The Icon of Jesus Christ of Saint Silouan from Saint Panteleimon Monastery

Within the sacred walls of the Saint Panteleimon Monastery lies a distinctive icon - The Icon of Jesus Christ of Saint Silouan.

Elder Sophrony, in his book "Saint Silouan the Athonite", narrates the poignant tale of the young novice Simeon, who would later become Monk Silouan. Simeon's ceaseless prayers sought forgiveness for his sins. One day, after fervent prayer, he attended the evening service at the chapel of Prophet Elijah situated at the monastery's mill. During his solemn recitation of the prayer "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner", a divine vision unfurled. To the right of the royal doors, where the icon of Christ was placed, Simeon beheld Jesus Himself, bathed in divine light.

Description of the Icon

The magnificent icon portrays Jesus in full stature, walking upon clouds. His right hand extends a blessing while His left cradles an open Gospel. Inscribed in Old Slavonic on its pages is: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it" (Matthew 16:24-25)."

Christ is adorned in an ochre chiton and a dark green himation. His halo is inscribed in red with the word "Ho On", meaning "He Who Is", and on either side of His head reads "Jesus Christ". This icon, with its distinct stylistic features, dates back to the 19th century.