The Seven Arrows Icon of the Virgin Mary
$900
17×21 cm (approx. 6.7 x 8.3 inches)
The Seven Arrows Icon of the Mother of God in a skan (filigree) oklad is a breathtakingly beautiful work of church art, in which the piercing depth of a hand-painted image unites with the jewelry magnificence of lace-like metal. This wonderworking icon (feast day August 26) is venerated in the Orthodox world as the primary protectress against human malice, envy, enmity, and strife. On the presented image, the Most Holy Theotokos is painted without the Christ Child. Her breast is pierced by seven symbolic arrows (swords)—four on the left side and three on the right. They personify the fullness of maternal sorrow that the Most Pure Virgin experienced at the crucifixion of the Savior, as well as the seven deadly human sins that wound Her loving heart. The painted part is executed with natural mineral tempera on a linden wood board with 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf. The main decoration of this shrine is its luxurious, voluminous filigree oklad. The finest threads of cupronickel wire are hand-woven into a complex floral ornament framing the figure of the Mother of God and forming a shining halo. Cupronickel does not tarnish over time, retaining its noble silvery luster, while the inlay of snow-white faux pearls gives the icon a special tenderness and regal bearing. The image is available to order in sizes starting from 17×21 cm, as well as in large iconostasis formats. This is the best spiritual shield for protecting the home and a wonderful gift for reconciling those at enmity.
Production time for a filigree (skan) icon: 2 months.
It is possible to paint an image in any size to order
Free shipping worldwide
Among the hundreds of iconographic types of the Most Holy Theotokos, there are images that evoke a special, reverent feeling in the soul of every believer. The “Seven Arrows” (or “Softener of Evil Hearts”) is precisely such an icon. Looking at the face of the Most Pure Virgin, pierced by sharp blades, it is impossible to remain indifferent. This icon is a call to mercy, repentance, and the rejection of cruelty in our complex, conflict-filled world.
The hand-painted Seven Arrows icon in a filigree (skan) oklad presented in our catalog is the pinnacle of mastery by the artists and jewelers of the Mstyora school. The warm, lively egg tempera painting here is framed by the cool, ringing silvery lace of cupronickel filigree. This contrast of textures creates an amazing effect of the Shrine’s presence. By acquiring this image, you receive not just an object of religious veneration, but a powerful spiritual talisman for your home and a unique family heirloom that will be passed down from generation to generation.
History of the Discovery: The Miracle in the Bell Tower
The history of the glorification of the Seven Arrows Icon of the Mother of God (celebrated on August 26, New Style) is connected with an amazing miracle that occurred several centuries ago in northern Russia, near Vologda.
A peasant from the Kadnikovsky district had suffered from a severe illness for many years: he limped and experienced unbearable pain in his legs. Doctors could not help him. One day, he had a vision in a dream: a voice commanded him to go to the Church of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian on the Toshnya River, climb the bell tower, and find an icon of the Theotokos there; prayer before it would grant him healing.
The peasant came to the church, but the clergy did not believe his story and twice refused to let him into the bell tower. Only the third time, seeing his tearful pleas, was he allowed to climb up. It turned out that an ancient icon, painted on canvas and glued to a board, was serving as… a step on the staircase! The face of the Mother of God was turned downward, and the bell ringers had been walking on the shrine for years without suspecting it.
Horrified by their unintentional sacrilege, the priests cleaned the icon of dirt, washed it, and served a moleben of thanksgiving before it. The sick peasant, who prayed fervently during the service, received complete and final healing. However, all-Russian fame came to the icon in 1830, when during a terrible cholera epidemic in Vologda, believers carried the Seven Arrows image in a cross procession around the city, after which the deadly disease miraculously retreated.
Iconography: The Meaning of the Seven Arrows
The iconography of the Seven Arrows (as well as the very similar image “Softener of Evil Hearts” or “Simeon’s Prophecy”) has deep theological and symbolic meaning.
The Symbolism of the Number Seven and Simeon’s Prophecy: On the icon, the Most Holy Theotokos is depicted alone, without the Christ Child. Her head is humbly bowed, her hands are folded on her chest, and seven sharp arrows or swords pierce her heart (four on the left and three on the right). This subject is a direct illustration of the Gospel prophecy of the holy Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver. When Mary and Joseph brought the forty-day-old Infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, the elder Simeon took Him in his arms and foretold to the Theotokos: “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also)” (Luke 2:34-35).
In Holy Scripture, the number “seven” signifies fullness and completeness. The seven arrows symbolize the absolute, boundless fullness of the maternal sorrow and heartache that the Virgin Mary experienced while standing at the Cross and witnessing the crucifixion of Her Son.
The Second Meaning — Human Sins: In the Orthodox tradition, there is a second, equally important interpretation of this image. The seven arrows wounding the breast of the Queen of Heaven are the seven deadly human sins. Every evil deed of ours, every word of hatred, envy, or slander is a new arrow that pierces the loving heart of the Mother of God. The icon calls us to look at these wounds and stop our malice.
Jewelry Decoration: Cupronickel Skan and Pearls
The main aesthetic feature of the presented icon is its magnificent filigree oklad. Skan (from the Old Russian “skat” — to twist, to weave) or filigree is a highly complex jewelry technique known in Russia since ancient times.
The master takes the finest cupronickel wire (an alloy of copper and nickel, visually and in its properties very close to silver) and manually twists it into openwork elements: “rings,” “ropes,” and “scrolls.” Then these tiny details are soldered together, forming a continuous metal lace. Unlike silver, cupronickel does not darken or oxidize in the air, retaining its noble white luster for decades.
On our icon, the filigree ornament covers the wide margins of the board and forms a luxurious, voluminous crown (halo) around the head of the Theotokos. Beads of snow-white faux pearls are skillfully woven into the nodes of the metal lace. This gives the image astonishing lightness, airiness, and solemnity, emphasizing the heavenly purity of the Most Holy Virgin.
What the Seven Arrows Icon Helps With
Among the people, this image is often called the “Softener of Evil Hearts.” It is the primary peacemaking icon and a protectress of the home from any external and internal evil. People pray before it in the following cases:
- Protecting the home from evil: Traditionally, the icon is hung opposite the entrance door or above it. It is believed that a person who enters your home with bad intentions (an envious person, an ill-wisher, a fraudster), meeting the gaze of the Seven Arrows Theotokos, will not be able to cause harm and will quickly leave the dwelling.
- Reconciling those at enmity: If discord has begun in the family, if spouses are on the verge of divorce, or if a severe conflict has arisen with relatives, neighbors, or colleagues, fervent prayer before this image helps to “soften” hardened hearts, extinguishes anger, and helps find the path to forgiveness.
- Protection during wars and conflicts: Before the Seven Arrows icon, people pray for the protection of warriors, the cessation of internecine strife, salvation from weapons, and the coming of peace.
- Fighting one’s own passions: Believers ask the Theotokos to help them cope with their own irritability, anger, envy, and intolerance toward others.
- Healing from illnesses: Remembering the story of the peasant who found the icon, people turn to it with prayers for healing from ailments (especially diseases of the legs and the musculoskeletal system).
Creation Technology and Size Options
The painted part of the icon is created strictly following the canons of the Mstyora school. The solid linden wood is reinforced with oak splines. Genuine 23-karat gold leaf is applied over the levkas (the background of the icon). The painting is executed with natural egg tempera (minerals ground into powder). Only after the painting is completely dry and covered with a protective varnish does the jeweler carefully mount the finished filigree oklad onto the board.
You can order this shrine in various formats:
- 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3″) and 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4″): Compact sizes ideally suited for placement above the entrance door or as a valuable, spiritually significant gift to a loved one (for a housewarming, wedding, or anniversary).
- 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2″) and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7″): Solemn analoy formats for the central place in a home iconostasis. In this size, the beauty and complexity of the metal lace (skan) is revealed most fully.
- Iconostasis sizes: Custom-made for churches.
Characteristics Table
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Subject | The Seven Arrows Icon of the Mother of God (Softener of Evil Hearts) |
| Base (Board) | Solid linden wood, linen pavoloka, inlaid oak splines |
| Painting | Natural chalk levkas, mineral egg tempera |
| Decoration (Decor) | Handmade skan (filigree) from cupronickel wire, faux pearls |
| Painting Background | 23-karat (960 standard) gold leaf |
| Available Sizes | From 17×21 cm up to large church formats |
| Purpose | Protecting the home from evil, reconciling enemies, protecting warriors |
The Seven Arrows Icon in a filigree oklad is a shield that does not let evil pass, and at the same time—a tender reminder of boundless Divine love. May this radiant image keep your home from all troubles and soften the hearts of everyone who crosses its threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between the “Seven Arrows” and the “Softener of Evil Hearts” icons?
Iconographically, they are very similar and share the same theological meaning. The only difference is the arrangement of the arrows: on the “Seven Arrows” they are placed four on one side and three on the other, while on the “Softener of Evil Hearts” (Simeon’s Prophecy) there are three on the right and left, and one arrow pierces from below in the center.
2. What do the seven arrows (swords) on the icon symbolize?
First, they symbolize the fullness of the maternal grief that the Theotokos experienced during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Second, the seven arrows represent the seven deadly human sins that wound the pure heart of the Queen of Heaven.
3. Where is the correct place to hang the Seven Arrows icon in the house?
Unlike most icons, which are placed in the “beautiful corner” (facing east), according to pious tradition, the Seven Arrows icon is often hung directly above the entrance door or on the wall opposite the entrance so that it protects the home from people with evil intentions.
4. What is skan (filigree) in the icon’s decoration?
Skan is a complex technique of jewelry art. The master manually twists the finest metal wire into openwork patterns (rings, scrolls) and solders them together, creating a voluminous, airy metal lace that frames the painting.
5. What metal is the skan on this icon made of?
The lace oklad is woven from cupronickel (melchior) wire. Cupronickel is a durable alloy of copper and nickel that is visually practically indistinguishable from silver in color and luster, but unlike silver, it does not tarnish and does not require constant cleaning.
6. What do people pray for before this icon?
Before the image, people ask for the protection of the home from thieves and ill-wishers, for the reconciliation of spouses under the threat of divorce, for the cessation of enmity with neighbors or colleagues, as well as for the protection of warriors and the end of bloodshed.
7. When is the feast day of the Seven Arrows icon celebrated?
The Orthodox Church celebrates this wonderworking image on August 26 (August 13, Old Style). The feast of the “Softener of Evil Hearts” icon is also celebrated on the Sunday of All Saints (the first Sunday after Pentecost).
8. Why is there no Christ Child on the icon?
This icon illustrates Elder Simeon’s prophecy about the personal sorrow of the Virgin Mary (“a sword will pierce through your own soul also”). The absence of the Child focuses attention on the Mother of God’s compassion for Her crucified Son and Her prayer for the whole sinful world.
9. Can I gift the Seven Arrows icon for a housewarming?
Yes, this is one of the best and most meaningful gifts for a housewarming. The icon will become a reliable spiritual talisman for the new home, protecting it from the evil eye, envy, and scandals.
10. What stones are woven into the filigree pattern?
To give the oklad special solemnity and tenderness, beads of high-quality snow-white faux pearls are manually inlaid into the cupronickel filigree lace (especially in the halo area).
| Dimensions | 17x21cm (6.7×8.3 in) |
|---|---|
| Name | Mary |
