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 Daniel Blain.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 4 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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