The Unexpected Joy icon Russia 19th century 30x25 cm

The Unexpected Joy icon ancient Russia 19th century 30x25 cm.This orthodox icon developed in the 18th century in Russia, inspired by a story written by Dimitry, the holy bishop of Rostov. In this story it is said that a sinner, despite his crimes, never failed to repeat the angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary several times a day in front of the icon of the Mother of God.One day he was meditating on doing an evil deed but saw the sacred image come to life. The wounds on the side and on the hands of the Child Jesus opened and blood flowed.The man fell prostrate and said: ''Lord who did this to you?'' and the Mother of God replied: ''You and the other sinners continue to crucify my Son with your sins as the Jews did''.The man remained in prayer for a long time and after having kissed the bleeding wounds of Christ, he obtained not only forgiveness but also the unexpected joy of repentance and salvation.Below the icon is the plaque where the beginning of Dimitrij Rostov's story is written.The ''Unexpected Joy'' icon was hand painted in Moscow in the mid 1800's. This Russian orthodox icon measures 30x25cm.It is shipped together with a box set and an expert report.