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Theologically, the '''icons of the [[Theotokos]]''' represent the first human being who realized the goal of the [[Incarnation]]: the [[theosis|deification]] of man. This is in contrast to the icons of [[Christ]], the basis for all [[iconography]], representing God who became man.
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==Number of types==
There is no other subject in iconography, besides Christ, that has been painted so often and with so much love, as the image of the Theotokos. There are five main types of representation of the Theotokos in Orthodox iconography:
* The Guide; '''Hodigitria ''' - In this type, the Ever Virgin Mary is holding Christ and pointing toward Him, as a guide to God and salvation.
* Tender Mercy; '''Eleusa''' - In this type, the Theotokos holds her Son, who touches his face to hers and wraps at least one arm around her neck or shoulder. The Theotokos represents the Church of Christ, thereby displaying the fullness of love between God and man, a love that can only be achieved within the bosom of church, the Mother.
* All Merciful, '''Panakranta''' – In this type, Mary is regally enthroned with Baby Jesus on her lap, both facing the viewer. The throne symbolizes her royal glory, she alone is perfect among those born on earth. According to the [[Fourth Ecumenical Council]], she presides with Christ over the destiny of the world.
* Intercessor, '''Agiosortissa''' – Mary is shown alone, in profile with her hands held out in supplication. She is facing to her left, usually to a separate icon of Christ.
* Praying, - '''Oranta''' , Panagia , Lady of the Sign - In this type, Mary is shown with arms in ornate position, with Christ enclosed in a circle in her womb. "Of the Sign," is a reference to the words of Isaias 7:14, "The Lord himself shall give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel."
The calendar of the [[Church of Russia|Russian Church]], where iconography of the Virgin is highly developed, mentions 260 of her icons noted for miracles and celebrated liturgically.
The [[Menaion]] of Sergius numbers the designations of Most Holy Theotokos icons at 700.
==History==
The tradition attributes St. [[Apostle Luke|Luke]] with painting the first icons of the Theotokos. We know of three types he painted: "Umilenie" (Our Lady of Tenderness), "Hodigitria" (She who leads the way), and a third type, of her without a childor praying to the Christ child. (The facts of the third type are confused).
==Icons==
<gallery>
Image:Kursk Root Icon of the Theotokos.jpg|[[Kursk Root icon]]''(Panakranta)''Image:Our Lady of Kazan.jpg|[[Our Lady of Kazan]] ''(Hodigitria)''
Image:MOGJOAWS.jpg|[[Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow]]
Image:Tikhvin Theotokos.jpg|[[Theotokos of Tikhvin]]
Image:Theotokos of Vladimir.jpg|[[Theotokos of Vladimir]] ''(UmilenieEleusa)''Image:Sanctityoflife sm.jpg|''(Eleusa)''Image:Mother of God of the Passion.JPG|[[Theotokos of the Passion]]''(Hodigitria)''Image:Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos icon.jpg|''(Hodigitria)''
</gallery>
==Source==
*''Theology of the Icon'' by Leonid Ouspensky ISBN 0-88141-124-8
[[Category:About Icons]]