The Story Behind This Icon:
The oldest and perhaps one of the most treasured icons of all on Mount Athos, Greece is that of the Theotokos of the Akathist.
The original icon is made of beeswax and mastic (an aromatic resin that exudes from the bark of a Mediterranean tree) along with myrrh. On the back side of the original icon, the following is written: "This is the miraculous Icon which Patriarch Sergios held whilst circling the walls of Constantinople and which ridded the city of the barbarian siege and was donated to the Monastery of Dionysiou by Emperor Alexios".
In the year 626, the Christian Capital of Constantinople was in danger and surrounded by barbarians. The Patriarch Sergius led the faithful around the walls of the City praying and singing for the Theotokos intercession throughout the night; as a result of those prayers, the City was saved. Among the prayers offered were 24 verses of Salutations to the Theotokos, which were then given the name "Akathist" (not sitting) in remembrance of how the faithful had stood in reverence and fervent prayer all night.
Those 24 verses are depicted on the icon with 24 small images/scenes surrounding the Theotokos sitting on a throne, giving a visual expression to the Akathist Hymn. The first letter of each verse of the Akathist Hymn corresponds to the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet, starting from "A" and ending to "Ω".
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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.
