Description

Lithograph of Panagia Engyomonsa

Panagia Engyomonsa is one of the rarest iconographic themes, although it has been known in Byzantine art since the 11th century. During that period, the iconographic model of Panagia Vlacherna was dominant in Byzantine iconography. In this image, Jesus is depicted in a medallion on the Virgin Mary’s chest to signify the Divine Word within her womb.

The depiction of Panagia Engyomonsa in iconography is rare. Although the Church places great importance on motherhood through various feasts (such as the feast of the Conception of Saint Anne and the Birth of the Theotokos and St. John the Baptist), and despite its thematic association with the Akathist Hymn, the Virgin Mary as pregnant is not widely represented in iconography.

The icon portrays the Virgin Mary in a state of pregnancy. Panagia Engyomonsa is the protector of childless couples and expectant mothers. The Church honors this title of the Virgin Mary on September 25th, exactly six months after the Annunciation of the Theotokos and three months before Christmas.

Prayer for Expectant Mothers to Panagia Engyomonsa

Expectant Mistress, Mary Theotokos, Who bore in your womb the King of all, Present my prayer, I who am with child, And grant me understanding and the fear of God, Grace, mercy, and your help, Until I reach the time of childbirth with ease. I will thank God for granting me a child, And after the birth, grant me the honor of bringing it To the church, and raising it well, So I may praise God with my lips and heart, For to Him belong the honor and glory forever. Amen

Lithograph of Panagia Engyomonsa

Using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the gifted iconographer created this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught to him on Mount Athos. In the four corners, the icon is adorned with gold finishing, placed between the carvings of the artificial aging technique.