Skip to Main ContentMount Athos: A Pilgrim’s Guide
The Holy Icon of Virgin Mary Pyrosoteira (The Savior From Fire) from Pantokrator Monastery on Mount Athos

Icon of Virgin Mary Pyrosoteira from Pantokrator Monastery - The Savior From Fire

The Holy Icon of Virgin Mary Pyrosoteira (The Savior From Fire) from Pantokrator Monastery on Mount Athos
The Holy Icon of Virgin Mary Pyrosoteira (The Savior From Fire) from Pantokrator Monastery on Mount Athos

Discover the awe-inspiring story and artistic details behind the Icon of Virgin Mary Pyrosoteira (The Savior From Fire), known for its miraculous powers in fire protection.

The Origin

Created in 1868 as a smaller replica of the Pantokrator Monastery's Virgin Mary Gerontissa icon, the Pyrosoteira was initially crafted to allow for procession.

The Miracle

On December 1, 1948, this icon was paraded around the monastery in a religious procession, miraculously extinguishing a devastating fire and saving the monastery from ruin.

Artistic Details

Similar to its prototype, the Pyrosoteira features the Virgin Mary in full length, standing above a vessel emitting oil. The silver frame was added in 1897, while the word "Gerontissa" is inscribed on the icon.