The Icon of the Mother of God is placed to the left of the Royal Doors. Her title, "Mother of God" is signified by the Greek abbreviation MP OU. Every Icon of the Virgin Mary includes her son, Jesus Christ. She stands upright, straight and majestic and looks directly at the viewer. She is in the gesture of presentation. she indicates Jesus her Son, the Way, by pointing with her right arm. The Mother of God gives to all mankind the Son of God, who has come into the world through her. Her perpetual virginity is symbolized by three stars. The red in her garments symbolize her virginity while the blue is the color of greatest dignity. The child Jesus is presented look directly at the viewer. He is the Emmanuel, full of wisdom despite His tender years. The Mother of God becomes for us a model of faith and acceptance of God's word. Like her, we as Christians are called to present Christ to the world.

last updated 30 March 2000 Copyright © 1999-2001, St. Thomas the Apostle Church