A special Icon of the Annunciation is being commissioned on the occasion of the Centennial Celebration of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, San Francisco, California. This Icon depicts Agia Sophia in Constantinople, our Mother Church, depicted in the 1921 seal of the Cathedral which was originally named St. Sophia. The Golden Gate Bridge, representing San Francisco, connects Agia Sophia to today’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A limited edition of 150 Icons will be produced. Each Icon will be numbered and dedicated to the person or family purchasing it. The Icons will be blessed by Archbishop Elpidophoros and presented to the people who purchase them. The icons are made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) which has been prepared by hand, using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaf, meticulously applied by hand to each peace. All of the icons are reproduced in accordance with museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. The Icons are crafted in Greece by Artist Iconography Works.
Over the icon are two seals. On the left is the seal of the original church, which was located at Hayes and Pierce Streets in San Francisco and was named St. Sophia. The seal on the right was produced on the occasion of the Cathedral’s 100th Anniversary. The seals are joined by a graphic of the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic San Francisco landmark. For Orthodox Christians there is added symbolism, as the sea entrance to Constantinople, the Queen City, was also known as the Golden Gate. The Virgin Mary, depicted in the icon, is known as the Gateway for the Word, as she is the one who bore Jesus Christ in the flesh. May God bless you for it and watch over you and your loved ones
These beautiful Icons will be limited to a total of 150. You may pre-order yours today by filling out and returning this form with payment to the Cathedral or you may also use our secure PayPal option by clicking here (online payments will included a 3% processing fee).
