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Theologically, the '''icons of the [[Theotokos]]''' represent the first human being who realized the goal of the [[Incarnation]]: the [[theosis|deification]] of man. This is in contrast to the icons of [[Christ]], the basis for all [[iconography]], representing God who became man.

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==Description and symbols==

Iconographers of all times tried to show in the image of Theotokos as much beauty, gentleness, dignity and grandeur as they could imagine. They sometimes paint grief, and sometimes sorrowful, but always filled with spiritual strength and wisdom.

The calendar of the [[Church of Russia|Russian Church]], where iconography of the Virgin is highly developed, mentions 260 of her icons noted for miracles and celebrated liturgically.

The [[Menaion]] of Sergius numbers the designations of Most Holy Theotokos icons at 700.

==History==

The tradition attributes St. [[Apostle Luke|Luke]] with painting the first icons of the Theotokos. We know of three types he painted: "Umilenie" (Our Lady of Tenderness), "Hodigitria" (She who leads the way), and a third type, of her without a child or praying to the Christ child. (The facts of the third type are confused).

==Icons==

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==Source==

*''Theology of the Icon'' by Leonid Ouspensky ISBN 0-88141-124-8

[[Category:About Icons]]