August 10, 2014

Announcement from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem on the "Blinking" Icon of the Panagia


Official Announcement from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem Posted on its Website

The Icon of the Panagia in the Church of the Resurrection

August 8, 2014

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem, a devoted guardian of the Holy Shrines and of the Orthodox faith in them, wishes to inform the followers of its website and any person in search of the liberating truth – “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (Jn 8:32) – that the icon of the Panagia that is kept in the shrine behind the chapel known as the Prison of Christ in the All-Holy Church of the Resurrection does not “blink” as some faithful have recently suggested. Such a false impression may be due to the reflection of light.

Our infallible Orthodox faith and tradition guides us in the manner in which to honor the devout figure of Our Lady Theotokos and receive her consolation and assistance.

From the Secretariat-General

Source

Below is the video that has circulated which has suggested to some that the icon of the Panagia is opening and shutting its eyes. Clearly it takes some camera maneuvering to manipulate the illusion.