Our Lady of the Sign from Zverin Monastery (front side) 1250

This piece is an Orthodox icon titled *Our Lady of the Sign from Zverin Monastery*. Its creation and veneration are rooted in the Orthodox Christian tradition that has shaped Eastern European identity and spirituality for centuries. The image depicts the Virgin Mary in a gesture of prayer, her hands raised in supplication. What’s unique is the medallion at her chest, where the figure of the Christ Child is seen, not as an infant, but with the knowing face of a young man. This image collapses time, showing us Christ is both eternally young, and perennially mature. Icons like this one were not just art objects, but spiritual portals intended to mediate between the divine and the earthly realms. They were often believed to possess miraculous powers and were venerated in both private homes and public spaces. Considering the icon's role in personal and communal prayer, think about how it might have served as a focal point for hope and resilience amid the trials of daily life.