Virgin Mary Athonitissa Silk Screen Icon – Engraved Metal & Enamel Design

Description

The Virgin Mary Athonitissa, also known as the Panagia Athonitissa, is an icon depicting the Virgin Mary as the “Lady of Mount Athos” or Athonitissa. The Virgin Mary made numerous visits to Mount Athos, lending to it also being called “Garden of the Mother of God.”  According to tradition, Mary was on her way to visit Lazarus – who had invited her to Cyprus – when the boat she was travelling on lost its course and ended up at Mount Athos. When she arrived ashore the people of Mount Athos were inspired to meet her and soon after converted to Christianity, leaving behind their pagan faith.

Mary became extremely connected with Mount Athos and its inhabitants, so much so that she prayed to her Son to make the mountain her own. Her prayer was answered and Mount Athos became her domain; thus, becoming a Holy Mountain. Throughout history, the Virgin Mary is credited with protecting and saving the monasteries, monks, and pilgrims of Mount Athos. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary standing atop the monasteries of Mount Athos, signifying her role as the patroness of Mount Athos. The icon is celebrated in the Greek Orthodox Church on August 28.