Virgin Mary Kykkotissa (Our Lady of Kykkos)

This icon depicts Virgin Mary as the revered “Kykkotissa” or “Our Lady of Kykkos,” one of the most beloved iconographic types in the Orthodox Christian tradition. 

The Virgin tenderly holds the Christ Child in her arms, inclining her head toward Him with deep compassion and maternal love. Jesus Christ is shown resting peacefully against His Mother, symbolizing the mystery of the Incarnation and the intimate bond between divine and human nature.

The icon follows the traditional Byzantine style associated with the famous Kykkos Monastery in Cyprus. The Virgin’s richly ornamented red maphorion symbolizes royal dignity, sacrifice, and holiness, while the blue inner garment represents purity and heavenly grace. The Christ Child is clothed in luminous golden garments, reflecting divine wisdom and eternal glory. The inscriptions “MP ΘY” identify the Virgin as the “Mother of God,” while “IC XC” affirms the identity of Jesus Christ.

The calm expressions and harmonious composition invite prayer, contemplation, and spiritual comfort. The background is covered with genuine 24-karat gold leaf, carefully applied by hand. The gold used is real 24K gold. The pigments are specially prepared traditional mixtures, following the methods used in historic iconography. These materials make the icon highly durable and resistant, allowing it to be preserved for hundreds of years, as seen in surviving ancient icons.

Each icon is authentic and handmade by skilled iconographers. Every stage of the process is completed by hand. The wooden panel is specially selected and prepared by an expert woodcarver, ensuring stability, durability, and exceptional quality.