Virgin Mary “Glykophilousa” – Serigraph on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

Icon of the Virgin Mary “Glykophilousa” on Naturally Aged Wood

The Virgin Mary “Glykophilousa” is depicted lovingly holding the infant Christ in her arms. Her posture emphasizes her human side, as she tilts her head and her face touches that of her beloved Son. The face of the Theotokos is surrounded by a sculpted halo in a silver shade, while the infant Jesus she holds in her arms has a golden halo around his head.

The title “Glykophilousa” is one of the approximately 500 names attributed to the Virgin Mary, who is one of the most beloved figures in the Orthodox Church.

According to tradition, the “Glykophilousa” icon was saved from the iconoclasm and brought to Mount Athos. It is said to have belonged to Victoria, the wife of a devout senator, who, in her attempt to avoid handing over the icon, threw it into the sea. The tradition says that the icon floated upright on the waves until it finally reached the harbor of the Monastery of Filotheou, where it was found and received by the monks of the Monastery.

The monks of Mount Athos create these icons from old wood obtained from the renovation of cells on Mount Athos, thus continuing to live and carry the blessing of the Holy Mountain. Through the “Athos Heritage,” these collectible icons can be found in the hands of people who long to hold a piece of the living Athonite tradition.

As the icon is handmade and the wood processing is done by hand, there may be slight variations in the wood, but not in the depiction.

The icon is available upon order.

Dimensions: 26 x 31 x 2.5 cm
Origin: Mount Athos