Our Lady of Ostra Brama

Bela Taraseiskey, Our Lady of Ostra Brama, ©2009 acrylic on canvas, 28 x 24 inches

In its old part, near the Church of St. Teresa and Orthodox monastery of Holy Spirit, there is a relic, honored by both the Orthodox and the Catholics –the icon is in the church above the gates. They are called “Sharp Gates” or Ostra Brama (from Polish ostra – “sharp” and brama – “gates”). The name of the gates gave name to the icon, which has been placed above them long since. The gates are the remaining part of the ancient defense system.