Virgin Mary from Vatopedi Christian Icon – Aged Edge Wood

Description

This image of the Virgin Mary is taken from an icon of the Virgin Mary with Child, also called the Panagia Pantanassa. The icon is from the monastery of Vatopaidi in Mount Athos, Greece. According to tradition, the original icon is considered to be a miracle-working icon and was blessed by Elder Joseph of Nea Skete. The icon has been linked to several miracles, including healing illness and disease. 

Other miracles include bringing non-believers into the Orthodox faith. Elder Joseph witnessed the first such miracle occur when a young man visited the church. Upon the entrance of the young man into the church, Elder Joseph saw light emanating from the icon and an invisible force pushed the man to the ground. When the young man picked himself up off the ground he was overcome with emotion, weeping and repenting. He confessed to Elder Joseph that he was a non-believer and participated in the black-arts. This moment pushed him to convert to Orthodox Christianity.