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The Holy Virgin Mary Icon
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| She was born in Nazareth from Joachim and Anna. At the age of 3, she entered into the Temple. At 12 years of age, she was given to the care of Joseph by Divine providence. Archangel Gabriel announced to her the Incarnation of the Lord through her and she accepted. She followed her Son and God throughout His earthly preaching, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension. She was also present on the Day of Pentecost. She lived with the Apostle John after her Sons death guiding and counseling the Apostles, being their mediatress before her Son. She reposed at the age of 60. In her honor, one of the Church Fathers composed a hymn testifying to this: It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, 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. In this icon, the Virgin is on the right of Christ. She wears a red garment underneath her cloak signifying her royalty as the Psalm indicates: ...the glory of the daughter of the King is within... (Ps. 44:13). Upon her vesture, she has three stars indicating her perpetual virginity, before during and after giving birth to Christ. Christ is presented as a miniature adult signifying His transcendence, while holding a scroll in His left hand because He is the Teacher and giving the blessing with His right hand. On either side of the icon are two angels, each carrying the instruments of Christs Passion that He would endure for the salvation of mankind.
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