The icon shows the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child at its center. Mary is dressed in a green undergarment covered with a bright red maphorion, a traditional veil worn in Orthodox iconography. The Christ Child is dressed in imperial garments in green, with a golden loros decorated with pearls and precious stones. Both figures wear crowns with gemstones, emphasizing their royal and divine status Intercessory Prayer to Mary.
The Christ Child blesses with his right hand, while holding a golden sceptre topped with a cross and a celestial globe in his left hand. On the globe, the upper hemisphere shows the sun and the moon, and the lower hemisphere shows stars against a blue sky. This imagery symbolizes Christ’s dominion over the universe, highlighting the theological message of divine authority.
The Angels and Scrolls
Two archangels, Michael and Gabriel, appear on either side of Mary, holding scrolls and crowning her. The scrolls carry inscriptions from the Akathistos hymn, a liturgical hymn dedicated to Mary. Michael’s scroll reads:
“XAIPE OTI YnARXHEIΣ BAΣIΛEOC KAΘEAPA” – “Hail, because you are the throne of the King.”
Gabriel’s scroll reads:
“XAIPE OTI BAΣTAZEIΣ TON BAΣTAZONTA ΠANTA” – “Hail, because you carry the one who carries everything,” or “Rejoice because you carry the bearer of the universe.”
These inscriptions emphasize Mary’s role as Theotokos, the Mother of God, and her spiritual significance in Orthodox devotion.
God the Father and the Holy Spirit
Above the central figures, God the Father is shown seated in semi-circular clouds, making a gesture of blessing. The Holy Spirit, represented as a dove, hovers nearby. God the Father wears a triangular nimbus with the inscription O ON, meaning “The Being” or “The Existing One,” signifying His eternal and divine essence Ephesus Tour Guide.
Old Testament Prophets
In the corners of the icon, smaller clouds show Old Testament prophets. On the left is David, wearing a crown and holding a small object, possibly a box. On the right is Daniel, wearing a Phrygian bonnet and holding a stone. Both figures have inscriptions above them: O PROOHTHS DAVID and O PROOHTHS DANIEL, identifying them clearly. Their presence connects the New Testament scene with the prophecies and heritage of the Old Testament, showing the continuity of divine plan.
Symbolism and Artistic Significance
The icon combines traditional Byzantine elements with artistic details influenced by Western and post-Byzantine trends. Mary’s red veil, the Christ Child’s imperial garments, and the celestial globe all convey spiritual and symbolic meaning. The scrolls and inscriptions show the Orthodox liturgical and theological context, while the prophets’ presence links the icon to biblical history.
Overall, this icon demonstrates the careful integration of Byzantine tradition, Orthodox theology, and devotional practice, creating a visually and spiritually rich object for worship.
