The Story Behind This Icon:
This icon portrays the Annunciation of the Theotokos, a feast which is celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before the Nativity. This feast celebrates the day on which the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to share the good news that she is to bear the Messiah, God Himself. "Rejoice, o favored one, the Lord is with you!" Mary's response befitted her chastity: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." The Virgin Mary was not forced to bear the Christ, rather, her response demonstrated her willingness to do the will of God. The Virgin Mary became, literally, the Mother of God, bearing the Word Incarnate, God Himself, in her womb, bringing Him into the world He created, for the salvation of mankind.
At the icon's top edge, the half circle represents the Kingdom of God with three rays representing the presence of the Holy Spirit directed to the Virgin Mary. The Archangel Gabriel holds a staff, the ancient symbol of a messenger. His feet are spread to show the movement of running to share the good news with Mary. On the right side of the icon, the Virgin Mary is seated, but elevated, a sign that as the Mother of God she is greater in honor than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word. Mary raises her right hand in a gesture of acceptance, indicating her assent to the good news carried by Gabriel. In her left hand, the Virgin Mary holds a spindle of scarlet yarn, symbolizing the task of preparing the purple and scarlet material to be used in making the veil for the Temple in Jerusalem.
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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. The background is comprised 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.
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.
