"The Nativity of Christ"

The history of this product goes back to the traditions of the holy apostles, according to which, after the meal, the offering of the Theotokos prosphora was performed to taste its particles. For this purpose, the prosphora was transported in small encolpion arks from the temple to the meal. Both the prosphora and the encolpion in which it was transferred were named after the Mother of God – Panagia, which means All-Holy. Ancient casement panagias usually had an image of the Virgin on the front, and later images of the Crucifixion or Ascension began to appear. The history of the development of these products allows us to see that since the end of the XVI century, a new type of elegant panagia has appeared in the form of a small icon, richly decorated with ornamental motifs, which becomes the badge of the highest clergy worn on a chain over the vestments. The work "The Nativity of Christ" by Vladimir Mikhailov dates back in its form to the traditions of the 18th century, when panagia were carved on semiprecious stones, minted on gold and silver, and set in a pearl-studded setting. The jewelry reflects the event of the holy Christmas day, which is revered by the memory of the infinite Divine love that did not spare Her Son for the salvation of the human race. The Virgin Mary and Joseph knelt at the manger of the Infant of God. The light figures create a simple and expressive composition, and the Star of Bethlehem seems to point at the Baby, almost touching the rays of his halo. With a deep sense of reverence, the Holy Mother of Christ and her betrothed, the Righteous Joseph, chosen by God to preserve and protect the Mother of God. In the Gospel of Luke it is written that these joyful events were preceded by the decree of Emperor Augustus on the census, therefore the Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph, descended from the family of David, had to go to Bethlehem, the city of David, to add their names to the list of subjects of Caesar.: "Joseph also went from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to register with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth; and she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:4-7). A large medallion with Holy images is framed by a carved ornament in the form of lilies interspersed with precious stones. The floral buttonhole allows the product to be worn, and the decorative stand can be installed in the interior. The "velvet" brushes hanging on both sides of the icon create a festive and complete composition, which arcs into a lavishly decorated miniature pedestal. The base of the stand is decorated with a carved relief with belts of "pearl" beads. On the back of the panagia are the words of prayer: "Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth into the world the light of reason, for in it we serve the stars, and we partake of the stars. We bow to You, the Sun of Truth, and We lead You from the height of the East, O Lord, glory to You. God is with us, understand, pagans, and be careful..."