Description

Feast Day/Commemorated:

The Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8)
The Entrance of the Theotokos (November 21)
The Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15)

The Theotokos, or "God-bearer," is a title of profound significance in the Church, distinguishing the Virgin Mary as the mother of God's only-begotten Son. While God, in His divine essence, has no mother, it was through Mary's womb that the eternal Son, co-equal with the Father and Holy Spirit, entered human existence. This singular event is the foundation for her veneration, elevating her beyond any other creature. The Church emphasizes that Jesus was God from before His conception, and Mary's role was to bring forth the divine into the world as man.

Her unparalleled role in salvation grants her a status of honor that surpasses even the highest ranks of angels, including the cherubim and seraphim. No celestial being was commissioned by the Heavenly Father to bring God the Son into the world to save humanity from sin, death, and separation from God. Mary's unique participation in this divine plan, through which humanity's relationship with the Holy Trinity was restored, sets her apart in glory and importance, far beyond any comparison.

She is called the "true Theotokos" because her uniqueness extends beyond earthly distinction, finding no parallel among the angels. This title also speaks to her purity, being without stain or blemish, unlike other humans, even those of great holiness like St. John the Baptist. Her "truth" further encompasses her complete devotion and integrity, wholly committed to caring for her divine Son from conception through His life on Earth, to the Cross, and beyond, continuously growing in her understanding of her pivotal role in humanity's salvation.

Therefore, we honor, glorify, and magnify the Theotokos and Mother of Light, recognizing her profound significance in our salvation. Her continuous prayers on our behalf, born from a mother's heart, invite us to present our pleas for ourselves, our loved ones, the Church, and the world. Her maternal empathy allows her to understand our human struggles, having experienced motherhood in its most divine form.

Our respect for the Theotokos is not merely a matter of theological doctrine but a recognition of her inherent dignity as a woman and, supremely, as the Mother of God. Just as one would never ignore the mother of a host in a home, it is impossible to overlook the presence of the Theotokos in an Orthodox Church, where her icons are prevalent. As our spiritual journey progresses, our understanding and veneration of her role in our path to the Kingdom of God deepen, as we come to whisper her name with increasing reverence after proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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