This Antique Russian Icon is a composition icon containing St George, St Paul, St Peter, St Michael and the Never Burning Bush. This unique icon was painted in the 18th Century, and the artist used Egg tempera on wood with gold leaf. This Icon is from Central Russia and the size is 12" x 14". It is a gorgeous piece and has been preserved very well. The icon is 100% original and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Theotokos is from the Greek, meaning The Mother of God. The Theotokos is depicted standing in the center of The Icon of the Mother of God “The Burning Bush”. Her figure is enclosed in a sphere in the center of the burning rays of light that extend outwards to form an eight-pointed star. Angels and archangels, some representing the evangelists, are pictured in and among the rays of light of the eight-pointed star. The assimilation of the image of the Theotokos with the image of the burning bush lies in an association between The Theotokos and the burning bush witnessed by Moses that could not be consumed by fire. After witnessing this miraculous burning bush, Moses was able to foretell the coming of the Son of Man, which was realized through The Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God. In Russia this icon is venerated as a protector from fires. The inscription is from Psalm 103:4, “You make your winds the messengers; and flaming fires your ministers.”

Reference to angels is found in both the Old and New Testament. In Hebrews 2:14, “Are they not ministering spirits”. From Daniel 12:1, “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people;” From Joshua 5:13, Joshua encounters Michael who reveals that he is the Captain of the army of the Lord. This is why Michael becomes known as the great heavenly soldier, chief captain of heaven, leader of the army of God, guardians of men and leader of the angels. The mighty warrior who fights against the powers of evil. Michael wears the garment of a soldier that includes the breastplate. He is usually seen holding a staff, trident, lance or sword. In Hebrew, Michael means like God. The Feast Day of St. Michael is November 8.

One of the most revered saints, George was a Praetorian officer under Diocletian. When his life was drawing to a decline, the emperor started appalling persecutions of Christians. He was amazed to see one of his most trusted officers among the condemned. Admonitions had no effect on George. He did not renounce his faith and was broken on the wheel on November 10. The martyr’s staunchness and miraculous survival impressed all who saw it. Empress Alexandra and several courtiers embraced Christianity. Several months later, on April 23, 303, the warrior was beheaded in Nicomedia. His worship was established soon after his death. Of his many posthumous miracles, the following is the best known. A dragon abided a mountain lake on whose shore his tomb was. The pagans of the nearby city made him human sacrifices every day. When the turn of the governor’s daughter came, the doomed maiden was saved by the saint, who appeared in shining armor on a white steed out of nowhere, and smote the monster with his spear. The miracle was a triumph of Christ over the power of darkness. Over 25,000 were converted after it. The most revered of warrior saints, George was patron of Russia soldiers. Many princes were named after him, among them Yuri Dologuki, founder of Moscow, which bore the representation of the mounted saint smiting the dragon in its coat of arms. The same icon was emblem of Russia. St. George was portrayed on Russian military banners. His order of four classes, established by Catherine the Great in 1769, was supreme military award. St George is commemorated on April 23.