Mother of God Virgin Mary the Theotokos "Joy and Consolation" (Joy and Comfort). Wooden orthodox icon

Wooden Icon of the Mother of God Joy and Consolation (Joy and Comfort)

One day, a group of robbers who decided to rob the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos hid in the vicinity of the monastery to wait for the gates to open.

At this time, while the robbers were waiting, Matins ended, and the monks began to disperse to their cells to rest. Only the abbot of the monastery remained in the church. Suddenly he heard a female voice coming from the icon of the Mother of God, which warned of impending danger for the monastery. The abbot turned his gaze to the icon and saw that the faces of the Mother of God and the Infant God had changed. The Vatopedi icon of the Mother of God became similar to the “Hodegetria”, where the Infant of God is always depicted with his hand raised in blessing.

And suddenly the abbot sees Jesus raising his hand to block the mouth of the Mother of God, and says: “No, My Mother, don’t tell them this: let them be punished for their sins.” But the Mother of God, evading His hand, repeats her words: “Do not open the gates of the monastery today, but climb the walls of the monastery and disperse the robbers.”

The amazed abbot immediately gathers the monks. Everyone was amazed at the changes in the icon of the Mother of God. After a prayer of thanks in front of the holy image, the inspired monks climb the monastery walls and successfully repel the attack of the robbers.

Since then, the Vatopedi icon has received the name “Joy” or “Consolation”, since on this icon the face of the Mother of God clearly expresses compassionate love, her gaze radiates mercy and meekness, and a quiet smile of consolation is visible on her lips. The face of the Divine Infant remains stern.

🖼 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.