The oldest and perhaps one of the most treasured icons of all on Mount Athos, Greece is that of the Theotokos of the Akathist.

The original icon is made of beeswax and mastic (an aromatic resin that exudes from the bark of a Mediterranean tree) along with myrrh. On the back side of the original icon, the following is written: “This is the miraculous Icon which Patriarch Sergios held whilst circling the walls of Constantinople and which ridded the city of the barbarian siege and was donated to the Monastery of Dionysiou by Emperor Alexios.”

In the year 626, the Christian Capital of Constantinople was in danger and surrounded by barbarians. The Patriarch Sergius led the faithful around the walls of the City praying and singing for the Theotokos intercession throughout the night; as a result of those prayers, the City was saved. Among the prayers offered were 24 verses of Salutations to the Theotokos, which were then given the name “Akathist” (not sitting) in remembrance of how the faithful had stood in reverence and fervent prayer all night.