The front side of the pendant depicts the icon of the Mother of God Joy and Comfort framed with a floral ornament. Inscription on the reverse is made in Old Church Slavonic. The pendant is made of sterling silver with gilded edges.
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
Dimensions: 3,5x2 cm
Width: 2 mm
Weight: ~6 gr
Material: sterling silver, gilding, rhinestones
