An icon to the Russian Christian is a “window to the eternal” connecting the created to his Creator and His saints. When looking at an icon one is considered to be in the presence of Christ, the Virgin or Saint portrayed. Eastern Christians have a great devotion to the Virgin Mary (called the THEOTOKOS or the “God Bearer”) with more than over 350 different icons dedicated to her. While all icons play a part in the religious life of Russia, some played a part in the historical and political development of Russia.
ABOUT THE ICONS OF THIS DIPTYCH
The Virgin of Kazan is one of the most beloved icons of the Theotokos in both the Christian East and West. Typically the Virgin of Kazan is historically known as the "protectress" of the Russian faithful - she protected them in the City of Kazan, in Moscow and during the siege of St Petersburg. She is known as a refuge for pilgrims and sinners at the Roman Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima where an icon of the Virgin of Kazan was venerated for many years.
GUARDIAN ANGEL - Each of us has a Guardian Angel!
"An Angel of peace, a guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord…”
A petition from the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom.
Angels are God’s special messengers between God and man!
The Guardian angel is pictured with his right hand blessing us (showing he is with us) and his left hand is holding a sword showing he is ready to defend us from the evil one.
Angels and the concept of a “guardian angel” appear in the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus and the Psalms. God said to Moses “"my angel shall go before thee” – the rabbis in the Talmud explain “before each man goes thousands of angels crying make way for the image of God!” "For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;" (Cf. Psalm 33:8 and 34:5).
The Church, both east and west, through God’s revelations in both the Old and New Testament, teaches that each of us has Guardian Angel. One who stands for us before the face of God. Our Guardian Angel is our companion in life –our spiritual “kin” - alerting usof evil and directing our thoughts and actions to the will of God. Our Guardian Angel will stand with us on judgment day.
In the Slavic Eastern Christian traditions, your “birthday” is called your “angel day.”
WHEN IS THE “GUARDIAN ANGEL” FEAST DAY – IT IS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!
PERFECT AS TRAVEL ICONS -PERFECT IN A BABY'S ROOM - PERFECT IN ANY ROOM!
Executed in silver and gold foil. Style is Slavic/Russian.
Beautiful attractive diptych - 3 3/8 inch tall x 2 3/8 Inch wide
width - when diptych open width 5 inch
Made in Ukraine
