The Vladimirskaya
A portrait of mother Mary
Painted by saint Luke
Evangelist and writer
Of the acts of the apostles
The finest of Byzantine works
Survived wars and looting
And is considered
Its most precious icon
The holy protectress of Russia
More readings
The history of the Vladimir icon
Videos
The Vladimir icon of Mother Mary
Presveta Bogorodica Trojerucica
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P.S.
Long ago during a retreat in an old cistercian abbey, a Russian monk tought me the essence on how to look at a Holy icon.
You are entering Holy ground
the mystery will reveal to a humble heart
Ready to receive
It is a visual Gospel
With rules and frames
painted after fasting and prayer
Not for fame
But for Glory
I really enjoy looking at Byzantine works of art when I visit museums. It is certainly unique and has a distinct look about it that fascinates me. I like that you give a little information about the pieces of art, but I would really love to learn more. In future posts, do you think you could go a little more into the historical depth of each piece as well as the artist and their inspiration for painting it? There is so much amazing religious artwork around, I’d love to learn more!
Hi Steve… there sure is! Glad the little poem ignited your desire for more…
Long ago, a monk teached me how to look at icons.
The best is to sit before an icon and let it enter your life…
the colors, the perspective, the message
I hope you will find time to check some of the links added.
And on your request, I will add some more now
Icons are windows into heaven, not meant to capture the earthly subject like a photograph, but to reveal the heavenly reality. The first icon was painted by St. Luke the Apostle, depicting the Theotokos. The Vladimir icon of the Mother of God is very famous, but even though I am Orthodox, I had never read the history of this icon until now. Thank you for sharing.
It is the most precious one, painted by saint Luke
Christos vocrese!
Voístinu voskrése!