Icon of Virgin Mary Proangellomeni (The Pre-Announced) from Zographou Monastery on Mount Athos

Historical Significance

Situated within the iconostasis of the chapel of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the Proangellomeni, or 'Pre-Announced', icon has several unique titles, each revealing a tale of its past.

During the patriarchy of John Vekkos, Emperor Michael Palaiologos dispatched envoys to Mount Athos to unify with the Western Church. Amidst this, a monk was divinely guided by the icon to warn the Zographou Monastery of imminent danger.

When soldiers attempted to force the monastery into submission, 26 steadfast monks sealed themselves inside a tower, which was subsequently set ablaze. Miraculously, the icon emerged unscathed.

A vigil is held in honor of the icon on the eve of October 10th. Commemorating both the divine intervention and the martyrdom of the monks, it culminates in a procession towards the main church, with prayers offered to the Virgin Mary.

Iconography Details

Following the strict Hodegetria type, the Proangellomeni depicts the Virgin holding the infant Christ. Enriched with a silver riza adorned in baroque style, it carries significant inscriptions and symbols.

Notably, the silver riza mentions its creation in 1846 and cites the miraculous intervention of the Virgin in 1285 during the papal invasion.

Artwork and Frescoes

A vivid fresco from 1817 on the northern wall captures the siege and the monastery's valiant defense against Michael Palaiologos' army. Another inscription, dated 1873, marks the spot where tradition says the icon was discovered post-siege.