Theotokos of Tenderness – Byzantine Wooden Mounted Icon
This Theotokos of Tenderness Orthodox Wooden Mounted Icon offers one of the most beloved images in Orthodox tradition: the Mother of God holding Christ close, cheek to cheek, in a tender expression of love, mercy, and divine intimacy. Known in Greek as Panagia Glykophilousa, this iconographic type is cherished for its warmth and spiritual depth, inviting prayerful reflection on the closeness between the Theotokos and her Son.
Crafted on solid wood and hand-finished with care in Brooklyn, New York, this devotional piece is made using a high-quality printed sacred image applied with the decoupage technique. Its luminous colors and traditional Orthodox style make it especially fitting for a home prayer corner, office, church bookstore, or as a thoughtful Orthodox Christian gift for housewarmings, name days, baptisms, and personal devotion.
The Theotokos of Tenderness is especially loved as an icon of maternal compassion, comfort, and intercession. Created with respect for Orthodox iconographic tradition, this piece should be described accurately as a handmade wooden mounted icon made with decoupage, not as an original hand-painted icon or hand-painted hagiographic artwork. A timeless devotional piece, it brings sacred beauty, tenderness, and reverence into everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the “Theotokos of Tenderness” icon?
A: Known in Greek as the “Eleusa,” the Theotokos of Tenderness depicts the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child with their cheeks touching. This style emphasizes the deep, maternal love between the Mother of God and her Son, as well as the intimate relationship between God and humanity. It is one of the most beloved and comforting images in the Orthodox tradition.
Q: How is this icon made?
A: Each icon is handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York by CMT Graphics. A high-quality printed sacred image is applied to solid wood using the decoupage technique — a method of layering and sealing the image onto the wood surface for a durable, long-lasting finish. Each piece is hand-finished with care, which means slight variations in color or surface finish are normal and part of what makes each icon unique.
Q: Is this icon a traditional gift for specific occasions?
A: Yes. Because of its theme of love and protection, the Theotokos of Tenderness is a traditional gift for new mothers, baby showers, Baptisms, and weddings. It is often the first icon placed in a child’s bedroom or a family prayer corner (iconostasis).
Q: How do I care for my handmade wooden icon?
A: To preserve the hand-applied finish, simply wipe the icon gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals. Because it is made of natural wood in our Brooklyn studio, we recommend keeping it in a stable environment away from extreme humidity.
Q: Can I request a custom size for my favorite Saint, Lord, or Panagia for my home?
A: Yes! Since we manufacture every piece in our home-studio, we can accommodate custom prepaid requests to fit your specific home prayer corner (iconostasis) or wall display. Please email us at shop@cmtgraphics.com to discuss your custom project.
Delivery & Returns
PRODUCTION
Our icons are handcrafted and made to order, so please allow time for production before shipping. Shipping time does not include production time. Most orders ship within 5–7 business days. With standard shipping, expect delivery within 8–12 business days, depending on workload, weather, and other factors. Hand-painted icons (αγιογραφία / iconography) may take up to 3 weeks.
(For example, if you select 2-day shipping, your order will be delivered 2 days after it ships, not 2 days after the order is placed.) Please visit our Shipping and Handling FAQ page for more information about how long you can expect production to take.
SHIPPING
We ship within the US ONLY (temporarily). We DO NOT ship international orders. Shipping time does not include production time. When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. Depending on our shipping provider (USPS), shipping date estimates may appear on the shipping quotes page. Click here to learn more about shipping.
RETURN POLICY
We allow returns for many of our items, but restrictions may apply. Please visit our Return Policy page for more information.
