Virgin Mary icon Panagia Annunciation, Handmade Greek Orthodox Icon of Evangelismos of Theotokos Byzantine art wall hanging wood plaque gift

A wonderful lithography with a varnish layer and high quality paint depicting Evangelismos Virgin Mary / Panagia (Sweet kissing). An icon aesthetically upgraded with collective value due to the handmade artificial ageing it has undergone. This is an exact copy of a Byzantine hagiography.

The Virgin Mary is the Theotokos, the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son and Word of God. She conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. She was cared for by her betrothed husband, Joseph, who took the child and his mother into his home as his own. One very strong tradition in the Orthodox Church holds that the birth of Jesus was also miraculous and left Mary's virginity intact as a sign; it is also the tradition of the Church that Joseph and Mary did not have relations after the birth of Jesus. She is also called Panagia, the "All-Holy," indicating her closeness to God in her obedience.

The Annunciation (or Evangelismos in Greek) to the Theotokos is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on March 25 (OS) / April 7 (NS). Greeks celebrate Greek Independence Day on March 25. This is one of only two days during Lent, the other being Palm Sunday, when fish is permitted.

According to the Gospel of Luke 1:26-38, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce to her that she would conceive and bear a son, even though she "knew no man." According to holy tradition Mary had come home to her parents when she was only fifteen when she was visited by Gabriel.

Many men and women in Greece are named for this event and celebrate their name day on this date.

Greek: Evangelia (f) and Evangelos (m)
English: Evangeline (f) and Evan and Angelo (m)