The Theotokos "All Pure" In Blue - Russian 21st c. - 00VMT003

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 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.