The Mother of God Pokrov

Ten Border Saints

Short description of the icon “Mother of God Pokrov”

This icon depicts the Orthodox feast of Pokrov (Protection and Intercession of the Mother of God). The central theme is the vision of Saint Andrew the Fool-for-Christ, who saw the Mother of God appearing above the congregation during a service, spreading her protective veil over the world.

Recessed center panel (main scene)

Upper register

• The Mother of God appears in the clouds, shown frontally with her hands raised in prayer.
• Above her, Christ is seen in a mandorla.
• She is surrounded by numerous angels and saints witnessing her appearance.

Middle register

• The Mother of God spreads her veil (Pokrov), a symbol of her protection over the faithful.
• To the left and right stand rows of saints, bishops, monks, and martyrs.

Lower register

• The interior of the Blachernae Church in Constantinople.
• In the center stands Saint Romanos the Melodist, singing, usually on a podium and often with an open book of music.
• To the right: Saint Andrew the Fool-for-Christ, showing the vision to his disciple Epiphanius.
• Priests and the faithful participate in the service.

2. Border saints (side and corner figures)

Individual figures are placed on the border. Typical border saints who frequently appear on Pokrov icons and are recognizable here include: