Tama metallic silver shoes of Taxiarch Mantamados worn as a pendant with a chain.
Size: 2.5 cm.
The story behind the shoes of Taxiarch Mantamados.
The holy icon of Taxiarch Michael in the temple of the Pammegistoi Taxiarches Mantamados, in Lesvos island, is one of the few relief Christian icons that have survived through the centuries. According to the tradition, this holy place was captured by Saracen pirates, who massacred all the monks, except for one novice, the young Gabriel. From the roof of the church, where he had hidden, he saw the figure of a mighty soldier rising from the fire and putting the pirates to flee — it was Archangel Michael.
Shocked, the monk Gabriel made the icon of the Archangel with soil and the blood of the massacred monks, combined with wax. The clay was not enough for the entire body and so he created only the face, capturing the angelic form as he saw it. The icon is distinguished by its strict style, large eyes and gilded wings.
The faithful, honoring the memory of the miracle to this day, offer iron shoes as votive offerings, believing that the Archangel walks at night and wears them out.
The Holy Monastery and Church of the Pammegiston Archangels of Mantamado is a particularly important pilgrimage site, with many visitors every year, especially on November 8, the feast of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and on Myrrh-Bearing Sunday two weeks after Holy Easter.
