Before you is a true relic — a rare icon of "The Betrothal of the Great Martyr Catherine." Saint Catherine the Great Martyr is an early Christian saint who lived in Egypt. The theme of her mystical betrothal to Christ is often found in European paintings. In these paintings, the infant Jesus gives Saint Catherine a wedding ring. This is a symbol of spiritual union: according to one version, the saint was a nun, meaning Christ's bride. Catherine was honored throughout the Christian world. Young girls asked her for a good husband, and those already married prayed to her for strengthening their marriage and family happiness. She is also considered the patroness of sciences, students of theology, and philosophers. In Russian iconography, the theme of this mystical betrothal is extremely rare. This icon is a true relic. The image in a silver frame once belonged to the Moscow Grenadier Regiment and was particularly revered by officers. There is a memorial inscription on the icon: in 1797, it was commissioned by Captain Gryazev, a participant in Suvorov's European campaigns. This and other icons can be seen at the new exhibition "Mystical Betrothal" at the Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art named after Andrei Rublev (https://t.me/rublevmuseum), Moscow, Andronievskaya Square, 10, from May 23 to June 23, 2024