The length of the bracelet is 16 cm; it consists of small knots, into which two seed bead inserts are woven. The bracelet also contains a sterling silver icon depicting Mother of God "Pantanassa", which makes it not just a piece of jewelry, but a Christian symbol of faith. Thanks to a special braiding technique, the bracelet can be easily stretched by increasing the distance between the knots. This means it's is suitable for all wrist sizes.
Greek komboskini bracelets are woven by the monks of the Mount Athos monasteries with prayer and for prayer. The name of the bracelet reflects its essence and purpose: in Greek, kombos (κόμπος) means "knot", and skini (σχοινί) is a rope or cord.
The weaving of the komboskini bracelets is always accompanied by continuous prayer. Tying each knot, the monk says: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Due to this, Greeks believe that komboskini bracelet protects the person who wears it. But the bracelets also have a more practical use: like prayer ropes, they are used by the prayers to go through the knots and thus count the number of prayers uttered.
Bracelets are braided in a special way: each knot consists of 9 crosses of cord, symbolizing the nine crosses, or nine angelic ranks. Often seed beads, little crosses or icons are woven into the bracelet. Komboskini bracelets are usually worn on the wrist of the left hand, as it's closer to the heart. Believers often give such bracelets to their family and friends to remember and pray for them.
The miraculous Mother of God Pantanassa is a small icon kept in the main temple of Vatopedi Monastery. Its first miracle is associated with a young man who was fond of occult sciences and practiced magic. Entering the temple of Vatopedi for the first time, the young man tried to kneel before the icon. At that moment, a glow began to emanate from the image of the Mother of God, and then a sudden force threw him to the ground. Stunned, the young man repented of his activities and completely changed his life.
The icon is best known for the miracles associated with the healing of cancer. The image of the Mother of God has existed since the 17th century, yet miracles began to occur only at the end of the 20th century. Every day prayers are made in front of her for the healing of all cancer patients and other people suffering from diseases. There are thousands of stories of miraculous healings due to this icon stored in Vatopedi. There is not a single oncological hospital in the world whose hospital chapel would not have an image of the Mother of God Pantanassa.
The feast day in honor of the icon of Pantanassa falls on October 15.
Length: 16 cm
Weight: ~2 gr
Beads volume: ~3,5 mm
Material: weaving cord, seed beads, sterling silver