The Icon of Saint Nicholas of the Oyster from Stavronikita Monastery

A revered treasure of the Stavronikita Monastery, the story of this icon intertwines traditions, miracles, and the passage of time.

A Miraculous Discovery

According to the monastery's tradition, the icon was seized by barbarian invaders who stripped its silver cover and wounded Saint Nicholas on the forehead. They then discarded it into the sea. For many years, it remained submerged until the monks of Stavronikita retrieved it with their fishing nets near Cape Cross, close to the monastery. Affixed to the saint's forehead was a large oyster shell. When removed, blood was seen flowing from the wound. Thus, the icon earned its name "Streidas" or "Of the Oyster". Initially placed by a spring on the shore where the monastery’s dock stands today, it was later moved to the main temple. The discovery of this icon is dated to the year 1580.

Description of the Icon

Saint Nicholas is depicted facing forward, with his body slightly turned to the right. With his right hand, he makes a gesture of blessing, while his left holds a closed Gospel. Inscriptions reading "Saint Nicholas" can be discerned on either side of the halo. The surrounding mosaic pieces, arranged in two rows, vary in color — black, gold, and red — framing the mosaic surface. A wooden frame remains, initially covered in metal like many icons of its kind. During the Turkish rule in the 16th and 17th centuries, the icon was adorned with its metal cover, leaving only the saint’s face uncovered. A photograph published by Kondakov in 1902 references this cover, also mentioned in Komninos’ description from 1701.

Historical Note

From an iconographic standpoint, this mosaic icon faithfully follows the established depiction of Saint Nicholas. Based on its artistic features and style, it's dated from the late 13th to the early 14th century.