Wholesale Bethlehem Mother of God Icon Smiling Virgin Mary Orthodox Handmade Icon on Wood

🕊️ Bethlehem Mother of God Icon – The Smiling Virgin This handmade Orthodox icon is a heartfelt reproduction of the Bethlehem Mother of God, one of the most emotionally expressive and unique Marian icons in the Orthodox world. Painted in 19th-century Russia and gifted by the Romanov royal family to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the icon remains in the Holy Land — venerated by pilgrims from around the world. Its most remarkable feature is the gentle, smiling face of the Virgin Mary, who usually appears solemn or sorrowful in iconography. In this image, she smiles tenderly at the Christ Child, who holds the Orb, a symbol of divine power and blesses with His right hand. This icon belongs to the Hodegetria type — “She Who Shows the Way” — where the Theotokos directs the viewer toward Christ, the true Light and Savior. 📜 Historical & Spiritual Significance: * Created in the 1840s, likely as a diplomatic and spiritual gift to Orthodox Christians of the Holy Land * Placed near the Nativity Grotto in Bethlehem — the birthplace of Jesus * Associated with prayers for fertility, joy in the home, peace, and divine comfort * Especially venerated on August 28 (15), the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos Mary’s smile is a sign of God’s loving presence, a silent message to all who suffer: "Do not fear — God's love is with you." 🖼 Product Features Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives. * Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight * Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations * Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel * Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse * Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal 📏 Available Sizes • Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”) • Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”) • Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”) 🎁 Perfect For • Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts • Housewarming and family blessings • Prayer corners and devotional spaces • Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days 🌍 Worldwide Delivery Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.