The Immaculate Conception
today's feast day
The Meeting at the Golden Gate - Giotto
The above Giotto painting depicts Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, in a kiss when they discover Anne is with child. From the Wikipedia entry: According to Chelidonius: "Overjoyed Anne threw herself into the arms of her husband; together they rejoiced about the honour that was to be granted them in the form of a child. For they knew from the heavenly messenger that the child would be a Queen, powerful on heaven and on earth".
Here’s a Russian icon of the meeting at the Golden Gate”
One of the most beautiful monasteries, one of the most beautiful choirs, one of the most beautiful hymns.
This is a mosaic, Virgin Mary caressed by her parents, from the The Monastery of the Holy Savior of Chura in Istanbul.
