The Seven Arrows Icon of the Virgin Mary is a deeply venerated representation within the Orthodox Christian tradition, symbolizing the profound sorrows and sufferings endured by the Mother of God throughout her life. This icon is particularly significant as it highlights the deep emotional and spiritual connection between Mary and her Son, Jesus Christ, as well as her role as a compassionate intercessor for humanity.
In the Seven Arrows Icon, the Virgin Mary is depicted with seven arrows piercing her heart, each arrow representing a specific sorrow or grief she experienced. These sorrows include the Annunciation, the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, the Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way to Calvary, the Crucifixion, the Descent from the Cross, and the Burial of Christ. Each arrow signifies a moment of profound pain and suffering, illustrating the depth of Mary’s love and her unwavering faith in God’s plan.
The icon serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience of sorrow and suffering, inviting believers to reflect on their own struggles and the ways in which they can find solace in their faith. The Seven Arrows Icon encourages the faithful to turn to the Virgin Mary in times of distress, seeking her intercession and comfort. Her maternal compassion and understanding of human suffering make her a powerful advocate before God.
In Orthodox tradition, the Seven Arrows Icon is often used in prayer and meditation, especially during times of grief or loss. Believers may light candles and offer prayers before the icon, asking for Mary’s guidance and support as they navigate their own challenges. The icon is a source of hope, reminding the faithful that they are not alone in their suffering and that Mary, as a loving mother, is always there to intercede on their behalf.
The feast day dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary is observed on September 15th, providing an opportunity for the faithful to honor her sorrows and seek her intercession. The icon is commonly found in churches and homes, serving as a focal point for prayer and reflection.
The Seven Arrows Icon of the Virgin Mary is a cherished symbol of compassion, sorrow, and maternal love within the Orthodox Christian tradition. Adding this icon to your collection enriches your spiritual environment and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of turning to the Virgin Mary in times of need. Through her intercession, may you find comfort, strength, and healing in your own journey of faith.
In the icon painting workshop “Mstyora Icons” you can buy The Seven Arrows Icon, which is made in the best traditions of Russian icon painting. A handmade orthodox icon of the Seven Arrows 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 icons of the icon painting workshop “Mstyora Icons” are made in strict observance of the iconographic canon of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Commission The Seven Arrows Icon of Virgin Mary from the skilled artisans at the ‘Mstyora Icons’ workshop, nestled in the village of Mstyora, Vladimir region, with a legacy of icon painting 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.
