A Divine Paradox

This liturgical painting, titled “A Divine Paradox,” is a visual contemplation drawn from a majestic moments in the Orthodox liturgy visually expreased in the post-communion hymn:

Fiery ones fear to gaze upon the Lord.
You have seen Him in Bread and Wine on the Altar.
If those clothed in lightning beheld Him, they would burn,
Yet shameful dust stands unveiled when they consume Him.

അഗ്നിമയന്മാർ ആരെ നോക്കിൽ വിറച്ചീടുന്നു
അവനെ മേശയിൽ അപ്പം വീഞ്ഞായ് നീ കാണുന്നു
ആരെ മിന്നലുടുത്തോർ നോക്കുകിലെരിയുന്നൂടനെ
അവനെ മണ്മയർ ഭക്ഷിച്ച് മുഖം തെളിയുന്നേറ്റം

The painting reflects the wondrous mystery that while the fiery angels dare not look upon the Lord, we—priests and laity alike—formed from dust, are invited to behold Him and partake of Him. The central image captures that sacred moment during the Holy Eucharist when the celebrant priest, lifting the Holy Mysteries with the Tharvodo (spoon), prays “I am holding You who hold the boundaries of creation.”
(അതിർത്തികളെ വഹിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നവനേ! നിന്നെ ഞാൻ എടുക്കുന്നു)

This visual meditation is also inspired by other liturgical hymns and prayers—such as the eighth Sedra of the Holy Qurbana, where the priest confesses: “I, who am despicable dust” (ഭൂമിയിലെ നിന്ദ്യ പൂഴിയായ എന്നെ), yet is granted the grace to stand in the radiant presence of the Shekinah and receive the Divine Mysteries.

Such imagery found throughout the Orthodox liturgy, revealing the paradox of divine mercy, that the unworthy are made worthy to stand before the Holy.

Painted by the unworthy hands of
Fr. Rijo Geevarghese
Diocese of Ahmedabad