Virgin Mary of Death

Orthodox icon of Virgin Mary of Death (Harou) on thick plywood 20mm, which does not sting and keeps its shape over time. Preparation with acrylic stucco and have been used acrylic colors. It has been covered with varnish to keep the colors undiluted in time and humidity. Hanging clip included on the back of the icon.

Panagia tou Harou is the name of the unique icon which depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the crucified Christ, rather than the Christ child, hence its name (haros in Greek means "death"). This icon is found in the church of St. John the Theologian, Leipsoi (Greece). The annual commemoration of the icon takes place on August 23 when the island of Leipsoi fills with pilgrims from all over the Dodecanese, to witness the procession of the icon around the entire island and see the annual blossoming of the dead bouquet of lilies on the icon. In the 1940s, a lady was praying to the "Panagia tou Harou" icon. Her prayers were answered, and in gratitude placed a simple bouquet of lilies on the icon. These lilies withered but remained on the icon. In the following year, at the leavetaking of the feast of the Dormition (August 23), these lilies blossomed again and gave off a fragrance. Since then, this miracle occurs annually on the day of the feast.