Description
This iconographic type dates back to the time of the Byzantine Empire and is repeatedly repeated in iconic painting to modern times. There is a legend about one of the greatest Christian theologians and a defender of icons from times of struggle and claudication. The cruel Emperor Leon III condemned Saint. John of Damascus to cut his right hand. After completing the sentence, he knelt before the image of Hodigitria and began to pray when he saw the shining world. The hand of the Mother of God "came out" from the picture and made the hand of Saint. Jana has grown back. To celebrate this miracle, he offered a silver hand to the painting. It is shown on the icon - pointing to Maria's left hand, which in the gesture of Hodigitria indicates the blessing hand of Christ.
