NOTES
The icon of the Virgin Orans is an
interesting icon in view of its long history narrowly related to that of the
Byzantine Empire : see the Virgin Orans 'Panagia' ('Most Holy') of the 12th
century http://www.iconsexplained.com/iec/00019.htm.
Furthermore, the image draws our attention to 'praying'. I don't think that
there is any other person who emphasizes the importance of prayer as much as
the Holy Virgin Mary, in both image and word. In recent times (apparitions in
Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1981 - present) she has said « If you
want some practical advice : I am the Mother coming forth from the people. I
can do nothing without the help of God. I need to pray like you. That is why I
keep saying : 'pray, fast, repent, and help the weak' ».
Also see
the icons of the
Mother
of God of the Sign. They are of the "Orans" type but have their own
history.
The two following icons are related to the Orans image as well, or
perhaps even at the basis of it :
Another icon related to the Orans image is the icon of the Mother
of God 'Platytera' ('More spaceous than the Heavens'). Here are several images
of that icon painted (written) by three different iconographers :
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