirst. The unfortunate and life-weary drink of the water and become strong and invigorated. Young and old, Kings and paupers alike have gathered. Invalids have been carried to take a drink. A bejeweled nobleman bends over to offer a sip to an ailing beggar crawling towards him. What a joyous scene. A basic thirst for water and nourishment unites us all. Here, Mary and Christ have become the water. Through the Lord and the Bible, by meditiating upon this icon, we can quench our thirst for spiritual salvation and eternal life in heaven. Inseparable from the liturgical tradition, religious art is seen by Orthodox Christians as a form of pictorial confession of faith and a channel of religious experience. Because the icons provide direct personal contact with the holy persons represented on them, these images were objects of veneration, in either a public or private setting, and were even believed to have the ability to heal. Jesus said, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). This icon has a wonderful and comforting appearance. Depicted in the center is an enormous guilded chalice, standing in the middle of a large fountain filled with water. The Mother of God is seated inside the Chalice, holding the Christ child in her lap, surrounded on both sides by two angels, all crowned with golden halos. Water spills out of the chalice and falls into the fountain. To the reservoir filled with life-giving water have streamed those who thirst. The unfortunate and life-weary drink of the water and become strong and invigorated. Young and old, Kings and paupers alike have gathered. Invalids have been carried to take a drink. A bejeweled nobleman bends over to offer a sip to an ailing beggar crawling towards him. What a joyous scene. A basic thirst for water and nourishment unites us all. Here, Mary and Christ have become the water. Through the Lord and the Bible, by meditiating upon this icon, we can quench our thirst for spiritual salvation and eternal life in heaven. - (PF.5754)

Antiquities
Ancient Near East