Panagia Ierosolymitissa …

Panagia Ierosolymitissa … August 15, 2008

…Most Holy Lady of Jerusalem is a very popular icon of the Theotokos because it overlooks the empty tomb of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Sepulcher of the Mother of God in Gethsemane—blessing the numerous pilgrims visiting the Holy Land of Jerusalem. The underground tomb of the Virgin Mary is situated in the Kidron Valley, on the foothills of the Mount of Olives, where the Saviour often prayed with His disciples. It is attributed to the Theotokos since it is believed that the Apostles gathered at this location and buried the most-pure body of the Mother of God. Her icon remains there as an endless spring of blessings for all the Christians, celebrated (or venerated) by the name “Panagia Ierosolimitissa.” [source]

In honor of the “Pascha of the Theotokos” (another name for the Dormition), an ancient tradition has taken hold in Jerusalem, repeating the procession of the cross with the shroud of the Theotokos, which bears a two-sided icon with a silver oklad (covering frame). This shroud is kept throughout the year in Gethsemane directly across from the Church of the Resurrection of Christ. And only during the Dormition period does this miracle-working shroud pass into a special canopy at the Sepulcher of the Mother of God. Believers venerate it as they pass through the canopy on their knees. [click here for photos of procession]


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