St. Seraphim of Sarov held this image of the Mother of God in the greatest reverence, praying before it in his monastic cell and naming it “Joy of Joys.” The Theotokos is depicted with downcast eyes and arms crossed, an example of humility and silent prayer to Her Son.
This icon was painted by a Hermitage monk and is the main icon of the Theotokos in Archimandrite Seraphim’s icon corner.