File:VladimirVirgin.jpg

Summary
"...Virgin of Vladimir (Vladimirskaya Theotokos). According to legend, it was painted by the Apostle Luke. He wrote of one of the four Gospels, the Biblical stories of Jesus’ life. Because Luke knew Mary, Jesus’ mother, this icon is supposed to show what she really looked like. Also, according to tradition, this icon is connected to a miracle. St. John Damascus is supposed to have prayed in front of this icon for his hand to be reattached after it had been cut off. His prayer was granted." http://www.geocities.com/denisesb10468/RussianIcons-Religion.html