Mother of God Virgin Mary the Theotokos "Merciful", "It is worthy". Wooden orthodox icon

Wooden Icon of the Mother of God Merciful "It is worthy"

The inscription below: “This image is written from the miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos which is on Mount Athos.”

The first icon of the Mother of God “It is worthy” is located on the high place of the altar of the cathedral church of the Kareya monastery on Athos. The time of her appearance is determined in 980, her glorification - in 1864.

One Sunday, an elder who lived not far from Kareya went to the monastery for an all-night vigil. The novice remained in the cell. When night fell, an unknown monk knocked on his door. During the all-night vigil, when it was necessary to sing “Most Honest Cherub...”, both stood before the icon of the Mother of God, called “Merciful,” and the guest noticed that they first sang “It is worthy, as truly, to bless Thee Mother of God, Ever-Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God..." While singing this hitherto unheard song, the icon of the Mother of God shone with heavenly light, and the novice cried with emotion. At his request, this wonderful song, for lack of paper, was written down on a stone, which softened like wax under the hand of the wonderful singer. Calling himself Gabriel, the wanderer became invisible. The icon of the Mother of God, in front of which the song “It is worthy” was first sung, was transferred to the cathedral church of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Kareia (the administrative center of Athos). The slab with the song inscribed on it by the Archangel Gabriel was transferred to Constantinople during the patriarchate of St. Nicholas Chrysovergo († 995, commemorated December 16). Numerous copies of the “It Is Worthy” (“Merciful”) icon are sacredly revered in churches.

It is worthy that they truly bless the Mother of God, the bloodless and unblemished and mother of our God. The most honorable of the Cherubim and the most glorious incomparably of the Seraphim, the incorruptible God of the Word, truly the Mother of God, we magnify you.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.