ST MARY'S PARISH CHURCH, HINCKLEY.
 

THE CHAPEL IN THE SOUTH TRANSEPT (‘Lady Chapel’)
The transepts on the north and south of the church were originally designed as seating for children. This chapel was formed in 1893 when the carved oak screen with a wrought iron gate was erected. The gate has been removed, as the weight was causing damage to the screen, and can now be found at the entrance to the organ console. They together with the altar, which is of German workmanship, and two of the windows are memorials to the Parker family of Aston Flamville. This chapel was restored in memory of Maggie Davis. Wooden floors throughout the church, together with the roof of this chapel, and part of
the south aisle roof were badly affected by dry rot infestation and had to be replaced. The work was finally completed in 1990.		 The Nativity Window


Probably everyone’s favourite window in St Mary’s, by Burlison
& Grylls, 1919. It shows a very English looking Mary, with golden
hair, and shepherds with welltrimmed beards, one resembling
George V (the King in 1919)!

 The other windows in the chapel:

The east window – the Annunciation by Mayer & Co. (of London and Munich) about 1890: note the flowers associated with Mary, roses, and a lily.


The other south window, by Ward and Hughes, 1872. Three scenes from the New Testament: from left to right: a) Acts 9. 36-39 Dorcas who ‘filled her time with acts of kindness and charity’. b) St Mark 10.14 Jesus with the children c) 2 Timothy 3. 15 ‘remember that from your earliest childhood you have been
familiar with the sacred writings which have power to make you wise and lead
you to salvation…’


The west window, by Mayer and Co., about 1890: Faith & Hope.
WHOLENESS AND HEALING in the lady chapel


Every Sunday, during the 10.45am Holy Communion, prayer with the laying on of hands is offered in the Lady Chapel. We pray for healing of mind, body and spirit, believing that God meets us in our need, and fills us with his love and peace. To the lost Christ shows his face; to the unloved he gives his embrace; to those who cry in pain or disgrace,
Christ makes with his friends a touching place. We believe this way of prayer for healing acts as a focus for all our caring and pastoral work at St Mary’s.

The Icon placed here in 1998 was painted by Costas Zouvelos, Athens, 1997. It was blessed by Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia on Sat. 28th March 1998. It is a copy of an ancient icon called the Hodigitria – ‘she who points the way’ (the word to the left of Mary’s head). The letters either side of Mary’s halo are abbreviations of the Greek words for ‘Mother of God’. It is a stylised way of painting, full of symbolism, which has changed little in 1500 years. Jesus is portrayed not so much as a child in Mary’s arms, but as the eternal Word of God. The scroll in his hands represents the scriptures he is fulfilling. His right hand is held up in blessing. His halo contains a cross, on which he is to die. The colour of his robe symbolises his royal title as King of Heaven. The letters above and to the right of Jesus’ halo are abbreviations of the Greek words for Jesus Christ, and the three letters in the halo mean ‘the Everlasting’. Why have an Icon here? It is a reminder that Mary has a prominent place in the hearts and devotions of the vast majority of Christian in the world, especially Roman Catholic and Orthodox. You are invited to light a candle and pray for the unity of all Christians.