ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD (THEOTOKOS) “SOFTENER OF EVIL HEARTS” IS ALSO KNOWN AS “SIMEON’S PROPHECY.”
By Jewish law, the Virgin Mary and St Joseph presented the Christ Child in the Temple in Jerusalem where they greeted by the Elder Simeon and the Prophetess Anna (Luke 2:22-38). The Elder Simeon said to Mary on seeing the child:
Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also;) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
The icon depicts the Virgin alone with heart pierced with seven swords – three from the left side, three from the right side and one from below. The swords symbolizing the sorrow that Mary felt while seeing her Son suffering.
When we turn to the Virgin in prayer in this icon we sense an easing of our own spiritual and physical suffering. When contemplating this icon our internecine strife and hatred lessen and our hearts are turned to kindness. Our petition is not to accuse our enemy of evil, but acknowledging evil in our heart and asking for the intercession of the Virgin Mary to Christ our God.
Many miracles are attributed the Mother of God in her icon
Feast Days; Sunday of All Saints and Feb 2/15th the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Icon Measures 10 1/4 inch x 7 3/4 inch
Including Wooden Parts 8 3/4 inch wide
Including Hanger Part from top to bottom 14 inch tall
