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

Origin and the Miracle of the Icon

Located in Vatopedi Monastery, the icon of the Virgin Mary Elaiovrytissa is named for the miracle it manifested. During a time when the monastery was running low on oil, the then-docheiarios, Venerable Gennadios, began rationing it strictly for the needs of the church.

Upon hearing the monastery's cook voice concerns over the limited oil supply, the abbot placed his trust in the Divine Mother. He instructed that the oil should be distributed to the entire brotherhood as before.

To their astonishment, when Gennadios checked the oil reserves later, he found that not only had the oil not depleted, but it had also overflowed its container, spilling onto the floor and reaching the doorway.

Stylistic Features

Based on its stylistic characteristics, the icon of the Virgin Mary Elaiovrytissa is dated to the latter half of the 14th century.