Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: Bright Monday/Thomas Sunday

The Panagia Glykophilousa ("The Sweet-kissing") icon, a revered treasure of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou on Mount Athos, boasts a miraculous history rooted in the tumultuous Iconoclastic period. It originally belonged to Victoria, a devout woman whose husband, Symeon, was an ardent iconoclast. To save the sacred image from destruction, Victoria cast it into the sea, where it miraculously floated upright across the waves. After some years, guided by a divine revelation to the Abbot and Fathers, the icon appeared on the shores of Mount Athos near Philotheou Monastery. Its arrival was met with immense joy and reverence, and a spring of holy water immediately gushed forth at the spot where it was placed, a site now marked by a chapel and commemorated annually with a procession and water blessing.

Numerous miracles are attributed to the Glykophilousa Icon, demonstrating the Theotokos's benevolent providence. In 1713, the Mother of God personally assured Ecclesiarch Ioannikios of the monastery's material needs, alleviating its poverty. Another remarkable event occurred in 1801 when a pilgrim attempted to steal precious offerings from the icon. Despite favorable weather, his ship remained inexplicably stationary at sea until the sacrilege was discovered and the offerings returned, highlighting the icon's protective power. Even skeptics were swayed, as seen in 1830 when an unbelieving pilgrim, scoffing at the icon's miracles, miraculously survived a fall after crying out to the Theotokos, landing unharmed.

The Glykophilousa Icon belongs to the "Eleousa" or "Virgin of Tenderness" category, depicting the Mother of God affectionately embracing and kissing the Christ Child. This particular icon emphasizes a profound sense of maternal affection, with the Theotokos inclining towards and seemingly embracing Christ more tightly than in other similar depictions. It is commemorated by the Church on March 27 and Bright Monday, and is prominently displayed on a pillar within the katholikon (main church) of Philotheou Monastery. The monastery itself, founded in the late 10th century by Blessed Philotheus, has a rich history of imperial patronage and has been home to notable figures like St. Cosmas the Aetolian.

Philotheou Monastery, twelfth in rank among Athonite foundations, is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin. It has endured fires and economic challenges, yet continues to thrive, housing not only the Glykophilousa icon but also the Our Lady Gerontissa icon, the right hand of St. John Chrysostom, and other sacred relics. The monastery's library contains a significant collection of manuscripts and printed books. Since 1973, it has operated under the coenobitic system and currently houses approximately 60 monks. The hymns associated with the Glykophilousa icon beautifully articulate its significance, praising the Theotokos for her saving appearances, her miraculous journey across the waves, and her continuous protection of Mount Athos and all who venerate her.

The hymns, such as the Doxastikon in the Plagal of the Second Tone, celebrate the icon's miraculous arrival as a "divine treasure" and a "pledge of salvation," acknowledging the Theotokos's "invisible presence" and her role in driving back hostile forces from the Holy Mountain. The Doxastikon in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone highlights her "incomparable motherly goodness" and her sympathetic depiction in the icon, bestowing "the gifts of your compassions." The Apolytikion and Kontakion further emphasize the icon as a "precious boast," depicting the Pure One kissing Christ as a babe and granting grace and mercy to all who cry out to her. These liturgical texts underscore the deep spiritual connection and profound veneration accorded to the Panagia Glykophilousa within the Orthodox Church.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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