Wonder-Working Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos
Wonder-working Icons
of the
Most Holy Theotokos
of the
Most Holy Theotokos
Icons of Mary holding her Son Jesus have been popular since the Council of Ephesus which in 431 solemnly declared Mary to be the Theotokos or Mother of God. St. Luke was the first one who painted the "Theotokos", "Mother of God", while she was still alive. He is credited with three icons of the "Panagia", in one case using the wooden table where Mary and St. John ate their meals. Throughout history, many Icons of the Most Holy Mother of God have had miracles attributed to them.
Many Icons have been know to weep before important events, example: The fall of Constantinople
TYPES OF ICONS OF THE MOST-HOLY THEOTOKOS
1. Praying (Oranta, Panagia, Our Lady of the Sign)
This type of image of Theotokos was already evident in the catacombs of the first Christians. The Theotokos is depicted on these icons en face and to the waist, with her hands lifted up to the level of her head, with elbows bent. From time immemorial this gesture has signified a prayerful appeal to God. Christ, the Savior Emmanuel is often depicted, standing on a circular background, on Her bosom. Icons of this type are also called Oranta (Latin for praying) and Panagia (Greek for All-holy). In the Russian land, this image acquired the name Our Lady of the Sign. Here is how that happened. On November 27, 1165 in the midst of the assault on the city of Novgorod by the forces of Prince Andrew of Bogolubovo, the citizens of the besieged town brought the Icon to the city wall. One of the arrows pierced the icon and the Most Holy Mother of God turned her face to the city and shed tears. The tears dropped on the phelonion of Bishop John of Novgorod, who exclaimed: O wonder of wonders! How can tears be streaming from dry wood! O Queen! You are giving us a sign that you are entreating your Son that the city be spared. Inspired by the wonderful sign, the people of Novgorod repelled the attacks of the Suzdal forces. Traditionally, in an Orthodox church, this type of icon would be found in the upper part of the Altar.
2. The Guide or Indicator of the Path (Hodigitria)
This icon shows the Mother of God with her right hand pointing at the Child Christ, Who is seated on her left arm. The images have regular features, faces are serious, the head of Christ and that of the Most-pure Virgin do not touch. It is as if the Theotokos is saying to the human race that the true path is the path to Christ. This icon shows the Theotokos as a guide, an indicator of the path, to God and salvation. This is also one of the most ancient types of icons depicting the Theotokos and is believed to have originated with the first iconographer, the Evangelist Luke. The best known icons of this type in Russia are Our Lady of Smolesk, Our Lady of Tikhvin and Our Lady of Iveron
3. Tender Mercy (Eleusa)
The icons of the Tender Mercy type show Christ Child pressing his left cheek against His mothers right cheek. Here the Theotokos again represents the Church of Christ, displaying the fullness of love between God and man, a love that can only be achieved within the bosom of the Church, our Mother. Love here bridges heaven and earth, the things of God and the things of man; this union is expressed in the touching of the faces and the halos. The Theotokos is pensive, as she presses her Son to herself. She envisions His way of the cross, His life full of sufferings. Among the icons of this type, Our Lady of Vladimir is the one most widely known and loved by the faithful. It is no accident that this very icon has become one of the greatest of Russias holy objects. There are several reasons for this, including its ancient origin, its attribution to the Evangelist Luke, and the numerous events related to its transfer from Kiev to Vladimir and later to Moscow, as well as the multiple instances of the delivery of Moscow from the plundering raids of the Mongol hordes. However, the very type of representation - the Tenderness Mother of Godcharacter evoked a positive response in the hearts of the Russian people. The concept of sacrificial service for the people has always been one that could be understood by, and was near and dear to, the Russians. The great grief felt by the Theotokos, who had brought her Son into this world of cruelty and sufferings, and her pain were very much in keeping with the innermost feelings of the Russian people.
4. All Merciful (Panakhranta) or Nicopeia
"Nikopoia, and its similar spellings, means bringer of the victory. It is a Byzantine type that appeared as an independent type of icon in the first half of the 5th century and counts as one of the most loved types. The word Nicopeia indicates the place, Constantinople. There are actually many different types. The early Byzantine and widely spread style usually shows Mary seated on a throne in a frontal position with her feet on an imperial footrest. She is richly dressed in purple and the costume of the empresses. Seated on her lap is the Child, whom she supports with her left hand on the his left leg and her right hand on his right shoulder. This solemn and majestic pose is often accompanied by two angels holding the orb and the scepter at either side and as part of the frame. The Pantacrator Monastery in Constantinople was the guardian of the Icon of the Theotokos of Nicopeia. This holy icon preceded the emperor into battle and is credited with saving the city on several occasions. Looted during the Fourth Crusade, the holy icon now resides in Saint Mark Cathederal in Venice, Italy. All icons of this type share one feature in common: the Mother of God is depicted sitting on a throne. She holds the Christ Child on her lap. The throne symbolizes the royal glory of the Theotokos, who alone is perfect among those born on earth. The best known icons of this type in Russia are the Reigning and Queen of All icons.
5. Intercessor (Agiosortissa)
The icons of this type show a full-length depiction of the Theotokos, without the Child, and turned to the right, sometimes holding a scroll. In Orthodox churches, this icon occupies a place of honor, to the left of the icon Our Savior in Powers, the main icon of the iconostasis.
Hagiography: Byzantine Archives and (text from the website http://www.orthodoxworld.ru)