Holy Virgin Mary Axion Esti

$79.00

The Story Behind This Icon:

On June 11, 980 AD, as a group of monks were conducting an all-night vigil before the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, they noticed a monk whom they did not recognize, standing on the right of the icon. This unidentified monk began to chant the beautiful hymn written by St. Cosmas, with the addition of the words "Axion Esti os Alethos Makarizin Se Tin Theotokon", which means "It is worthy to bless Thee, Theotokos the ever blessed and most pure Virgin and Mother of God".

The monk explained to the others that he was the Archangel Gabriel and that these words should be added to the hymn. The Archangel vanished from their sight. Since that day, the additional words to the hymn of St. Cosmas have been sung by all Orthodox Christians around the world. The icon of the Blessed Mother Axion Esti, which is said to be miraculous, is still venerated today in the Cathedral of Mount Athos in Greece.

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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.

From the moment you first hold your Holy Icon, you will see the exquisite details that bear truth to the meticulous preparation and creation of the image, as well as feel the depth and weight of the solid wood upon which it is portrayed. One of our larger icon dimensions (11.8" x 15.7"/30 x 40 cm) weighs more than 5 pounds!

Because we value quality even in the details, your Holy Icon will be shipped in luxury packaging and can be presented as a gift for a friend or family member.

Dimension: 7.9" x 11" (20 x 28 cm)

Width	Weight	Style	Backside Braces
1.8" (4.5 cm)	2.3 lb (1kg)	Recessed	Wood

Dimension: 11.8" x 15.7" (30 x 40 cm)

Width	Weight	Style	Backside Braces
2" (5 cm)	5.2 lb (2.3 kg)	Recessed	Wood

Dimensions and weights may slightly vary as these items are cut by hand.

We are proud to offer the highest quality products! However, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for an exchange or refund, free of charge! We offer free return shipping for all orders, so long as:
a) Item(s) are been purchased in the last 30 days.
b) Item(s) are returned with their original blue box and/or packaging.
c) Both the packaging and item(s) are in their original condition.

You can read our full Refund & Return Policy here.

Compare Dimensions

Our most popular dimensions are pictured, to scale.

Icon Styles

Depending on the size and theme, Holy Icons are available in both Recessed and Level styles.

recessed

The groove in our recessed icons adds depth to the Iconography, making the icon even more dramatic and impressive. In order to keep the relative proportions, the depth of the groove changes with the size of the Holy Icon.

Level

Level icons allow the Iconography to retain its boldness even in smaller sizes. As such most of our level icons have smaller dimensions.

Backside Details

Backside details vary with icon size and serve to ensure that your Holy Icon will stand the test of time.

Solid wooden icons of larger dimensions are prone to bending and damaging as time passes. Fortunately, our Holy Icons are supported by two additional, horizontal wooden protective panels on the backside. These panels bolster the icon and allow it to sustain its shape, ensuring that your Holy Icon will remain in its original, pristine condition as it is passed down from generation to generation.

Icons of smaller dimensions are naturally sustainable over time, and experience less structural stress. As such, you will find that the backside of smaller Holy Icons is flat and proportional to their shape.

The Art of
Making Holy Icons

Learn More

Holy Virgin Mary Axion Esti

Compare Dimensions

The Art of Making Holy Icons

The Art of
Making Holy Icons