The Miraculous Icon of Saint Great Martyr George The Victory-Bearer of Xenophontos Monastery

Historical Background

This miraculous icon is positioned at the right column of the new main temple of Xenophontos Monastery.

Tradition speaks of its creation during the iconoclastic period. It is said that the iconoclasts attempted to destroy it with fire, but while the flames marred parts of the icon, the saint's face remained untouched. Another tale tells of a zealot striking the icon with a knife, from which blood miraculously flowed. A faithful believer later retrieved the icon, placed it in the sea, and it was by the will of the sea that the icon arrived at Mount Athos.

The icon was found where the Monastery of Saint Demetrios once stood. The holy icon is believed to possess healing properties, especially concerning kidney ailments. A sacred spring exists where the icon was discovered, with a small proskinitarion built nearby. Every Sunday, a special canon is sung in honor of Saint George, and on Thursdays, a collective canon for both Saint George and Saint Demetrios is observed.

Icon Imagery

Saint George is portrayed seated on a throne. As noted by Russian traveler Barsky in 1744, the icon was previously located in the old main church of the monastery. This depiction of Saint George, seated on a throne, can be traced back to the late 12th century and is evident in frescoes in Kastoria and on a marble relief in Venice. The saint's body is slightly turned to the left, while his head faces right. Dressed in a military robe adorned with an image of Christ, he holds a spear in his right hand while touching the throne with his left, which also holds two arrows and a bow slung over his shoulder.

The icon features the Hand of God blessing Saint George from above, while two hovering angels crown him with the martyr's wreath decorated with pearls. His golden halo is embellished with hexafoil motifs, and the icon's border showcases a floral ornament. The backside of the icon bears signs of fire damage, a testament to the legends of its past.

Metallic Cover

A metallic cover, crafted in the 19th century, protects the icon. Interestingly, the cover does not replicate the image in its entirety. Beneath one of the angels, on a medallion, is an inscription reading, "Great Martyr George".