Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Saint Mary Magdalene in pine wood with carved decoration.

Mary Magdalene, the Apostle and myrrh-bearer, followed Christ and the Apostles and helped them in their work. He came from the city of Magdala in Galilee and for this reason she was named Magdalene. According to the New Testament, Mary was sick but not a sinner, as many mistakenly claim. Christ freed her from the seven demons and out of gratitude, she became his faithful disciple. He was a witness of the first Resurrection of the Lord and a perfumer.

After the Ascension of Christ, he resided in Jerusalem, where he served the first Christian Church and later went to Ephesus with the Evangelist John, where he died and was buried. The Orthodox Christian Church commemorates it on July 22 of each year.

Apolytikion of Saint Mary Magdalene

First Tone

When Christ God had been born for our sakes from the Virgin, thou faithfully didst follow him, keeping His statutes and heeding His sacred laws, O august Mary Magdalene. Hence, as we today observe thy holy remembrance, we receive the loosing of our sins and transgressions through thy holy prayers for us.