Virgin Mary “Immaculate” – Serigraphy on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

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

The Virgin Mary “Immaculate” in Orthodox iconography is also called the Virgin of the Passion because Christ gazes at the two Angels depicted beside the Virgin, holding in their hands the symbols of the Passion: the Cross, the Spear, and the Sponge. The name of the icon comes from the hymn of the *Apodipnon* (Evening Prayer) “Pure, Immaculate, Unstained…” composed by the monk Paul.

In this icon, the Virgin Mary “Immaculate” holds Christ to her left, with her left hand protectively beneath his body. With her right hand, her long, delicate fingers hold the hands of her Son. Christ nestles in the embrace of His mother, His face turned toward the archangel Gabriel, who is depicted close to Him, foretelling the main symbols of the Passion: the great Cross of His future sacrifice and the crown of mockery.

The Child, frightened, clings tightly with both hands to His mother’s loving hand. Above the right shoulder of the Virgin, the Archangel Michael is also depicted, holding the spear, the sponge, and the vessel with gall and vinegar. To the right of the Virgin’s halo is the inscription “The Immaculate.”

This is a unique serigraphy on specially preserved wood, naturally sourced, from a renovated cell of Mount Athos by the Athonite monks.

Through “Mount Athos Heritage,” these collectible icons can be found in the hands of those who long to hold a piece of the living Athonite tradition.

Since the icon is handmade and the woodwork is processed by hand, there may be slight variations in the wood, but not in the depiction.

The icon is available upon request.

Dimensions: 25 x 33.5 x 2.5 cm