Icon of the Consolation of the Mother of God – embroidered, framed, 21x27cm
The icon of the Consolation of the Mother of God is one of the few icons in Orthodox Christianity where the Most Holy Mother of God is depicted alone, without the Infant Jesus in her arms.
Another noteworthy element is her expressive face. Both her tears and her gaze reflect the inner state of the Most Pure One, encompassing pain, compassion, humility, love, and hope. With profound sorrow in her heart and hands in prayer, the Virgin Mary bows before our Father.
In theology, Orthodox Christians regard the Mother of God as our Mother, of all, who feels our pain and intercedes for us, bringing our pain before her Son.
As an expression of gratitude, the most beautiful words spoken by human language have been addressed to her: "It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. You are more honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Without corruption, you gave birth to God the Word. Truly, you are the Theotokos, we magnify you."
The holy icon "Consolation of the Mother of God" was originally painted by the renowned iconographer Ioan Protcenco, who was named Irineu when he took monastic vows. He was brought to Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County by Father Cleopa with the intention of painting icons.
Irineu Protcenco was already famous for his talent in painting portraits, but not icons. He was endowed with the talent to paint the faces of great saints only after he followed the advice he received from a nun: to fast, to confess, and to pray much.
He did just that, painting in fasting and silence until he succeeded in creating this religious masterpiece. Father Paisie from Sihăstria and other fathers said that the Mother of God appeared to him and thanked him for the way he painted her.
