The Icon of Virgin Mary Hodegetria (She Who Shows the Way) from Konstamonitou Monastery

Gracing the proskynetarion near the northeast column of Konstamonitou Monastery's main church stands the revered Icon of the Virgin Mary Hodegetria.

Iconographic Prowess

The icon strictly adheres to the Hodegetria iconography where the Virgin Mary is depicted facing the viewer. She tenderly holds Christ on her left arm, with Him blessing with His right hand and clutching a closed scroll in the other. Set against a golden backdrop, the inscriptions "Mother of God" and "Hodegetria" can be discerned. The Virgin's cloak is intricately adorned with pearls and other precious gems, with the icon's riza dating back to the 19th century.

Notable Inscriptions

The lower part of the riza bears a dedicatory inscription in Greek, which reads: "Through the efforts of the Abbot of Konstamonitou Monastery, Archimandrite Simeon, 1864." Additionally, an inscription in Russian denotes "City of Novocherkassk".

Historical Lineage

According to a 1698 manuscript, the icon hails from the Vlachernon Monastery in Constantinople and was gifted to the abbey during the reign of Emperor Andronikos II (1282-1328). However, a conflicting record from 1844 suggests that the icon was presented to the monastery in 1360 by the Queen of Serbia, Anna. Stylistically, the icon is estimated to originate from the last quarter of the 14th century.