Hidden Glory
Jonathan Pageau on the Central Images of Christianity
Jonathan Pageau is famous for his movie interpretations and cultural commentary. But I think he is at his best when teaching the deeper meaning of icons. In recent videos (early 2022), Jonathan has provided several explanations of what he calls “the basic images of Christianity.”
In Jonathan and I's discussion on Feb 22, 2022, Jonathan explains the deeper meaning of two icons: the Harrowing of Hades (the Resurrection) and The Mother of God as Burning Bush with Moses on Mt. Sinai. Jonathan’s walkthrough of these icons is illuminating to say the least.
Then, Pageau posted a Universal History video podcast with Richard Rohlin on the Four Winter Cycles. If you’ve been following my posts lately, you know that I’ve been on a Winter & Spring kick, so this was a timely video.
Pageau adds another icon to the basic images of Christianity - the Throne of Wisdom.
"Mary is sitting on a throne, but she herself becomes a throne. Christ is centrally located with His head over her heart. She becomes the Ark that surrounds Him in His glory. And then He is the glory sitting on the Ark."
The symbolism of “hidden glory” is quite fascinating. That the Mother of God becomes the Ark that contains the glory of God Himself within the vessel of her womb. Then, her lap becomes the throne that he sits upon as King of Heaven and Earth, like how the Mercy Seat was the point in the innermost Holy of Holies where the celestial and terrestrial touched.
Pageau comments on the icon of the last judgement and several others in the episode. It’s a great watch with Pageau at his best.
One more note, In my 2022 discussion with Pageau, he briefly mentions an icon that is central to understanding all other icons - Christ Pantocrator - where Christ blesses and holds the book.
"All of iconography compressed into that one icon, if you were able to read it properly. The image of Christ expands into all these different aspects of Christ and all these different aspects of iconography."
And then our conversation returned to the Resurrection icon teaching. Bummer, right! Looking back, I should have slowed down and either asked him to elaborate or circled back when he completed his comments on the topic at hand. Oh well, interviewing is a wonderful craft, one that I enjoy mastering. Next time…
Reader, do you know where Pageau discusses the meaning of the Christ Pantocrator icon and its deeper meaning? Please leave a comment below.
Until next time,
Derek