The Ikon Studio

Icons of the Theotokos

"Virgin of Tenderness"

This composition is probably the most popular version among icons of the mother-and-child theme. A tender sorrow comes to the fore here: The Child clings to his mother, for he foresees his future path to Golgotha, and is afraid. The Theotokos (Greek term for "Mother of God") holds him close, as she gazes at the believer with the eyes of a mother anticipating her son's future suffering. Her eyes reach out to us for understanding and compassion.

Virgin of Tenderness, version II

detail

"Our Lady of the Sign"

The icon of the Mother of God with the child Emmanuel in her bosom originated during the fourth century. It illustrates the Church's understanding of Isaiah VII, 14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb, and shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Emmanuel."

The Virgin's hands are uplifted in the "orans" (Latin for "praying") gesture common to both Jews and Greeks in antiquity. In the case of the Theotokos, however, the gesture indicates she is personifying the Church at prayer. She has this unique role, because she alone has contained within herself the Uncontainable God.

The Greek inscriptions within Christ's orb read: Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God.

This icon was commissioned by St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Washington, D.C., for the occassion of the historic first visit to American and Washington of a patriarch of Constantinople--His All-Holiness Dimitrios I. The icon was blessed by the Patriarch on July 2, 1990.

Theotokos, detail

"Hodigitria" Virgin and Child

The Greek term "hodigitria" designates the Theotokos as the "Guide," that is, the one who points the way to her son. In the icon shown here, she presents Christ-Emmanuel to us. Though a child, his mature features indicate he is the Wisdom of God taken flesh. He holds a scroll, indicative of his prophetic mission. The eyes of mother and child engage us directly, a feature of icons known as "hieratic" posture.

"Our Lady of the Snows"

This icon was painted for the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Ill. A "Hodigitria" type of Virgin and Child icon, it greets visitors entering the gathering space of the church.

"In You, All Creation Rejoices"

Icons illustrate hymns of the Church, as well as biblical stories. The icon shown here illustrates the hymn "All Creation Rejoices in You." The composition places the Mother of God, with Christ on her lap, at the center.

Angels, bishops, monks, nuns, prophets and the righteous of all ages join in glorifying Christ and his mother. The animals and plants also take part, witnessing to the cosmic significance of God entering into matter, in and through the humanity He receives from the Theotokos.