The Oranta icon is one of the most famous icons depicting the Mother of God. A special relationship connects the Russian Orthodox man with the Mother of God. From time immemorial it became for Russia an intercessor and patroness. The main churches of the Russian state were dedicated to her, therefore, the image of the Virgin is always especially revered in Russian Orthodox churches. In the pantheon of Orthodox saints there is no one to whom so many icons and monumental murals are dedicated.
Value icon
The iconography of the Mother of God took shape from the first centuries of Christianity, and during this time several types of her image took shape. One of the most common and ancient types of this iconography is an image called the "Sign" of Yu or the icon of "Oranta", where the Virgin is one and is depicted in full growth. Such icons are very large in size, in ancient Russia in the temples they played the same role as mosaics and frescoes in the Byzantine temple. The Yaroslavl icon of the beginning of the 13th century “Our Lady of Orant the Great Panagia”, which means “the Most Holy”, is one of the most famous and revered images of the Virgin. On the Oranta icon, the Blessed Virgin is depicted in a prayer position with her arms raised to the sky. At the level of her breast, in the medallion or sphere, the baby Spas Immanuel is placed , as if remaining in the womb of the mother. The icon represents to the worshipers the great mystery of the birth of God in the flesh. The gesture of the raised hands of the Virgin symbolizes her indescribable humility.
History icons
The Yaroslavl Oranta, the icon of the Mother of God, was painted for the Assumption Cathedral on the order of Rostov Prince Konstantin Vsevolodovich, the son of Grand Duke Vsevolod the Big Nest. There is still debate about this holy image in art history. Many consider it written here in Russia, believe that this is the first representative of a whole school of Yaroslavl icon painting. Others argue that this icon does not have a direct relationship with the school, but was painted in Rostov, where it was located until the 18th century. It was once placed in an altar in a high place, towering above the throne. Virgin Mary is distinguished by the special solemnity of her entire appearance. Mother of God stands on a carpet, richly ornamented. Such rugs are used in churches at the hierarchal service. Here it is a symbol of the coming of the Blessed Virgin to God in prayer for all people. Christ Emmanuel depicted in royal robes repeats the gesture of his mother. But if her palms are open, then the baby folded his fingers.
Icon Description
The figure of Our Lady of Oranta on the icon is placed in the radiance of a golden background. Gold, prevailing in the color of the icon, is a symbol of the highland, eternity, in which the Virgin Mary dwells. Gold color prevails in the medallion with the image of the Savior Emanuel. The medallion in which it is placed is an invincible shield, a symbol of the invincibility of the Christian faith. In the upper corners of the Oranta icon are smaller medallions with semi-figures of archangels. Their clothes are also generously covered in gold.
White color is the second most important icon in the color, it symbolizes holiness and purity. This color is used in the nimbuses of the Virgin, the baby God, as well as in the nimbuses and robes of the archangels. Faces of the Blessed Virgin and Christ are made using the technique of applying colors in several layers. This creates a clarity and contrast of the image, so that the iconic faces become clearly visible even from a considerable distance from which those in the church contemplated the Yaroslavl "Oranta" - the icon of the Mother of God.
Novgorod and Kursk icons
Among other icons related to the "Sign" type, we can recall the miraculous icons of Novgorod and Kursk Root. In the 12th century, the Novgorod miraculous icon saved Ancient Novgorod from Prince Vladimir Bogolyubsky’s Vladimir army, which was later described in the unique battle icon “The Battle of the Novgorodians with Suzdal”.
"Kursk Root" got its name due to the fact that it was discovered near the root of the tree. The icon is known for its participation in religious processions that once took place from Kursk to the place of its miraculous attainment, where from then until now the miraculous spring has been beating and where the monastery founded in antiquity stands. This procession is known to all by the famous painting of Repin. The Kursk icon became the only shrine against which a terrorist act was committed. At the beginning of the 20th century, a local revolutionary planted a hellish car at the miraculous icon that was placed in the main cathedral of the city. However, a powerful explosion did not cause her any harm.
Humility is the foundation of Christian spirituality
It is important to understand the sacred, sacred meaning that is inherent in this image of the Mother of God. Nowadays, it’s fashionable to talk about spirituality. But what is spirituality in the Orthodox understanding? The basis of spirituality, according to the teachings of the holy fathers of the church, is humility. Humility is the complete acceptance by a person of the will of God for the realization of his salvation. This is exactly what the Blessed Virgin showed up depicted in the Oranta icon. Every Christian should know this.