18. Pokrov

Details

Russian, late 18th century
31.2 x 24.1 cms

Provenance:
Private collection, The Netherlands.

Description:
Miraculous appearances of the Mother of God have always appealed to the faithful. One of the best-known appearances in the Orthodox Church is the Pokrov. The Russian word pokrov means ‘veil’ but also ‘protection’.

The composition of the Pokrov icon consists of two parts, representing two miraculous events that took place in Constantinople and are commemorated on the same day: the appearance of the Mother of God with a veil, the Pokrov, in the upper part, and the story of the deacon Roman the Melodist in the lower part. Romanos, standing in the middle in front of the iconostasis was forced to sing the hymns of the Mother of God during the High Mass. He could not sing, and called on the Mother of God for help. In a vision she taught him the lyrics. The Mother of God offered help and protection.

The festival is celebrated on the 1st of October.