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Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Sign” (Znamenie)
This sacred icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” was created in 1868 in the icon-painting workshop of Ivan Matveevich Malyshev at the famous Trinity Sergius Lavra, one of the greatest spiritual centers of Orthodox Christianity.
The icon is a beautiful example of 19th-century Russian iconography and reflects the deep theological meaning of the Incarnation of Christ.
Theology of the Icon
The iconography of the Mother of God “The Sign” is based on the prophetic words of Isaiah:
"The Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)
In this icon, the Virgin Mary is depicted in the ancient Orans (praying) posture with uplifted hands, symbolizing her prayer for the entire world. On her chest, within a circular medallion, is the blessing Christ Child Emmanuel — a powerful symbol of the mystery of the Incarnation: the eternal God becoming man within the womb of the Most Pure Virgin.
This iconographic tradition developed in Byzantine Christianity and became especially revered in Russia after the miraculous protection associated with the famous Our Lady of the Sign.
Spiritual Meaning for Believers
For centuries, Orthodox Christians have turned to the Mother of God “The Sign” in prayer for help and protection.
Believers pray before this icon for:
• Protection from enemies, war, and disasters
• Healing from illnesses and spiritual suffering
• Help during pregnancy and childbirth
• Protection of children and family
• Reconciliation and peace between people
• Strengthening faith, hope, and trust in God
According to Church tradition, the original Novgorod icon miraculously saved the city during the Siege of Novgorod 1170, after which the icon became one of the most beloved protectors of the Orthodox faithful.
The feast day of the Mother of God “The Sign” is celebrated on December 10 (November 27, Old Style).
This icon reminds us of the greatest miracle of salvation — that God became man for our redemption. It is a profound symbol of divine mercy, maternal protection, and the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for the whole world.
A meaningful icon for a prayer corner, home altar, or as a sacred gift for Orthodox Christians.
🖼 Product Features
Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.
- Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
- Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
- Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
- Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
- Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal
📏 Available Sizes
• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)
🎁 Perfect For
• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days
🌍 Worldwide Delivery
Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.
✨ Crafted with Tradition
Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.
The name of this icon in different languages⬅️
- Chinese (Simplified): 天主之母“圣兆”圣像
- Czech: Ikona Matky Boží „Znamení“ (Znamení)
- Danish: Ikon af Guds Moder “Tegnet” (Znamenie)
- Dutch: Icoon van de Moeder Gods “Het Teken” (Znamenie)
- English: Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” (Znamenie)
- Estonian: Jumalaema ikoon “Märk” (Znamenie)
- Finnish: Jumalanäidin ikoni “Merkki” (Znamenie)
- French: Icône de la Mère de Dieu « Le Signe » (Znamenie)
- German: Ikone der Gottesmutter „Das Zeichen“ (Znamenie)
- Greek: Εικόνα της Θεοτόκου «Το Σημείο» (Ζναμένιε)
- Italian: Icona della Madre di Dio “Il Segno” (Znamenie)
- Japanese: 生神女「しるし」のイコン（ズナメニエ）
- Latvian: Dievmātes ikona “Zīme” (Znamenie)
- Lithuanian: Dievo Motinos ikona „Ženklas“ (Znamenie)
- Norwegian: Ikon av Guds Mor “Tegnet” (Znamenie)
- Polish: Ikona Matki Bożej „Znak” (Znamenie)
- Portuguese: Ícone da Mãe de Deus “O Sinal” (Znamenie)
- Romanian: Icoana Maicii Domnului „Semnul” (Znamenie)
- Russian: Икона Божией Матери «Знамение»
- Serbian: Икона Богородице „Знамење“
- Slovak: Ikona Bohorodičky „Znamenie“
- Slovenian: Ikona Božje Matere »Znamenje« (Znamenie)
- Spanish: Icono de la Madre de Dios «La Señal» (Znamenie)
- Swedish: Ikon av Guds Moder ”Tecknet” (Znamenie)
- Ukrainian: Ікона Божої Матері «Знамення»
