The Church of the Sovereign Icon of the Mother of God
The Church of the Sovereign Icon of the Mother of God is a wooden Orthodox church-chapel in Moscow, forming part of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour complex. Style: Traditional Russian, it takes the form of a basilica with keel-shaped arched exterior vaults above the entrances on three sides and an apse on the fourth. Above each of the four arched vaults, small onion domes are installed. The central part is crowned with a tented spire featuring a central onion dome. The “Sovereign Icon of the Mother of God” is a miracle-working icon of the Theotokos venerated in the Russian Orthodox Church. Date of Discovery: March 2 (15), 1917, in the basement of the Ascension Church in the royal village of Kolomenskoye (now within Moscow’s city limits). According to some sources, the icon dates back to the late 18th century. Its style of painting belongs to the type of Constantinopolitan icons of the Mother of God. On the icon, the Theotokos is depicted as the Queen of Heaven and the Queen of Earth. She is clad in red garments resembling a royal mantle “the color of blood,” and a green tunic. The Mother of God sits on a throne with a semi-circular back; in Her extended right hand is a scepter; Her left hand rests upon an orb; on Her head is a royal crown, surrounded by a golden halo. On the lap of the Virgin Mary sits the Child Jesus Christ, dressed in light-colored garments, with His right hand raised in blessing. In the clouds, the blessing Lord Sabaoth is depicted. The icon is considered the intercessor for Russia during times of trial. Since the Mother of God is depicted with royal regalia, prayers are offered before this icon for the well-being of Russia, wise governance, and the prosperity of the country. The church houses a venerated copy of the “Sovereign” icon, which became one of Russia’s main shrines of the 20th century. During the summer period, from June to August, weekday services are transferred from the lower Transfiguration Church of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to the Church of the Sovereign Icon of the Mother of God.
Address: Moscow, Volkhonka str., 15, building 2
