Icon of Panagia Eleousa of Kykkos

A contemporary interpretation of an icon painted by Simon Ushakov from about 1660. A legend is associated with the painting. The holy image, which according to legend was painted by the Apostle St. Luke, was sent by him to Egyptian Christians. However, riots broke out in Egypt, and to save the icon, it was moved to a secluded island. On the way, it was captured by Arabs, but soon the Byzantines recovered it and sent it to the imperial palace in Constantinople. During the reign of Emperor Alexios Komnenos (1081-1118), the icon was moved to Cyprus. There are many legends associated with this event, which tell of countless healings of members of the imperial family and ordinary people. This miraculous icon has one interesting feature: no one can see its original because it is kept hidden. Whoever dares to lift the veil will suffer God's punishment. In 1699, Patriarch Gerasimus of Alexandria looked at the icon and was punished. It was only after he offered a prayer to the Mother of God that his transgression was forgiven. Apparently, it was in the 17th century that copies of this miraculous icon appeared in Russia.
Currently, the 17th-century icon is in the Tretyakov Gallery.

Dimensions 29cm x 21cm