Panagia Portaitissa Orthodox Icon, Serigraphy Canvas with Gold Leaf, Handmade Greek Byzantine Religious Wall Art

This icon of the Panagia Portaitissa (the Keeper of the Gate) is a vintage-style serigraphy on canvas with rich gold-leaf detailing and an aged patina that echoes a centuries-old original. It reproduces the wonderworking icon of the Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos, the Mother of God with the Christ-child and the mark upon her cheek. Available in large formats up to 41×58 cm.

Product Specifications

• Technique: Handmade serigraphy (silkscreen) on canvas with gold-leaf detailing and an aged vintage finish
• Mounting: Canvas on wood
• Origin: Handcrafted in our family workshop in Greece
• Available sizes: 4.6×6.1, 6.2×8.5, 10×15, 14×20, 20×28, 27×40 and 41×58 cm
• Made to order in any theme upon request

The Significance of the Panagia Portaitissa

The Panagia Portaitissa — "the Keeper of the Gate" — is one of the most venerated wonderworking icons of Mount Athos, treasured at the Holy Monastery of Iveron. According to tradition the icon was cast into the sea by a pious widow to save it from the iconoclasts and, after many years, came miraculously across the waters to the Holy Mountain, standing upright upon a pillar of fire.

Received by the monks, it repeatedly chose its place above the monastery gate — and so was named "Portaitissa," the Gatekeeper and guardian of the brotherhood. The small wound upon the Virgin's cheek recalls a blow struck by an impious soldier, from which the icon is said to have bled. Beloved throughout the Orthodox world, the Panagia Portaitissa is a sign of the Mother of God's protection — a treasured presence in any prayer corner and a meaningful gift of blessing.