Celebration: February 7
An iconographic composition known as” Mourning for Christ by the Mother of God, “sometimes also called” Pieta “(with an accent on the” a”) is an image in which the Mother of God mourns for Christ. The name “Pieta” comes from the Latin word “pieta,” which means “pity” or “sorrow.” This term was first used in iconography, possibly inspired by the text of Irmos from the ninth canto of the Canon of Cosmas of Mayum on Holy Saturday. This irmos also served as one of the sources for the creation of the iconography of the Lamentation of Christ: “Do not weep for Me, Mother, and see Me in the grave, for you conceived a Son in your womb without seed: for I will arise and be glorified, and I will lift You up with glory without ceasing, as God magnifies You through faith and love.” This iconographic composition depicts the deep feeling of sorrow and pity that the Mother of God feels when looking at her crucified My son. It is an important part of art and Christian tradition and serves as a reminder of the sacrificial love and suffering of Christ for the salvation of mankind.
