The Axion Estin icon of the Virgin Mary, one of the oldest and most highly venerated icons of Orthodoxy, has been authentically replicated for and soon will be installed in the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Somerville.  A full-scale icon, the commissioned work is painted in oil and tempera and covered by a bejeweled silver casing.  It is a holy, consecrated icon, the work of Mt. Athos iconographers, who prayed at every step of its creation. The original is kept in the Church of the Dormition in Karyes, Mt. Athos.

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston will preside at the unveiling of the Axion Estin Icon, at a Hierarchical Great Vespers Service on Saturday evening, November 23 at 7 p.m. A reception for all participants, hosted by the Organizing Committee for the 100th Anniversary celebration, will follow. The Liturgy, starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 24 will offer the faithful one more opportunity for veneration. A reception will follow in the Church hall and all are invited.

Rev. Fr. Konstantinos Manetas, who spearheaded the project, the Parish Council and the parishioners of the Dormition Church who collaborated to bring it to fruition, invite the public to join them in prayer and share the power and beauty of the newly acquired icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The Somerville community, which looks forward to celebrating its 100th year Anniversary in 2016, and the organizing Committee for the Anniversary Celebration, see the unveiling of this icon of the Virgin Mary as one means to remind future generations of their spiritual past and to provide a focal point for prayer.