What Is An Icon of the Theotokos?

An icon (Greek: image) of the Mother of God or the Theotokos is a holy image used for veneration by the faithful. In churches and homes icons of the Mother of God are hung on the walls or placed on stands. Other icons often depict scenes from the Gospel and early Church history. When we venerate an icon, we show our love for Jesus Christ, the Mother of God or another saint and ask them to pray for us. Icons are not merely decorative works of art. They are neither subjective nor sentimental pictures, but are instead a window into the spiritual world. Veneration is not directed to the paint or wood of an icon, but to that other world from which Christ Himself, the "light that lightens every man that comes into the world," (Jn 1) shines.

An icon can show us something that happened in the life of the Most Holy Theotokos (Mother of God), for example the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ or other events recorded in the Gospel. But how do we venerate an icon? First we light a candle and bless ourselves with the sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Then we kiss the holy icon. Candles are used near icons, signifying the Truth given by the One who illuminates the world with spiritual radiance. Candles are part of our offering to God, showing our soul's burning love for God and His Church. If the icon is of the Mother of God, we ask her to pray to God for us or for someone we love, knowing and trusting that God always hears Our Lady's prayers.

MULTIMEDIA : Sub tuum praesidium (Mgr Marco Frisina )

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.