Seven Arrows Mother of God Icon

Seven Arrows Mother of God Icon is a hand-painted Orthodox icon of the Mother of God known in the Slavic tradition as the Seven Arrows icon. The image expresses the sorrow of the Theotokos before the sufferings of Christ and her deep compassion for every human grief.

In this icon the Mother of God is shown without the Christ Child. Seven swords are directed toward her heart, recalling the prophecy of righteous Simeon that a sword would pierce her soul. The quiet face, inclined head, and restrained gesture of the hands give the image a prayerful, sorrowful, and deeply compassionate character.

Meaning of the Seven Arrows Icon

The seven swords or arrows symbolize the fullness of the sorrows endured by the Mother of God. Orthodox tradition connects this image with her suffering at the Passion of Christ and with her merciful intercession for people who come to her in grief, family trials, anger, resentment, or inner pain.

This is not a decorative print or a souvenir image. It is a traditional hand-painted icon intended for prayer, veneration, and a home icon corner, chapel, or parish setting.

Iconography and Prayerful Character

The composition focuses on the face and hands of the Theotokos. Her gaze is calm and sorrowful, not dramatic or sentimental. The swords near the heart make the spiritual meaning of the icon clear: love, compassion, forgiveness, and the patient bearing of sorrow in the presence of God.

The red garments, blue details, gold-toned field, and fine ornamentation give the icon a solemn appearance while keeping the main attention on the Mother of God and the symbol of the seven swords.

Materials and Hand-Painted Execution

The icon is painted on a linden wood board with splines. It includes a kovcheg, pavoloka, chalk levkas, egg tempera painting, and protective varnish. These traditional materials allow the image to remain durable, readable, and suitable for long-term devotional use.

The listed size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). Larger or iconostasis formats can be discussed individually if needed.

Use in an Orthodox Home

The Seven Arrows Mother of God icon is often chosen for prayer for peace in the family, softening of anger, reconciliation, protection from hostility, and consolation in sorrow. It may be placed in a home icon corner, bedroom, prayer room, chapel, or parish space.

Free international shipping is included, and payment is made after receiving the icon.

Questions and Answers

What is the Seven Arrows Mother of God icon?

It is an Orthodox icon of the Theotokos showing seven swords or arrows near her heart, symbolizing her sorrow and compassionate intercession.

What do the seven swords mean?

They recall the prophecy of righteous Simeon that a sword would pierce the soul of the Mother of God and point to the fullness of her sorrows.

Is Christ shown in this icon?

No. In this iconographic type the Mother of God is shown alone, with the focus placed on her sorrow, prayer, and maternal compassion.

What is this icon traditionally prayed before?

Orthodox Christians often pray before this icon for peace, reconciliation, softening of anger, protection from hostility, and consolation in grief.

Is this icon hand-painted?

Yes. This is a hand-painted Orthodox icon on a wooden board, not a printed reproduction.

What materials are used for this icon?

The icon is painted on a linden wood board with splines, kovcheg, pavoloka, chalk levkas, egg tempera, and protective varnish.

What is the size of this icon?

The available size is 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in). Larger or iconostasis formats can be discussed individually.

Is this icon suitable for a home icon corner?

Yes. Its size and prayerful composition make it suitable for a home icon corner, prayer room, chapel, or parish setting.

Does the icon include a kovcheg?

Yes. The listed materials include a kovcheg, which gives the icon board a traditional recessed field.

How is shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included. Payment is made after receiving the icon.