The Icon of Virgin Mary Palaiologina from Gregoriou Monastery

Historical Significance

Situated in the proskenitarion of 1880 in the main temple of the Gregoriou Monastery is the Icon of the Virgin Mary, named Palaiologina. This name recalls the historical transfer of the icon as a gift to the monastery by Maria Asen Palaiologina, a relative of the Palaiologos family and the wife of the founder of the monastery, ruler of Moldovlachia, Stefan the Great. Gifted in 1497, this revered icon has since been attributed to many miracles.

During the devastating fire of 1761 that consumed the monastery's church, this iconic representation of the Virgin Mary was the sole survivor. Not even its colors were tarnished by the searing flames. This miraculous icon is also referred to as "Pantanassa" or "Queen of All".

Icon Description

The Virgin Mary is depicted following the iconic style of Hodegetria (She who shows the Way), pointing with her left hand towards Christ who holds a closed scroll and bestows a blessing. More recent layers of paint, probably from the end of the 17th century, were found on the garments of the Virgin Mary and Christ.

Artistic Details

The icon's silver riza dates from a later period and bears the inscription "Hodegetria". At its lower part, remnants of an evidently older riza, possibly the original, bear the inscription: "Deesis of the pious lady Maria Asen Palaiologina lady of Moldovlachia". Maria Asen Palaiologos, wife of Stefan the Great, was buried beside him at the Putna Monastery in Romania in 1511. As per the golden bulls previously stored in the monastery, members of the Maria Asen Palaiologina family were instrumental in the revival of the Gregoriou Monastery towards the end of the 15th century (1497).