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Icon of The Entrance of Theotokos in the Temple - 21st c. - 00FET001
$36.00 - $335.00Feast Day/Commemorated: November 21 When Saints Joachim and Anna, the parents of the Virgin Mary, were granted a child after praying for an end t -
Icon of The Theotokos Kykkos "The Merciful" - 21st c. - 00VMT008
$36.00 - $335.00Commemorated on November 12The All-Merciful Kykko Icon of the Mother of God is a sacred and ancient artifact, with a tradition asserting it was personally painted by the Holy Evangelist Luke. The... -
Icon of The Theotokos "Odigitria" The Directress - 21st c. - 00VMT011
$36.00 - $335.00Behold the Panagia Hodegetria, the "Directress," a sacred icon that elevates the spirit and directs the soul. In this venerable image, the Virgin Mary, in her boundless grace, cradles the Christ... -
Icon of The "Sweet Kissing" Theotokos Glykophilousa 21st c. - 00VMT012
$36.00 - $335.00The Glykophilousa Icon belongs to the "Eleousa" or "Virgin of Tenderness" category, depicting the Mother of God affectionately embracing and kissing the Christ Child. This particular icon emphasizes... -
Icon of The Theotokos of the Sign (Mother of the Light) 21st c. - 00VMT008
$36.00 - $335.00Commemorated on November 27 The Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Sign” is one of the most ancient iconographic images of the Theotokos, depicting the Most Holy Mother of God with Her hands...
Description
Orthodox Christian understanding of the Theotokos, or "Bearer of God," emphasizes her unique and perpetual virginity, refuting claims that her spiritual role ceased after Christ's birth. To suggest that a woman chosen to bear the Incarnate Son of God would return to a conventional married life demonstrates a lack of common sense and a misunderstanding of Christian virtues like chastity and purity, upheld by monastics across various Christian traditions. The Church Fathers extensively addressed and condemned early heretical views questioning the Theotokos's eminence, establishing the ancient Christian tradition of her ever-virginity and rejecting simplistic interpretations of "brothers and sisters" of Christ as literal siblings rather than step-children or cousins.
The scriptural declaration in Luke 1:40-42, where Elizabeth, "filled with the Holy Spirit," proclaims Mary "blessed among women," and Mary's own prophecy that "henceforth all generations shall call me blessed," further solidify her elevated and enduring spiritual role. It would be illogical to assume that after such profound affirmations, the Virgin Mary would abandon her divine calling for a worldly life. This scriptural basis underpins the Orthodox veneration of the Theotokos, underscoring her continued significance in the unfolding of God's plan for salvation.
Crucially, Orthodox Christians venerate the Virgin Mary, offering her great honor, but they do not worship her. This distinction sets them apart from certain Latin Church doctrines, such as the Immaculate Conception (the idea that she was born without sin) or the concept of Mary as a Co-Redemptrix with Christ. Instead, the Orthodox Church views the Theotokos as a powerful image of theosis—the Christian goal of becoming Christ-like. As Saint Maximos the Confessor taught, just as she physically gave birth to Christ, believers are called to spiritually "give birth" to Christ within themselves. Her life of humility, purity, and perfect obedience to God's will serves as a practical model for every Orthodox believer, demonstrating the vital role of free will, aided by Divine Grace, in cultivating virtues essential for spiritual growth.
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.