The bracelet is handmade. The length is 15 cm; it consists of small knots, into which two seed bead inserts are woven. The bracelet also contains a sterling silver icon depicting Mother of God "Joy and Comfort", which makes it not just a piece of jewelry, but a Christian symbol of faith. Thanks to a special braiding technique, the bracelet can be easily stretched by increasing the distance between the knots. This means it's is suitable for all wrist sizes.
Komboskini bracelets
Greek komboskini bracelets are woven by the monks of the Mount Athos monasteries with prayer and for prayer. The name of the bracelet reflects its essence and purpose: in Greek, kombos (κόμπος) means "knot", and skini (σχοινί) is a rope or cord.
The weaving of the komboskini bracelets is always accompanied by continuous prayer. Tying each knot, the monk says: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Due to this, Greeks believe that komboskini bracelet protects the person who wears it. But the bracelets also have a more practical use: like prayer ropes, they are used by the prayers to go through the knots and thus count the number of prayers uttered.
Bracelets are braided in a special way: each knot consists of 9 crosses of cord, symbolizing the nine crosses, or nine angelic ranks. Often seed beads, little crosses or icons are woven into the bracelet. Komboskini bracelets are usually worn on the wrist of the left hand, as it's closer to the heart. Believers often give such bracelets to their family and friends to remember and pray for them.
Mother of God Joy and Comfort
The Holy Mountain icon of Mother of God "Joy and Comfort" is kept in the monastery of Vatopedi. In the old days the Father Superior of that monastery used to give the keys to the gatekeeper every evening after mass to lock the gates for the night. On January 21, 1320, the Father Superior heard a voice proceeding from the icon. This voice warned him, telling him not to unlock the gates, but to climb the monastery walls and defend Vatopedi against robbers, who were planning to break into the monastery. Turning to the icon, the Father Superior saw Baby Jesus trying to cover his Mother's mouth with the palm of his hand. Jesus wished that the monks would not hear Her voice and be punished, but through the intercession of Mother of God, He replaced wrath with mercy. The robbers' attack was repelled, and after this miracle, the icon was transferred to a separate chapel named after her.
In this chapel it is kept to this day. Once a year, on January 21, the feast day of the icon, it is transferred into the main church where it remains until Candlemas. During this time, canons in honor of the icon are sung every night, and the Divine Liturgy is served in the Chapel where it's normally kept.
Characteristics
Length: 15 cm
Weight: ~2 gr
Beads volume: ~3,5 mm
Material: weaving cord, seed beads, sterling silver
