An antique Russian Orthodox hand painted icon of Intercession of the Theotokos. Mixed media painting: egg tempera, gold leaf, gesso on wood panel. Inscribed upper to the center. Circa: 18th century. The Intercession of the Theotokos, or the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, is a feast of the Mother of God celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches. The feast celebrates the protection afforded the faithful through the intercessions of the Theotokos (lit. Mother of God, the Eastern title of the Virgin Mary). In the Slavic Orthodox Churches, it is celebrated as the most important solemnity besides the Twelve Great Feasts and Pascha. Antique Russian religious items and collectibles.