Where the icon of Our Lady Gorgoepikoos is located
The icon of Our Lady of Gorgoepikoos is one of the most well-known miraculous icons, along with the icon of Our Lady Portaitissa, both of which are kept on Mount Athos.
The icon of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos is housed at the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou. Initially, it was kept in a place to the right of the monastery’s Table (that is the dining room). Later, a special chapel was built near that spot in her honor and the holy icon has been transferred and prevented there ever since.
In this chapel, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated twice a week, the monastic tonsures are conducted and daily morning and evening supplications are held before the icon of the Theotokos.
In the Synaxarion of the Monastery of Dochiariou, Saint Nicodemus records that the holy icon of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos was painted by the founder of the monastery, Neophytos, in the 11th century.
Find the article here: Holy Monastery of Dochiari: the Monastery of Archangels and Soldiers
Turmoil within the Holy Monastery of Dochiari
Saint Nicodemus recounts that the year 1646 AD was a difficult time for the Holy Monastery of Dochiari. The monks were unable to collect the necessary funds to pay the taxes owed to the Ottoman authorities, causing great insecurity and unrest within the monastery.
This situation seemed to affect the monks' ability to carry out their duties. During this period, a particular incident took place. A monk named Neilos, who was responsible for the dining room of the monastery, regularly passed in front of the icon of Our Lady Gorgoepikoos, holding lit torches in his hands.
The Intervention of the Theotokos
One evening, as Neilos passed in front of the holy icon of the Theotokos with his lit torches, he heard a voice saying to him: «Do not pass by here and blacken the place with smoke».
Believing the voice to be from another person, the monk dismissed it and did not give much attention to the words. However, as he continued to pass in front of the holy icon in the same manner, he heard the voice once again, saying:
«O monk, how long will you continue to smoke my icon and darken me with dishonor?» At that very moment, the unfortunate monk lost his sight and was left blind!
Realizing the grave sin he had committed by disregarding the voice of the Theotokos and failing to obey her command, the monk immediately built a wooden prayer stand, which he used to pray continuously before the holy icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Why the Theotokos is called Gorgoepikoos
The monk implored the Most Holy Theotokos to forgive him for his sin and to restore his sight. Indeed, the Theotokos heard his prayers and spoke the following words to him:
«Behold, from today I restore your sight. Take care not to pass by with lit torches again, because I am the Lady of this Monastery and I swiftly respond to those who invoke me, granting their petitions for their salvation, for I am called Gorgoepikoos».
It is worth noting that the first depiction of the Theotokos in the Monastery of Dochiari was painted in 1563 AD. In that depiction, the Theotokos was referred to as the Virgin and Child, the Formidable Protection and Gorgoepikoos.
However, when the Theotokos spoke to the monk, she used only one of these titles, calling herself Gorgoepikoos, to emphasize her swift response to the prayers of the faithful who seek her aid. The word Gorgoepikoos comes from the Greek words “γοργός” + “υπακούω”, meaning the person who listens and obeys quickly.
From that time until today, the Theotokos is known as Gorgoepikoos, as she not only responds quickly to the prayers of the faithful but also reminds us that obedience is the most important virtue for the salvation of souls.
Find here: Hand Painted Byzantine icons with the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos.
The message of the Theotokos to All People
After the miracle of restoring the blind monk's sight, the Theotokos wished to convey another message about her role in supporting the spiritual growth and salvation of humans.
Just as she obeyed the words of the Archangel Gabriel and contributed to our salvation, so now, by responding to our requests, she humbly repeats, «Behold the handmaid of the Lord». Thus, the Theotokos helps and swiftly saves all those who approach her with faith, honoring her as Gorgoepikoos.
The miracles of Our Lady Gorgoepikoos
The icon of Our Lady Gorgoepikoos is one of the most significant icons of Mount Athos, as it has performed countless miracles.
According to the record of the monastery, Panagia Gorgoepikoos heals the faithful from various illnesses, relieves headaches and fatigue, helps couples who struggle with fertility and reveals lost items.
Furthermore, the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos protects sailors at sea, assists farmers in their fields, restores sight to the blind and brings peace to prisoners. These and many other miracles are recorded at the Holy Monastery of Dochiari.
When Our Lady Gorgoepikoos is celebrated
The Church commemorates the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos on October 1st.
Find here: Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos Silver Pendant
Find here: Waxy Prayer Rope with Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos
