Virgin Mary of Sorrows - Seven Swords, "The Softening of Evil Hearts" (Semistrelnaia)
This
icon has several names including the "Prophecy of Simeon" which refers to the prophecy of the aged Simeon that a sword would pierce the soul of Mary.
SIZE: 8 3/4" x 7 1/4"
The Theotokos is depicted in this icon with her heart pierced by seven swords; a symbolic number possibly indicating the the fullness and boundless sorrow, pain and "sickness of heart" that would have been experienced by the
Mother of God at His crucifixion.
Three of the swords enter her heart from the left, three swords enter from the right and one sword from underneath.
This icon is very similar to the Seven Swords icon and they differ only in the arrangement of the swords
