The epic journey of the only actual portrait of Virgin Mary: Icon of Madonna of Philermos
The world of Chivalry is interwoven with the spectacular turns of events. However, this story surpass even the wildest imagination and is a true testimony of the chivalric virtues.
The Icon of the Madonna of Philermos, revered as the only 'vera icon' and a guiding template for all later depictions of the Virgin Mary, encapsulates a journey through time and turmoil, illustrating the resilience and enduring significance of spiritual artifacts. This narrative unfolds a tapestry of history, faith, and divine guardianship, spanning from the hands of Evangelist Luke to its present abode in Montenegro's Art Museum within the Blue Chapel of Madonna of Philermos at Cetinje.
From Antioch to Constantinople: The Early Years
Its story begins in 40 A.D., attributed to St. Luke the Evangelist, who is said to have sketched a portrait of Maria, the Mother of God. Several years later, Luke, carrying a portrait of Jesus's mother, found sanctuary in Antioch, Syria. For three centuries, the icon remained in a local prayer house of early Christians, fostering devotion and veneration. In the wake of 317 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great reclaimed the icon, returning it to Jerusalem, signaling the start of its storied pilgrimage.