Protection of the Mother of God Orthodox Icons

Protection of the Mother of God Orthodox icons, also known as Pokrov icons, show the Theotokos extending her veil, or maforion, over the faithful. The feast is especially beloved in the Russian Church and is connected with prayer for families, homes, communities, and those seeking spiritual shelter.

In this catalog you can buy hand-painted Protection icons made in the Mstyora icon-painting tradition: prepared wooden boards, gesso ground, egg tempera, mineral pigments, gold leaf, and careful canonical drawing. We offer ready catalog works and can also paint the icon in an individual size and decorative style.

Features of our Protection icons

Canonical iconography: the Theotokos is shown with the veil (maforion) as a sign of prayerful intercession and maternal care.
Detailed composition: the icon may include Christ above, the Mother of God in the center, angels, saints, the faithful, Saint Andrew, Epiphanius, and Romanos the Melodist.
Traditional materials: wooden board, gesso ground, egg tempera, mineral pigments, and gold leaf.
Custom decoration: gold background, ornament, carved frame, filigree elements, or protective kiot on request.
Different purposes: home prayer, wedding gifts, family icons, church icons, chapels, and iconostases.
Worldwide shipping: careful packaging for international delivery.

How to choose a Protection Orthodox icon
For home prayer, sizes such as 17×21 cm or 20×24 cm may be practical. For a wedding or family gift, 27×31 cm or 30×40 cm usually gives the composition more presence. For a church, chapel, or iconostasis, a larger custom size and a protective kiot may be more appropriate.

To learn about the history of the Pokrov feast, the meaning of the veil or maforion, and the main iconographic traditions, read our guide: Protection of the Mother of God Orthodox Icon: Meaning and How to Choose.

Frequently asked questions
What does the Protection icon depict?
It depicts the Mother of God extending her veil, or maforion, over the faithful as a sign of prayerful intercession.

Is this icon suitable as a wedding gift?
Yes. The Protection icon is often chosen as an Orthodox wedding or family gift because it is connected with blessing, intercession, and the spiritual shelter of a new home.

Can I order this icon in a custom size?
Yes. We can paint a Protection of the Mother of God icon in a custom size, with gold leaf, ornament, filigree decoration, a carved frame, or a kiot.