Description Handmade Hagiography On a natural walnut trunk with gold leaves from the Hands of the Hagiorite monk. An exceptional iconography depicting Our Lady of the Heavens, crafted entirely by hand. This particular iconography has been crafted based on Byzantine iconography standards. The depiction of the Saint has been painted entirely by hand. Coating the hagiography with pure beeswax ensures that the colors of the image remain unchanged over time. Platytera of the Heavens is the name of that icon of the Virgin Mary that is painted on the inner upper part of the central niche of the Holy Step (Sanctuary) of Orthodox churches. The Virgin Mary is usually depicted seated on a throne, carrying Jesus Christ in her arms. The name Platytera of the Heavens comes from the characteristic verse of the Akathistos Hymn: Rejoice, heaven of the world, vast expanse of clouds.
