Athonite Fathers and Athonite Matters

This incense is the handiwork of the monks of the Holy Monastery of Gregoriou in Mount Athos, Greece. 

The monks have crafted a variety of traditional incense fragrances, using high quality elements.

Made with pure high quality frankincense, magnesium powder and fragrance. 

Choose between small packs 1.7 oz. (50 g), medium packs 7 oz. (200 g), or select the Assortment Pack that contains twelve fragrances, each 0.88 oz (25 grams).

About the Holy Monastery of Gregoriou in Mount Athos, Greece: Also known as Gregoriou Monastery, the Monastery is built high on a rock and by the sea, on the southeastern side of the Mount Athos peninsula. It was founded in the 14th century by Saint Gregory the Hesychast who dedicated the main church to Saint Nicholas. The second protector of the Monastery is Saint Gregory and the third protector is Saint Anastasia of Rome, known for performing myriad of miracles and whose relics are kept in the Monastery. In its history, Gregoriou Monastery burned down twice (once in the 15^th century and then in the 18th century). Both times, it was successfully reconstructed without losing its treasures which now consist of, among other items, 4,000 printed books, 279 manuscripts, and parchments from the unique manuscript of Hermas belonging to the apocryphal books of the Gospel. 

The Story Behind This Icon:

This is an iconographic posture of Jesus Christ the Lifegiver. Jesus Christ gives us his blessing with His right hand and holds the Gospel with His left hand, and is here to teach us about eternal life. The IC and XC letters on the left and right upper corner are the Greek abbreviations for the words “Jesus Christ”.

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This icon of Jesus Christ the Lifegiver is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection “Icons from Mount Athos”, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.

This icon is made of solid, natural Limewood that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.  

All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. 

Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here. 

This icon is also available in smaller dimensions, as our Mother of God icon.

The Story Behind This Icon:

The icon of the Panagia Eleoussa (also Virgin of Tenderness) is known for showing mercy. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus Christ who is nestling against her cheek and wraps his arm around His Mother’s neck. The term “Eleoussa” translates from the Greek “to show mercy”.

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This icon of the Panagia Eleoussa is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection “Icons from Mount Athos”, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.

This icon is made of solid, natural Limewood that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.  

All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. 

Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here. 

For larger dimensions, please visit our icon of the Panagia Eloussa. 

This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.  

All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. 

Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here. 

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This icon of Mother of God is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection “Icons from Mount Athos”, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.

The Story Behind This Icon:

The icon of the Resurrection, also known as “Christ’s Descent into Hades” and “the Anastasis”, is the icon of Easter, celebrating Jesus’ triumph over death. The icon depicts Jesus Christ descending into Hades and pulling Adam and Eve from the tombs, symbolizing His victory back to the very beginning of mankind. The two golden bars under Jesus’ feet (note that His feet and hands still carry the signs of His crucifixion) are the gates of Hades which He has broken open. On the left of the icon, we see David and Solomon, representing those who died before Jesus’ crucifixion, waiting patiently in Hades for their Messiah. On the right side of the icon, we see Abel as a shepherd, the first person to die as a result of the Fall, as well as Saint John the Baptist. In the darkness below, keys, locks & chains symbolize that He has entered and conquered both death and Hades.

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This icon of The Resurrection is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection “Icons from Mount Athos”, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.

 ***

This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.  

All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. 

Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.