Panagia Gorgoepikoos – Handmade Pyrography

Description Handmade Pyrography Depicting Panagia Gorgoepikoos An exceptional icon crafted using the pyrography technique, depicting Panagia Gorgoepikoos. This unique piece has been created entirely by hand. The miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Gorgoepikoos is located at the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou on Mount Athos. Considered the most renowned miraculous icon on Mount Athos after the “Portaitissa,” this ancient wall painting of the Theotokos is found on the exterior of the monastery’s refectory, to the right of its entrance. In 1664 A.D., the monk Neilos, who served as the refectorian and often passed by the icon carrying lit torches for his duties, heard a voice say to him: “Do not pass by here again with torches, blackening My image with smoke.” Neilos initially ignored the voice, but it was heard again soon after—rebuking him—and he was struck blind. The other monks began passing before the icon with great reverence. They hung a vigil oil lamp before it and instructed the new refectorian to cense it daily. Neilos, now blind, spent his days in a stasidi (choir stall) before the icon, praying for the Theotokos’ forgiveness and healing. His prayers were answered when, for the third time, a voice was heard coming from the icon, telling him that his plea had been heard. The Theotokos declared that henceforth, the monks should turn to Her, second only to God, for all their needs and protection. This icon beautifully combines the art of engraving with pyrography, resulting in an exquisite textured and embossed finish. The icon is available by order. Icon dimensions: 24 x 18.5 x 0.5 cm