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 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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