Jesus Christ The Teacher & Virgin of Kazan Orthodox Catholic Icons Diptych - 15 Inch Large Religious Wall Art for Home, Church & Wedding Decor - Matching Set Pair

Russian Orthodox Christian Catholic Matching Icons Our Lady of Kazan What is an Icon? WHAT IS AN ICON? An ICON (Greek for “image”) is a “window to the eternal.” In the East when you look at an ICON you are believed to be in the actual presence of God, his Mother or Saints portrayed. Regardless if an icon is a print or fine hand painted the divine “presence” is there. The purpose of an ICON is to “teach.” When asked “How to explain the faith? St. John of Damascus said, “Show them an icon.” Russian Christians have a great devotion to the Mother of God (the THEOTOKOS the God Bearer). There are over 350 different icons of the Virgin Mary in Russian iconography. Church prescribed Icon Painting Manuals define how each of these icons should be painted to convey Mary’s loving and motherly attributes. VIRGIN OF KAZAN ICON O fervent intercessor, Mother of the Lord Most High, pray to thy Son Christ Our God and save all that seek your protection. O Sovereign Lady and Queen help and defend all of us…. Troparion of the Virgin of Kazan. Church prescribed Icon Painting Manuals define how each of these icons should be painted to convey Mary’s loving and motherly attributes. The Kazan icon is a close up variant of the Hodegetria (Directress – She who points the way to Christ) style. The Virgin Mary is portrayed looking straight ahead with a standing full figure of the Christ child with His hand extended in blessing. The KAZAN MOTHER OF GOD is one of the most beloved icons of the THEOTOKOS to the Russian faithful. The icon played a large part in the religious and political life of Russia. The Virgin Mary through her Kazan icon is seen as the “protectress” of Christianity as well as the Russian nation, people and particularly the city of St Petersburg.