Icon of Virgin Mary Elaiovrytissa (The Oil-Streamer) from Simonopetra Monastery on Mount Athos

The Icon of Virgin Mary Elaiovrytissa, tracing its origin from the iconostasis of the old Church of Saint George in Karyes, found its abode in the Simonopetra Monastery post the mid-19th-century restoration of the kellion. It was initially placed within a modest proskinitarion.

Miracles of the Icon

In early June 1974, during the tenure of Hieromonk Vissarion as the monastery's steward, a vessel near the icon's proskinitarion was discovered brimming with oil. Later, on November 22, 1989, Deacon Chariton, while cleansing the empty containers for the new season's oil, was astonished to find two of them already filled with the purest oil.

Astounded by the occurrence, he reported to the elder abbot, Emelianos. The elder, recognizing the profundity of this event, shared it with the brotherhood, emphasizing its significance as an illustration of Virgin Mary's concern for the monks' needs. Following this miracle, the icon was ceremoniously moved to the main church.

Historical Significance

The icon is believed to date back to the first half of the 18th century (circa 1738). This estimation arises from the numerous stylistic resemblances it bears with other artworks from that era.