The Holy Icon of Virgin Mary Epakouousa (She Who Hears) from Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos

The Icon of Virgin Mary Epakouousa (She Who Hears) from Zographou Monastery

The Holy Icon of Virgin Mary Epakouousa (She Who Hears) from Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos
The Holy Icon of Virgin Mary Epakouousa (She Who Hears) from Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos

Historical Background

Extracted from an old church in 1801, this fresco found its place in the altar area of Zographou Monastery's main temple. Its history intertwines with the life of Saint Cosmas, who lived during the late 13th to early 14th century.

St. Cosmas, during his service in the church, prayed to the Virgin Mary, asking her to intercede with Christ to teach him the way to salvation. Immediately, a voice from the icon directed him, "Leave the monastery and seek solitude for your spiritual endeavors." From that moment, he led an ascetic life in a cave outside the monastery walls. His commemoration is observed on September 22nd.

Iconography

The Virgin Mary is portrayed frontally, holding the Infant Christ who blesses with His right hand. This fresco of the Virgin Mary is adorned with a lavish riza of silver and gold, dated according to the dedicatory inscription to 1896. The halos of both Christ and the Virgin are embellished with colorful floral enamels.

Inscription

The lower part of the icon's frame bears an inscription in Old Slavonic, reading: "A fervent offering of Hieromonk George of Zographou, year 1896, October."