Description
Igor Mother of God: an Eleusa icon linked with Saint Igor of Kyiv
The Igor, or Igorevskaya, Icon of the Mother of God is associated in Orthodox tradition with the passion-bearer Prince Igor Olgovich of Kyiv. Church accounts record that he prayed before this image in the chapel of Saint John the Theologian at the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv Caves Lavra during the final hours before his violent death in 1147. The icon is commemorated on June 5.
Iconography and theological meaning
The composition belongs to the Eleusa, or Tender Mercy, family. Christ presses his cheek toward Mary and reaches around her, while she receives him with a grave, compassionate gaze. Their closeness proclaims the true humanity of the incarnate Word; Mary's restrained sorrow points toward the Passion. The image therefore joins tenderness with endurance under suffering.
For prayer and Christian devotion
The Igor icon can accompany prayer during persecution, injustice, family conflict, illness, or bereavement. Saint Igor's story gives the image particular meaning for Christians seeking forgiveness without denying the reality of violence. Devotion is directed through Mary toward Christ, whose mercy resists hatred and revenge.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Art Christiana makes the icon to order in Poland on a double-primed linden-wood board. The image is applied directly to the prepared surface, enhanced with decorative gold-tone schlagmetal, and protected with varnish. A certificate marked with the year of production and a hanging fixture are fitted on the reverse.