The history and miracles of Theotokos Economissa at Holy Monastery of Great Lavra
Where is the icon of Our Lady Economissa
The icon of Our Lady Economissa or Stewardess is kept at the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra. Specifically, it is located in the Lete of the Katholikon of the Monastery, to the left of the Beautiful Gate, placed upon a wooden shrine.
The miracle with Saint Athanasios the Athonite
The miraculous icon of Theotokos Economissa is associated with a miracle performed to Saint Athanasios the Athonite. During the period when the Monastery was under construction, supplies and provisions had run out, causing great hardship for the monastic brotherhood.
Thus, Saint Athanasios was compelled to travel to Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos, to obtain the necessary provisions for the Monastery.
However, along the way, the Mother of God appeared to him, urging him to return to the Monastery, assuring him that the storage rooms were filled with the necessary goods. Indeed, upon his return, Saint Athanasius found the storerooms fully stocked.
Why the icon of the Theotokos was named Economissa
Then, the Theotokos conveyed to him that she would henceforth be the “Economissa” of the Monastery, taking responsibility for its sustenance and material needs. This is why she was given the title Economissa, which means servant.
To this day, the Theotokos is deemed the housekeeper or servant of the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra. The only remaining monastic office is that of the assistant housekeeper.
Find the article here: Holy Monastery of the Great Lavra: The oldest Monastery and first in hierarchy of Mount Athos
What the icon of the Virgin Mary Economissa depicts
The venerable icon of our Lady Economissa portrays the Theotokos seated on a throne, holding the Christ Child in her arms.
On either side of her are depicted Saints Athanasios the Athonite and Michael, Bishop of Synnada. Above the Theotokos are two angels, holding a crown.
In another version, the icon presents 14 figures: the Theotokos with the Divine Infant, surrounded by 10 Saints of the Holy Monastery, with two Angels holding the crown above the Theotokos.
Find here: Icon of our Lady of the Economissa
