Panagia Glykophilousa Icon

This is a premium quality silkscreen icon, handmade with gold leaf on cotton canvas and mounted on solid natural carved wood. Halos, inscriptions, and ornaments are hand-painted, while the image is varnished for long-lasting protection. The icon is ready for hanging, featuring a leather strap on the back, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Iconography & Symbolism
The icon depicts the Panagia Glykophilousa (Greek for “Sweet Kissing”), also known as the Theotokos of Tenderness or Virgin Eleusa. In this type, the Virgin Mary embraces the Christ Child tenderly, with their cheeks pressed together. This image symbolizes divine mercy, motherly love, and the intimate union between God and humanity through the Incarnation.

Above the Virgin appear the Greek letters MP ΘΥ (Meter Theou), meaning “Mother of God.” Beside Christ are the letters IC XC, an abbreviation of “Jesus Christ.” His halo bears the cross inscribed with Ω Ο Ν (Omega, Omicron, Nu), meaning “He Who Is,” affirming His divinity.

The Glykophilousa is one of the most beloved iconographic types of the Mother of God, venerated especially on Mount Athos and throughout the Orthodox world.

Feast Day
In the Orthodox calendar, the Panagia Glykophilousa is commemorated on March 27, though the type is honored during all Marian feasts.

Suitable Gift For:

• Mothers and families, as a blessing of tenderness and love

• Newlyweds and couples seeking harmony in marriage

• Baptisms and name days

• New homes and prayer corners, symbolizing divine protection

• Anyone seeking comfort through the intercession of the Theotokos