Description
Our Lady of Kykkos and the Cypriot monastery
Our Lady of Kykkos, also called Panagia Kykkotissa, is associated with the Royal and Stavropegic Monastery of Kykkos in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus. The monastery was founded under Emperor Alexios I Komnenos around the end of the eleventh century. Tradition attributes its revered Marian prototype to Saint Luke, a claim presented as devotional tradition rather than documented authorship. The shrine image has long been covered, while later Kykkotissa icons developed recognizable interpretations of Mary and the Christ Child.
Patterned red mantle, moving Child, and scroll
This rendering shows Mary in a red mantle patterned with gold circles and stars, inclining her head toward Jesus. The Child sits diagonally across her arms in warm orange garments, with one leg extended and his body turned outward. Mary supports him firmly while a small open scroll appears beside his hand. Gold halos and the Greek abbreviations for Mother of God and Jesus Christ identify the figures. The lively pose distinguishes this composition from more static, frontal Marian types.
For pilgrimage, Scripture, and steadfast prayer
The icon is meaningful for Orthodox Christians, Cypriot families, pilgrims, monastic communities, and anyone drawn to Marian prayer rooted in the Incarnation. The scroll can support reflection on Christ as the Word made flesh, while Mary's attentive posture suggests faithful discipleship. It is suited to a home icon corner, monastery guest room, chapel, retreat house, or a gift marking baptism, profession, or a pilgrimage to Cyprus. Devotion does not turn the image into a guarantee of protection.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.