Theotokos Hodegetria (She Who Shows the Way)

The Theotokos Hodegetria, translated as She Who Shows the Way, is one of the oldest and most venerated types of icons of the Mother of God. The Most Holy Theotokos holds the Christ Child on her left arm, while with her right hand she points to Him - directing the faithful toward her Son as the way, the truth, and the life. The Christ Child is shown as King and Teacher, in bright vestments, holding a scroll and with his hand raised in blessing. The Greek inscription ΜΡ ΘΥ (Mother of God) stands beside her halo, ΙΣ ΧΣ (Jesus Christ) beside Christ, and within Christ's halo is written Ο ΩΝ - "The One Who Is", the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses. The three stars on the Theotokos's maphorion, on her forehead and both shoulders, symbolize her virginity before, during, and after the birth of Christ.

The faithful pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for protection, comfort, healing, and intercession before her Son, and the Hodegetria icon is especially invoked as a guide through life's uncertainties and temptations. An icon like this holds a place of honor in the holy corner of the home, on the family iconostasis, or in a prayer nook, where it becomes the center of family prayer. It also makes a worthy gift for a baptism, wedding, patron saint's day (krsna slava), or name day, as well as a blessing for a new home. The greatest feasts of the church year are dedicated to the Theotokos - the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Dormition, the Annunciation, and the Protection (Pokrov).

Characteristics:

• Material: quality MDF board
• Technique: lithograph on MDF board
• Construction: rustic panel with irregular, wavy edges, a deep blue brushed background, and gold halos with a pearled dotted border
• Finish: protective eco-friendly varnish
• Hand-finished detailing
• Certificate of authenticity with every piece
• Durable and stable construction

Ideal for:

• A holy corner or home iconostasis
• A gift for a baptism, wedding, or patron saint's day (krsna slava)
• A prayer nook and personal prayer to the Mother of God
• A blessing for a new home and a young family

Each piece is unique and may have slight variations due to hand-finishing, which makes it special.

• Backing materialMDF
• TechniqueLithograph print on an MDF base with a protective eco-friendly varnish
• With the iconcertificate of authenticity, hanging cord