The Icon of the Mother of God "Our Lady of Sitka"
The Sitka Icon of the Mother of God Located
at the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel in Sitka, Alaska is one of the
most revered Icons in North America: the Sitka Mother of God. Painted in the style of the Kazan Mother of
God Icon, on canvas, the Sitka Mother of God Icon is 36 x 17˝ inches in size.
An exceptionally beautiful and detailed riza of silver covers the Icon of the
Theotokos and Christ child, and the Image of God the Father blessing from
above. |
Mini-Photo Album: The Akathist
Service at St. Innocent Church in Tarzana, California
The Cathedral received the Icon as a gift from the laborers of the Russian
American Company in 1850, two years after the Cathedral was completed. Even
with their meager wages, these men generously made their contribution to the
Church.
Miracles have been attributed to the Sitka Mother of God Icon over the years.
It is believed that the gaze of the eyes of the Theotokos have led to the
restored health of those who prayed before the Icon.
Because of the peaceful gaze of the Theotokos, the Icon has been described as a
"pearl of Russian ecclesiastical art of ineffable gentleness, purity and
harmony…." And "…the most beautiful face of the Mother of God with
the Divine Child in her arms is so delicately and artistically done that the
more one looks at it the more difficult it is to tear one’s gaze away."
Originally part of the main Iconostasis at the Cathedral of St. Michael the
Archangel in Sitka, Alaska, the Icon is now permanently located on the far left
side of the Iconostasis in a special place of honor.
Sitka Icon Pilgrimage Schedule
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