Description

Panagia Epta Spathia: The Story of the Icon

In this most unusual image, the Virgin Mary is depicted with her heart pierced by seven swords. In the more common iconographic type, we see four swords on her left and three on her right.

Because the Catholics have adopted the worship of the “Heart of the Theotokos,” many believe that the icon of Panagia Epta Spathia has Catholic origins. In reality, however, the image is connected to the prophecy of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver, as recorded by the Evangelist Luke: “and a sword will pierce your own soul also…” (Luke 2:35).

This passage refers to the pain the Virgin Mary would experience at the moment of her separation from her beloved Son, when, before her eyes, He would be led to His crucifixion.

The Panagia Epta Spathia is also known as “The Prophecy of the Righteous Simeon.” It is commemorated by the Church on August 13th.

Lithograph: Characteristics

This beautiful image has been created using the lithography technique. The monk who created this particular work studied in the iconography workshops of the Monasteries of Mount Athos, where he learned both the lithography technique and the process of handmade artificial aging that characterizes the icon of Panagia Epta Spathia. It is worth noting that the lithography technique in iconography is a form of printing.

Origin: Mount Athos