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Theotokos Ktitorissa Vimatarissa - Holy Monastery Vatopedi

Where the icon of the Theotokos Ktitorissa or Vimatarissa is located The miraculous icon of the Theotokos Ktitorissa or Vimatarissa is the protective icon of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi. To this day, it resides in the synthronon of the Sanctuary of the monastery’s catholicon. How the icon of the Virgin Mary Ktitorissa was discovered According to Orthodox tradition, the holy icon of the Theotokos Ktitorissa was discovered by Arcadius, the son of Theodosius the Great. During a sea voyage, Arcadius was shipwrecked, but with the help of the Virgin Mary, he made his way to shore and found refuge under a bush to be saved. The area, where Arcadius was shipwrecked, was the peninsula of Athos. The place where he landed would later become the site where the Monastery of Vatopedi would be built. It was precisely there that he found the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Ktitorissa. The miracle of the holy Icon of the Theotokos Vimatarissa The holy icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is associated with many miracles. One of the first miracles occurred in the 10th century when Arab pirates attacked the monastery. At that time, Hierodeacon Savvas, who was responsible for the monastery's holy relics and treasures, immediately rushed to protect the icon of the Theotokos and threw it into the water well of the Sanctuary. Along with the icon, he placed the cross of Saint Constantine the Great and a lit candle that burned in front of the holy icon in the same spot. However, he could not escape himself from the pirates, who captured him and sold him in Crete island. Approximately seventy years later, Crete was liberated from the pirates during the reign of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas. At the same time, Saint Savvas was also set free and, though very old by then, managed to return to the monastery. Under his directions to the abbot of the monastery, Nicholas, the water well was reopened and something miraculous happened! The holy icon of the Theotokos Vimatarissa was found intact along with the cross, standing upright on the water! Find here: Icons with the Theotokos Vimatarissa. The double miracle through the Divine Providence of the Theotokos At the same time, the candle was burning just as it had when Saint Savvas had left it seventy years ago. By the Divine Providence of the Ever-Virgin Mary, everything remained intact and unaltered, exactly as it had been back then. To this day, in remembrance of the miracle, a Canon of request is chanted to the Most Holy Theotokos every Monday afternoon, and a Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Tuesday. Additionally, during all the litanies of the monastery, the icon of the Theotokos Vimatarissa precedes. Why the icon of the Theotokos is called Ktitorissa The name "Ktitorissa" is attributed to the discovery of the holy icon, which is associated with the restoration of the Monastery of Vatopedi by the three brothers and founders, Athanasios, Nicholas, and Antonios. They inhabited the monastery until the end of the 10th century. Find here the article: Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi: the Athoniada Academy and the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary When the feast of the Virgin Mary Ktitorissa is celebrated The feast of the Theotokos Ktitorissa or Vimatarissa is especially celebrated on the Tuesday of Easter Week, during which a great litany is held around the monastery in honor of the icon.

Theotokos Axion Estin on Protato Mount Athos

Where the icon of the Theotokos Axion Esti is located today The miraculous icon of the Theotokos Axion Esti is one of the most renowned icons of Mount Athos. Today, it is kept in the holy synthronon of the Protaton in Karyes and performs countless miracles. The icon of the Theotokos Axion Esti is of the Eleousa or Glykofilousa type and serves as the «common protecting icon» of all the monasteries of Mount Athos. Within the frame of the icon, the seals of the 20 Monasteries of Mount Athos can be discerned. What the icon of the Virgin Mary Axion Esti depicts The renowned icon of the Theotokos Axion Estin follows the strict standards of Byzantine art and is adorned with a silver-gold cover and Byzantine decoration. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus Christ with her right hand. Jesus Christ holds a manuscript scroll in his right hand with the inscription «The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me... » while his left hand is beneath the veil (maphorion) of the Ever-Virgin Mary. Find here: Icons of the Theotokos Axion Estin. Τhe story of an unknown monk with the Icon of the Virgin Mary According to ecclesiastical tradition, at the end of the 10th century, the icon of the Theotokos Axion Estin was initially located near the site of Adein, under the Russian Skete of Saint Andrew. One day, an elder monk who resided there, departed with his attendant from the cell to visit the Protaton, intending to participate in a vigil. The miracle associated with the Theotokos Axion Estin During the attendant's stay at the cell, an unknown monk knocked on the door, asking for hospitality. The novice welcomed him and offered him lodging. They began together to chant «Most honorable than the Cherubim…,» the ancient hymn of Kosmas the Poet, which was sung then as it is today, along with the Theotokian verses of the Ninth Ode («My soul magnifies the Lord…»). However, the guest monk began the hymn differently, adding at the beginning of the hymn the previously unknown preamble «It is Truly meet…». The elder monk’s novice, listening with admiration to the prelude, asked to have it written down so that he could chant it too. However, unable to find paper and ink, the unknown monk engraved the preamble with his finger onto a stone tablet. It is said that the stone softened like wax. Upon completing the preamble, the unknown monk declared that from then on it should be chanted by all Orthodox Christians. After this incident, he disappeared. The revelation for the unknown monk When the elder monk returned from the vigil, the novice showed him the engraved stone and chanted the hymn as he had heard it. Upon hearing it for the first time and seeing the inscription, the elder recognized that it was a miraculous event. Without delay, he transferred the stone to the elder monks of the nearby monastery. The conclusion was that the unknown monk was the Archangel Gabriel. He had descended from heaven to reveal the hymn in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. Why the icon of the Theotokos is called ‘Axion Esti’ Subsequently, the engraved stone was sent to Nicholas Chrysoverges, the Patriarch of Constantinople, who granted approval for the incorporation of the hymn into the liturgical life of the Church. The icon of the Theotokos Axion Esti received its name from this miraculous event involving the engraved stone, because the Archangel Gabriel chanted the troparion to Theotokos «It is truly meet...» in front of the icon. When is the feast of the Theotokos Axion Esti The icon of the Theotokos Axion Esti was transferred to the Protaton, where an annual celebration was established to commemorate the miracle and honor the Virgin Mary. The Synaxis of the Theotokos Axion Esti is celebrated every year on June 11th. Find here: Hand Painted Byzantine Icon with Theotokos Axion Esti.

What is the explanation of Holy Thursday in the Greek Orthodox Church

Why is it called Maundy Thursday During the Great and Holy Thursday, all the christians commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples and the washing of their feet. It is the fifth day of the Holy week and is also called Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the latin word ‘mandatum’ which symbolizes the words of Jesus Christ ‘I give you a new commandment’. Why is the Supper of Holy Thursday called ‘Secret’? An explanation from the Greek language Father Stefanos Anagnostopoulos explains that the word ‘Μυστικός’ in Greek (Mystikos, meaning ‘secret’), is delivered from the noun ‘initiate’ which comes from the verb ‘initiate’ (in Greek μυώ, myo). Therefore, the Last Supper did not take place in secret, but it had a higher cause, to initiate the Apostles in the martyrdom that would follow. In the Last Supper, our Lord Jesus Christ revealed, presented and taught to His twelve disciples, that the sacrament of His Sacrifice on the Cross has already been accomplished. The Supper of Holy Thursday is called ‘Last’ because Jesus Christ initiated His disciples and through the disciples, us, into the saving sacrifice: He Himself performed the Cross of Calvary. Through the Last Supper, Jesus Christ, in an inconceivable way to the human mind and common sense, foresees the events of the betrayal, the Trial, the Passion, the Calvary and the Sacrifice on the Cross. And He expects them because they are present in the food of His Holy Body and His Holy Blood..."Take, eat, this is My body", he says to his disciples, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood…” For the Lord to speak in this manner, signifies that the Sacrifice has already been performed and continues to be realized till nowadays through our Divine Liturgy! Here you can find icons with the Last Supper.

Theotokos Pantanassa - Holy Monastery of Vatopedi

Where the icon of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa is located The icon of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa is located on the left shrine of the northeastern pillar of the Κatholiκon (main church) in the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi. It is a portable icon, dating from the 17th century, and has performed countless miracles since then. Read here: Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi: the Athoniada Academy and the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary. The miraculous event of the Theotokos Pantanassa According to Elder Joseph of Vatopedi, a miraculous event occurred thanks to the holy icon of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa. One day, a young man visited the Monastery and approached the icon of the Theotokos Pantanassa with the intention of worshiping. At that moment, a blinding light flashed from the icon and a divine force pushed him away, throwing him to the ground. When the young man regained all his senses, he confessed with remorse that he had strayed from God and was involved in witchcraft. However, through the Divine Intervention of the Theotokos, he came to believe in God and became a christian. The icon of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa, the protector of cancer patients It is worth noting that the holy icon of the Theotokos Pantanassa possesses a very significant characteristic. The holy icon of the Virgin Mary protects and heals those who suffer from the disease of cancer. Find her: Icons with the Theotokos Pantanassa. Nowadays, there are numerous cases of cancer patients being healed after worshiping the icon of the Virgin Mary Pantanassa. However, the miracles are not limited to Greece. Similarly, in Moscow, specifically at the Children's Oncology Center, there is a copy of the holy icon of the Virgin Mary. There, miracles occur daily and many children that are suffering from cancer, are healed. When the icon of the Theotokos Pantanassa is celebrated Every year, on September 24th, the miraculous icon of the Theotokos Pantanassa is celebrated at the Holy Dependency of the Great Monastery of Vatopedi. A multitude of Christians visit Porto Lagos to honor the holy icon. Find here: Hand Painted Byzantine Icon with Theotokos Pantanassa.

Theotokos Sumela in Trebizond - Orthodox Monastery on Mount Melas

Why is Theotokos called ‘Sumela’ The miraculous icon of the Theotokos Soumela dates back centuries and, according to Orthodox tradition, was carved on wood by the Evangelist Luke. Its name derives from Mount Melas and the Pontic dialect term in Greek ‘sou’. The Pontians used to say, «We will go up to the Theotokos of ‘Sou’ Melas». In 386 AD, on Mount Melas in Trebizond, at an altitude of 1063 meters, the monastery of the Theotokos Soumela was founded following the miraculous revelation of the holy icon. The monastery was built by two Athenian monks, Barnabas and Sophronius. The combination of the holy icon of our Lady Soumela with the holy water possessing healing properties, was a focal point of the monastery and a magnet for pilgrims. There were many miraculous interventions by our Lady Soumela to protect the monastery from enemy invasions and destruction. What the icon of the Theotokos Soumela depicts The holy icon of our Lady Soumela is largely damaged due to the declines it has suffered, to the point where the depicted figures are no longer distinguishable. Only the outlines of the Theotokos and the young Jesus Christ are barely discernible. Above the figures of the Ever-Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ, the inscriptions IC. XC. MP. ΘΥ. H COYMELHTHCA (Jesus Christ Mother of God, the Soumela) can be distinguished. Below the inscriptions, the crown on the head of the Virgin Mary appears to be held by two angels. Finally, the icon is enclosed in a silver-gilt case from 1700 AD, adorned with images, inscriptions, and precious stones. The Destruction of the Monastery and the Hiding of the Icon Unfortunately, in 1922 AD, the monastery was completely destroyed following the raid and attack by the Young Turks and Kemalists. As a result, the Greeks of Pontus and Asia Minor left their ancestral lands and were permanently uprooted. Before their uprooting, the monks managed to hide the holy icon of the Virgin Mary Soumela in the chapel of Saint Barbara. Along with the icon, they hid a priceless Cross containing holy wood from Manuel III, as well as a handwritten Gospel by Saint Christopher. Find here: Icons with the Theotokos Soumela The Return of the Icon of the Theotokos Soumela to Greece For approximately 10 years, the icon remained buried in the lands of Trebizond. In 1931 AD, one of the last monks of the monastery at that time, Hieromonk Ambrosios Soumeliotis, encouraged by Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, traveled to Pontus with the purpose of retrieving the sacred relics and bringing them back to Greece. Through diplomatic efforts, Eleftherios Venizelos managed to return the sacred relics to Greece, which remain symbols of utmost religious significance to this day. For approximately 20 years, the relics were kept in the Byzantine Museum of Athens. The Construction of the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos Soumela In 1951 AD, the construction of the new Holy Monastery of our Lady Soumela began in the region of Kastania on Mount Vermio, in the prefecture of Imathia. It is said that the Pontians wanted the monastery to be built in a place similar to that of Pontus, with serenity and rocky mountains. There, the holy icon of our Virgin Mary Soumela, along with the other holy relics, was finally transferred and remains to this day a focal point for Pontic Hellenism. It is a symbol of faith for the Greeks of Pontus and the entire Orthodox community. When the Theotokos Soumela celebrates Our Lady Soumela celebrates on August 15th every year, on the Dormition of the Theotokos. Christians from all over Greece visit the monastery to venerate the holy icon and to participate in various events held there. Find here: Icons with the Theotokos Soumela

Unfading Rose of the Virgin Mary, the Amaranth Rose

What "Rose the Amaranth" symbolizes The Unfading Rose of the Virgin Mary, the Amaranth Rose also known as the "Rose of the Virgin" or the "Immortal Rose of the Resurrection," or "the Rose of Jericho" symbolizes eternity and incorruptibility, the immortal essence of the soul! The Apostle Paul mentions that «For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing» (2 Corinthians 2:15), meaning Christ is the «Rose the Amaranth» and those who come near to the Lord, experience a heavenly fragrance. How the Amaranth Rose is connected to the Virgin Mary and Christ Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our salvation. He is the Rose of Salvation, the pure, undefiled flower that blossomed in the barren and sinful Earth. Despite humanity's pollution, He came to Earth and remained immaculate. This occurred because He originated from the Ever-Virgin Mary, without the hereditary defilement of the Fall. And the Theotokos is the Amaranth Rose, the unwithering rose. God distinguished and chose her among the multitude of people and sin. God sought to find fragrance and wonderful scent in the world and found it in the face of the Virgin Mary. For this reason, she is called “Rejoice, birth-giver of the aromatic balm of the King of all” , that is the fragrance of Christ. The Virgin Mary is the flower that does not wither and remains spotless and perfectly pure forever. Neither time can wear her down, nor the blasphemies of the impious people. What the icon of the Virgin Mary of Roses depicts The icon of the Virgin Mary of Roses depicts Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus in her arms and with her other hand, holding a rose. At the bottom of the holy icon, there are multiple roses, which are in shades of red and pink. How the icon of the Virgin Mary of Roses was found The way in which the holy icon of our Lady of Roses was found, was miraculous. According to residents in the area of Piraeus, Greece, the icon was discovered between 1890 AD and 1895 AD. It all began when a fisherman, during his fishing, found the holy icon near the cliffs of Piraeus. Once the news spread in the area, a devout family named Katsaros wanted to provide shelter for the protection of the icon. Thus, on their own initiative, they undertook the construction of a private chapel, which they named Theotokos Rose the Amaranth. Find here: Hand Painted Byzantine Icon with the Virgin Mary of Roses. The miracle with the infectious disease During the summer of 1895, an epidemic of smallpox broke out in Piraeus, which had very low recovery rates. This caused great distress among the residents and led them to relocate to other areas to survive. Those who found themselves in the unfortunate position to be affected by this disease, either did not survive or were transferred to the Kantharos Hospital. There, individuals with other infectious diseases, such as pestilence, were also hospitalized. As the number of deaths from the contagious disease increased, the faithful sought their only hope for salvation. They visited the Church of the Virgin Mary of Roses and prayed in front of the holy icon. As days passed, the residents of the area realized that none of them had been infected, nor had the neighboring areas. This news spread and led to a public invitation for the litany of the holy icon. Indeed, a multitude of believers gathered outside the church, praying and entreating for the disease to be removed. And it happened so. Deaths decreased and the disease was eradicated. This was a great miracle of the holy icon of the Virgin Mary of Roses. When our Lady of Roses celebrates The Synaxis of the Virgin Mary of Roses is celebrated on April 3rd every year. Find here: Icon with the Virgin Mary of Roses.

Miraculous Icon: Virgin Mary of Mount Athos

According to orthodox tradition, the Theotokos, accompanied by the Evangelist John and headed towards Corfu with the purpose of visiting Lazarus, found herself near the peninsula of Athos. Due to a great sea storm, they were forced to disembark at the place where the Holy Monastery of Iviron stands today. It is said that the Virgin Mary admired this place so much that she asked her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant it to her as a gift. For this reason, Mount Athos is also known as the 'Garden of the Virgin Mary,' and the Theotokos is regarded as the Lady of the Holy Mountain. Find here: Icons with Virgin Mary of Mount Athos. The words of the Virgin Mary to the two hermits Around 655 to 681 AD, the Theotokos, made her first appearance on Mount Athos to the hermit Saint Peter. Four to five centuries later, the Virgin Mary appeared to the hermit Nicholas, abbot of the Monastery of Great Lavra. The Virgin Mary spoke the following words to the two hermits: «Your dwelling and your rest according to God will not be anywhere else except on Mount Athos, which I received from my Son and God to be my present, in which those who they want to depart from worldly situations, to come to it and work in this orchard, to cultivate virtue, purity of heart and purity of soul, and from now on it will be called by all «Mount Athos». «Mount Athos is called from now on... my Garden.» Find here: Embroidery with Theotokos The promise of the Virgin Mary to the monks The Virgin Mary of Mount Athos, after speaking to the hermits, gave a promise. She assured them that her love would be so great towards them that it would serve as a shelter, a safeguard and protection against all temptations, evil, and dangers. Find here: Hand Carved Wooden Icon Theotokos Eforos. The Virgin Mary Protector of the Athonite monks One of the greatest miracles of the Virgin Mary of Mount Athos On October 3, 1948, in Karyes of Mount Athos, communist insurgents attacked the Military Police and the civil Governor of Mount Athos, Mr. Panagiotakis. On the same day, the insurgents began their attack on the Cell of Prophet Elijah, where the feast of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite was being celebrated. During the Divine Liturgy, 50 monks were present there. Before the end of the Divine Liturgy, the insurgents attacked with firearms, machine guns, and artillery. Unfortunately, one of the mortar shells reached the roof of the Cell. However, through the intervention of Divine Providence and the Virgin Mary, the mortar shell did not explode, resulting in no injuries to those that were present. Find here: Magnet with the Virgin Mary of Athos. The Virgin Mary of Mount Athos: Protector and Shelter of the monks to this day The presence and miracles of the Theotokos were evident on Mount Athos, especially during the time of the German Occupation and the insurgency. Although the trials were quite harsh for the monks and invisible and visible temptations continue to exist even today, they manage to overcome them with the help and protection of the Virgin Mary. Today, the Garden of the Virgin Mary continues its uninterrupted spiritual work, consistently preserving the Faith and the sacred struggle of the monks. Find here: Monastery Leather Belt Virgin Mary Eforos

The Miraculous Icon Virgin Mary of Passion - Amolyntos

The origin of the name of the Virgin Mary The name of the Virgin Mary, ‘Immaculate’, in Greek ‘Amolyntos’, originates from the hymn of the Compline "Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady..." composed by Monk Paul of the Holy Monastery of Evergetis in Constantinople. The Virgin Mary is also called "Our Lady of Passion" as she holds Jesus Christ in her arms and the Archangels, Gabriel and Michael, stand on both sides bearing the symbols of the Passion: the Cross, the Lance and the Sponge. Find here: Ιcons with the Virgin Mary of Passion. What the icon of the Virgin Mary of Passion depicts Our Lady of Passion holds Jesus Christ on her left side, with her left hand supporting His bare and kneeling feet. The two Archangels with the symbols of the Passion Jesus Christ holds tightly His mother's hand with both of His hands, gazing towards the Archangel Gabriel. The Archangel Gabriel reveals the main symbols of the Passion: the Cross of His future sacrifice and the Crown of His persiflage. Above the shoulder of the Virgin Mary, the Archangel Michael is depicted holding the Lance, the Sponge, and the Vessel containing gall and vinegar. Find here: Orthodox Icons with Virgin Mary of Passion The inscription from the 15th century In the holy icon of Our Lady of Passion, beneath the Archangel Michael, the title "Amolyntos" is depicted, while beneath the Archangel Gabriel, the inscription from the mid-15th century is noted. “Ο ΤΟ ΧΑΙΡΕ ΠΡΙΝ ΤΗ ΠΑΝΑΓΝΩ ΜΗΝΥΣΑΣ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΑ ΝΥΝ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΘΟΥΣ ΠΡΟΔΕΙΚΝΥΗ - ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΔΕ ΘΝΗΤΗΝ ΣΑΡΚΑ ΕΝΔΕΔΥΜΕΝΟΣ ΠΟΤΜΟΝ ΔΕΔΟΙΚΟΣ ΔΕΙΛΙΑ ΤΑΥΤΑ ΒΛΕΠΩΝ”. Who is the creator of the icon It is worth noting that the original icon of Our Lady of Passion is attributed to the great Cretan painter of the 15th century, Andreas Ritzos. The works of Andreas Ritzos are displayed both in Italy and on the island of Patmos in Greece. Where the icon of Our Lady of Passion is located Today, the icon of Our Lady of Passion is exhibited at the Byzantine Museum in Athens. Find here: Hand Painted Byzantine Icon from Mount Athos with the Virgin Mary of Passion.

Lady of Kazan the Black Madonna of Kazan

The icon of Our Lady of Kazan, also known as the Black Virgin of Kazan or Black Madonna of Kazan or the Theotokos of Kazan is a holy icon of the highest religious importance for the Russian Orthodox Church. How Our Lady of Kazan is depicted The holy icon of Our Lady of Kazan depicts the Theotokos standing beside Jesus Christ, turning her head towards Him tenderly. Jesus Christ is depicted standing and blessing. The icon of Our Lady, protection for the city of Kazan According to tradition, Germanus II, Patriarch of Constantinople, offered the holy icon of Our Lady as a gift to the inhabitants of the city of Kazan in the 13th century. With this act gesture, he intended to help the people of Kazan feel the Virgin Mary as support and protection against frequent threats and raids from hostile people. How and when the icon disappeared Around 1438 AD, the city of Kazan was captured by the Tatars. At that time, the holy icon of Our Lady mysteriously disappeared. After the conquering of Kazan, around 1579 AD, a fire broke out in the Kremlin of Kazan, causing its complete destruction. The Muslims of the city interpreted the catastrophic event as a result of the wrath of the Prophet Muhammad. Hostilities soon erupted among the inhabitants, leading to a civil conflict. Find here: Byzantine Icons with our Lady of Kazan. The miracle of the icon's discovery To bring peace and harmony among the inhabitants of the city, the holy icon of Our Lady of Kazan miraculously appeared to a young girl named Matrona. The Theotokos revealed to her the location of the holy icon and the young girl recounted the events to her mother. Subsequently, they informed the bishop of the city, Saint Guria. Following the command of the Virgin Mary, the Bishop found the icon of Our Lady of Kazan buried three feet deep on July 8, 1579. The icon was transported with reverence and the participation of faithful inhabitants of the city to the Church of Saint Nicholas. The final disappearance of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan Since then, the holy icon of Our Lady of Kazan performed countless miracles, starting with the healing of the blind Joseph. However, on November 29, 1904, the holy icon disappeared again mysteriously from the Kazan Monastery of the Theotokos. Despite the thieves being found with the precious cover of the icon, the actual icon of Our Lady was never recovered. Even the copy of the icon that was placed in Saint Petersburg disappeared in 1917 on its way to Moscow. Find here: icons with our Lady of Kazan. The disappearance of the sacred icon is an ominous sign The theft and disappearance of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan were interpreted by the Russian Church as an ominous sign. On the other hand, the faithful people connected its disappearance with the Revolution of 1905, Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905, as well as the October Revolution of 1917. Find here: Prayer Rope with Theotokos of Kazan The copies of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan There are now over 60 copies of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan and some are considered miraculous. One copy of the icon, with significant artistic value, is preserved at the Russian Monastery of Saint Panteleimon on Mount Athos. Another copy of the holy icon, dating back to 1730, was acquired in the 1970s from the pilgrimage of Our Lady in the village of Fátima, Portugal. In 1993, it was transferred to the Vatican. In Greece, copies of the holy icon can be found in the chapel of Saint Xenia of Russia in Mandra, Attica, in the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Kallithea, Attica, and in the Catholic Church of the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary in Keratea. When our Lady of Kazan is celebrated Michael Feodorovich, the first Tsar of the Romanov dynasty, established two celebrations in honor of the holy icon of the Theotokos of Kazan. The first feast is on July 8th and is associated with the finding of the icon. The second feast is on October 22nd and commemorates the national holiday honoring the liberation of the Russians from the Poles. To this day, the holy icon of Our Lady of Kazan remains a symbol of peace and protector of all Russians. Find here: silver pendant with Virgin Mary of Kazan

Lady of Vladimir in Russia - Miraculous Icon

The miraculous icon of our Lady of Vladimir is one of the most well-known and beloved icons throughout Russia. It holds significant historical and cultural value, with its connection to the Russian people dating back to the earliest centuries of its history. Find here: Silver Pendant with Virgin Mary of Vladimir. What the icon of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir depicts The icon of the Panagia of Vladimir depicts the Ever-Virgin Mary holding the young Jesus Christ in her arms. Jesus Christ touches His cheek to His Mother and looks at her with tenderness. The journey of the icon through the centuries: from Jerusalem to Russia According to tradition, the Evangelist Luke was the creator of the icon of the Theotokos. The icon remained in Jerusalem until the mid-5th century and was then transferred to Constantinople, to the Church of the Virgin Eleousa. In the 12th century, Patriarch Luke Chrysoberges of Constantinople (1157-1169) offered the icon of the Theotokos to Duke Yuri Vladimirovich Dolgorukov as a wedding gift. The prince received the precious icon and kept it in the women's monastery of Vyshgorod. In the year 1155, Prince Andrey Bogolybsky transferred the holy icon to the city of Vladimir in Russia. This event led to the construction of a magnificent cathedral dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, where the miraculous icon was to be enshrined. The miracles of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir The miraculous icon of the Theotokos remained in Vladimir for approximately three centuries. During this entire period, the icon of our Lady performed countless miracles and supported all the faithful who sought her help. The miraculous action of the Theotokos soon became known throughout Russia. Find at our eshop: iconographies of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir The miracles that saved the icon of the Theotokos One of the miracles of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir was that the icon remained unchanged when a fire broke out and completely burned down the church. Additionally, the miraculous icon was saved and not destroyed during the looting by the Tatars, while in many battles of Prince Andrey near the Volga River, it was found near him. The transfer of the icon to Moscow In 1395, the icon of the Virgin of Vladimir was transferred to Moscow with the purpose of protecting the city from the attack of Tamerlane (Timur Lenk). Initially, Prince Vasily Dimitrievich and Metropolitan Cyprian conducted litany with the holy icon of the Virgin to save the city from the invasion of the fearsome Timur Lenk. On August 26, 1395, after 10 days of litany, the faithful welcomed the icon and placed it in the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos. The Saving Dream of Tamerlane At the same time, Tamerlane slept in his tent and had a terrible dream. From a high mountain, many high priests descended, holding golden crosiers in their hands, while above them was a woman wrapped in a shield of light. Around the woman were countless angels holding fiery swords. Suddenly, they ran towards him. When Tamerlane woke up, he asked his counselors to interpret the dream that he had just seen. They told him that the dream symbolized the Mother of God Virgin Mary and the protector of the Russians. Hearing this interpretation, Tamerlane decided to retreat. Thus, this miracle proved to be salvation for the Russian people. Where is the icon today It is worth noting that the icon of the Virgin Mary is credited with the victories of the Russians against the Tatars during the 15th century. In 1480, the icon was permanently transferred to Moscow. In 1918, the Soviet government took over the maintenance of the precious icon. The four layers that covered the Theotokos were removed and the miraculous icon returned to its original form. Ultimately, the icon of our Lady of Vladimir was transferred to the Museum of History in Moscow and from there to the Tretyakov Gallery, where it remains to this day in a chapel. Find here: Enamel icons of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir.

Mother of God the Inexhaustible Chalice

Our Lady, Protector of Those Dependent on Alcohol and Substances The icon of the Virgin Mary known as the «Inexhaustible Cup of Life» became known in the Orthodox world in 1878. It depicts the Mother of God with outstretched arms and Jesus Christ, as infant, standing within the Holy Chalice. How did the icon of the «Inexhaustible Chalice» became known The miraculous icon of Our Lady resided for many years in a province in Russia, but it was not yet known by the name «Inexhaustible Cup of Life». A remarkable event changed the course of this holy icon and revealed its Divine grace. In the Efremovskaya district of the Tula province in Russia, a retired soldier named Stefan, lived there. This man suffered from the vice of drinking alcohol. His dependence on alcohol led him to squander all his possessions and fall into a pitiable condition. However, one night Stefan had an extraordinarily unusual dream that deeply shook him. The sign that led to the icon of Our Lady At one point, a monk with imposing form appeared in his dream and said the following words: «Go to the city of Serpukhov, to the Monastery of Our Lady. There you will find Her icon called the 'Inexhaustible Cup'. Pray in front of it and your body and soul will be cured immediately». However, the man was reluctant and did not heed these words. The following night, the monk appeared again in his sleep insisting that he make the journey to venerate the icon. After the third appearance of the monk, Stefan decided to obey the command and embark on the journey, despite his legs being weak due to paralysis. Thus, with great difficulty because of the condition of his legs, Stefan began his route to the city of Serpukhov. Find here: icons of the Virgin Mary «The Inexhaustible Cup of Life». The Unknown Icon of the Virgin Mary When he arrived at the «Monastery of Vladychny», he asked to venerate the icon of the Virgin Mary «The Inexhaustible Cup», as he had been commanded. To his great surprise, however, no one knew this icon of the Virgin Mary by that name. Then, one of the monks mentioned that the icon that Stefan was seeking, might be the one depicting the Virgin Mary with Jesus Christ inside the Holy Grail. This icon was placed in the shrine of the corridor that was leading from the Temple to the sacristy. Everyone was amazed when they read the inscription "The Inexhaustible Cup" on the back of the icon. After this event, something even more remarkable happened. Stefan recognized the monk, who appeared to him in his dream, in the person of one of the two founders of the Monastery, Saint Barlaam. The Healing from the Vice of Alcoholism Stefan, who until then had been paralyzed and addicted to alcohol, returned from Serpukhov completely healed! Moreover, he no longer had any inclination towards the harmful habit of drunkenness. The miraculous healing of Stefan from alcohol became the reason that more and more people from distant places came to worship the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, the Inexhaustible Cup of Life. What the Virgin Mary "The Inexhaustible Cup" protects After this miracle, a large number of people that were facing problems of addiction to alcohol, smoking, or hallucinogens, prayed to the holy icon of the Virgin Mary «The Inexhaustible Chalice». The faithful sought healing from their addictions and expressed their gratitude to the Theotokos. Due to the countless miracles associated with the cure of addicted individuals, the miraculous icon of the Ever-Virgin Mary is considered a patron and helper of those who are dependent on alcohol and substances in general. Find here: Maktro with the Inexhaustible Chalice The disappearance of the icon "The Inexhaustible Cup" In 1919, the monastery of the Virgin Mary in the city of Serpukhov was closed by the Communists and the entire complex, including the temples, changed its use. At that time, the holy icon of the Theotokos was relocated and placed in the Cathedral of Saint. Nicholas in Serpukhov. During the years 1928-1930, there was an attempt to revive the celebration of the miraculous icon of the Theotokos, which had been interrupted due to persecutions. Following the demand of the Christians, the Metropolitan of the city, named Emmanuel, blessed 8 copies of the icon. Around 1929, however, the atheists managed to close the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and everything inside was burned on the banks of the Nara River. Both the icon of the Virgin Mary «The Inexhaustible Cup» and its blessed copies disappeared, causing all worship ceremonies in honor of this specific icon to cease. When the Inexhaustible Cup of Life celebrates In 1990, Archimandrite Joseph restored the destroyed Visotsky Monastery in Serpukhov. Gradually, devotion and honor toward the holy icon of the Virgin Mary «The Inexhaustible Cup of Life» began to revive. The Virgin Mary is honored on May 5th and worship ceremonies in her honor continue to be held at the Monastery to this day.

Virgin Mary of Consolation - Great Byzantine Church in Arta

The Virgin Mary of Consolation is the most important and renowned Byzantine church in the prefecture of Arta, Epirus, Greece. It was built in the 13th century by Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas, during the peak of the Despotate of Epirus. Architectural Innovation and Byzantine art The church is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos, and evidence show that in the 16th century, it served as the catholikon of a women's monastery. Additionally, a distinguishing feature of the church, which renders it a masterpiece of Byzantine art, is its' dome that is like hanging from the sky. To this day, it maintains its uniqueness and innovation, while it impresses and astonishes with its rich interior, which consists of ornate sculptures, frescoes and mosaics. The Miraculous Icon of Panagia Parigoritissa Within the church resides the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Consolation (Parigoritissa in Greek). It is placed in a wooden shrine on the iconostasis of the church and serves as the principal worshiping icon in the sanctuary. Find here: icon with Panagia of Consolation. The holy icon of the Theotokos of Consolation is a variation of the Eleousa icon type. It combines elements from the Virgin Eleousa, such as the reversed foot of Jesus Christ and the restrained melancholy of the Virgin Mary of Passion of Jesus Christ.