Icon of the Consolation of the Mother of God - embroidered, framed, 35x44cm
The Icon of the Consolation of the Mother of God is one of the few icons in Orthodox religion where the Most Holy Theotokos is depicted alone, without the Infant Jesus in her arms.
Another noteworthy aspect is her expressive face. Both her tears and her gaze reveal the inner state of the Ever-Virgin of sorrow, compassion, humility, love, and hope. With deep pain in her soul and hands in prayer, the Virgin Mary bows to 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.
In a sign of gratitude, the most beautiful words spoken in 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. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you."
The holy icon "Consolation of the Mother of God" was originally painted by the famous iconographer Ioan Protcenco, who received the name Irineu when he took monastic vows. He was brought by Father Cleopa to Sihăstria Monastery in Neamț County 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 the great saints only after following the advice received from a nun: to fast, confess, and pray much.
He did exactly that, painting in fasting and silence until he managed to create this religious masterpiece. Father Paisie of Sihăstria and other fathers said that the Mother of God appeared to him and thanked him for the way he painted her.
