The sources of inspiration for the birth of the icon of “the Mother of the Divine Word”. The icon of “the Mother of the Divine Word” was painted by a Russian artist – Aleutina Vengzhenovska in close collaboration with the members of the Society of the Divine Word. The inspiration behind the icon was the desire to put together all the SVD Arnoldus family saints and blessed along with the main characteristics of the SVD charism on one canvas.

Two orthodox icons became the foundation for the idea. The first icon named “Graceful heaven” was found by Aleutina on the internet. The icon touched her heart deeply with its beauty and tragic fate. A long time ago, this icon was part of the Orthodox Church iconostasis but the communist persecution of faith destroyed the iconostasis and this particular icon was used as a plank on the floor of the office of the village council. It seems that the size of the icon was bigger than the required wooden plank, and so the concerned member cut off the upper part of the said icon, cutting off actually the head of the Virgin Mary. After many years have passed, the floor was removed, that led to the discovery of the icon. The photo of the icon, used as part of the wooden floor, was posted on the internet to show the barbaric act that was committed. The artist, convinced that the icon should not be destroyed and forgotten committed herself to give new life to “the Graceful Heaven” icon and turn it as the image of “the Mother of the Divine Word”.