Theotokos of Paramythia – Silkscreen Print on Naturally Aged Wood – Mount Athos

Description

Icon of the Theotokos of Paramythia with Decorated Halo on Naturally Aged Wood

The replica of the Vatopedi Theotokos who comforts and protects the faithful has been carefully placed on very old wood from the entrance of a cell that was renovated.

The “Theotokos of Paramythia” on naturally aged wood is unique and is exclusively available from “Agioritiki Kleronomia.”

The original icon of the Theotokos of Paramythia is located at the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos. According to Christian tradition, in 807 AD, pirates secretly landed on the beach of the monastery and waited hidden for the gate to open in order to attack. However, after the conclusion of Matins, the abbot heard the Theotokos telling him, “Do not open the gates of the monastery today, but go up to the walls and drive away the pirates.” When he turned his gaze towards the icon, he saw the Divine Infant stretching His hand and covering His mother’s lips, saying, “No, my Mother, let them be punished as they deserve.” But the Theotokos, holding the hand of her Son, repeated the same words. Indeed, the monks were saved from the pirates, and as tradition recounts, the expressions of the faces and the posture of both the Theotokos and Jesus changed since that time in the icon.

The expression on the face of the Theotokos is full of boundless compassion, love, sympathy, and maternal care. Christ, although depicted as an infant, has a serious expression as the Judge. This icon also reflects how the monks on Mount Athos perceive the Theotokos as their mother. She is their mediator and protector.

The Athonite monks, while living in a place that is a spiritual paradise on earth, Mount Athos, do not forget their brethren who live in the world. They find many and varied ways to taste a bit of the spirituality and grace of the Byzantine heritage. Thus, this icon was created on wood with a long history from a cell on Mount Athos, after being restored. It was adorned with liquid gold, which did not alter the aesthetic image. The personal touch of the monk’s work is particularly noticeable in the hammered, decorated halo of the Theotokos and Christ.

The wood is heavy, as it is an authentic piece with a long history that has changed little in shape and texture to prevent further alteration from the passage of time. The work is exclusively available from “Agioritiki Kleronomia.”

Dimensions: 24×32

The icon is available upon request.