Icon of the Virgin Mary

An icon of the Virgin Mary is a traditional religious image used in Eastern Christianity, especially Orthodox and Byzantine traditions. It depicts Mary, the mother of Jesus, often shown with her hands raised in prayer or holding the infant Jesus. These icons serve as visual prayers, focusing worship and reflection on Mary’s purity, compassion, and her role in salvation. Created with specific artistic styles and symbolism, icons are considered sacred tools that help believers connect with the spiritual presence of Mary and honor her as the Theotokos, or "God-bearer."