Icon of the Women of the New Testament Now Available!
You could say that from the moment Christ’s ministry began, there were Myrrhbearers—women who supported His teaching, followed in His footsteps, and multiplied the riches He offered them into service to others. Whether they knew Christ personally or encountered Him through the witness of the Apostles, these women carried many kinds of myrrh through the self-offering of their love.
They were preachers of good news, artists, tentmakers, healers, hostesses, servants, weavers, peacemakers, problem-solvers, community organizers, miracle workers, mothers, and wives. Many eventually gave even their lives for the faith.
Three hundred generations later, that same calling continues—now, through women like you. Across North America, Orthodox women are seeking to live more deeply in the light of Christ and to become sources of healing in a fragmented world. But this calling is not meant to be lived alone. We need one another—our varied strengths, experiences, and traditions—to become whole together.
At Axia, your generosity makes that possible. Because of your support, Orthodox women are finding one another across jurisdictions and distances. They are gaining access to rich education, meaningful spiritual formation, and life-giving community. They are being equipped with practical tools and thoughtful guidance to lead vibrant lives in the Church.
Each gathering—whether in person or online—becomes a place where women can rest, be renewed, and build sustaining relationships that transcend borders. Each connection strengthens not only individual women, but the Church as a whole.
We invite you to continue this work with us. Your gift helps ensure that more women can gather, grow, and carry the myrrh of Christ’s love into the world.
Here’s what some recent attendees have to say about how their faith was enriched through the Axia community:
“I had been smoldering for a long time and didn’t know how to rekindle it. Sometimes you can fan a flame yourself. But sometimes you need someone else to bring a log. I had run out of fuel. And at this retreat, I found a community of women willing to share theirs.” - Retreat participant
“While the philosophies of our day tempt me to stay within the comfort of those with whom I agree, Jesus asks me to follow Him alongside others with whom I may disagree. He calls us myrrhbearing women to come together to wrestle with challenging ideas, while at the same time honoring each other’s dignity and value as daughters of God. This is certainly a tall order, but just as the myrrhbearing women of Jesus’ time chose humility and grace in the midst of political turmoil, I believe God is also asking me to do the same. I am grateful that the Axia Myrrhbearing Women Pilgrimage Retreat reminded me that unity and strength are found in the body of Christ.”
- Retreat Participant
Heather MacKean’s icon of the 58 Women of the New Testament has resonated deeply with our community—a visible witness to the many women in whose footsteps we walk, and who themselves followed Christ.
As a sign of our gratitude for your support, we are pleased to offer you a high-quality 8×10 print of this icon, produced on heavyweight, acid-free cardstock with a matte finish, ready for framing. With a gift of $100 or more—or a monthly commitment of $10 or more—we will send this icon to you as a reminder of the shared calling you help sustain.