Silver icon with Theotokos of Bethlehem. Handmade silver icon on natural wood, made with 925ο silver. The natural wood used for the synthesis of the icon is beech (fagus) from Mount Athos, a wood that is receptive to aging techniques that give the appearance of vintage to the wood, without altering the depicted image.
The depictions of faces, hands, halos or other representations are hand-painted on canvas by specialized iconographers, according to the traditional techniques of Byzantine Iconography. The silver frame of the icon is held by nails to resemble the original icons. On the back side, the icon has a small metal ring made of horseshoe nails so that it can be hung.
Our Lady of Bethlehem is the miraculous and household icon of the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem. The holy icon is placed in a prominent position near the shrine of the Holy Nativity Grotto, to the right of its southern entrance. The Theotokos of Bethlehem is distinguished by her serene and tender gaze, which deeply moves the faithful who hasten to venerate her. Moreover, the rich decoration of the icon, along with the distinctive garments of the Mother of God made of exquisite fabrics and adorned with precious stones, inspire awe in pilgrims.
Although there are no official historical records regarding the origin of the icon, tradition holds that it came from Russia and is attributed to Empress Catherine. After a miraculous intervention of the Theotokos, the Empress visited the Holy Land and Bethlehem, where she venerated the icon of the Mother of God. It is said that she herself offered the icon her imperial garments and rubies, deciding that henceforth no Tsarina or Tsarista would wear rubies (according to other sources, diamonds), but only Virgin Mary, the Mother of all.
