The Holy Icon of Saint George from Moldova at Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos

Icon of Saint George from Moldova in Zographou Monastery

Historical Origin

The Holy Icon of Saint George from Moldova at Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos
The Holy Icon of Saint George from Moldova at Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos

Nestled within Zographou Monastery's main temple is the third miraculous icon of Saint George. It stands as a testament to a gift from Moldova's ruler, Stefan the Great (1456-1504). A significant victory, attributed to Saint George's divine intervention, led to Stefan's generous endowment.

Stefan the Great, a notable patron, graced not only Zographou Monastery but other Athonite abodes with his benevolence.

Iconographic Description

The icon portrays a young, beardless Saint George, radiant in a halo, with curly chestnut hair. Holding a spear in his left hand and a sword in his right, he is flanked by inscriptions within floral-decorated medallions that read, "Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious".

The Exquisite Silver Overlay

An impressive silver overlay from 1838, with only Saint George's face exposed, adorns the icon. The bottom section of this frame carries an inscription that details the overlay's creation in Saint Petersburg. It speaks of the apparition of Saint George in 1484 to Stefan the Great, who subsequently restored the Zographou Monastery.

Generous contributions from the devout, including crosses, medallions, and ornaments, further embellish the overlay. Though the icon is believed to be from the 16th century, it may carry layers of paint from the same era as the overlay, circa 1838.