The Story Behind This Icon:
This icon is a replica of the original icon, found above the gates of the Iviron Monastery in Mount Athos, Greece.
Perhaps one of the most treasured icons on Mount Athos, Greece and throughout the world, Panagia Portaitissa is connected to a rich history and a plethora of miracles. During the years of the Byzantine Iconoclasm (8th & 9th century), a widow and her son threw the Icon into the sea in an effort to save it from being burnt and destroyed by the soldiers of the Emperor Theophilos. Instead of sinking, the Icon stood upright and travelled through the sea. Deeply moved by this scene, the widow's son dedicated himself to God and later settled in Mount Athos where he told the story to other monks.
About a century later, the monks of the Iviron Monastery in Mount Athos saw for several days a column of light extending from the sea to the heavens. The mystery was revealed by the Holy Mother of God Herself, who urged Gabriel, a monk of the monastery, to walk on the waters (as if it were land) and bring the Icon back to shore. The monks built a chapel and zealously worshipped the icon every day. Despite this, after its installation in the altar, the icon repeatedly disappeared from the chapel and was always found above the gate of the monastery. The Holy Virgin Mary appeared to monk Gabriel again, to tell him that this was the place she had chosen, so that she could protect the monks, and not be protected by them. The icon has since then taken the name "Portaitissa"(The Keeper of the Portal).
According to legend, a pirate once struck the icon with his sword and blood began to flow from the Virgin's cheek. Shaken by this miracle, the soldier instantly repented and started a monastic life. Since then, all copies of the Icon have depicted her with a scar and blood on her cheek.
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This icon is made of solid, natural limewood that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background consists of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
