Icon of the Virgin Mary Vivliothekarissa (The Librarian) or Assuage My Sorrows from Hilandar Monastery

The Vivliothekarissa Icon of the Virgin Mary, according to tradition, was miraculously saved from a catastrophic fire in 1722 that devastated half of the Hilandar Monastery and its library where the icon was located.

The Legend

This sacred image has a unique composition and posture, both of the Virgin Mary and the Divine Infant. The Virgin Mary is depicted in a sitting position, holding Christ in a way that makes it appear as if He is floating.

Icon Description

The icon is adorned with intricate details, including an inscription in Old Slavonic that reads, "The Icon of the Most Holy God-Bearer Assuage My Sorrows". Flanking both sides of the Virgin Mary's halo are the words "Mother of God". A silver gilt overlay covers the icon, leaving only the faces and limbs of the figures exposed, thereby underscoring its historical and spiritual significance.

Historical Context

Stylistically, the icon Assuage My Sorrows is considered to be a work of Russian icon painters from the late 17th century. It remains one of the most venerated icons in Orthodox Christianity.