The guidelines for painting the icon are strictly normed because they are to represent a fixed or solid doctrine of the faith. In 1995, on the 600th anniversary of the transference of the icon from Vladimir to Moscow, an academic conference was held in the Tretjakow Fine Arts Gallery. Topics for the conference included such themes as marian devotion linked to the culture of a Christian people. Meditation Icons have been described as windows to the divine. Those who take time to meditate on the divine realities expressed through the paintings, do so with the inner eye of the soul reaching beyond the representation to the truth it represents.
Meditation can be simply a quiet observing in silence and wonder.
Words are not necessary. Perhaps this is the best meditation of all. Meditation can also inspire prayer to share with others. We invite you to reflect on Our Lady of Tenderness with us. Mary, Mother of God, The gentle tenderness you share with your child is a quiet, strong thing reflected from your image.