Iconography, like any artistic style, has its own rules and certain principles for representing the saints. This kind of genre is rather conservative, and the author can not bring in some kind of a stroke. Despite this, among the numerous images you can find several icons that have some distinct features. The Orthodox icon "Holy Family" has a similar meaning.
It is worth noting that this image has not yet been canonized by the church , which is why it is more often considered a picture written in a church style. Especially revere this icon in Israel, where it is found in almost all the temples, and you can buy it in any store.
The meaning and prayer of the icon of the "Holy Family"
First, let's talk about why the image does not want to be canonized, because this is important information. Such a decision is connected not only with deviations from the technique of execution, but with the composition itself. The thing is that on the icon St. Joseph draws the Virgin with one hand over the shoulders, while the other holds her by the hand. Such details are considered by many priests as a symbol of conjugal relations between them, which in Orthodoxy is unacceptable. The Gospel states that the relationship between the Virgin Mary and Joseph is more like a patronage than with an ordinary marriage.
Understanding the meaning, as well as in what helps the icon "Holy Family" is worth saying that the image is considered a powerful patron of the family and marriage. It is recommended to have such an icon of the house to people who would like to strengthen communication between family members, get rid of misunderstanding and restore love . Another image helps to return debts and honor to an unjustly slandered person. Before the icon pray for sinners and prisoners.
Its significance is the Orthodox icon "The Labor of the Holy Family", which was written not so long ago in 1923. Written image is ascetic and strict, but the basis was to take a completely unexpected story. The icon depicts three people: the Virgin Mary, Jesus and St. Joseph, working in the workshop of a carpenter. It is believed that the image is clearly illustrated by the legend, describing the boyhood years of the God-child. This icon is called renewed, that is, its main task is to adapt to reality. There are other names for this icon, for example, "Holy Family is a teacher of labor." On the image of the Theotokos, the veil of the Temple of Jerusalem is spinning, Jesus is working with a chisel, and St. Joseph is cutting a board.