The Holy Virgin of the East

The Holy Virgin of the East

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Today we see the Icon of the Blessed Virgin and Child as the Empress and Emperor of ancient China, first conceptualized by the Qing Dynasty artist, Lang Shining in the 1740’s. It reminds us of the beautiful Chinese phrase translated in Scripture -《以马内利 - 神与我们同在！》Which means, “Emmanuel - God is with us!”

This icon also reminds us of Our Lord Jesus’ promise in Matthew 8:11 - “I say to you, many shall come from the East and the West, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven.”

The truth of this icon shows us that Christ’s Incarnation meets us where we are, not requiring us to become something that we are not, but calling us to become more of what God created us to be! God made us all to shine the Light of His Holy Gospel in the culture, ethnicity and race in which we were born as a part of His divine providence and plan! If we do this, Christ’s holiness transforms our culture from the inside out and we become bright beacons of the truth in all cultures and ages, declaring God’s love to all people, and giving everyone hope of redemption in Christ and salvation from sin! 

Rejoice, for Christ has come to all nations, races, peoples, and tongues, shining forth His holiness and grace unto all generations!