Virgin Mary Portaitissa - Aged wooden icon in canvas with gold background on carved wood - Mount Athos
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- 19x15 cm || 7.5x5.9 in - $93.90
Description
Seriograph old - looking icon crafted in canvas with gold background on carved wood.
With this icon you will receive a free stand.
Virgin Mary Portaitissa
At the left side of the central gate in the chapel of the Holy Monastery of Iviron, the Portaitissa (Keeper of the Gate), is the icon of the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms, with impressive and calm glance, a drop of blood dripping from her right jowl, that arrived there in order to guard the Monastery and the Mount Athos Monasticism; the icon that represents the surety to the monks and the confirmation of Her protection.
The Christian tradition says that the icon of the Virgin Mary Portaitissa reached the Monastery of Iviron 170 years after its disappearance in 829 A.D. when at that time, the holder of the icon, a godly woman from Nikea cast the icon at sea in her effort to save it. In 1004 A.D. the icon emerged as a source of light floating on the water near the Monastery of Iviron. The Virgin Mary became visible to the ascetic monk Gabriel and requested him to pick up the icon from the water and hand it to the abbot of the Monastery who, in his turn placed it in the temple. The icon however left from the temple and was found at the gate of the Monastery so the Virgin Mary appeared once more before the monk Gabriel and requested to position the icon at the gate of the Monastery to guard and protect it; for this purpose, a special chapel was built in order to host the guardian of the Monastery, the icon of the Virgin Mary Keeper of the Gate (Portaitissa).
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about Orthodox icons, Byzantine iconography, payments, international shipping, customs charges, returns and gifts.
Orthodox Icons Basics
Orthodox icons are sacred images used in Eastern Orthodox Christian prayer and worship. They follow the tradition of Byzantine iconography and are intended to support prayerful devotion in the home or church.
“Byzantine icons” usually refers to the artistic tradition and visual style that shaped Orthodox iconography. The term “Orthodox icons” places greater emphasis on their spiritual and devotional purpose. The two terms are therefore often used interchangeably.
A common starting point is an icon of Jesus Christ and an icon of the Virgin Mary , together with an icon of your patron saint .
Yes. In the Orthodox tradition, an icon may be blessed by an Orthodox priest. Many customers choose to have their icon blessed after receiving it.
Shipping, Customs & Payments
Shipping fees and import charges are separate
The shipping fee paid at checkout covers transportation. Customs duties, import taxes and customs-related UPS or FedEx fees are separate charges that may be assessed after the package enters the destination country. These amounts are not set, received or controlled by Christianity Art.
We currently accept online orders from the United States, Canada, Australia and Brazil.
For delivery to another country, please contact us at info@christianityart.store .
Orders are shipped from Greece with UPS or FedEx. The carrier is selected according to the destination, package specifications and available delivery service.
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Shipping to Australia and Brazil costs $32.00 USD for product subtotals below $199. Free shipping applies to product subtotals of $199 or more.
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Orders placed before 12:00 PM Greece time on a business day are usually prepared and dispatched on the same day.
Orders placed after this time, during weekends or on public holidays are usually dispatched on the next business day.
Delivery usually takes approximately 3–5 business days after dispatch. Remote locations, customs procedures, public holidays, severe weather or other circumstances outside our control may cause delays.
Delivery times are estimates and are not guaranteed.
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Unless import charges are explicitly stated as included during checkout, they are the responsibility of the recipient.
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Eligible products may be returned within 14 days of delivery, subject to the conditions of our return policy.
Please contact us before sending a product back so that we can provide the correct return instructions.
Materials, Craft & Quality
Materials vary by product. Many icons are made on wood or canvas, while some designs include metal or decorative elements.
The exact materials and finish are listed on each product page.
Yes. Many icons are available in a range of sizes and finishes. The available options are displayed on each product page.
Our icon collection is based on traditional Orthodox subjects and the visual language of Byzantine iconography.
Product-specific materials, techniques and finishes are described on the relevant product page.
Yes. Browse our Icons of Saints collection to find patron saints and popular saint icons for namedays, baptisms, prayer corners and spiritual gifts.
Gifts & Occasions
Yes. An icon of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ or a religious composition can be a meaningful spiritual wedding gift.
Browse our Virgin Mary Icons .
Yes. An icon of the child’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary or a Guardian Angel can be a meaningful and lasting baptism gift.
Browse our Saint Icons and Angel Icons .
Yes. An icon of the saint whose name is celebrated is a traditional and personal nameday gift.
Browse our Icons of Saints .
Consider the occasion and the recipient. Icons of Christ or the Virgin Mary are common choices for a home or wedding gift, while a patron saint icon is especially suitable for a nameday or baptism.
Start from our Orthodox Icons collection.
Yes. We offer gift wrapping so that your order can be presented as a spiritual gift.
Yes. You can add a personal message during checkout, and we will include it with the gift package.
Personalization availability depends on the product and the requested change. Please contact us before ordering at info@christianityart.store so that we can confirm what is possible.
Start from our Orthodox Icons collection and continue with:
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