The Icon of Saint Martyr Panteleimon the Healer from Saint Panteleimon Monastery

Origins of this cherished icon trace back to the ancient Thessalonikeos monastery of Mount Athos, located an hour's walk northeast from the current Saint Panteleimon Monastery. In the dawn of the 19th century, the monastery faced trying times due to a devastating fire from the late 18th century.

Monks gradually relocated to the coastal Ascension Monastery, carrying along the significant icon of the martyr. However, miraculously, the icon would repeatedly transport itself back to its original spot. Upon the new monastery's construction, the icon expressed its desire to remain there. Initially placed in Saint Panteleimon's main temple, it was later shifted to the Protection of the Holy Virgin Church, where it stands by the right pillar to this day.

Saint Panteleimon, on two occasions, shielded the monastery from raging fires igniting from surrounding forests. Another later miraculous icon of the saint, as well as his sacred head, reside in the monastery's main temple. Throughout the 19th century, the saint actively intervened in the monastery's events.

Iconography of Saint Panteleimon

The revered depiction of Saint Panteleimon showcases him full-length, facing forward, exemplifying the holy healer. His left hand holds a box, while his right, at chest level, carries a small spoon. The depiction portrays a young, beardless man with wavy chestnut hair.