The early icons of this event are distinguished by a restrained composition, but filled with inner light. In the center is the kneeling elder Alexander in a robe; in front of him, on a cloud or directly on the ground, sit three Angels with identical faces, symbolizing those of the same essence. In the hands of each is a scroll or staff, a sign of wandering and power. The background is often a landscape with a dense forest, a lake and a small wooden church, already built according to the word of the Lord. There is no excessive detail — everything breathes prayerful peace and transcendental radiance. Icon painters use soft but rich shades of gold, white and blue, conveying the Tabor light.
An interesting feature: on many lists, next to the Trinity, the sleeping disciple Athanasius is depicted — evidence of how dazzling and unbearable this phenomenon was for earthly eyes. Later, when Alexander prayed before the akathist to the Mother of God, the monastery was again illuminated by radiance, and the Queen of Heaven with the Child appeared at the altar — thus another excerpt was born, “The Appearance of the Mother of God to Alexander of Svirsky.” But the first revelation forever remained the main treasure of the monastery.
Today the most famous image is located in the Holy Trinity Alexander-Svirsky Monastery, which is near St. Petersburg. Pilgrims venerate the icon, asking for admonition where their own reason is powerless, seeking peace in their families and strengthening their faith. Few people know that the celebration in honor of the icon takes place not only on the day of the saint’s repose on September 12, but also on Pentecost — in memory of the “three-solar radiance”, which repeated the New Testament Trinity on Russian soil. The relics of the saint, found incorrupt in 1641, and the miraculous image remain silent witnesses to this day that sometimes heavenly silence speaks louder than any sermons.
Days of Remembrance
April 30— Finding of relics
June 3 — Cathedral Karelian Saints
July 11 (transitionable) — Cathedrals of Novgorod and St. Petersburg Saints
September 12
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