Minneapolis, February 5, 2025
The Minneapolis Deliverer Icon was gifted by St. Tikhon in the early 20th century
An historic icon of the Theotokos that was gifted more than 100 years ago by St. Tikhon of Moscow during his time as head of the North American Mission has returned to the Orthodox Church in America’s St. Mary’s Cathedral in Minneapolis after undergoing two years of professional restoration work.
The clergy and faithful gathered on Wednesday, January 29, to formally welcome the beloved Deliverer Theotokos of Minneapolis back to the church, reports the Diocese of the Midwest.
The icon was originally painted at St. Panteleimon’s Monastery on Mt. Athos.
Upon arrival of the icon at the cathedral, an akathist to the Deliverer Theotokos and Vespers for the feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs were celebrated, with hundreds of faithful venerating the icon.
“This icon represents a connection to our historical past, while also providing for the faithful an important spiritual connection to our Mother, the Most Holy Theotokos,” said Mitered Archpriest Andrew Morbey, Dean of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The icon has been treasured by the cathedral community since it was gifted by St. Tikhon, but over the past quarter century, its condition severely deteriorated, requiring professional restoration by artisans at the Midwest Art Conservation Center in Minneapolis.
“For Orthodox believers in Minneapolis, the protection of the Mother of God is something very powerful in their lives,” Father Morbey said, adding, “They understand the importance of turning to the Mother of God in prayer and love as our heavenly intercessor. Now this icon is restored and present for all to venerate and pray before, knowing that the Theotokos hears our prayers.”
To maintain its new condition, the icon has been placed in a temperature-controlled case, which will be set in a large kiot that is being built by parishioners.
A new akathist has been composed specifically in honor of the Minneapolis Deliverer Icon.
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