Mother of God - Surety of Sinners

In this icon, the Mother of God embraces her Son - He, in turn holds Her right hand with both of His hands - Her thumb in His right hand and Her little finger in His left hand. It is seen as a gesture of surety for us all. The representation is believed to come from a long prayer to the Mother of God containing the line "Rejoice, You Who offer Your hands in surety for us to God."

The original icon was in Orlov in the mid-1800s -neglected between two other icons in an old chapel beyond monastery gates. Many people began to have dreams about its miraculous power. People began to flock to it to pray for illnesses and sorrows. The first healing was for a crippled child. However, the icon gained greater renown after a cholera outbreak and many received their health after praying before this image of the Mother of God.

Giclée (reproduction) available