Description
From the Holy Mountain of Athos in northeastern Greece, a peninsula where monastic life has shown forth in great holiness for over a thousand years, Monk Michael painted this icon at the end of the 20th century. It shows the three angels appearing to the elderly Patriarch Abraham and his wife, now past the time of child-bearing, announcing to them that they will bring forth a son in their old age. From this son descendants will come like the countless stars in Heaven. Sarah, standing secluded by herself, laughed aloud, and this became the name of her son, Isaac, which means laughter.
The three angels reveal more than just these good tidings, and are a revelation of the Holy Trinitarian Godhead to this holy couple as it was first revealed on earth. Knowing the great heart of Abraham and his obedience, this was a special showing of mysteries which in time would bring forth in human form and life the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ Himself as their descendant. God is close, very close to us, nourishing our hearts so that we may worship with love and honor Our Holy God in Trinity.