Virgin Mary Glykophilousa Icon
The Panagia Glykophilousa, “Sweet-kissing” or “Loving Kindness” icon depicts the Virgin Mary caressing her son, so that they appear to be kissing. In the Byzantine representations, the Child caresses her cheek while she appears sad, seemingly contemplating his coming Passion. The representation from the Cretan School of the 17th Century shows very pronounced characteristics of the Virgin Mother. A similar icon to compare to the Glykophilousa is the Eleousa (the Virgin of Tenderness), where the Mother is accepting the affection demonstrated by the Child Christ. The icon is remembered by the Church on March 27.
