Orthodoxy is characterized by a special, prayerful attitude towards icons. But there is a special, reverent attitude towards the icons of the Queen of Heaven. There is no temple in Russia where there is not an image of the Mother of God. There is no Orthodox home in which they do not call upon her in moments of joy and sorrow. She hears everyone, rewards everyone, stands up for everyone, for her heart is full of love.
The first image of the Mother of God is attributed to the Evangelist Luke. The images of the Mother of God of Vladimir, Tikhvin, Iveron, according to legend, belong to him. Images of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries were also found in the Roman catacombs. The tradition of depicting the Mother of God came to Rus’ from Byzantium, but in our country it gradually acquired its own Slavic features. Each image is unique, and its name reflects the history of creation, traditions, place of acquisition or stay, or miracles that occurred through her prayers. There are more than 1000 icons of the Mother of God in the monthly book, but we should not forget that the icons are different images, and there is only one person on them — the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By the type of writing, all images of the Mother of God can be divided into several large groups:
- The Sign — Oranta
The Prophet Isaiah wrote that there would be a sign for the people when “the virgin will be with child and give birth.” The Mother of God is depicted with her hands raised in prayer, with the image of the Child on her chest. The gesture of prayer is a sign of worship and humility. Mary, being very young, did not doubt for a minute and accepted the fate that the Lord had prepared for her. Her faith was deep and her spiritual strength immeasurable. They were enough to fulfill their destiny, to survive the death of their beloved Son, and then to preach to people about His resurrection.
The most ancient icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” is located in Veliky Novgorod, in the St. Sophia Cathedral.
- Hodegetria — Guidebook
“Heavenly Ladder” — this is how the Mother of God is called in the akathist. Christ descended to earth along this staircase, along which believers can ascend to heaven.
The Mother of God is depicted on icons of this type looking directly at us. With her left hand she holds Christ, and with her right hand she points to him — the only way to the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus blesses the believers with one hand, and in the other he usually holds a scroll or book.
The most famous icon of this type is the Mother of God of Kazan.
- Tenderness — Eleusa
An icon of this type depicts the inextricable connection between the Mother and the Son. She is full of earthly feelings familiar to everyone. The theological idea of this image is a soul that is in close communion with God.
For Orthodox believers, the image of sacrificial unearthly love has always been close and understandable. Such icons were very common in homes and churches.
The most famous are Pecherskaya and Diveyevo.
- Akathist
This type of icon is very diverse, because the writing is based on epithets from the Akathist to the Mother of God. These are the icons “The Burning Bush”, “Unexpected Joy”, “Life-Giving Spring” and many others. Akathist icons are more modern; this trend arose only in the 16th and 17th centuries.
We turn to the Mother of God in grief and thank Her in moments of happiness. She, the Intercessor and Comforter, always prays to God for us, and this thought warms the heart of every believer, fills it with hope.
“We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your holy image, for You give healing to everyone who comes with faith.”
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