Saint Irene Chrysovalantou – Aged Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Aged Lithograph with Saint Irene Chrysovalantou

An amazing representation of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou, who lived in the 9th century AD, during the time of Empress Theodora. Her feast day is celebrated on July 28.

She was originally from Cappadocia and was known for her piety, beauty, and noble upbringing. Her virtues attracted the attention of a distinguished man who asked for her hand in marriage. They were on their way to Constantinople, but during their journey, as they passed by the Monastery of Chrysovalantou, she became so drawn to the nuns there that she decided to stay with them. She returned to her homeland, sold her belongings, and helped many poor people, while the remaining money was donated to the Monastery. She renounced worldly life, became a nun, and lived an ascetic life. Later, she was appointed abbess.

One year, while the saint was vigilantly praying, she received a vision and, with tears of reverence and gratitude, welcomed a sailor who brought three apples as a “blessing from Paradise to eat and rejoice.” These are the “apples of infertility,” which have helped thousands of faithful women conceive. For this reason, Saint Irene is considered the protector of pregnancy.

Aged Lithograph: Features

In this particular image, the iconographer monk used the technique of lithography to create a work of unique beauty. Specifically, using a lithographed copy of Byzantine art, the monk crafted this work following the traditional method of artificial aging, as taught in the iconography workshops of the Athonite State. Moreover, the artificial aging of the icon is handmade, a process to which the monks of Mount Athos give great importance.

Origin: Mount Athos