Theotokos "Kazanskaya"

The title “Theotokos” given to the Virgin Mary was confirmed at the Third Ecumenical Council in a.d. 431 and means literally the “Birth-Giver of God” as Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, was born of her with both His human and Divine Natures.  This 19th century icon is a beautiful example of Russian artistry, worked in elaborate enamel, embedded jewels, and bordered by precious pearls.  It is a copy of the original “Kazanskaya” icon (meaning “of Kazan”) and this type of icon of the Virgin is a favorite in Russian iconography to this day.