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.
The Swords symbolize the Seven Sorrows of Mary:
1- The
Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2: 25-35).
2- The
Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2: 13-15).
3- The
Child Jesus Lost in the Temple (Luke 2: 41-50).
4- Mary
meets Jesus carrying the cross (Luke 23: 27-29).
5- Mary
at the foot of the cross (John 19: 25-30).
6- Mary
receives the body of Jesus (Psalm 130).
7- Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus (Luke 23: 50-56).
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 this icon of the Mother of God.
Feast Days; Sunday of All
Saints and Feb 2/15th the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
Icon Made in Russia
- Jeweled Enameled and Decorated With Pearls - Cross on Top - Material Gold Color Metal
- From the backside the icon part is like a frame - it can be personalized
- Comes Gift Boxed - 7 Inch tall x 3 3/8 Inch width
