Icon of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos

[Sieglinde McGinnis]

I am scheduled to present a brief talk on the icon of the Holy Protection of the Theotokos at a retreat in July, and I would be interested in learning more about the rich symbolism contained in this icon. I'd like my talk to be more than just "this is the icon and here is the story behind it" if that makes any sense.

[Nina]

Sieglinde, Olga is the person here to go to for your Q. :)

However, I can tell you that Agia Skepis (Holy Protection) is a very beautiful word in Greek. Because 'skepi' can be a robe/cloack/shroud, but in addition means also to protect/defend/inteceede and so on. We also say 'skepazo' for a mother who is tucking in the children when they go to bed. So the word 'skepi' in Greek comprises so many meanings and is representative of what Panagia does for us. So not only Holy Protection, but also as Mother to us all who cares for us, watches over us and intercedes for our salvation.

I love the story of St. Andreas the Fool for Christ in general and I am very fond of him. But in particular I love this vision he had about the Agia Skepi! It is just so very moving!

Here is a link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Protection_of_the_Mother_of_God)where you can see there are some versions of the icon. Which version will you be speaking about? (Maybe if you can pinpoint Olga, and others here can be able to help you better for your talk).

[Olga]

Sieglinde, I am at present putting together a reply to your query. Stay tuned!

[Sieglinde McGinnis]

Many thanks Nina, and I am staying tuned for your reply, Olga!

I've attached the image of the Holy Protection that is on the iconostasis at my Church, and the one about which I will be making my presentation - it is closest to the top right image in the link that Nina posted.....I started to say that it is a very bad picture but then I previewed it and see that although the angle is bad, it is not awful at all (picture taken with my phone).

I've been told that the person in the bottom center of the icon is St. Romanus the Melodist? (And his is quite the interesting story also, but that can be for another thread!)