The Saved from Fire Icon of the Virgin Mary at New Skete on Mount Athos

This miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is preserved in the treasury of New Skete. According to oral tradition and the inscription on its carved wooden frame, it was cast into fire by the Turks and was meant to burn like ordinary wood, yet it remained unscathed.

Iconography

The icon from the New Skete of the Monastery of Saint Paul adheres to the iconography of the Hodegetria, where the Virgin Mary is depicted face-on. She holds the Infant Jesus, who blesses with His right hand while holding a sealed scroll in His left. The golden background of the icon is partially damaged, but traces of the original inscriptions remain: "Mother of God" and "Pantanassa (Queen of All)".

Later layers of paint are present on Christ's face, as well as several areas of artwork lost due to fire damage.

Special Features

The icon is encased within a carved wooden frame from the late 19th century, crafted by a hieromonk of New Skete from the cell of the Life-giving Spring. Within the arch frame supported by two columns, two angels are depicted holding an open scroll inscribed with "Virgin, accept the prayers of your servants". The lower part narrates the miraculous rescue of the icon: "This icon, cast into a fire by the Turks in 1800, remained intact. The terrified Turks fled, consumed by horror".

Historical Context

Based on its stylistic attributes, the icon dates back to the 17th century.