This icon illustrates the story of a man who offered the prayer "Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee" daily before an icon of the Theotokos. After committing a sin the man again offered his prayer to the Theotokos. After completing the prayer the icon of the Theotokos before him came to life and the infant Christ was seen holding up his hands to show open wounds. The man was confused as to the cause of this visitation and the Mother replied that his sins along with the sins of all mankind are crucifying her son all over again. Christ then forgave the repenting man his sins and ordered him to kiss his open wounds. In this icon the man is seen kneeling on the left-hand side while a larger image of Mary holding the infant Christ with His hands raised to show His wounds. The prayer that the man offered daily to the icon is written below the Theotokos in Church Slavonic. Later copies of this icon were glorified with many numerous cures.

This Antique Russian Icon "Mother of God Joy Unhoped For" was painted in the early 1800's, and the artist used Egg tempera on wood. This Icon is from Central Russia and the size is 10" x 12". It is a gorgeous piece and has been preserved very well. The icon is 100% original and comes with a certificate of authenticity.