Theotokos Milk Giver Icon – Galaktotrophousa

This is a silkscreen reproduction with gold leaf and hand-painted details, crafted according to tradition. It depicts the Theotokos Galaktotrophousa (Milk Giver), one of the most tender and rare Marian icon types. The Mother of God is shown nursing the Christ Child, emphasizing her true humanity, maternal care, and the Incarnation of the Son of God.

Above the Virgin’s head appear the Greek letters MP ΘΥ (Meter Theou), meaning “Mother of God.” Next to Christ’s head are the letters IC XC, an abbreviation of “Jesus Christ.” Within His halo is the cross inscribed with Ω Ο Ν (Omega, Omicron, Nu), “He Who Is,” affirming His divine nature.

The Galaktotrophousa icon carries deep theological meaning: Christ truly became man, nourished by His Mother, and through her the world received the Bread of Life. This image also symbolizes the spiritual nourishment that flows from the Theotokos’ intercession and the Church as our Mother.

In the Orthodox calendar, the feast of the Theotokos Galaktotrophousa is observed on January 12, especially in monasteries such as Hilandar on Mount Athos where the icon is kept.

The icon of the Theotokos Milk Giver (Galaktotrophousa) is a meaningful gift for mothers, expectant mothers, families with infants, and baptisms, symbolizing nourishment, purity, and divine care. It is also suitable for new homes, reminding the faithful of God’s providence and the Theotokos’ tender intercession.