Panagia Blachernitissa

The Panagia of Blachernitissa (Gr. Παναγία η Βλαχερνίτισσα, Turkish: Meryem Ana Kilisesi), also known as Blachernae, Vlachernae, or Vlahernon, is a 7th century Byzantine icon from Constantinople preserved in the imperial palace of Blachernai. The icon, according to tradition, was not written; rather, it was made from a composition of wax and the ashes of 6th-century martyred Christians. Within the Church, there is only one other icon of this type— the icon of Archangel Michael of Mantamados. The icon of Blachernitissa is currently located in Russia at the Tretyakov Gallery.

History

Blachernae, Constantinople

Main article: Church of Panagia Blachernae (Istanbul)

Churches

• The Church of Blachernae, Pontikonisi (Corfu, Greece)
• The Church of Blachernae, Peloponneso

A majestic 12th century church decorated with beautiful frescoes of St. John the Baptist.

• Isle of Dias, village of Kalligata (Kefalonia, Greece)

Monasteries

• Panagia Blahernon (Corfu, Greece) - 17th century
• Panagia Vlahernon Greek Orthodox Monastery (Williston, Florida)

Name ambiguity

Name ambiguity - There are two places with the name "Blachernae." The first location, and most recognised, is in Constantinople and is spelt with a 'B'. The second, is a municipality in the prefecture of Arta, Greece. It is not so well known and most commonly spelt with a 'V'.

See also

• Panagia the Life Giving Spring
• Life-giving Fount of the Theotokos
• Theotokos of Tikhvin

Sources

• Paul Halsall - Response on Blachernae enquiry
• Russian Traditions
• The Virgin of Orans explained

External links

• Wikipedia Article - the illustrious icon from Blachernae
• Article on the Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria"
• Article on Protection of the Mother of God - Church of the Panagia Blachernae
• Travel Guide to Turkey