In Orthodox tradition, newlyweds are presented by their family with two matching icons - one of Christ and the other of the Theotokos to remind them of the commitment they made before God and serve as the spiritual center of family prayer. The icons depict Our Lady of Kazan and Christ Pantocrator and are housed in an original glass-fronted frame of carved wood. 

Christ Pantocrator refers to a specific depiction of Christ. The most common translation of Pantocrator is "Almighty" or "All-powerful". In this understanding, Pantocrator is a compound word formed from the Greek words for "all" and the noun "strength" (κρατος). This is often understood in terms of potential power, i.e., the ability to do anything, omnipotence. The iconic image of Christ Pantocrator was one of the first images of Christ developed in the Early Christian Church and remained a central icon of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Christ is depicted half-length, holding the Gospels in his left hand and making the blessing … More

Greatmartyr Panteleimon (or Pantaleon) was the Unmercenary Healer martyred under the reign of Emperor Maximian (ca. 305 A.D.). Saint Panteleimon had been educated as a physician and dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate, and the needy. He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. He visited those held captive in prison. These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds. Saint Panteleimon is venerated in the Orthodox Church as a mighty saint and the protector of soldiers. This aspect of his veneration is derived … More

Our Lady of Kazan is a holy icon of the highest stature within the Russian Orthodox Church and is considered a palladium of Russia for centuries until its theft and likely destruction in 1904. The icon represents the Virgin Mary as the protector and patroness of the city of Kazan. It is a close-up variant of the Hodegetria (Directress) style, it is noted mainly for the Child standing, with the Virgin chest length. The Kazan icons are traditionally small, following the original. The Kazan icon was very popular in Russia, especially as a wedding gift, and many copies were made … More

Our Lady of the Sign is one of the most beloved Russian miracle-working icons of Theotokos. The icon depicts Her during the Annunciation at the moment of saying, "May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38). The Virgin Mary is depicted frontally half-length, with her hands raised in a praying position, and the Child Jesus within a round aureole upon her breast representing him at the moment of his conception. The term Virgin of the Sign is a reference to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a … More

The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, also known as Our Lady of Saint Theodore or the Black Virgin Mary of Russia is the patron icon of the Romanov Imperial family and one of the most venerated icons in the Upper Volga region. Her feast days are March 27 and August 29.

The Great Martyr Saint George is depicted as a mounted soldier striking with a lance a dragon beneath his horse. On the right is the town of Silene with a princess Elisaba, whose fate is in George’s hands, standing at the gate. The scene is titled in Old Slavonic as  "Saint George the Victorybearer."  The oldest icons depicting Saint George as a horseman killing the dragon date to the 12th century.  The motif becomes popular especially in Georgian and Russian traditions, but it is also found in Greek icons. 

Our Lady of the Sign is one of the most beloved Russian miracle-working icons of Theotokos. The icon depicts Her during the Annunciation at the moment of saying, "May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38). The Virgin Mary is depicted frontally half-length, with her hands raised in a praying position, and the Child Jesus within a round aureole upon her breast representing him at the moment of his conception. The term Virgin of the Sign is a reference to the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a … More

Our Lady of Unexpected Joy depicts the story about the sinful youth, who was praying to the icon of the Mother of God before going out to commit a sin. Suddenly, he saw that wounds appeared on Christ's hands, feet, and side, and blood flowed from them. The Mother of God miraculously spoke to him, "You and other sinners, because of your sins, crucify Christ anew." Shocked with the vision for a long time he prayed with tears to the All-Pure Mother of God and the Savior for mercy. Finally, he received the unexpected joy of the forgiveness of his … More

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker and Bishop of Myra (270 - 343), was a historic 4th-century Saint and Greek Bishop of Myra. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolas the Wonderworker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus. His reputation evolved among the faithful, as was common for early Christian saints.