Our Lady of Bethlehem. The icon that smiles and shines.

Among the many and varied relics and spiritual treasures that one finds in the majestic Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem , a special place in the hearts of the Orthodox and not only , holds the miraculous image of the Virgin of Bethlehem. The only icon that smiles and shines because it brought into the world our Savior Christ.

The holy icon is the epitaph of the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ and is located in a prominent shrine, on the right side of the south entrance of the Holy Cave of the Nativity. The infinite affection that overflows from Her eyes sweetens and delights and gives birth to the hearts of the faithful, but also the clothing of the Most Holy Theotokos that is covered with luxurious gems cause a special impression.

It is speculated that the image comes from Russia and in particular the Holy Tradition connects it with the Russian Empress Catherine (others believe that it belongs to St. Elizabeth) who visited the Holy Land and Bethlehem, after a miracle performed by the Virgin, donated her tsarist clothes to dress the Miss of the World.
At the same time, she gave up her jewelry, insisting that since then the tsars should no longer wear rubies and diamonds, but that this should be the exclusive privilege of the "Queen of Angels".
May he always be for all of us our warm protector and helper in all that we are experiencing in the Apocalypse today, Amen!