Where the icon of our Lady Eleovrytisa is located
The icon of the Virgin Mary Eleovrytisa is small in size and dates back to approximately the 13th to 14th century, being one of the miraculous icons of Mount Athos.
To this day, the venerable icon of the Virgin Mary is kept in the oil cellar (in Greek “Docheio”) of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopaidi, a space where the monastery’s wine and oil are stored. Due to its placement, the icon has also been given the name "Docheiarissa".
The miracle of the monastery’s oil
One time, a monk named Gennadius of Vatopaidi, was in charge of the monastery’s storage. Due to a shortage of oil, the monk Gennadius requested that the oil should be used sparingly, in order to save enough amount of oil for the needs of the church.
However, the monastery’s cook protested this situation, and the abbot sought the intercession of the Theotokos, praying to be delivered from this trial. He advised the cook to continue using the oil as before.
One day, when the cook went to pump the last amount of oil as he thought, he saw a truly wondrous sight! The oil jar, which had been nearly empty, was now full, with oil reaching the door.
Why the icon of the Theotokos is called "Eleovrytisa"
Along with this miraculous event, the space was filled with a fragrant aroma, which emanated from the small, holy icon of the Theotokos. Due to this miracle, the icon of the Theotokos was given the title "Eleovrytisa" and the event quickly became known throughout Mount Athos.
When the Virgin Mary Eleovrytisa is commemorated
Since then, the holy icon of the Theotokos Eleovrytisa has remained in the monastery’s oil cellar, continually filling the space with a delightful fragrance. The Church commemorates this miraculous event on Friday of Easter Week, during which the icon is transferred to the KatholiKon of Vatopedi Monastery.
Find here the article: Holy Great Monastery of Vatopaidi: the Athoniada Academy and the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary
