Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring"
This rare and museum-quality Orthodox icon depicts the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring” (Zoodochos Pege) — one of the most ancient and miraculous Marian images in Christian tradition, deeply associated with healing, renewal, and the life-giving grace of God.
✨ Workshop: Mikhail Ivanovich Dikarev
✨ Date: circa 1900
✨ Origin: Moscow, Russian Empire
✨ Quality: Museum-level, rare historical icon
History of the “Life-Giving Spring” Icon
The origin of this sacred image dates back to the 5th century near Constantinople. According to tradition, the future Byzantine emperor Leo Marcellus encountered a blind man suffering from thirst in a forest. Unable to find water, Leo suddenly heard the voice of the Most Holy Theotokos, who revealed a hidden spring and instructed him to give the water to the blind man and anoint his eyes.
Upon doing so, the man immediately received his sight. The Mother of God also foretold that Leo would become emperor and commanded him to build a church over the miraculous spring. When Leo ascended the throne (457–474), he fulfilled this command, erecting a magnificent church dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring, from which countless healings were later recorded.
Iconography
In this icon, the Mother of God with the Christ Child is depicted standing or seated within a chalice or font, from which streams of living water flow. Those who suffer come to receive healing and consolation.
The symbolism is profound:
- The Theotokos is the Source of Life, for Christ Himself was born of Her
- The flowing water represents the grace of the Holy Spirit
- The chalice recalls Baptism, spiritual rebirth, and purification
- Healing encompasses both body and soul
Spiritual Meaning
The icon reminds believers that:
- The Mother of God is an inexhaustible source of mercy and healing
- Divine grace is poured out upon those who pray with faith
- God cares for both physical health and spiritual renewal
- Miracles continue in every age through sincere prayer
🕯️ Before this icon, believers pray for:
- Healing from illnesses, especially eye diseases, fevers, and dropsy
- Spiritual cleansing and renewal
- Strengthening of faith and relief from despair
- Blessing and sanctification of water and wells
- Comfort in sorrow and inner peace
Feast Days
About the Dikarev Workshop
Mikhail Ivanovich Dikarev (1828–1903) was a renowned Moscow iconographer of the late 19th century. His workshop produced icons for churches, monasteries, and private devotion throughout the Russian Empire. Dikarev’s icons are distinguished by:
- Faithful adherence to ancient iconographic canons
- Exceptional artistic quality
- Fine modeling of faces and details
- Use of high-quality pigments and gilding
- Deep spiritual expression
Today, icons from his workshop are highly valued and preserved in museums and private collections.
🖼 Product Features
• Printed on durable MDF wood panel
• Mineral pigment inks for long-lasting color
• Sealed with protective beeswax finish
• Ready to hang — includes mounted metal hook
• Handmade by Orthodox Christian artisans
• Lightweight yet solid: board thickness is 1.6 cm (0.6")
The icon has no recess, the surface is smooth.
📏 Available Sizes
• 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)
🎁 Perfect for
• Orthodox Christian gifts
• Spiritual housewarming gifts
• Prayer corners and devotional altars
• Baptisms, name days, and feast days
🌍 Ships worldwide with secure packaging
Our icons are made by Orthodox craftsmen in Portugal.
We hope it will be a good gift for you and your loved ones.
This icon is available on Etsy and eBay.
