Life at Mount Athos, Colored Background

The Story Behind This Icon: This icon portrays the monasteries, the miracles and the salient figures in the extraordinary history of Mount Athos. In the center of the icon, the Virgin Mary is depicted, holding her Holy Belt. The Athonite Saints Peter and Athanasios are shown at her feet. In the inner ring of the icon, the founders of the monasteries and some significant saints from each are depicted. In the outer ring, sixteen of the twenty monasteries in Mount Athos are shown, while the remaining four can be seen around the icon. In the two top corners of the icon, one can find the Saints George and Nicholas, who are considered the protector saints of Mount Athos. In numerous places around the icon, there are depictions of daily life typical to monastic communities. One can also see notable sites such as the cells of Saint Paisios, Karyes, and Sarai. The image is completed with the depiction of the Nine Invisible Hermits, as well as the calming image of pilgrims venerating Holy Relics. Finally, one can see the small illustration of the miracle of the icon of the Panagia Portaitissa. Monasteries (clockwise): Esphigmenou Monastery, Vatopedi Monastery, Pantokratoros Monastery, Filotheou Monastery, Konstamonitou Monastery, Karakalou Monastery, Stavronikita Monastery, Agiou Pavlou Monastery, Dionysiou Monastery, Osiou Grigoriou Monastery, Simonos Petras Monastery, Agiou Panteileimonos Monastery, Xenophontos Monastery, Docheiariou Monastery, Great Lavra Monastery, Zografou Monastery. Top, left: Xeropotamou Monastery. Top right: Helandriou Monastery. Bottom left: Koutloumousiou Monastery.Bottom right: Iviron Monastery. *** This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere.  Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.