Eleusa, often translated as Tender Mercy or Loving Kindness, is a traditional iconographic type of the Theotokos in which the faces of Mary and the Christ Child are brought closely together.
What does the embrace mean?
The close contact expresses genuine maternal tenderness, but the icon is not simply sentimental. It also points toward the mystery of the Incarnation and the loving relationship between Mother and Son.
How does Eleusa differ from Hodegetria?
The Hodegetria emphasizes the Theotokos directing the viewer toward Christ, while Eleusa places greater visual emphasis on the tender relationship between Mother and Son.
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Established with the blessing of V. Rev. Fr. Wiaczeslaw, Rector of Orthodox Christian Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (NY). |
