The Story Behind This Icon:
This icon portrays the monasteries, the miracles and the salient figures in the extraordinary history of Mount Athos. In the center of the icon, the Virgin Mary is depicted, holding her Holy Belt. The Athonite Saints Peter and Athanasios are shown at her feet. In the inner ring of the icon, the founders of the monasteries and some significant saints from each are depicted. In the outer ring, sixteen of the twenty monasteries in Mount Athos are shown, while the remaining four can be seen around the icon. In the two top corners of the icon, one can find the Saints George and Nicholas, who are considered the protector saints of Mount Athos. In numerous places around the icon, there are depictions of daily life typical to monastic communities. One can also see notable sites such as the cells of Saint Paisios, Karyes, and Sarai. The image is completed with the depiction of the Nine Invisible Hermits, as well as the calming image of pilgrims venerating Holy Relics. Finally, one can see the small illustration of the miracle of the icon of the Panagia Portaitissa.
Monasteries (clockwise): Esphigmenou Monastery, Vatopedi Monastery, Pantokratoros Monastery, Filotheou Monastery, Konstamonitou Monastery, Karakalou Monastery, Stavronikita Monastery, Agiou Pavlou Monastery, Dionysiou Monastery, Osiou Grigoriou Monastery, Simonos Petras Monastery, Agiou Panteileimonos Monastery, Xenophontos Monastery, Docheiariou Monastery, Great Lavra Monastery, Zografou Monastery. Top, left: Xeropotamou Monastery. Top right: Helandriou Monastery. Bottom left: Koutloumousiou Monastery. Bottom right: Iviron Monastery.
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This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere.
Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.
Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.
RECESSED
The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.
LEVEL
Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.
Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time.
Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.
Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape.
