Virgin Mary of Blachernae Icon, 30×30 cm

Discover our exclusive collection of handmade Byzantine icons, crafted with devotion and deep respect for the Orthodox Christian tradition. Every piece is created entirely in our workshop in Greece and reflects the timeless beauty and spirituality of Byzantine art.

🔹 Product Description

This square handmade icon with wide beveled edges depicts the Virgin Mary of Blachernae with her hands raised in a gesture of supplication and prayer. The icon is adorned with four decorative bronze studs, enhancing its authentic Byzantine character and timeless elegance.

Height: 30 cm

Width: 30 cm

Thickness: 3 cm

Weight: 1,000 g

Artistic Process
All our icons are faithful reproductions of authentic Byzantine originals. They are created with high-quality lithographic printing on paper mounted on canvas, which is then applied to solid fir wood (never MDF). Each piece is enhanced with artistic touches, our signature aging technique, and protected with eco-friendly water-based varnish for maximum durability.

Every piece is unique and may show slight variations due to the handmade process.

Materials Used
Solid fir wood, iron, canvas, paper, and in some cases bronze, copper, fabric, and 8-karat gold leaf (on select icons or by request).

We use exclusively solid natural wood for authenticity and durability — never MDF.

Certificate of Authenticity
Every icon comes with a certificate of authenticity. Alexandros Stratoulis is an official member of the Greek Chamber of Fine Arts. All design and craftsmanship take place at the GENESIS workshop using our traditional aging technique.

Order Details
We accept custom orders based on the dimensions and subjects you desire. Contact us for more information.

Preparation Time
Please allow 3–5 business days for your order to be prepared.

Shipping Time
Delivery to the United States typically takes 5–7 days.
We use FedEx, TNT, and in some cases Hellenic Post (ELTA).

Customs Fees
We cannot predict possible import duties or customs delays. Any additional charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Return Policy
As unique, handmade works of art, returns are handled on a case-by-case basis and are possible under the following conditions:

· Contact us within 14 days of receipt
· Return the item at your own expense using the same shipping carrier
· Refunds are issued only after we receive and inspect the item
· If the item is damaged during return shipping, you will be informed of any restoration costs

Questions?
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to assist you.

🔹 Ιστορικά Στοιχεία της Εικονας

Η Παναγία των Βλαχερνών (ή Βλαχερνίτισσα) αποτελεί έναν από τους αρχαιότερους και πιο σεβάσμιους εικονογραφικούς τύπους της Θεοτόκου, στενά συνδεδεμένο με τον Ναό των Βλαχερνών στην Κωνσταντινούπολη.
Χαρακτηριστικά της Εικόνας
Στην κλασική της μορφή, η εικόνα παρουσιάζει συγκεκριμένα θεολογικά και καλλιτεχνικά στοιχεία:
Στάση Δέησης: Η Παναγία απεικονίζεται όρθια.
Υψωμένα Χέρια: Τα χέρια της είναι ανοιχτά σε στάση ικεσίας και προσευχής.
Ο Χριστός Εμμανουήλ: Στο στήθος της φέρει στρογγυλό εγκόλπιο (μετάλλιο) με τον Ιησού Χριστό.
Η Πλατυτέρα: Ο τύπος αυτός ταυτίζεται συχνά με την «Πλατυτέρα των Ουρανών».
Λευκά Ενδύματα: Σε ορισμένες παραλλαγές (όπως η λευκοφορούσα), η Παναγία εμφανίζεται με λευκό μαφόριο
Σας ευχαριστούμε που επισκεφθήκατε το κατάστημά μας — ευχόμαστε αυτή η εικόνα να φέρει ειρήνη, αγάπη και ευλογία στο σπίτι σας!

🔹 Historical Background of the Icon

The Virgin Mary of Blachernae (also known as Blachernitissa) is one of the oldest and most venerated iconographic representations of the Mother of God, closely associated with the historic Church of Blachernae in Constantinople.

Characteristics of the Icon

In its traditional form, the icon includes several distinctive theological and artistic features:

• The Orans Pose: The Virgin Mary is depicted standing.

• Raised Hands: Her hands are lifted in a gesture of intercession and prayer.

• Christ Emmanuel: On her chest appears a circular medallion depicting the Christ Child (Emmanuel).

• The Platytera: This iconographic type is often identified with the Platytera of the Heavens, symbolizing the Mother of God who bore the Infinite One.

• White Garments: In certain variations, the Virgin is portrayed wearing a white maphorion (veil), emphasizing her purity.

Thank you for visiting our shop! We hope this sacred icon brings peace, love, and God's blessings into your home.