Mother of God "Konevskaya"

Icon of the Mother of God "Konevskaya"

How our icons are made

This depiction of the icon of the Mother of God is associated with the life of St. Arseny Konevsky and the founding of the Konevskiy Monastery. His abbot, Venerable John, blessed him with this icon to build a monastery in Russia. St. Arseny brought this icon from Mount Athos to Russia.

One of the symbolic meanings associated with the depiction of the Infant Christ holding a dove in His hands is about the Savior Himself. The string tied to the dove's leg and its position (being in the hand of Christ) reflect the complete obedience of the Son to the will of the Father. While the Infant Christ's gaze is directed away from His Mother, towards the dove, showing the concentration of Christ on His Divine Ministry.