Icon of the Virgin Hodegetria

In Orthodox tradition, there are over 800 icons of the Mother of God, primarily categorized into three types: Orans, Hodigitria, and Eleusa. The Hodigitria, which means "She who shows the way," emerged in Byzantine art around the 5th century and features the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus depicted as more mature figures. In this style, Mary supports Jesus with one hand while pointing to Him with the other, guiding the faithful. Notable examples of Hodigitria icons include the Kazan Icon, the Unfading Flower, the Smolensk, and the Intercessor of Sinners icons.

Each icon reflects the artistry of lacquered icons workshop, where we create folding icons, crosses, and various-sized icons.

The creation process begins with preparing wooden boards, which are cut into smaller panels and smoothed into refined oval shapes. These panels are transformed into polished lamellas that are then glued together to form a solid base. After selecting and laminating images stored for this purpose, artisans fit these images to the panels, cutting and verifying their symmetry before applying special glue to secure them. A final polish enhances durability and aesthetics.

Once the icons are fully dried, they undergo a blessing ritual, with a stamp of authenticity from the convent placed on the back. Each lacquered icon, crafted through this meticulous process, serves as thoughtful gift, or as part of your prayer corner.