Axion Estin Explained

Axion estin (Greek: Greek, Modern (1453-);: Ἄξιόν ἐστιν, Slavonic: Достóйно éсть, Dostóino yesť), or It is Truly Meet, is a megalynarion and a theotokion, i.e. a magnification^[1] of and a Hymn to Mary used in the Divine Services of the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches. It consists of a troparion and a sticheron composed in honor of the Theotokos (i.e. the Virgin Mary).

Axion estin is also the name of type of icon of the Theotokos, also known as the Eleousa type, after the icon of Karyes (Mount Athos) in front of which, according to tradition, the hymn was revealed in the late 10th century. At Karyes, the icon is currently kept in the Protaton.^[2]

Icon

According to tradition, an Elder and his disciple lived in a cell on Mount Athos.^[3]

See also

• Axion Esti Encomium
• Agni Parthene
• Hymns to Mary
• Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
• Odysseas Elytis

External links

• The Official site of the Holy Cell Axion Estin, on Mt. Athos
• The Revelation of Axion Estin
• It is Truly Meet the Synaxarion of the feast (note: the icon depicted here is not "Axion Estin")
• Miraculous Icon of Axion Esti

Notes and References

1. In the archaic sense of the word; see Web site: magnification. Web site: magnify. Online Etymology Dictionary.
2. Book: Speake, Graham . Mount Athos: renewal in paradise . Denise Harvey . Limni, Evia, Greece . 2014 . 978-960-7120-34-2 . 903320491.
3. Web site: Ιερό Κελλί «Άξιον Εστί» | Άγιο Όρος. 24 September 2023.