Christian Wood Icon Our Lady of Czestochowa. Silver Plated .999 Oklad Riza ( 7.0″ X 5.2″ ) 18cm X 13cm. B257

THE GREAT MIRACULOUS ICON CATHOLIC WOODEN ICON OUR LADY OF CZESTOCHOWA ( Black Madonna ) The sizes are about : ( 7.0" X 5.2" ) 18cm X 13cm Our Lady of Czestochowa The painting of Our Lady is the very heart of Jasna Gora (Hill of Light) Częstochowa, drawing crowds of pilgrims to it. This Sanctuary was not built after a Marian apparition, as is usually the case for major holy sites. The painting itself is the mystery, the fulcrum and the atmosphere of the Jasna Gora Shrine. Kings, the gentry and the common folk in ever increasing numbers visited the shrine. The icon was the reason and a witness of numerous miracles of healing of the soul and body of the pilgrims. Over 1000 recognised miracles have occurred here, accounts of which are being kept in the monastery with the dates as far back as 1402. The icon is therefore known as the miraculous picture. The icon belongs to the “Hodigitria” type (literally "Waypointer” or “Leader”), which amongst the various types of images of Mary is most popular. The Blessed Virgin points with her right hand to Christ, who said of himself: “I am the way (to the Lord)". Therefore, in this kind of depiction "Hodigitria” never appears without the Child Jesus. Thus conforming to Orthodox belief, that the Conceiver of God (Mother of God) only has validity as a “Pointer of Way" to Heaven or as a “Preparer of the Way to Salvation" in conjunction with her Son. The legend tells us further, that after the sacking of the Jasna Gora shrine by robbers in 1430 the picture was placed on a cart with other booty, but the horses could not move the wagon. The looters threw the painting off the wagon and the horses moved. One of the riders seeing the jewels and gold covering the painting slashed it twice with the sword. When he went to strike it a third time he fell dead. The other riders fled for fear of Divine Retribution. Repeated efforts by skilled artists to patch the scars failed. Each time the facial cuts reappeared. It is believed, that it was the will of Mary so the scars should remain as a sign to all that would want desecrate Her Shrine. This precious icon is an original copy of Byzantine sacred image. Reproduced using typical colours of iconography and this item is covered with pure silver 999%, Using the PVD - Physical Vapour Deposition technology, according to the European rules. The icon has been submitted to a special treatment so as to remain unalterable through the years. Icon made by hand from MDF, brown color, Gold and silver version. The icons photos were made at the Andcross photo-studio. Made in EU by special order for Orthodox Art Corporation Andcross. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD! Brand new and unused. Shipping is made from Europe. Delivery is during 10 - 20 days worldwide.