Virgin “O Mother All-Glorified”

The icon of the Virgin “O Mother All-Glorified” belongs to the iconographic type known as The Virgin Eleusa (old-believer icon). The icon was replicated all over Russia. The icon borders represent six full-length images of the saints painted in gold. The Holy Virgin’s look expresses sorrow and prayer for the Son and all the people.

Constantine and Helen, Sts.

Sts. Constantine and Helen are shown on either side of a seven-pointed cross. They are wearing rich royal clothes and a closed crown. On Helen’s head, under the crown, is a white headscarf, the shoulders are covered with an ermine cloak. Constantine is holding the royal rod in his right hand. Above the cross is a half-length image of Christ in the clouds blessing with both hands. In the corners are the sun and the moon.

Mother of God with the Swords. “Softening of Evil Hearts”

In the centre of the icon Our Lady is depicted waist-length. Seven swords are thrust into Her heart-three swords on both sides and one from below.The number seven symbolizes the magnitude of anguish, pain and heartache experienced by the Mother of God in Her lifetime. On the raised flat borders of the icon panel are four saints- St.Gurias,St.Abibas,St.Samonas and St. Helena.