The Story Behind This Icon:
This icon is a replica of the original Holy Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos, a miraculous wall-painting/icon found in the Docheiariou Monastery on Mount Athos, Greece dating to the 11th century. Holy Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos is known for responding quickly to prayers.
In 1664, a monk of the monastery lost his sight after disobeying for the second time the voice of the Icon (which he initially believed was from a human being) commanding him not to pass by the Icon with the smoke from his lighted torch. Following the loss of his sight, the monk spent his days in front of the Icon praying to the Holy Virgin Mary for forgiveness. His prayers were granted when, for the third time he heard a voice from the Icon: "Today I give you your sight and from this time on, do not pass through here with lighted torches, I am the Guardian of this monastery and I respond quickly to those who call me. From now on my name is "Gorgoepikoos" (She Who Is Quick to Hear)." Since then, the Holy Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos has responded to many prayers with miracles.
The icon is remembered by the church on October 1.
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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 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.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
