Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Tikhvin | Tikhvinskaya | 23902

A classical Mother of God icon. The Mother of God points to the incarnate Son of God. He is enthroned in a regal posture, blessing and with a scroll in his hand. On the edge: A Guardian Angel, Saint Martyr Leonidas of Corinth, Saint Martyr Christopher, Saint Venerable Elizabeth and the Saint Peter, the Apostle.

The icon of the Mother of God appeared on a cloud over Lake Ladoga in 1383. Fishermen casting their nets saw an unusual light and in it an icon floating above the water. The icon, carried by angels, appeared in a few places before it stopped on the Tichvinka River near the city of Tichvin. A church in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God was built on the site. The church was destroyed by fire three times, but the icon that was inside always remained undamaged. The icon is revered across Russia. Before her, people pray especially for the health of children and the healing of their illnesses. The feast day is on June 26.

Saint Martyr Leonidas of Corinth (April 16) was equated with the bishop Leonidas of Athens after his martyr’s death.

Saint Martyr Christopher “the dog-headed” (May 9 and November 9), is also often depicted as a giant with a staff who carries the baby Jesus on his shoulders across a river. He is one of the fourteen Helpers in Need and is best known today as the patron saint of travelers.

Saint Venerable Elisabeth (April 24) was the head of the convent in the Stt.-Cosmas-und-Damian-convent in Constantinople. Because of her pious and benevolent life, she received the gracious gift of God to heal diseases.

According to the New Testament, Saint Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, and one of the first leaders of the early Church. Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero. He is traditionally known as the first bishop of Rome and also by Eastern Christian tradition as the first patriarch of Antioch.