This icon is based on the Virgin of Vladimir which is also often called, the Eleousa, the Mother of Tenderness. Mary holds the Christ-Child close accentuating the maternal relationship with her son. She is dressed in a cloak of the deepest red showing her humanity. The maphorion encircles her head. It has a precious golden border and is ornamented with three stars, one over the forehead and the two others on the shoulders-signs of her virginity.

Christ is a baby in size only for he is “the Word”. His face reflects the concern and the wisdom of God. His garments are gold depicting everlasting life, orange depicting revolution and over his shoulder is the clavium (scarf). Christ presses His face affectionately against his mother’s cheek and his arms encircle her neck in tenderness and consolation. It is as if they share together all that is to come.