Orthodox icon | Pokrov – Intercession of the Mother of God | 25029

This travel icon is crafted from bronze/brass/yellow metal.

The feast of the Mother of God Pokrov is celebrated on October 1st, commemorating the apparition of the Mother of God at the Blachernae Church in Constantinople. This church housed precious relics, including the dress, veil, and a portion of the belt worn by the Mother of God. During a service, Saint Andrew, also known as the Fool-for-Christ, and his disciple Epiphanius witnessed a miraculous event. They saw the Mother of God, accompanied by Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Evangelist, and several other saints, walking towards the Ambon (pulpit). As she reached the altar, she turned towards the people, took her veil, and spread it over everyone in the church. Although only Andrew and Epiphanius could see the actual appearance of the Mother of God, everyone present felt the grace of her intercession.

In this icon, the Mother of God is depicted hovering on a small cloud, holding her veil. On her right side, Saint John the Theologian leads a group of saints, while on her left, Saint John the Baptist leads another group. At the bottom right, the icon portrays Saint Andrew as the Fool-for-Christ (celebrated on October 2nd) and his disciple Epiphanius. In a semicircle near the Ambon stands a young man named Romanos the Melodist (celebrated on October 1st), a renowned hymnographer from either the 6th or 8th century. Behind the Ambon, there is a choir of youths and virgins. The architectural backdrop represents the Blachernae Church. Additionally, the icon features a scene at the bottom right, illustrating the Mother of God appearing to Saint Romanos in a dream and presenting him with a scroll to consume. The following day, Romanos sings in the service with a beautiful voice and becomes one of the most prominent poets of the church services.

Source: © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de