Icon of Virgin Mary from France at Agiou Pavlou Monastery
Origin & Divine Intervention
A manuscript preserved in the library of the Agiou Pavlou Monastery unveils a miraculous tale involving Solon Floros, who discovered an icon while incarcerated in Verdun, France.
On December 25, 1918, Solon had a dream where a monk appeared, instructing him that upon working the next day, he'd discover an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This sacred relic was destined for St. Paul's Monastery on Mount Athos.
As foretold, Solon stumbled upon human remains and a silver cross the following day. Though the guard confiscated the cross, Solon later unearthed a stone. When it shattered, it revealed a rosary and a fragment of wood. By evening, cleaning the wood unveiled a small, ancient icon portraying the Virgin Mary.
The Divine Mandate & Journey to Mount Athos
After his release on September 27, 1921, while in Thessaloniki and caring for his elderly parents, Solon fell ill. That October, the same monk visited his dreams again, urging him to fulfill his promise.
By February 8, 1922, Solon, grappling with a fever, saw the monk once more. This time, the monk sternly warned him with a staff in hand, implying dire consequences if Solon failed to act. Regardless of his ailment, Solon embarked on his pilgrimage.
On March 3, 1922, Solon dutifully handed over the cherished icon to Abbot Seraphim of the monastery.