Panagia Portaitissa - Athonite
Panagia Portaitissa - Athonite
Panagia Portaitissa - Athonite
Panagia Portaitissa - Athonite
Panagia Portaitissa - Athonite
Panagia Portaitissa - Athonite

Panagia Portaitissa

Regular price $120.00

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 Theophilus. 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

From the moment you first hold your Holy Icon, you will see the exquisite details that bear truth to the meticulous preparation and creation of the image, as well as feel the depth and weight of the solid wood upon which it is portrayed. One of our larger icon dimensions (11.8" x 15.7"/30 x 40 cm) weighs more than 5 pounds! 

Because we value quality even in the details, your Holy Icon will be shipped in luxury packaging and can be presented as a gift for a friend or family member.

Dimension: 7.9" x 11" (20 x 28 cm)

Width Weight Style
Backside Braces
1.8" (4.5 cm)
2.3 lb (1kg)
Recessed Wood

Dimension: 11.8" x 15.7" (30 x 40 cm)

Width Weight Style
Backside Braces
2" (5 cm)
5.2 lb (2.3 kg)
Recessed Wood

Dimensions and weights may slightly vary as these items are cut by hand.

We are proud to offer the highest quality products! However, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for an exchange or refund, free of charge! We offer free return shipping for all orders, so long as: 
a) Item(s) are been purchased in the last 30 days.
b) Item(s) are returned with their original blue box and/or packaging.
c) Both the packaging and item(s) are in their original condition.

You can read our full Refund & Return Policy here.

Customer Reviews

Based on 2 reviews
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J
Jon Kasick
You feel the presence

I purchased this icon for a friend as a gift a few months ago. When the package arrived I was impressed with the quality of how everything was put together. After unboxing the icon I wish I purchased one for myself. Truly so vibrant and well written you get pulled into the icon and feel the presence of the Mother of God. I hate mentioning price, but it really is fair price considering the quality and how the traditions of iconography seem to be met. I should have written a review months ago, but life became hectic. I decided to return for 2 more icons for my wife and I.... Here is the review!

G
George Bis
So Happy!

I bought the 7.9" x 11" icon last week and not only did it arrive the next day, but it was in excellent condition! The icon is truly impressive in person, with the gold background and the heavy wood, you can really tell it's excellent quality. You get what you pay for! I placed it by the entryway and now I'm trying to decide which other one I would like to buy.


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Icon Styles

Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.

recessed

Level

Backside Details

Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time. 

The Art of
Making Holy Icons