Icon made on natural linden wood with water-gilding technique. After the thermal treatment, the wood was gilded with 22K gold leaf, in accordance with traditional Byzantine techniques. The icon has been painted with egg tempera for a higher quality and durability of the colors.
Theotokos Joy and Consolation
The image of the holy icon "Joy and Consolation" is unique; it was not painted by human hand. It was originally a fresco painted on the outer wall of the temple, depicting the face of the Mother of God "Hodegetria". After the miracle that happened to her, the icon changed the original image and froze in its present form.
What do we pray the Mother of God "Joy and Consolation" for?
- The image helps in unforeseen life situations;
- Consoles in sorrow and grief, in difficulties of life, saves from despair and mental illness;
- Heals from chronic diseases and ailments;
- Protects in times of natural disasters and epidemics. When cities were plagued by pestilence, copies of the icon were carried during religious processions;
- When there is a tendency to sin, strong sinful passions, the icon helps to cope with them and get rid of them;
- When there is a need to find peace and spiritual wholeness, praying to this holy image helps to bring the soul into harmony with the world;
- In times of misfortunes, an appeal to the icon helps to overcome adversity;
- To those who are weak in faith, the icon helps to strengthen it;
- Protects against enemies;
- Those who suffer from various diseases address the image of the Mother of God "Joy and Consolation" in the seek of healing.
