The History of the Gerontissa Icon of the Mother of God
Pantokratoros
Monastery stands on the north-eastern side of the Athos Peninsula. It was
founded by high-ranking Byzantine officials Grand Stratopedarch Alexis and his
brother Primicerius John in 1361. This monastery stores a wonder-working
Gerontissa (lit. “Old Woman” or “Abbess”) icon of the Mother of God.
According to an
ancient legend, the first miracle of this icon occurred during the construction
of the monastery 550 yards from the contemporary site. One night, the icon and
all builders’ tools disappeared and were found later on the site where the monastery
stands now. It happened several times in a row until it finally became clear
that it was the place that the Most Holy Queen of Heaven chose for Her
monastery.
Later, the abbot of
that monastery was at his deathbed. Upon receiving notification of his impending
repose, he was willing to partake of the Holy Gifts and asked the priest who
was celebrating the Liturgy at the moment to hurry up. However, the priest
disregarded the elder’s request. The wonder-working icon, which was in the
sanctuary, ordered the priest in a strict voice to do what the abbot had asked
him for immediately. The priest gave communion to the dying elder, and the
elder reposed in the Lord at once. It was after this miracle that the icon,
which had proven itself as the patron of elders, received the name Gerontissa.
Another striking
miracle happened in the 17th century. The monastery was seized by such terrible
hunger that brothers started leaving it little by little. The abbot urged
everyone to ask the Theotokos for help. He prayed fervently, too. The Most Holy
Mother of God did not leave his prayers unanswered. One morning, the monks
noticed that oil was pouring out of the pantry, where they stored empty
vessels. When they entered the room, they were shocked: the oil was incessantly
pouring out of a jar, which is said to have been preserved until the present
day. The monks thanked their Most Holy Patroness for swift assistance and
depicted a jar overflowing with oil on that icon.
Later, when the
monastery was attacked by Saracens, the following miracle occurred: An attacker
wanted to split the icon to kindle some fire for his pipe but was struck blind
at that very moment. The barbarians threw the icon into a deep well where it
lay for more than 80 years. The blind Saracen repented before his death and
told his family members to go to the Holy Mountain again and show the place
where the icon was to the monks. The sacred image was re-discovered and
returned to the monastery cathedral with honors.
This icon made a
lot of other miracles, too. Thus, thanks to prayers in front of this icon, the
Theotokos showed her unique care for dying elders numerous times and healed
many people from various illnesses, including cancer. Replicas of this icon
appeared in many churches around Greece. It was noted for healing childless
couples, helping women in labor, assisting people at work and in school. That
is why this icon is highly venerated in Greece nowadays.
Gerontissa icon of
the Mother of God is also located in the sanctuary of the cathedral church of
Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra. Following the orders of Archbishop Modest of
Volyn and Zhytomyr, priests and deacons ask this icon of the Mother of God for
a blessing before each divine office.
There is another
copy of the wonder-working icon in New Tikhvin Convent in Yekaterinburg. It was
painted on Mt. Athos, in the Pantokratoros Monastery, and later decorated with
an oklad in Greece.
The December 2
Feast Day of the Gerontissa Icon of the Mother of God commemorates a miracle
which occurred on the night of December 1, 1948 when the Theotokos saved the
Pantokratoros Monastery on Mount Athos from a fire. Because of this event, the
Icon also came to be known as the “Pyrosoteira” (“Rescuer from fire”).
The Gerontissa Icon
is also commemorated on April 4.
Translated by The Catalog of Good Deeds
Source: https://azbyka.ru/days/ikona-gerontissa