Where the icon of Our Lady Glykophilousa is located
The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa is one of the most loved miraculous icons of the Theotokos. It is housed at the Holy Monastery of Filotheou on Mount Athos and is placed on the left side of the Katholikon's sanctuary.
What the icon of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa depicts
The miraculous icon of Our Lady Glykophilousa is double-sided. In this holy icon, the Most Holy Theotokos tenderly holds Jesus Christ, who is portrayed at a young age and Her gaze, filled with love and compassion, is directed towards the faithful.
At the same time, Jesus Christ, the God-Man, turns His head towards His Mother, resting His face lovingly against hers, while His left hand gently touches the face of the Ever-Virgin Mary.
On the back side, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is depicted.
How the icon of Our Lady Glykophilousa came to Mount Athos
During the period of iconoclasm, the icon of Our Lady Glykophilousa was miraculously preserved, just as was the case with the icon of the Virgin Mary Portaitissa.
The icon of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa originally belonged to Victoria, the wife of Simeon, a senator and iconoclast. Victoria, being a pious christian, sought to protect the icon from falling into the hands of the iconoclasts.
Thus, she decided to safeguard the holy icon by casting it into the sea. According to tradition, the icon of the Theotokos Glykofilousa floated upright upon the waters and eventually reached the eastern shores of Mount Athos.
The Abbot and the fathers of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou discovered the miraculous icon after the Most Holy Theotokos revealed its location. With great joy and honor, they brought the icon to their monastery.
At the place where the icon of Our Lady Glykophilousa was found, a holy spring gushed. Every year, on the Monday of Easter Week, a litany and sanctification take place at this site.
Find the article here: Holy Monastery of Philotheou: where the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary Glykofilousa is kept
The miracle with the monk Ioannikios
From the moment of the miraculous appearance of the icon of the Theotokos Glykofilousa until today, numerous miracles have been attributed to it. One such miracle occurred in 1713, when the Theotokos responded to the prayers of Ioannikios, a pious monk.
Ioannikios lamented over the poor condition of the monastery, and the Virgin Mary assured him that she would provide for the monastery's material needs, which indeed came to pass.
Find here: Hand Painted Byzantine icons with the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa.
The miracle of the pilgrim’s rescue
Another miracle occurred in the year 1800, when a pilgrim fell from the third floor of the guesthouse of the monastery. The Theotokos intervened and saved him from harm.
The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa is the protective icon of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou. Through her grace, she protects all the Athonite monks, as well as all the faithful who pray to Her.
