Description

Commemorated on November 12

The All-Merciful Kykko Icon of the Mother of God is a sacred and ancient artifact, with a tradition asserting it was personally painted by the Holy Evangelist Luke. The icon derives its name, “Kykkiotisa,” from Mount Kykkos on the island of Cyprus, where it is permanently housed in an Imperial Monastery. This monastery was specifically built with donations from the Byzantine Emperor, highlighting the icon's elevated status. However, its journey to Cyprus was long and complex; the wonderworking image was first venerated in an early Christian community in Egypt, before being transferred to Constantinople around 980 AD, remaining there through the era of Emperor Alexius Comnenos in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries.

The relocation of the revered image to Cyprus was a matter of divine revelation. During the icon's time in Constantinople, the Elder Isaiah received a miraculous sign revealing that it was his calling to ensure the icon painted by St. Luke was brought to the island. Recognizing this as a mandate from heaven, the Elder dedicated immense effort and perseverance to fulfilling this divine will. His commitment eventually secured the transfer of the wonderworking icon to Cyprus, establishing its permanent and revered place in the island's spiritual history.

Upon its arrival on the island, the icon immediately began to perform numerous miracles. The Elder Isaiah played a crucial role following the icon's arrival, overseeing the construction of a church specifically dedicated to the Theotokos (Mother of God) and ensuring the Kykko Icon was enshrined within it. From those ancient times to the present day, people suffering from every kind of infirmity have flocked to the monastery, earnestly seeking the Mother of God’s intercession. They consistently receive healing according to their faith, testifying to the power emanating from the holy image.

The icon's miraculous reputation and inexhaustible mercy have garnered belief from people beyond the Orthodox Christian faith. Non-Orthodox individuals also pray before the icon during times of illness and misfortune, acknowledging the profound and universal power of the Most Holy Theotokos as a Mediatrix for all the suffering. This role is formally recognized by the icon's own fitting name, "The Merciful." Furthermore, the “Kykkiotisa” Icon possesses a remarkable physical peculiarity: it is covered by a half shroud, running diagonally from the upper left corner to the lower right. The faces of the Mother of God and the Divine Infant are completely concealed, adding to the artifact's mystery and sacred power.

Though the Kykko Icon is hidden by the shroud, its artistic depiction is considered to be of the Hodigitria ("Directress") type, stylistically similar to the famous Smolensk Icon. The Mother of God’s head is traditionally adorned with a crown. The spiritual influence of this Cypriot original is far-reaching, with its veneration extending to other regions. Notably, a respected copy of the Kykko Icon is particularly honored and venerated at the women's Nikolsk monastery in the city of Mukachev, demonstrating the icon's enduring legacy across the Orthodox world.

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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