The Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on October 28 (moved by the Church of Greece from October 1 to coincide with "Oxi Day" in honor of the Theotokos's protection of the Greek armed forces in their resistance of the Axis invasion). This commemorates the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God at the Blachernae Church in Constantinople in the mid-tenth century. It was in this church where the robe, veil and part of the belt of the Theotokos were preserved after being recovered from Palestine in the fifth century. On Sunday October 1, during an all night vigil, when the church was overflowing with the faithful, the Fool-for-Christ Saint Andrew, at four o'clock in the morning, beheld the Theotokos appearing above the people, holding her omophorion outstretched as a protective covering. She was clothed in gold-encrusted royal purple, and shone with an ineffable radiance, surrounded by apostles, saints, martyrs and virgins.
Our Beloved Holy Mother tearfully prayed for Christians for a long time, coming near the bishop's throne to continue her prayer. After, she took her veil and spread it over the people praying in the church, protecting them from enemies visible and invisible, resplendent with heavenly glory and gleaming like the rays of the sun. Saint Andrew gazed trembling at the miraculous vision and asked his disciple, named Epiphanius, standing beside him, "Do you see, brother, the Holy Theotokos, praying for all the world?" Epiphanius answered, "I do see, holy father, and I am in awe."
The Holy Icon pictured here is our Icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. On this glorious Feast we implore the defense and assistance of the Queen of Heaven, "Remember us in your prayers, O Lady Virgin Mother of God, that we not perish by the increase of our sins. Protect us from every evil and from grievous woes, for in you do we hope, and venerating the Feast of your Protection, we magnify you."
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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.
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.
