Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of the Ηoly Napkin of Jesus Christ in pine wood with carved decoration.

According to the Christian tradition, the toparch of Edessa, King Avgaros, was suffering from leprosy. When he learned of the miracles that Jesus Christ performed, he sent his messenger Ananias to Jerusalem to meet Christ and deliver a letter to him. As Ananias listened to the teaching of the Godman, he tried to capture His image on paper. Seeing him, Jesus asked His disciples for water to wash and wiped His face with a cloth. His figure was miraculously imprinted on the fabric and handed it over to Ananias to send to Avgaros. As soon as the King received the Holy Napkin he was healed and embraced the Christian faith.

The Holy Napkin is one of the lost relics of the Orthodox Church, which was lost from Constantinople during its conquest by the Crusaders in 1204 AD. The Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ is celebrated by the Orthodox Christian Church on August 16 of each year.

Apolytikion of the Holy Napkin

Second Tone

We worship Thine immaculate icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will wast Thou well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.