Description
Our Lady of Zhirovichi, a historic Marian devotion
The Zhirovichi, or Zhirovits, image of the Mother of God is associated with the monastery at Zhirovichi in present-day Belarus. Church tradition dates its discovery to 1470, when shepherds are said to have found a small image in a pear tree. The original is unusual among famous Marian icons because it is a tiny oval relief carved in stone rather than a painted wood panel. Accounts of its discovery and preservation belong to the devotional history of the shrine and should be understood as tradition, not as a guarantee attached to a reproduction.
The Mother and Child within a floral oval
This interpretation enlarges the intimate Marian composition so its theological details can be read clearly. Mary inclines her face toward Christ, who rests against her cheek and raises one hand toward her neck. The close embrace belongs to the visual language of Tenderness icons and directs attention to the reality of the Incarnation. A bright floral garland surrounds the oval field, while the Greek abbreviations identify Mary as the Mother of God and Jesus as Christ. The gold-toned background signifies heavenly glory rather than an earthly landscape.
For Marian prayer and a home icon corner
The image is suited to prayer with Mary, reflection on Christ's Incarnation, and remembrance of the Christian traditions of Belarus and Eastern Europe. It can be placed in a home prayer corner, chapel, parish room, or given for a baptism, wedding, or Marian feast. Christian veneration asks the intercession of the Mother of God and remains directed to Christ; the icon is not an amulet and does not promise automatic protection.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.