Theotokos originates from Greek, meaning The Mother of God. The Theotokos of Smolensk icon follows the hodegetria prototype. Hodegetria is derived from the Greek meaning Guide of the Way. According to church tradition, this icon was of the type painted by the Apostle and Evangelist Luke on a table which, The Lord Himself, The Theotokos, and Saint Joseph had their meals. The Theotokos of Smolensk icon is the most stern and solemn portrayal of the Mother of God of the hodegetria prototype. The Theotokos supports the Christ Child on her left arm while pointing to Christ, a gesture suggestive of guiding humankind to Him. Christ has a scroll in His left arm while His right hand is shown giving a blessing. This rendering of The Christ Child is referred to as Christ - Emmanuel the infant, pre - eternal God. Also of significance to this icon are the three stars that decorate the Mother of God’s garment and serve as a symbol of perpetual virginity. Tradition holds that the original icon of this type was written by the Apostle Luke while the Mother of God was still alive and that She blessed the icon saying, “My blessing will always remain with this icon.” Further accounts pertaining to the history of this icon say that Saint Dimitry of Rostov claimed the icon was written for Theophilus, governor of Antioch. This is the Most Reverend Theophilus referred to by Luke in chapter 1:1. History also reveals that the icon traveled from Antioch to Jerusalem and eventually resided in Constantinople during the fifth century. In the 11th. Century Anna, the daughter of The Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX, was given in marriage to a prince of Smolensk and the Emperor gave his daughter the icon as a wedding gift. This icon became one of the most precious holy objects of the Russian Church, and abundant graces of help and healing to the faithful are attributed to it.

This Antique Russian Icon "Our Lady of Smolesnk" was painted in the early 1800's, and the artist used Egg tempera on wood, the icon also has a silver-plated bronze riza. 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.