Virgin Mary Sweet Kissing, Christmas Ornament,
NOT BREAKABLE , hand painted
SPHEROID DIAMETER: 4 3/4"
Made of a harden plastic, comes with ribbon to hang
Made in Ukraine.
The
Mother of God "Sweet Kissing" (also known as the Virgin of Loving Kindness) depicts the Virgin Mary caressing the Christ Child so tenderly that they are kissing. Many view the Virgin as sad contemplating Her Son's upcoming passion.
In Greek the
icon is known as the
Panagia Glykophilousa. The icon takes the form of an "Eleousa" (tenderness) icon thought to be of Cretan Byzantine origin. Tradition holds that during the iconoclastic period the icon was thrown into the sea to save it from destruction and was miraculously transferred by sea to near the Monastery of Philotheou on Mount Athos.
The icon is housed in this monastery and it a source of numerous miracles. Through the intercessions of the Mother of God she is known for "providing" for needs; "deliverance" from physical harm and "devotion" of a child and parent.
This icon is celebrated in the East on March 27th where a procession to the sport where the icon appeared in the water. It is also celebrated on the Monday after Pascha/Easter.
