The Icon of the Gate of Dawn is rich with layers of meaning. Within it, one can see both the Virgin listening to the Angel’s Message (the Annunciation) and the Mother of Mercy who draws sinful humanity close to her heart. The sun, stars, and crescent moon depicted in the metal coverings (riza) are attributes of the Immaculate Conception, representing the abundance of God’s graces. Enriched by the symbolism of its coverings, the Icon evokes the type of Marian image known as Tota Pulchra (taken from the words of the Song of Songs 4:7: “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you”). Here, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary is presented as the beginning of a new creation, justified solely by the grace of God, and as the supreme ideal for all Christians.
Linked to the idea of the Immaculate Conception is the depiction of her parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne – their sculptures stand on either side of the Icon, between the columns of the altar. It is told that Mary’s parents, prosperous and devout people, remained childless for a long time and suffered great shame because of it. Once, St. Joachim was even turned away from the ritual offerings at the Temple; dejected, he did not wish to return home. However, an angel commanded him to return to his wife, and soon they were blessed with a daughter, whose life from infancy was accompanied by miracles.
The wonderful story of the Birth of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary is an indication of her exceptional station: from the very moment of her conception, God surrounded her with special protection and grace, preserving her from the stain of original sin. Mary, the Immaculate Conception, was justified in anticipation of the future Incarnation and Redemption of the Son of God; therefore, her birth heralds the approaching salvation, just as the Star of the Dawn heralds the rising of the Sun.