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Icon of Our Lady of Pochayiv

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The centerpiece of the Grotto on the Motherhouse grounds is a mosaic of Jesus and Mary based on the “Theotokos (God bearer) of Pochayiv” icon, the most famous icon in Ukraine.

As with all icons, this one is rich with symbolism. The closeness of our Lord and His mother represents the depth of their mutual love and trust, perhaps best illustrated at the Wedding of Cana. After the wine runs out at the wedding reception, Mary instructs the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2:5) Meanwhile, the crowns point to Jesus as King of Kings and Mary as Queen Mother, an important Old Testament theme.

Finally, the small bits of text – Greek abbreviations – are also important.

• MP – abbreviation of the Greek for “Mother”
• OV – abbreviation of the Greek for “of God”
• IC XC – abbreviation of the Greek for “Jesus Christ”

Every pilgrim will receive a beautiful pin bearing the image of Our Lady of Pochayiv.