Hodegetria is one of the major traditional iconographic types of the Theotokos. The name is commonly understood as "She Who Shows the Way."
What does the composition show?
The Theotokos holds the Christ Child and gestures toward Him with her free hand. Her gesture directs the viewer away from herself and toward Christ as the Way and Savior.
Are all Hodegetria icons identical?
No. Many local and wonderworking icons belong to or are related to this basic composition while differing in details, history, and artistic school.
Iconographic types are not restricted by nationality. See Can Orthodox Christians Use Greek, Ukrainian, or Other Orthodox Icons?
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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). |
