The Vine and the Branches (John 15)

 In the icon of the Vine and the Branches, the faces and figures of the disciples are portrayed as bridging between the earthly and the heavenly realms: human and yet, unearthly as well.  The iconographer sought to reflect that they are heirs of the Kingdom of God – of incorruptible flesh, devoid of emotional vicissitudes, animated by the Holy Spirit, filled by prayer, sustained and existing in the Christ-Light.  This life of intimacy with the Divine is evidenced in the

 presence of the color orange in each of the Apostles.  They each share the color of the “Resurrected” Christ.  Through this shared radiance (via the color orange), the followers are each shown to share in the “charism” of Christ … and yet, each, as you may notice, is unique in his attire and appearance.  Alike but unique!  Faces, hair, gestures, posture and movement reflect an inner order and harmony: and one that is individualized, but more alike than different. The clothing is not depicted in a naturalistic manner, but in such a way as to not conceal the inner radiance of the “saint.” Nature itself, depicted in the fruitfulness of the grapevine, possesses an ordered, rhythmic, harmonious character.  We see the two pairs of brothers depicted;  Peter with the key and Andrew, James and John – each pair sharing a branch.  And in the center of this light and peace come the words from Jesus:  (In Greek) “I am the vine; you are the branches.”  

Brent Michael Baum

ÓMarch 2000