Orthodox Women, Icons of Mary Magdalene

Where are the contemporary images of Mary Magdalene? Some can be found in a growing collection of images by Mary Jane Miller. Her most recent works are inspired by biblical text, theological commentary and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene. But more than anything, the new collection of painted icons found their way into the world first,through a few Orthodox Women, Icons of Mary Magdalene and other visual images.

St. Mary Magdalene’s feast day is July 22. She is the patroness of converts, repentant sinners, sexual temptation, pharmacists, and women. That first statement is a doosie! I quite like that she is the patron saint of pharmacists, she is a healer. Also, said to be a patron saint of converts, those who change and turn towards God.

Magdalene best remembered as a Disciple

She might best be remembered for the amazing exemplary and dedicated life she had as one committed follower of Christ and not about her undocumented sexually provocative behavior. Nowhere in scriptures does it say Mary Magdalene is a prostitute or sexually immoral. She was healed, as in …we are all healed in the presence of Christ.She was an unwavering disciple with Christ throughout his public ministry, death and resurrection. She is documented as having many conversations with Jesus in the Gospels and thereby inspiring other women to become followers. I designed a collection; Orthodox Women, Icons of Mary Magdalene, because she is one of the greatest saints of the Bible.

Mary Magdalene was a Jewish Woman

She lived among Gentiles in the city of Magdala on the sea of Galilee. The Ancient ruin of a Sacred Jewish temple has been excavated, called Migdal Synagogue is in the city of Magdala Israel. Walking around the site raises some very interesting issues around the life of Mary Magdalene who apparently was born there. A large mural and chapel highlights the women who touches a Jewish rabbi garment because she was hemorrhaging for 12 years. (Matthew 9:20–22, Mark 5:25–34, Luke 8:43–48). The museum in another area suggests Mary is the sinner, who weeps and washes Jesus’ feet with her hair in the Gospel of John. It is notable that scholars are still skeptical, Mary Magdalene is not actually named in either text.

What she did after meeting Jesus is much more significant. Her life has inspired mystery as well as icons.

Mary watched the crucifixion close up, three times women make themselves known on the Via Crucis. Mary was present when they laid Him in the tomb. She was the first witness to His resurrection and named as the first Apostle to the Apostles.

I found this statement on line.

“After the death of Christ, a legend states that she remained among the early Christians. After fourteen years, she was allegedly put into a boat by Jews, along with several other saints of the early Church, and set adrift without sails or oars. The boat landed in southern France, where she spent the remaining years of her life living in solitude, in a cave.” So much is yet to be revealed, the debate has just begun. Who was she? What was her message?

I have created a collection of Orthodox women, icons of Mary Magdalene. I have highlighted her relationship with Christ and the disciples by creating visual stories which raise important questions, The imagery is well thought out, in keeping with the entire mysterious discussion about biblical women in Iconography and Mary Magdalene.