Virgin Mary Gerontissa 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 Virgin Mary Gerontissa (Greek: Γερόντισσα, meaning “Abbess” or “Eldress”) is a wonderworking icon kept at Pantokrator Monastery on Mount Athos. The Theotokos is depicted standing in prayer with her hands uplifted, interceding for the faithful. This unique posture reflects her role as constant intercessor and motherly protector of monks and all Orthodox Christians.

Tradition tells of miraculous interventions of the Gerontissa Icon, including the healing of the elderly and the strengthening of the sick and weak. It is also associated with the Virgin granting consolation, long life, and spiritual guidance.

Above her head appear the Greek letters MP ΘΥ (Meter Theou), meaning “Mother of God.” When Christ is included in some depictions, His halo bears the cross inscribed with Ω Ο Ν (Omega, Omicron, Nu) – “He Who Is.”

Feast Day
The Virgin Mary Gerontissa is commemorated on December 2 in the Orthodox calendar.

Suitable Gift For:

• Elderly parents or grandparents, as a blessing of health and strength

• Families seeking consolation and guidance

• Monastics and clergy

• Baptisms and name days

• New homes and prayer corners, invoking the Theotokos’ protection