Wax icon of the Nativity of Christ

The beeswax icon is hand-carved with great attention to details. Thanks to the addition of incense during the manufacturing process the icon exudes a light aroma, which is firmly associated in our minds with the calming atmosphere of church rooms.

The faces in the Nativity icon depict the theology of the incarnation of the Lord.

Joseph stands at a distance, frozen in a posture of prayer or adoration, indicating that he is not the father of the newborn child, but a servant of the Lord, doing His will. The Blessed Mother of God, kneeling before Her Lord, praises God for His immeasurable mercy.

The icon also depicts silent creatures - animals, which serve the Lord, warming Him, as well as praising their Creator.

The wax image is framed by the praise of the angels: " Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men!"

WAX ICON MAKING

Wax icons are created from natural beeswax with the addition of mastic and incense, like the early Christian icons of the Evangelist Luke. According to the legend, it was from wax that the holy apostle and evangelist carved the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary in the Mega Spileo monastery.

Initially, the icon is hand carved on a wooden billet. The monk prays unceasingly during the work; prayer is an integral part of any work on Mount Athos. Once the wooden icon is ready, based on it the mould is being made where wax is poured into. Then the monk adds mastic and incense into the wax. Once the mixture hardens, the icon is being released from the mould and painted brown. This way many wax icons can be cast from a single mould.

The icon should not be exposed to sunlight, as it can melt at temperatures above 45 ° C