The Icon of the Virgin Mary Pyrovolitheisa (She Who Was Shot) from Vatopedi Monastery

The Pyrovolitheisa is a fresco icon of the Virgin Mary, situated above the external gates leading to Vatopedi Monastery.

Historical Background

In April 1822, a contingent of the Turkish army arrived at the Vatopedi Monastery. One soldier shot at the icon, striking the Virgin Mary's right arm.

The Miracle

Subsequently, the soldier who fired the shot lost his sanity and hanged himself on an olive tree in front of the monastery. Another soldier reported this event to the commanding officer, sparing the monastery from further sanctions. To this day, a monk lights a lamp in front of the icon each morning.