Icon of Virgin Mary Glykofilousa (The Sweet Kiss) from Philotheou Monastery on Mount Athos

The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Glykofilousa is nestled in the marble proskynitarion by the north-eastern pillar of the main church in Philotheou Monastery.

Historical Legacy

According to the tradition, this iconic artwork is believed to be one crafted by the Evangelist Luke. During the reign of the iconoclast Emperor Theophilus, the devout wife of the patrician and iconoclast Simeon Victoria, threw the icon into the sea to protect it from desecration.

Against all odds, after an unparalleled sea journey, the icon found its way to the shores of the Holy Mount Athos, right by the Philotheou Monastery. The very spot where the icon reached land became the origin of a holy spring. The monastery's abbot, having witnessed this miraculous arrival, along with other monks, reverently brought the icon to the main church in a festive procession.

Another significant event linked with the icon revolves around Monk Ioannikios, who was tasked with the daily ritual of lighting the church's lamps.

Miracles Associated

In 1713, Ioannikios, out of deep reverence and some dismay, would question the Virgin Mary about her benevolence towards other monasteries, leaving Philotheou in a more destitute condition.

One fateful night, the Virgin Mary appeared to him in a dream, reassuring him of her protection and emphasizing the spiritual over the material. She urged him to shift his concerns towards salvation rather than material sustenance. Upon waking, Ioannikios was engulfed with remorse and sought forgiveness in front of the iconic masterpiece.

The icon is also revered by names such as Orofylakissa (The Mount Guard), Pyrofylakissa (The Guard From Fire), and Pyrosoteira (The Savior From Fire).