The Brass Icon "Saint Nicholas of Mozhaysk".

Description

The Russian Orthodox  Icon "
Saint Nicholas of Mozhaysk
".
Saint Nicholas of Mozhaysk, or Nikola of Mozhaysk , is a Russian variation of the Saint Nikolaus traditions. According to the legend, during the 14th-century siege of Mozhaysk city by Mongols, the residents prayed to Saint Nicholas, who announced himself as a huge figure holding a sword in the right hand and the city of Mozhaisk on the palm of the left hand. After seeing such a frightful vision the Mongols retreated. The grateful citizen erected a wooden monument to Saint Nicholas as he was seen during his announcement.The motive became a popular plot for Russian icons and high-reliefs.Saint Nikolai of Mozhaisk is remembered in an icon sculpted in high-relief. This icon became most popular as a protective image, especially favored by Setu peoples, who sometimes venerate the icon with loaves of bread or cream, and who often seek blessings on their agriculture and cattle-raising. However the main role attributed to this figure is as a protector of the crops from the cold.
Some texts specifically describe the saint as a warrior-hero (e.g., a white-bearded man who stands on top of the monastery wall and can't be touched by enemy fire). The icon stands with a sword raised, which figures in the initial legends as Nikolai appeared to during a war time, but which is explained in other stories as the Saint threatening to strike an old woman who did not believe in him.
These legends may include events actually experienced in the life of the missionary Abbot Cornelius of Petseri (near the Estonia-Russia border).
S
ize
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8.5   x   5.8 cm.
Сondition shown in the photos !!!
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