Theotokos of the Akathist - Athonite
Theotokos of the Akathist - Athonite
Theotokos of the Akathist - Athonite
Theotokos of the Akathist - Athonite

Theotokos of the Akathist

Regular price $535.00

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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This icon has been redesigned such that the recessed portion surrounds the image of the Theotokos to allow for more space for the 24 scenes/images of the Salutations. 

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

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: 11.8" x 17.7" (30 x 45 cm)

Width Weight Style
Backside Braces
1.8" (4.5 cm) 5.5 lb (2.5 kg) Recessed Wood

Dimension: 13" x 19.7" (33 x 50 cm)

Width Weight Style
Backside Braces
1.8" (4.5 cm) 7.8 lb (3.5 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

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M
MARIA OCD
JOY

Dear Friends at Athonite,
Our Theotokos of the Akathist is more than we hoped for, although you have in past 3 instances surpassed my expectations! Most wonderful is the clarity and beauty of the 24 surrounding icons, representing the 24 prayers of the Akathist. The 13 x 19.7 icon is so worthwhile in enabling perfection by size. In praying Small Compline with Akathist we request and entrust a troubled world and nations to the Theotokos. Thank you for helping us to do this!


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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