Virgin of Sweet Kiss – Handmade Icon – Walnut Wood & Gold Leaf – Mount Athos

Description Handmade Icon on a Natural Walnut Log with Gold Leaf by the Hands of an Athonite Monk An exquisite icon depicting the Virgin of Sweet Kiss, entirely hand-crafted. This icon is created according to Byzantine iconographic standards. The depiction of the Saint has been painted entirely by hand. The application of pure beeswax ensures that the colors of the icon remain unchanged over time. The original image of the Virgin of Sweet Kiss is one of the icons that were preserved during the Iconoclast period and were miraculously transported to Mount Athos. It belonged to Victoria, the devout wife of the iconoclast senator Simeon, who, in order to prevent its capture, cast the icon into the sea. The icon floated upright on the waves and eventually reached the harbor of the Monastery of Philotheou, where it was received with great honor and joy by the abbot and the monks, who had been alerted by a revelation from the Theotokos. At the spot where the icon was deposited, holy water began to flow. Every year, on the Monday of Bright Week, a procession and blessing are held in its honor.