Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: May 21/June 3; June 23/July 6; and August 26/September 8

The Vladimir Mother of God icon holds an unparalleled place in Russian history, intricately woven with the fate of Moscow. Tradition holds that this icon is one of three icons painted by the Evangelist Luke, it carries the grace of the Theotokos herself. Initially kept in Jerusalem and later Constantinople, this sacred image was gifted to Grand Duke Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgoruky in the 12th century. Its journey to Vladimir-on-Klyazma under Prince Andrew, marked by a miraculous halt of horses, solidified its designation as the "Vladimir" icon. This move was divinely ordained, leading to the construction of a monastery and cementing its role as a powerful symbol of divine protection and unity, guiding the emergence of Muscovy as the "Third Rome."

The icon's miraculous power was repeatedly demonstrated in times of crisis. In 1395, when Tamerlane's Tartar horde threatened Moscow, the icon was brought to the city. Its arrival coincided with a terrifying vision experienced by Tamerlane, in which he saw a radiant Lady surrounded by angels. Interpreted as the Mother of God, this vision caused Tamerlane to retreat, saving Moscow without a single battle. This profound deliverance was commemorated by the construction of the Sretensky Monastery and the establishment of an annual feast day. Subsequent invasions by Khan Edigey in 1408, Prince Mazovshi in 1451, and Khan Sedi-Ahmet in 1459 were similarly repelled through the icon's intervention, underscoring its unwavering protective grace.

The Vladimir icon continued its role as a divine shield, notably in 1480 against Khan Ahmet at the Ugra River and in 1521 against Khan Mehmad-Girey. In the latter instance, a nun's vision of sainted metropolitans carrying the icon outside the Dormition Cathedral and praying for Moscow, followed by the Tartars' retreat due to a vision of a "huge regiment in shining armor," further cemented its reputation. These miraculous deliverances led to the establishment of additional feast days, celebrating Moscow's salvation. The icon has become an enduring symbol of God's providence and the Mother of God's intercession for Russia, embodying the nation's spiritual and historical identity.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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