Russian Orthodox Bronze Icon of Pokrov - Protection of the Veil of Our Lady

Russian Orthodox Bronze Icon of Pokrov - Protection of the Veil of Our Lady

• Made of bronze. 
• Heavy casting. 
• Dimensions: 4-1/2 x 3-1/2 in (11cm x 9 cm); 
• Weight :  9 oz

According to Eastern Orthodox Sacred Tradition, the apparition of Mary the Theotokos occurred during the 10th century at the Blachernae church in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) where several of her relics (her robe, veil, and part of her belt) were kept. On Sunday, October 1 at four in the morning, St. Andrew the Blessed Fool-for-Christ, who was a Slav by birth, saw the dome of the church open and the Virgin Mary enter, moving in the air above him, glowing and surrounded by angels and saints. She knelt and prayed with tears for all faithful Christians in the world. The Virgin Mary asked Her Son, Jesus Christ, to accept the prayers of all the people entreating Him and looking for Her protection. Once Her prayer was completed, She walked to the altar and continued to pray. Afterwards, She spread Her veil over all the people in the church as a protection.

This endearing theme depicts the Virgin spreading Her protection among the whole visible and invisible Church. Represented on the bottom of the icon: Saint Andrew the Blessed Fool-for-Christ with his disciple Saint Epiphanius, Saint Romanus the Melodist or Hymnographer, his healing by Mary as well as the Emperor, Empress and Patriarch of Constantinople.

The Russian word Pokrov refers to a cloak or shroud, but it also means protection or intercession. For this reason, the name of the feast is variously translated as the Veil of Our Lady, the Protecting Veil of the Theotokos, the Protection of the Theotokos, or the Intercession of the Theotokos. It is often translated as Feast of the Intercession.

These icons were cast in Russia for private devotion. This icon comes from my own collection. I have a few other old bronze icons that will be listed here in the next week or two.