Annunciation of the Theotokos – Serigraph on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

Serigraph of the Annunciation of the Theotokos on Naturally Aged Wood

A representation of the Annunciation of the Theotokos as a serigraph on naturally aged wood (March 25th).

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos is a major feast in the Christian calendar. It is considered “Despotic-Theotokian,” meaning that it is Despotic because it refers to the Lord Christ, who was conceived in the womb of the Theotokos, and Theotokian because it honors the person who contributed to the conception and the incarnation of the Word of God, namely the Virgin Mary. This is one of the most important feasts in Orthodoxy as it marks the beginning of humanity’s salvation.

The Annunciation of the Theotokos is essentially the joyful news received by the Virgin Mary from Archangel Gabriel that she would bear Jesus Christ in a miraculous way. According to the Evangelist Luke, the event of the Annunciation took place in Nazareth. Sent by God, the Archangel Gabriel met Mary at her home and greeted her saying, “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” The Virgin, upon hearing that she would conceive, was astonished and asked how this could be since she was not married. The Archangel then reassured her that the Holy Spirit would take care of everything. The Virgin Mary’s response, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word,” reflects her complete submission and trust in God’s will.

This particular icon has been created on naturally aged wood, sourced from one of the many cells in the Holy Mountain (Mount Athos). Over time, the natural elements have caused significant wear and tear to many of these woods, necessitating restoration work. The wood that results from these restoration works is cut using special techniques employed by the monks for the preservation of wooden iconostasis in monasteries, and subsequently serves as the base for these unique icons.

Since 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 by order.

Dimensions: 19.5 x 24.5 x 2 cm

Origin: Mount Athos