Icon of the Virgin "Three-handed"

Icon of the Virgin "Three-handed"

Russia.  XIX century

Tempera on wood

31 x 26 cm

In the life of St. John of Damascus, an episode is given according to which the emergence of this special iconography is associated with him. It is said that during the emergence of the iconoclasm movement in Byzantium, supported by Emperor Leo III Isaurus, John wrote three treatises in defense of icon worship and sent them to the emperor. Leo Isaur became enraged, but could do nothing, since John was not a subject of his empire, but lived in Damascus, being a minister at the court of the caliph. To prevent John from writing works in defense of icons, the emperor resorted to slander. A forged letter was written on behalf of John, in which John allegedly offered the emperor his help in conquering the Syrian capital. This letter and the Emperor's reply to it were sent to the Caliph. John was removed from office and punished by cutting off the right hand, which was hanged in the town square. After some time, John received the severed hand back and, shutting himself in, put his hand to his hand and began to pray in front of the icon The Virgin. After a while, he fell asleep, and when he woke up, he found that his arm had miraculously grown. In gratitude for the healing, John put his hand made of silver to the icon. The third hand began to be reproduced on many lists of this icon, which received the name "Troeruchitsa".