Amber icon "Semistrelnaya"

The image on the icon of the Mother of God "Semistrelnaya" is very similar to the icon of the Mother of God "Softening of Evil Hearts", their meaning is also similar and is based on the gospel legend about the Presentation of the Lord, which took place on the 40th day after the Birth of Christ.

When the Blessed Virgin Mary brought the Infant Son of God to the Jerusalem temple, He was met there by the ancient elder Simeon the God-receiver, who was foretold that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. Simeon was already over 300 years old, and according to the revelation of God revealed to him, he predicted to the Mother of God what fate awaits Her Son, and to her — that "A weapon will pass through Your soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." Therefore, the icon "Softening of evil Hearts" is also called "Simeon's prophecy" (prophecy).

According to one version, the seven arrows (swords) that pierced the body of the Mother of God symbolize Her torments at the crucifixion of Jesus; according to another, these are the seven sinful passions that overwhelm human souls.

But another thing is also important: the icon of the Seven-Pointed Mother of God means that the Queen of Heaven knows everything that is happening in the human heart, all its bright and sinful thoughts.

Icons are expensive and noble gifts that are presented from the bottom of their hearts with wishes of love and kindness. They can become a real family shrine, inherited.