The Holy Icon of Saint Anne, Mother of the Virgin Mary from the Saint Anne Skete on Mount Athos

Icon of Saint Anne, Mother of the Virgin Mary from the Saint Anne Skete

Description of the Icon

The Holy Icon of Saint Anne, Mother of the Virgin Mary from the Saint Anne Skete on Mount Athos
The Holy Icon of Saint Anne, Mother of the Virgin Mary from the Saint Anne Skete on Mount Athos

This miraculous icon of Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, is located next to the abbot's throne in the main church of the Saint Anne Skete. It's believed to be particularly efficacious in aiding childless couples. After confessing, couples often pray daily to Saint Anne. Boys born to these families are typically named Joachim, while girls are named Anne, honoring the holy parents of the Virgin Mary.

Every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy, a handwritten prayer from the 18th century by Hieromonk Dionysius is recited before the icon. The skete's manager also prays daily in front of this revered image.

History of Saint Anne Skete

The Saint Anne Skete is the largest on Mount Athos. Its first inhabitant is believed to have been the venerable Gerontius. In 1680, Patriarch Dionysius III built the first main church in honor of Saint Anne. In 1686, the relics of Saint Anne were brought to the skete from the cell of Saint George, thanks to his efforts.

Iconography Significance

The dogmatic significance of the iconography, showing Saint Anne embracing the Virgin Mary, lies in the crucial role both saints played in the physical incarnation of Christ. The Virgin, as the mother of Christ, is represented by a white flower she holds. This flower, symbolizing the infant Christ, traces back to the hymn sung during the Akathist service.