The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Theotokos, made in the Mstyora tradition with egg tempera, 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and a prepared linden board. This version is intended for a home icon corner, a small chapel, a prayer room, or a personal place of prayer.

This version of the Kazan icon features a close waist-length composition with the Mother of God and Christ. The image is calm and tender, with a dark cherry maforion, gold edging, delicate inscriptions, and a warm gold background that gives the icon a quiet liturgical glow.

The Kazan Mother of God in Orthodox Prayer

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most beloved Orthodox images of the Theotokos. It is venerated as an image of maternal compassion, hope, and blessing for the faithful.

The icon is especially close to family prayer. Orthodox Christians turn to the Kazan Mother of God for peace in the home, protection of children, healing, help in sorrow, and guidance at important moments of life.

It is also traditionally chosen for marriage blessings. In many Orthodox families, the Kazan icon is paired with an icon of Christ as part of a wedding blessing or family icon set.

History and Remembrance of the Kazan Icon

The Kazan icon is connected with the miraculous finding of the image in Kazan in 1579 after a great fire. In Orthodox memory, the discovery of the icon became a sign of the Mother of God’s care and protection.

The image soon became known for healings and for help in times of national danger. It is also remembered in connection with the events of 1612, when devotion to the Kazan icon strengthened the faithful during the liberation of Moscow.

Today the feast of the Kazan icon is celebrated with prayer services, akathists, candles, flowers, and petitions for help in family needs, illness, and difficult circumstances.

Composition of This Workshop Version

This icon is described as a waist-length image of the Mother of God with Christ. The Virgin Mary wears a dark cherry maforion with gold edging and stars, symbols of her ever-virginity before, during, and after the Nativity of Christ.

Christ is shown close to the Mother of God, blessing with His right hand and holding a small scroll or stem-like attribute in His left hand, a sign of divine teaching and the Gospel.

The faces are painted with soft Mstyora modeling: gentle ocher transitions, clear eyes and lips, and a restrained expression of maternal compassion.

Gold Background and Mstyora Detail

The halos and background are worked with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), giving the image the radiance associated with divine light. The inscriptions of the Mother of God and Christ are written in delicate Church Slavonic style.

The border is ornamented without excessive decoration, so the icon remains prayerful and balanced. The gold and painted details support the central purpose of the image: quiet prayer before the Mother of God and Christ.

Icon Characteristics

Placement and Care

The icon may be placed in a home icon corner, bedroom, living room, chapel, or prayer room. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, dampness, and sudden temperature changes.

Dust may be removed with a soft dry cloth or a very soft brush. Do not use water, household chemicals, abrasive materials, or polishing products on the icon surface.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The listed sizes are 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). Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What is the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God?

It is one of the most beloved Orthodox icons of the Theotokos, honored for family protection, healing, and guidance in important moments of life.

What is shown in this version of the Kazan icon?

This workshop version presents the Mother of God with Christ, painted in a close waist-length composition with gold background and halos.

Why is the Kazan icon important for families?

The Kazan icon is traditionally connected with blessing marriage, protecting children, peace in the home, and the spiritual care of the family.

Can this icon be given for a wedding?

Yes. The Kazan Mother of God is often chosen as a wedding blessing and may be paired with an icon of Christ.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for family peace, protection from trouble, healing, help for children, reconciliation, and guidance on the right path.

What sizes are listed for this icon?

The listed sizes are 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 on a linden board with kovcheg, linen, chalk gesso, 23K gold leaf (960 purity), egg tempera, and protective varnish.

What is special about the Mstyora painting style?

Mstyora painting is known for fine facial work, soft transitions of light and shade, delicate inscriptions, and restrained ornamental detail.

How should the icon be cared for?

Keep it away from direct sun, dampness, heat, and household cleaners. Dust may be removed with a soft dry cloth or brush.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.