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Mother of God of Tichvin Icon
Legend of origin: above the waters of Lake Ladoga in 1383 the Mother of God appeared in
a shining light and finally rested above the river Tichvinka. As a result of this appearance, a Church was erected at the site and later, in 1560, a monastery was established.
In 1613 the icon proved its miracle-working powers: the siege by the Swedes was unsuccessful. It is also said to have aided in the conclusion of a peace agreement with Sweden in
1617. Hereafter, it was often copied and soon was revered in almost all of Russia. Iconographically, the interpretation may be considered a combination of the Elousa and the
Hodegitria. Scroll and manner of blessing correspond to the Hodegitria, the slightly profiled depiction of the two holy figures, whereby dignity is replaced with more human compassion, is
reminiscent of the Eleousa.
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