A Russian Icon of the Apparition of the Virgin to St. Sergius of Radonezh, circa 1600

The Mother of God, accompanied by the Apostles Paul and John, stands near center with a red crozier in her hand; opposite her stands St. Sergius of Radonezh, his hands raised in an expression of amazement, and his disciple St. Micah; the Old Testament Trinity appears above in the heavens

Some losses and restoration
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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Late one night, after reading an Akathist to the Mother of God, St. Sergius of Radonezh (1314-1392) suddenly announced to his disciple St. Micah that they would experience a wondrous visitation.  As soon as he had spoken, a voice was heard to say: "The All-Pure One approaches!" This icon depicts the moment at which Sergius and Micah rush from their monastic cell and with amazement behold the Mother of God, accompanied by the Apostles Peter and John. She goes on to tell him that his prayers for his disciples and the Holy Trinity Monastery, which he had founded, had been heard and that the monastery would prosper long after his death. She then hands him the crozier she had been carrying as a symbol of her protection of the monastery.  The monastery became one of the most important in all of Russia, receiving the status of a lavra from the Empress Elizabeth in 1744.