Oranta icon - history, meaning, description

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

The "Oranta" icon is one of the most famous icons depicting the Mother of God. A special relationship unites the Russian Orthodox person with the Mother of God. From time immemorial, she has become an intercessor and patroness for Russia. The main temples of the Russian state were dedicated to her, therefore the image of the Virgin is always especially revered in Russian Orthodox churches. In the entire pantheon of Orthodox saints, there is no one to whom so many icons and monumental paintings are dedicated.

The meaning of the icon

The iconography of the Mother of God has evolved since the first centuries of Christianity, and during this time several types of her image have developed. One of the most common and ancient types of this iconography is the image called the "Sign" Yu or the icon "Oranta", where the Mother of God is alone and depicted in full growth. Such icons are very large in size, in ancient Russia in temples they played the same role as in the Byzantinetemple mosaics and frescoes. The Yaroslavl icon of the early 13th century "Our Lady Oranta the great Panagia", which means "All-holy" - one of the most famous and revered images of the Virgin. On the icon "Oranta" the Blessed Virgin is depicted in a prayerful pose with her hands raised to the sky. At the level of her chest, in a medallion or sphere, the infant Spas Emmanuel is placed, as if staying in the womb of his mother. The icon represents to those who pray the great mystery of the birth of God in the flesh. The gesture of the raised hands of the Virgin symbolizes her inexpressible humility.

History of the icon

Yaroslavl "Oranta", the icon of the Mother of God, was painted for the Assumption Cathedral by order of Rostov Prince Konstantin Vsevolodovich, son of Grand Duke Vsevolod the Big Nest. There are still disputes about this holy image in art history. Many consider it written here, in Russia, they believe that this is the first representative of the whole school of Yaroslavl icon painting. Others argue that this icon is not directly related to the named school, but was painted in Rostov, where it was located until the 18th century. She was once placed in the altar on a high place, towering over the throne. The Virgin Mary is distinguished by the special solemnity of her entire appearance. The Mother of God stands on a richly ornamented carpet. Such rugs are used in churches for hierarchical services. Here it is a symbol of the coming of the Blessed Virgin to God in prayer for all people. Depicted in royal robes, Christ Emmanuel repeats the gesture of his mother. But if her palmsopen, the baby folded his fingers.

Icon description

The figure of Our Lady Oranta on the icon is placed in the glow of a golden background. Gold, which prevails in the color of the icon, is a symbol of the heavenly world, eternity, in which the Mother of God resides. The golden color also prevails in the medallion depicting the Savior Emmanuel. The medallion in which it is placed appears to be an invincible shield, a symbol of the invincibility of the Christian faith. In the upper corners of the "Oranta" icon there are medallions of smaller diameter with half-figures of archangels. Their clothes are also generously covered with gold.

White is the second most important color of the icon, it symbolizes holiness and purity. This color is used in the halos of the Mother of God, the Infant God, as well as in the halos and robes of the archangels. The faces of the Blessed Virgin and Christ are made using the technique of overlaying paints in several layers. This creates clarity and contrast of the image, so that the iconic faces become clearly visible even from a considerable distance from which those who were in the temple contemplated the Yaroslavl "Oranta" - the icon of the Mother of God.

Novgorod and Kursk icons

Among other icons belonging to the "Sign" type, we can recall the miraculous icons of Novgorod and Kursk Root. In the 12th century, the miraculous icon of Novgorod saved Ancient Novgorod from the Vladimir army of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, which was later described in the unique battle icon "The Battle of Novgorodians with Suzdal".

"Kursk Root"got its name due to the fact that it was found near the root of the tree. The icon is known for its participation in the religious processions that once took place from Kursk to the place of its miraculous acquisition, where from then to this day a miraculous spring beats and where the monastery founded in antiquity stands. This procession is known to all from the famous painting by 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 an infernal machine near the miraculous icon that was placed in the main cathedral of the city. However, the powerful explosion did not harm her.

Humility is the foundation of Christian spirituality

It is important to understand the sacred, sacred meaning that lies in this image of the Mother of God. Nowadays it is fashionable to talk about spirituality. But what is spirituality in the Orthodox sense? The basis of spirituality, according to the teachings of the Holy Fathers of the Church, is humility. Humility is a person's complete acceptance of the will of God for the sake of realizing his salvation. This is exactly what the Blessed Virgin depicted on the icon "Oranta" revealed. Every Christian should know this.