Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos hold a special place in Orthodox Christian homes. They depict the Mother of God with Christ, alone in prayer or in a scene that emphasises a particular part of Church tradition. This is why people often ask which types of icons of the Theotokos exist and how they differ from one another.
Different iconographic types developed over the centuries. Each one emphasises a different aspect of the relationship between the Mother and Christ - tenderness, guidance towards Christ, prayer, sorrow or intercession. This does not mean that one icon is more important or more powerful than another. The difference lies in the way the same faith is expressed through the figures, the position of their hands and the symbolism of the image.
In this guide, we present some of the best-known types of icons of the Most Holy Theotokos available from our family workshop in Petrovčić, near Belgrade.
Eleusa - The Theotokos of Tenderness
Eleusa, also known as the Theotokos of Tenderness, is one of the most recognisable types of icons of the Mother of God. The Theotokos holds Christ while their faces rest closely against one another. The cheek-to-cheek composition emphasises the closeness, tenderness and love between the Mother and the Son.
In these icons, Christ is not depicted only as a child in His mother's arms. His position also expresses His deep connection with the Theotokos, while her expression often combines gentleness with a quiet awareness of His future suffering.
Before an Eleusa icon, believers often pray for peace in the family, harmony between spouses, a good relationship between parents and children, and strength during difficult periods of life. This type of icon is also frequently chosen as a gift for a baptism, wedding or housewarming.
Eleusa icons from our workshop:
- Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos - Eleusa - from 2,350 RSD
- Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Eleusa - from 390 RSD
- Orthodox Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Glykophilousa - from 390 RSD
Glykophilousa, whose name means “Sweet-Kissing”, is a variation of the same iconographic type.
Hodegetria - The Theotokos Who Shows the Way
In the Hodegetria icon, the Theotokos holds Christ with one hand and points towards Him with the other. The name itself describes her role - she points towards Christ as the Way. This iconographic type is also known as Odigitria or the Theotokos Who Shows the Way.
Unlike the Eleusa icon, where the tenderness between the Mother and the Son is at the centre of the composition, the Hodegetria emphasises guidance. The Theotokos does not keep attention on herself, but directs it towards Christ. The position of her hand represents a quiet invitation to direct faith, hope and important life decisions towards Him.
Before this icon, believers pray when they seek wisdom, help with important decisions and guidance during periods of uncertainty. Because of its clear and dignified composition, the Hodegetria is often placed in the prayer corner of a family home.
You can view the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Hodegetria from our workshop, with prices starting from 790 RSD.
The Three-Handed Theotokos - Trojeručica
The Three-Handed Theotokos, known in Serbian as Trojeručica, is one of the best-known icons of the Most Holy Theotokos among Serbian Orthodox Christians. Its tradition is connected with Saint John of Damascus and Hilandar Monastery. It can be recognised by the third hand depicted in the lower part of the icon.
The third hand is not part of the usual depiction of the Theotokos, but a sign of gratitude and a testimony to the tradition associated with Saint John of Damascus. Because of its connection with Hilandar, the Three-Handed Theotokos holds a particularly important place in Serbian Orthodox devotion.
Before this icon, believers pray for help during hardship, health, strength and God's assistance in difficult periods of life. It is often chosen for the family home and is a particularly common gift for a baptism, wedding or housewarming.
Icons of the Three-Handed Theotokos from our workshop:
- Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Trojeručica - from 850 RSD
- Icon of the Three-Handed Theotokos - from 390 RSD
The Seven Arrows Theotokos - Seven Swords
The Seven Arrows icon depicts the Most Holy Theotokos with seven swords or arrows directed towards her heart. This image is associated with the prophecy of Simeon and the sorrow experienced by the Theotokos as she witnessed the suffering of her Son.
The seven swords represent deep maternal sorrow, but also perseverance in faith. In Russian and Serbian Orthodox devotion, believers pray before this icon for peace in the home, harmony among family members, an end to arguments and the softening of hearts affected by conflict.
It is important to understand that an icon is not an amulet or an object that acts by itself. An Orthodox believer does not expect protection from the material or image itself, but turns to God in prayer before the icon. The Seven Arrows icon therefore has a place in the home as a reminder of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace.
Seven Arrows icons from our workshop:
- Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Seven Arrows - from 850 RSD
- Icon of the Theotokos of the Seven Swords - from 390 RSD
Read more about its place in an Orthodox home in our guide: An Icon for the Protection of the Home - What Orthodox Tradition Teaches.
More Spacious Than the Heavens - Platytera
In the icon known as More Spacious Than the Heavens, the Theotokos is depicted with her arms raised in prayer, while Christ appears within a medallion on her chest. This iconographic type is also known as Platytera.
The image emphasises the mystery of the Incarnation - the Theotokos carried Christ in her womb, although even the heavens cannot contain Him. The title “More Spacious Than the Heavens” therefore does not refer to physical size, but to profound spiritual symbolism.
Before this icon, believers pray for their family, children, motherhood and God's blessing upon the home. Its balanced composition and the prayerful position of the hands make it a frequent choice for the prayer corner.
More Spacious Than the Heavens icons from our workshop:
- More Spacious Than the Heavens - gold background - from 390 RSD
- More Spacious Than the Heavens - blue background - from 390 RSD
The Theotokos the Healer
The icon of the Theotokos the Healer is associated with prayers for the health of those who are ill. Before this icon, believers pray for strength during illness, comfort, patience and help for doctors and family members caring for the sick.
This does not mean that an icon replaces medical treatment or promises healing by itself. It is a support in prayer and a place where a person can gather their thoughts, ask God for help and find peace during a period of uncertainty.
You can view the Icon of the Theotokos the Healer from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
Other Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos in Our Collection
In addition to the best-known iconographic types, there are other icons of the Theotokos that believers choose according to their personal devotion, family tradition or the occasion for which the icon is being given.
The Theotokos of Blachernae
The Theotokos of Blachernae is one of the well-known depictions of the Most Holy Theotokos. It is chosen by believers who feel especially close to this particular image of the Mother of God.
You can view the Icon of the Theotokos of Blachernae from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
The Theotokos Grigorousa
The Theotokos Grigorousa is another depiction available in several sizes for personal or family prayer.
You can view the Icon of the Theotokos Grigorousa from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
The Theotokos of the Sea - Thalassini
The Theotokos of the Sea, also known as Thalassini, stands out among the other icons of the Most Holy Theotokos in our collection.
You can view the Icon of the Theotokos of the Sea - Thalassini from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
The Seven Sorrows of the Theotokos
The name of this icon refers to the sorrows and suffering of the Most Holy Theotokos. Like other icons of the Mother of God, it is a place of prayer and not an object believed to have independent or magical power.
You can view the Icon of the Seven Sorrows of the Theotokos from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
The Theotokos Embracing Christ Beneath the Cross
This depiction of the Theotokos embracing Christ beneath the Cross speaks of maternal sorrow and love at the time of Christ's suffering.
You can view the Icon of the Theotokos Embracing Christ Beneath the Cross from our workshop, with prices starting from 390 RSD.
How to Choose an Icon of the Theotokos for Your Home
There is no wrong choice when an icon is selected with respect and with the desire to create a place for prayer in the home. Some people feel closest to the Eleusa because of the tender relationship between the Mother and the Son. Others choose the Hodegetria as a reminder that Christ is the Way. The Three-Handed Theotokos is a common choice because of its importance in Serbian tradition, while believers pray before the Seven Arrows icon for peace and harmony in the home.
For a baptism, wedding or housewarming, the Three-Handed Theotokos and the Eleusa are often chosen. For someone who is ill, or for a family going through a difficult period, the Theotokos the Healer may be selected. Most importantly, choose a depiction that feels close to your heart and before which you will pray sincerely.
The icons are produced in our family workshop in Petrovčić, near Belgrade. They are made using lithography on an MDF base, with details finished by hand and protected with an environmentally friendly varnish. Every icon comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Several sizes are available, with prices starting from 390 RSD. Delivery is available throughout Serbia within 10-15 working days, while express delivery takes 3-4 working days.
View all icons of the Most Holy Theotokos from our workshop - prices start from 390 RSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Eleusa and Hodegetria icons?
In the Eleusa icon, the faces of the Theotokos and Christ rest closely together, emphasising their tenderness and closeness. In the Hodegetria icon, the Theotokos points towards Christ as the Way. The first type highlights the bond between the Mother and the Son, while the second directs the believer towards Christ.
Which icon of the Theotokos is suitable as a baptism gift?
The Three-Handed Theotokos and the Eleusa are often chosen for a baptism. Both hold an important place in family devotion and can remain with the child as a lasting keepsake. The choice may also depend on family tradition and the wishes of the parents or godparents.
What do the swords mean in the Seven Arrows icon?
The seven swords represent the sorrow of the Most Holy Theotokos and are associated with the prophecy of Simeon. They are not a sign of magical power, but a reminder of her suffering, perseverance and the call to forgiveness and reconciliation.
Where should an icon of the Theotokos be placed in the home?
An icon is traditionally placed in the prayer corner, usually on the eastern wall of the room where the family spends time. If the layout of the home does not allow this, it is more important that the place is clean, peaceful and respectful, without unsuitable objects around the icon.