Tradition has it that the image was blessed by The Virgin herself after it was commissioned by Theophillus, The Governor of Antoch. The original passed into The Royal House of Byzantium before being given to Vladimir who installed it in the Cathedral of Smolensk in 1101.

The Virgin of Smolensk is the sternest of the Hodegetria class of Virgins. She stares sternly at the viewer whilst Her right hand points rigidly to Christ for salvation. Her solemnity reflects the importance, magnitude and pain of the mission ahead.

Blessed by the clergy at  Saviour Cathedral in Moscow.