The Protection of the Holy Virgin – The Significance of the Pokrov Icon
The Pokrov, also known as the Protection of the Holy Virgin, is one of the most venerated icons in Eastern Orthodoxy. This icon is celebrated for its representation of the Virgin Mary’s intercession and protection for the faithful. The feast of the Pokrov, celebrated on October 1st, commemorates a tenth-century event where Saint Andrew the Fool-for-Christ witnessed the Virgin Mary spreading her veil over the people as a symbol of protection at the Blachernae church in Constantinople.
The icon typically depicts the Virgin Mary in the orans position, standing with outstretched arms in prayer, a gesture signifying her role as a mediator between God and humankind. Above her, the Christ Child is often shown in a mandorla, blessing the congregation. Saints and angels are commonly portrayed on either side of the Virgin, with Saint Andrew and his disciple Saint Epiphanius frequently included as witnesses to the miraculous event.
The Pokrov icon is not just a religious symbol but also a cultural emblem, reflecting a deep sense of communal identity and divine guardianship. It serves as a reminder of the Virgin’s promise to protect all who turn to her with faith and devotion. The icon’s imagery conveys a message of hope and comfort, suggesting that the prayers of the Virgin are a protective veil over those who honor her.
In homes and churches, the Pokrov icon is revered as a source of solace and a guardian against adversity. It is often turned to in times of trouble, war, or illness, embodying the belief in the Virgin’s compassionate and protective nature. The icon’s presence is a testament to the enduring faith in the Mother of God’s powerful intercession.
For the faithful, the Pokrov icon is more than an artistic representation; it is a sacred encounter with the divine. It invites contemplation and prayer, serving as a focal point for expressing one’s deepest hopes and fears. The icon’s rich symbolism and historical significance make it a profound expression of Orthodox spirituality and tradition.
In the icon painting workshop “Mstera Icons” you can buy a filigree icon of The Pokrov, which is made in the best traditions of Russian iconography. The hand-painted filigree orthodox icon of the Holy Virgin is not only an expression of spiritual upliftment and faith, but also a true work of art, which will become an exquisite decoration of your iconostasis.
All stages of icon production, starting with the icon board and ending with tempera painting are performed by professional masters and icon painters with many years of experience and work experience. Customers of the icon painting workshop are Orthodox Temples and Monasteries.
All icons of the Mstera Icons are made in strict observance of the iconographic canon of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Order The Protection of the Holy Virgin in the icon-painting workshop “Mstyora Icons” in the village of Mstyora, Vladimir region, where icons have been painted since 1628.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order.
We accept orders for measurement icons, analoy icons, church icons, and icons for iconostasis.
