Theotokos Gorgoepikoos – Serigraph on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

Icon of the Theotokos Gorgoepikoos on Naturally Aged Wood

The miraculous icon of the Theotokos Gorgoepikoos has been located in the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou on Mount Athos since 1646. According to the monks, the Virgin Mary was given this name because she quickly responds to the prayers of those who call upon her with faith and love. As Saint Nicodemus mentions in the Synaxarion, on the right side of the altar table in the Monastery of Dochiariou was an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, which was painted in the 11th century. One evening, while the monastery’s cook was passing by the icon, he heard a voice say, “Do not pass by here and blacken the place with smoke.” The monk thought someone had spoken to him and ignored it. A few days later, while passing again with torches, he heard the voice once more, saying, “O monk, why do you continue to blacken my image and dishonor me?” At that moment, the monk lost his sight. Realizing his mistake, he built a stand in front of the icon and continuously prayed for the Virgin’s forgiveness, asking for his sight to be restored. The Virgin, as a merciful mother, heard his prayer and said, “Behold, from today I give you back your sight. From now on, be careful not to pass by with torches, for I am the Lady of this Monastery, and I swiftly respond to those who call upon me, granting them their petitions for salvation, for I am called Gorgoepikoos.” Since then, the icon has been known as Gorgoepikoos.

The uniqueness of this particular icon lies mainly in its wood, which comes from a cell on Mount Athos. After being transformed using special techniques, it now continues to “live” and transmit the blessing of Mount Athos.

Through “Athonite Heritage,” these collectible icons can be found in the hands of those 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 small variations in the wood, but not in the depiction.

The icon is available upon request.

Origin: Mount Athos

Dimensions: 20 x 23 x 2 cm