Icons of Mount Athos
The peninsula of Athos is the repository of a valuable spiritual and artistic tradition. The blessing of the Virgin Mary, who covers and guards the athonite monasteries, graces the God-given work that is carried out in every place in Mount Athos. Among other things, Athos is home to miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary, great icons of saints and martyrs, contemporary and older representations, painted by famous hagiographers or ordinary Athonite fathers, icons created within the monasteries or miraculously arrived there.
The main purpose of christian art is the teaching and expression of the orthodox theology. During the first period of Christianity, art was initially symbolic and non-figurative. Later, the theological richness highlighted the need for a more figurative artistic expression, resulting in the appearance of the first representations of the New and Old Testaments, the first depictions of the Virgin Mary and the saints. Jesus Christ began to be depicted a little later, from the 2nd century onwards.
The existence of the miraculous icons is founded on the fact that they are essentially identified with the saints they represent, despite their distinction regarding their substance. The icon participates in the holiness of the holy person it represents. The very concept of miracle is impossible and inappropriate to be examined in scientific terms, since it is a consequence of the Divine will, which often acts against the rules of nature. In fact, all athonite icons are miraculous, since apart from the healing of illnesses and salvation from imminent dangers, the strengthening of the faith and hope of a believer who searches for spiritual salvation is considered to be a miracle as well. The grace of God emanates from all icons when one approaches them with a clear conscience and sincere faith. Their miraculous power comes from their direct connection with the holy persons represented, since wherever there is an icon, there is also the presence of the saint depicted in it. According to John Damascene, the grace of God comes alive before of every icon.
From the Athonite monasteries, everyone can obtain elaborate copies of the miraculous icons of Mount Athos, which have been created with the prayer of the monks and bring their blessing to every home. Such copies can be found in the special hagiography shops in Karyes and Ouranoupolis.
More information about the icons of Mount Athos can be found here.
How can anyone find icons from Mount Athos?
Icons from the monks' handiwork can be obtained from the monasteries of Mount Athos. Each icon is a work of prayer and devotion. It is a blessing and brings to the world a little of the grace of Mount Athos.
For those who are unable to visit the monasteries themselves, Athonite icons, as well as other handmade products produced by the monks in their handiwork, are available in our online shop.
