Description
This icon depicts the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River—a moment that sets an example for all believers and marks the beginning of His public ministry. As described in Matthew 3:13–17, the Holy Spirit descends from the Father in the form of a dove and rests upon Christ, while the Father declares His pleasure in His beloved Son.
At the center of the icon stands Christ, flanked on one side by an angel and on the other by St. John the Baptist, who baptized Him. Traditionally, Christ is shown standing in what resembles a coffin of water, with His arms crossed over His chest—symbolizing not only His baptism but also His burial. The waves of the Jordan are shaped like a shroud, linking this moment to His death and resurrection.
This icon is often called Theophany (from the Greek θεοφάνεια, meaning “manifestation of God”) because it reveals the Holy Trinity: the voice of the Father, the presence of the Son, and the descent of the Holy Spirit. A vertical axis runs through the center of the image—from the heavens to the depths of the earth—signifying this divine revelation. At the same time, a horizontal axis is formed by the angel, representing heaven, and John the Baptist, representing earth. These two axes form the shape of a cross, prefiguring the Crucifixion and the salvation it brings. Through His descent into the water, Christ sanctifies creation and lifts humanity with Him—first through baptism and ultimately through the resurrection.
Several symbolic elements surround Christ in the icon. St. John wears a garment of camel’s hair, reflecting his ascetic life, and a red cloak, signifying his martyrdom. Four fish in the water represent the four Gospels, which proclaim the truth of Christ’s baptism. On either side of the river stand two trees, referencing John’s warning in Matthew 3:10: “Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Christ gestures to the viewer, inviting a personal decision: to become a fruitful tree—living a life modeled after Him—or to remain barren, without spiritual growth.
Interesting Fact
The Theophany revealed the Trinity to mankind: the Father’s voice coming from Heaven, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove.
Citations
Coptic Icon. “the iconostasis.” CopticIcon.net, https://www.copticicon.com/iconostasis.
Holy Cross Coptic Orthodox Church. “Explaining the Iconostasis and Apse of Holy Cross w/ Fadi Mikhail of UK CopticIcons.” YouTube, 24 Nov. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgWU5xrgmn0