Virgin Mary, Gracious, Saint George & Saint Demetrius – Antiqued Iconostasis with Lithography – Mount Athos

Description

Antiqued Iconostasis with Lithograph of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint George, and Saint Demetrius.

The Blessed Virgin Mary

In the person of the Most Holy Theotokos, all virtues are gathered. The Virgin Mary is immaculate and virtuous. Throughout the ages, the virtues, gifts, and countless miracles of the Virgin Mary have inspired iconographers who create unique icons of her, filled with symbolism.

The title “Kecharitomene” (Full of Grace) was given to the Virgin by the Archangel Gabriel during the Annunciation. “Rejoice, Kecharitomene, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women,” said the Archangel to Mary when he visited her to announce the joyful news that she would bear the Messiah.

“Kecharitomene” means full of the grace of God, full of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Virgin Mary is “Kecharitomene” because she possessed the fullness of God’s grace.

In the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, she is depicted lovingly holding her Son in her arms. The faces of the two figures are touching, while the young Jesus gently touches His mother’s face with one hand, as all children do in the arms of their mothers, seeking warmth and security. The Virgin Mary wears a blue tunic and a dark purple mantle, the color of which adds Byzantine grandeur to the icon. In her left hand, she holds a closed scroll. Jesus wears an orange tunic.

Saint George

This lithograph depicts Saint George, the Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer, who was born around 275 AD in Cappadocia to Christian parents. His father died as a martyr for Christ when George was only ten years old. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the Roman army and quickly rose through the ranks, gaining the admiration of Emperor Diocletian himself.

However, George did not hesitate to confess his faith before the emperor, who had begun a campaign to eradicate Christianity. Diocletian was enraged and imprisoned George, subjecting him to a series of tortures. One night, while imprisoned, Saint George had a dream in which Christ announced to him his impending death and entry into eternal life. The next day, Diocletian ordered that George’s head be cut off.

Saint Demetrius

An exquisite lithograph of Saint Demetrius, the patron saint and protector of Thessaloniki. In the person of Saint Demetrius, Thessaloniki sees its protector and liberator. Not only because the city’s liberation from the Ottomans in 1912 coincided with his feast day, but also because, according to tradition, before the city’s liberation, its inhabitants saw the saint on horseback atop the White Tower, encouraging them. According to Christian tradition, Saint Demetrius lived and was martyred in Thessaloniki during the reign of Diocletian. He was from an aristocratic family and served as an officer, but his high rank did not prevent him from embracing the Orthodox faith and being baptized as a Christian.

Antiqued Lithograph: Features

Using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk iconographer created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught on Mount Athos. The artificial aging of the icon is handcrafted, which gives the work, depicting the Virgin of the Gorgoepikoos, collectible value. The technique of lithography in iconography is a printing technique that was invented in 1798.

The iconostasis is available upon request.

Dimensions: 46 x 33 x 1.5 cm

Origin: Mount Athos