Theotokos the Unburnt Bush (Vatos)
The Story Behind This Icon
The Holy Icon of the Theotokos as the Unburnt Bush is a reference to the mystery of the Mother of God's giving birth to Jesus Christ. A humble virgin, the maiden Mary conceived and birthed the Creator of the universe, containing in her womb the uncontainable God. This was prefigured in the Old Testament when Moses encountered the Burning Bush which, although alight with flame, did not burn away.
According to the tradition of the Church, in 330 AD, Saint Helen, mother of Emperor and Saint Constantine, ordered the construction of a small church on the site of Mount Sinai where Moses encountered the Burning Bush. Later, Emperor Justinian constructed additional fortifications and a larger church on the site, with the intent to protect the monks living there from nomadic raids. This is known today as the Monastery of Saint Catherine, where an original icon depicting the Theotokos as the Burning Bush is kept.
Our version of this icon depicts the Theotokos with the Christ Child in the midst of the Burning Bush as Moses kneels before it while his flock stays close, taking off his sandals as commanded by the Lord. To the right of the viewer is also displayed Moses with the Ten Commandments on the Mount. The Greek text at the top of the icon translates as "in flame yet unburnt".
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This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. Subtle connecting lines and brush strokes may be visible on the gold leaves and are a testament to the artisan's hand, making each piece entirely unique.
