Thread by @Dr_Dimitra_Fimi

THREAD: For @FolkloreThurs’s #worldreligions theme, and since it was the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God yesterday, here are some unusual icons of the Virgin Mary in the Eastern Orthodox tradition: 1st the scene of the Dormition by El Greco in Syros #FolkloreThursday

2nd: the three-handed Madonna (Παναγία Τριχερούσα) belonged, according to tradition, to John of Damascus in the 8th century and is believed to be wonderworking. It’s now in the monastery of Hilander in Mount Athos @FolkloreThurs #FolkloreThursday #worldreligions #medievaltwitter

3rd: the Breastfeeding (Γαλακτοτροφούσα) Madonna (one of the oldest versions of this theme) at Osiou Gregoriou monastery, Mount Athos. I like the motherhood moment here! @FolkloreThurs #FolkloreThursday #worldreligions #medievaltwitter

4th: The Virgin Mary of Charon/Virgin of Death (Παναγία του Χάρου) in the tiny island of Leipsoi holds Jesus crucified (rather than the Christ child). It is believed that withered lilies placed on it bloom again. @FolkloreThurs #FolkloreThursday #worldreligions #medievaltwitter

5th: probably my favourite and definitely folkloric, the Mermaid Madonna (Παναγία η Γοργόνα) can be seen in Skala Sykamnias, Lesbos. @FolkloreThurs #FolkloreThursday #worldreligions #medievaltwitter

Last tweet: in the Eastern Orthodox tradition the earliest icons of the Virgin Mary are supposed to have been painted by St Luke the Evangelist who would have met her
@FolkloreThurs #FolkloreThursday #worldreligions #medievaltwitter