Silver-plated icon with Virgin of Bethlehem. The theme of the Christian icon is depicted with great clarity and rich detail, while impressive, embossed, Byzantine designs cover the entire surface of the icon. The material of the icon is composed of a special, durable metal alloy, impregnated with pure silver 999. The special treatment using the PVD method, as well as the excellent quality silkscreen printing according to the standards of Byzantine iconography, create the final result of the image that remains unchanged over time. The icons of this series can be hung on the wall and stand on a flat surface.
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.
