Panagia Gorgoepikoos – Lithograph – Mount Athos

Description

Panagia Gorgoepikoos: The Meaning of the Theotokos’ Title

The miraculous icon of Panagia Gorgoepikoos has been in the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou on Mount Athos since 1646. It protects the monks from every attack and influence, as well as those who approach it with faith, seeking her intercession.

As Saint Nicodemus mentions in the Synaxarion, on the right side of the monastery’s refectory, there was an old icon of the Virgin Mary. This icon was painted in the 11th century, during the time of the monastery’s founder, Neophytos. In 1646, it was a very difficult year for the monastery as it lacked the necessary funds to pay taxes to the Turkish conquerors. The monk responsible for the refectory passed by the icon regularly, carrying lit torches in his hands.

One evening, while walking past the icon of the Virgin Mary, he heard a voice coming from the icon saying, “Do not pass by here and darken the place with smoke.” The monk thought someone had called out to him and paid no attention. A few days later, while continuing to pass by the icon with his lit torches, he heard the voice again, saying, “O monk, how long will you continue to smoke my image and dishonor me?”

At that moment, the monk lost his sight. He realized his mistake and placed a stand in front of the icon. He continuously prayed for the Virgin Mary to forgive him and restore his sight. The Virgin, as a merciful mother, heard his prayer and told him, “Behold, from today I give you back your sight, but be careful not to pass by with lit torches, for I am the Lady of this monastery and I quickly respond to those who call upon me, granting them the requests that lead to salvation, for I am called Gorgoepikoos.”

From that moment, the icon became known as Gorgoepikoos because the Virgin Mary, through her miraculous deeds, continually shows that she listens and responds swiftly to those who call upon her with faith and reverence. Her grace performs miracles in the Holy Mount, her Garden, and throughout the world.

The Icon of Panagia Gorgoepikoos

The icon is hand-finished and coated with gold color on the halos of the Virgin Mary and Jesus, as well as on the top and bottom frames of the image. It then undergoes the technique of artificial aging, which gives it charm. The handmade details make the image of the Virgin Mary even more vivid.

Origin: Mount Athos