Handmade Byzantine Icon of Virgin Mary the Holy Skepe.
The Icon of Virgin Mary the Holy Skepe takes its name from a miraculous event that took place during the reign of Leo the Great in the church of Panagia of Blacherna in Constantinople.
According to tradition, during a vigil Saint Andreas saw the Virgin Mary entering the Temple, with the John the Forerunner and Saint John the Theologian by her side, and heading towards the soleas, that is the extension of the temple sanctuary. There, she prayed for a long time and then entered the chancel, where her veil was kept, and took it in her hands to finally spread it over the faithful to bless them.
Since then, Holy Skepe is a sign that the Virgin Mary protects us and takes care of our own salvation.
Prayer
"Remember us in your prayers, O Lady Virgin Mother of God, that we not perish by the increase of our sins. Protect us from every evil and from grievous woes, for in you do we hope, and venerating the Feast of your Protection, we magnify you."
The Icon of of Virgin Mary the Holy Skepe is an exact copy of Byzantine art and is created by experienced craftsmen using the method of gold printing where hagiographic leaves of 22 karat gold are applied in detail to decorate the background.
During the final processing, the icon is painted with dark red color around the perimeter and polished with a special varnish to maintain its shine.
It is offered in level or recessed wooden surface and is suitable for wall mounting.
Feast: October 28
Iconographer: Holy Monastery Dormition of Theotokos, Parnes
Availability: Made to order, usually ships within 5 to 10 days.