Many Eastern prayers to the Theotokos speak of her Protection, or Protecting Veil (Pokrov). In this icon, it is depicted literally—her veil being a shield against all the attacks of evil. The depiction of the Bodiless Angels surrounding her is meant to teach us how powerful her protecting intercessions are for us. The Archangels and Guardian Angels stand by to assist us in our times of need as we live our lives in Christ.