Virgin of the Gorgoepikoos – Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Virgin of the Gorgoepikoos: What Does the Title of the Theotokos Mean?

The miraculous icon of the Virgin of the Gorgoepikoos has been located at the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou on Mount Athos since 1646. According to the monastery’s history, the icon “shines like a very bright moon, like an excellent governor and wise steward, guiding it.” It protects the monks from every attack and influence, as well as those who turn to it in faith, asking for her intercession.

As the venerable Nikodemus mentions in the Synaxarion, on the right side of the monastery’s refectory, there was an old icon of the Virgin. This icon was painted in the 11th century, dating back to the time of the monastery’s founder, Neophytos. In 1646, it was a very difficult year for the monastery, as it lacked the necessary funds to pay the tax to the Turkish conquerors. The monastery’s refectory monk would pass constantly in front of the Virgin’s icon, holding lit torches in his hands.

One evening, as he was passing in front of the icon of the Virgin, he heard a voice coming from it saying, “Do not pass by here and blacken the place with smoke.” The monk thought someone had called out to him, but he paid no attention. A few days later, while continuing to pass in front of the icon with lit torches, he heard the voice again, saying, “Oh monk, until when will you continue to smoke my image and dishonor me?”

At that moment, the monk lost his sight. He then realized his mistake and made a stand in front of the icon. He continuously prayed to the Virgin to forgive him and grant him back his sight. The Virgin, as a merciful mother, heard his prayer and said to him, “Behold, from today I grant you light, and from now on be careful not to pass with lit torches, for I am the Lady of this Monastery, and I quickly obey those who call upon me and grant them what they ask for the sake of their salvation, because I am called Gorgoepikoos.”

Since then, the icon has been called Gorgoepikoos, because the Virgin, through her miraculous works, constantly shows that she listens and quickly responds to those who call upon her with faith and reverence. Her grace works miracles within the Holy Mountain, her Garden, and throughout the world.

The Icon of the Virgin Gorgoepikoos

The icon is hand-finished and covered with gold on the halos of the Virgin and Jesus, as well as on the top and bottom frames of the icon. It also undergoes the technique of artificial aging, which gives it a unique charm. The handmade details make the image of the Virgin even more alive.

Collectible Lithographed Copy of Byzantine Art!

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.

Origin: Mount Athos