Description

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.

This beautiful and finely detailed icon is the work of our own Kyriakos Kosova.

Kyriakos Kosova is a master iconographer who spent much of his life in Albania, Greece and Italy. He is now in the US to continue his work in Orthodox Churches to the glory of God. Contact us, if you would like to hire him for your parishes iconographic needs.

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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