The Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, named "Hodegetria", which in Russian means "Putevoditel'nitsa" or "Way-Guide", was according to Church tradition written by the holy Evangelist Luke within the earthly lifetime of the Most Holy Mother of God. Sainted-hierarch Dimitrii of Rostov suggests that this image was written at the request of Theophilos, the governor of Antioch. From Antioch the holy image was transferred to Jerusalem. From there the empress Eudokia, the spouse of Arcadius, gave it at Constantinople to Pulcheria the sister of the emperor, who put the holy icon in the Blakhernai church.

Icon inscriptions in Church Slavonic.

These icons are so beautiful! The images I have on the website can not capture that beauty. They are much, much more beautiful in person. They are a layered silkscreen of beautiful colors, then embellished with foil in gold and silver color. Enjoy!

Blessed by the clergy at  Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.