Virgin Mary & Leaping Babe Icon ~ Protector of Children & Pregnancy

Description Believers discovered Virgin Mary & Leaping Babe Icon ~ Protector of Children & Pregnancy in 1795. This event occurred on the grounds of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. The icon’s name originates from the image of baby Jesus playfully held by his Mother. The Christ Child embraces his mother, touching his face to the Virgin Mary’s. This depiction clearly expresses the affectionate relationship and powerful love between them. People venerated Orthodox Icons in churches, public spaces, and their homes, believing they offered protection and healing. This veneration divided the Church in the 8th century. Creating two opposing camps: those for and those against their use in worship. This conflict resulted in the destruction of many icons and the persecution of those who venerated them. Many believers kept family icons in their homes or carried them for protection, similar to how pagan gods were worshipped in a domestic setting, independent of a priest or temple. This practice may have evolved from earlier pagan rituals, as people in the ancient world worshipped statues and figures of their gods. Evidence suggests they commissioned portraits for veneration at home, just as they prayed to, bowed before, kissed, and offered incense and tapers to home icons in churches. Place this icon in your home to aid in protection or use it as a focal point to offer petitions and leave offerings. If you dislike the writing on the side, you can gently pull the two pieces apart and remove the hinges. Only one available. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Vintage 90’s USSR Orthodox Icon