Pocket Icons for Ukraine

Our Lady of the Protecting Veil is an icon of the Marian apparition that appeared over Constantinople in the 10th century while the city was under siege by the Ottomans.  The Blessed Mother appeared in the sky, holding her veil over the city to protect the people.

Throughout history, this Marian apparition has appeared in times of war, reminding the faithful to seek Our Lady’s intercession and protection.

This year, a group of iconographers in Oregon collaborated to paint tiny icons of Our Lady of the Protecting Veil for the people of Ukraine who were fleeing their homes with nothing but what they could carry. This is why we chose to make the icons small and durable enough to withstand the challenges of a small pocket.  We believe this image holds meaning for Ukrainians who are also under siege.

On December 20, 2022, Archbishop Alexander Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland, blessed approximately 200 Pocket Icons of Our Lady of the Protecting Veil for Ukraine.  The Archdiocese will now send the icons to Archbishop Sample’s international contacts to find their way into pockets of the faithful and those who need faith in Ukraine.

The miniature wooden icons of Mary are just under 2″ tall and 1″ wide, are painted in egg tempera and sealed with a durable varnish to weather rough conditions.

The reverse side of the icon contains our prayer – “May God bless and protect you” in Ukrainian.

We are grateful to Archbishop Sample for making it possible for our prayers to reach Ukrainians who face this Christmas with the loss of loved ones, their homes, and the peaceful life they once knew.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks to everyone who generously supported this project with prayer, financial support and by painting these tiny icons.