Virgin Mary Glykofilousa - Holy Monastery Filotheou

On the South-Eastern side of the Athonian peninsula, stands out the Holy Monastery of Philotheou. The Monastery is located at an altitude of 300-330 meters on a plateau, full of chestnut trees, near the ancient Asklepiion.

In this icon, which is on the pillar of the left choir of the Monastery s katholikon, the Blessed Virgin is shown standing in an attitude of supplication, without Christ. On the Silver reventment of the icon can be seen a storage jar overflowing, reminding us of a miracle of the Theotokos when, hearing the prayers of the Elder (Yerontas – hence the name “Yerontissa”) filled with oil the empty storage jars of the Monastery.

In this article you will read about the symbolism of various objects in Byzantine Iconography, such as the cross and the Church held by the Saints, the open palms, the Gospel, the scrolls, the rod, medical objects, as well as the choices of colors. Orthodox hagiography reveals to Christians the unearthly, which transcends the boundaries of our physical world. It functions as a way of communication and seeks to highlight the new world that will come with the Kingdom of God. This can be expressed through the icons of the Saints, where characteristics such as schematization, simplicity and differentiation prevail.