The first three icons are examples of the Virgin of Tenderness. They are variations of the Virgin of Glykophilousa which dates from the 15th century.

Of the three, the middle is closest to the type. In each you see Mary holding the Child with both hands, their checks pressed tenderly to each other. In the first two, the Child's holds his Mother's chin. In the second and third, the child holds the scroll, a symbol for the "Word made flesh". Here it represents the fulfillment of prophecy through the passion. In the third Icon, the Child reaches across to hold his Mother's maphorion. It moves us toward the forth Icon, The Virgin of Kardiotissa.