The Seven Arrows Icon of the Mother of God: A Beacon of Compassion and Miracles
The Seven Arrows Icon of the Mother of God, also known as “Semistrelnaya,” is a deeply revered image within the Orthodox Christian tradition. This icon is not merely a religious artifact; it is a profound spiritual symbol that embodies the suffering, compassion, and intercessory power of the Virgin Mary.
The iconography of the Seven Arrows depicts the Mother of God in a poignant stance, with seven arrows piercing her heart. This imagery is reminiscent of the prophecy of Simeon, who foretold that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul (Luke 2:35), symbolizing the immense sorrow she would endure. The arrows represent the seven sorrows of Mary, including the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of the young Jesus in the temple, Mary’s meeting with Jesus on the way to Calvary, the crucifixion, the removal of Jesus’ body from the cross, and the burial of Christ.
The origin of the Seven Arrows icon is shrouded in mystery, with several accounts attributing its creation to different times and places. However, it is widely accepted that the icon gained prominence in Russia during the 18th century. The icon is often associated with miraculous healings and answering the fervent prayers of the faithful, especially those related to the alleviation of sorrows and the healing of family divisions.
Devotees turn to the Semistrelnaya icon in times of distress, seeking the Virgin Mary’s intercession and comfort. The icon serves as a reminder of the Virgin’s close participation in the human experience of suffering and her role as a compassionate intercessor before her Son, Jesus Christ.
In the icon-painting workshop “Mstyora Icons” you can buy the Seven-Strel icon, which is made in the best traditions of Russian icon-painting. The handmade icon of the Seven-Stretch Virgin is not only an expression of spiritual elevation and faith, but also a real 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 painters of iconography with many years of experience and work experience. Customers of the icon painting workshop are Orthodox Temples and Monasteries.
All the icons of the Mstyora Icons icon-painting workshop are made in strict observance of the iconographic canon of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Order the painting of the Mother Mary Seven Arrows Icon in the icon-painting workshop “Mstyora Icons”, 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.
