Kazan Mother of God Icon

Kazan Mother of God Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Kazan Mother of God with patron saints on the margins. The whole surface of the board, both the inner field and the margins, is covered with 23K gold leaf (960 purity) and worked by hand with a continuous relief floral pattern.

This is a family-oriented icon: the central Kazan image is joined by standing saints on the sides, so the icon may unite the prayer to the Mother of God with the heavenly patrons of a household. It is well suited for a wedding blessing, a wedding anniversary, or a family shrine intended to be kept for generations.

The Kazan Icon and Its First Miracles

The history of the Kazan icon begins in 1579, after a destructive fire in Kazan. According to Orthodox tradition, the Mother of God appeared in a dream to the young girl Matrona and commanded her to find the icon hidden beneath the ashes of the burned home.

When the icon was uncovered, it had not been damaged by the fire. It was carried with honor to the church, and the first miracles of healing were remembered immediately: two blind men, Joseph and Nikita, received their sight after venerating the image.

Later, in 1612, the Kazan icon became connected with the deliverance of Moscow during the Time of Troubles. For this reason, the icon is prayed before not only for family needs, but also for peace and protection in times of trial.

Kazan Hodegetria With Patron Saints

The Kazan icon is a shoulder-length form of the Hodegetria type. The hands of the Mother of God are not shown, which brings her face close to the one who prays and gives the image a direct, personal presence.

Christ stands close to the Theotokos and blesses with His right hand. He is shown not as a helpless infant, but as the heavenly King, full of eternal wisdom.

The distinctive feature of this version is the presence of standing saints on the margins. In a family icon, these saints may be chosen as the patron saints of the husband, wife, children, or other family members.

Gold Chasing Across the Whole Board

The icon is covered with 23K gold leaf (960 purity) across both the central field and the margins. Over this gold, the master creates a continuous floral relief by hand, using chasing and engraving tools.

This gives the icon the impression of a precious basma-style metal cover, while remaining a painted icon rather than a separate metal oklad. The gold surface catches light from different angles and makes the prayer image feel solemn and festive.

The color palette is bright and ceremonial. The Theotokos wears a vivid cinnabar-red maforion, while Christ is clothed in deep emerald green, a color associated with life and the Holy Spirit.

Prayer and Family Meaning

The Kazan Mother of God is especially loved as a protector of marriage, children, and the home. Orthodox Christians pray before this icon for peace between spouses, wisdom in family difficulties, health and protection of children, and help in illness or sorrow.

Because the margins can include family patron saints, this version has a personal character. It can become a prayerful center for the whole household rather than only a decorative gift.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Care

The icon is painted on a linden board prepared with linen and chalk gesso. Oak splines are inserted into the back of the board to help preserve the shape of the wood over time.

The painting is made in mineral egg tempera, and the gold surface uses genuine 23K gold leaf (960 purity). Because of the chased gold relief, the icon should not be washed, polished, or wiped with damp cloths. Use only a very soft dry brush for dust.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The icon is available in several sizes. The patron saints on the margins may be discussed individually when the icon is ordered. Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What is shown on the Kazan Mother of God Icon?

The icon shows the Kazan Mother of God in the shoulder-length Hodegetria type, with Christ blessing and standing close beside her.

What makes this icon a family icon?

The margins include standing patron saints, which can represent the heavenly protectors of family members.

Can the patron saints on the margins be changed?

Yes. Since the icon is hand-painted to order, the patron saints may be chosen according to the names or devotion of the family.

What is chasing or tsirovka on gold?

It is hand-worked relief and engraved ornament made over 23K gold leaf (960 purity), creating the effect of a precious metal cover.

Why is the Mother of God painted in bright red?

The red maforion expresses royal dignity, maternal love, and the festive brightness of a solemn Orthodox icon.

Is this icon suitable for a wedding or anniversary gift?

Yes. It is suitable for a wedding blessing, wedding anniversary, family shrine, or an important Orthodox gift.

What sizes are available?

Available sizes are 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in).

What materials are used?

The icon is painted with mineral egg tempera on a linden board, with linen, chalk gesso, oak splines, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity).

How should this icon be cared for?

Do not wash or wipe the chased gold surface with damp cloths. Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.