Mother of God of refuge

The Mother of God of the Refuge (Katafigi in Greek) is an icon of a very rare model, dates back to the end of the 14th century and is located in Bulgaria. It used to belong to the Poganowo monastery, now kept in the National Art Museum in Sofia. It was born as a processional icon: it is large, about 90x60 cm, and double-sided, on the back there is the depiction of Ezekiel's vision.

It is a unique icon, of great artistic quality, which we can read through the details. The characters depicted are Mary and the apostle John. They are in a very similar position to how we usually find them under the cross of Jesus. But Jesus crucified is not there and, since a "detail" icon of another is not possible (if it were a representation of the crucifixion, Jesus should absolutely be present!), we can say with certainty that it is not the moment of the crucifixion. And yet, the reference to that moment is very strong, because the relationship between the two was born right under the cross: "Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved beside her, said to his mother: 'Woman, here is your son!' Then he said to the disciple: "Here is your mother!". And from that hour the disciple took her in with him" (Jn 19:26-27).

From Giovanni's face we understand that many years have passed since that moment, but things are still like this. They are still together, immersed in a silence of contemplation: their covered hands indicate respect for the presence of God.

Detail that we usually find in icons depicting angels or saints who bring the Eucharist. But it is also a silence of pain, especially for her mother, who still seems to be frozen, petrified under the cross, still immersed in her son's passion, and united in her continuous offering of love and pain.

Another peculiarity is the color of the mother's mantle: it is usually purple, in this icon we find blue instead. She is dressed entirely in blue. And blue is the color of the depth of the divine mystery, it indicates Mary's resemblance to God, her being fully spiritual of her. Even the color of the shoes, purple, gives us an indication: it is the color of royalty, only the empress could wear this color. Furthermore, the two are represented without context, in a background of pure gold, out of time: John himself does not have the book of the Gospel in his hand, therefore he represents all of humanity, all the children that Jesus entrusted to his mother .

A mysterious icon, where she, Mary, remains at the center of everything. From the title, Mother of God of the refuge, perhaps we can guess a few more messages: Mary is the refuge, she who was entrusted to us as a mother by Jesus himself, she who carried him in her womb, accompanied him until his death , who shared her heart and soul and all her pains as only a mother can. She becomes our refuge, she is given to us as a great maternal heart to entrust with our efforts, our pains, the most painful situations that we are unable to resolve; she who wishes to accompany us, help us, protect us from evil and guide us with certainty towards her Son of hers, towards God, immense love, true life, the profound meaning of everything.

Chiara dal Corso

NP Gennaio 2023