The Icon of the Virgin Mary Tricherousa (The Three-Handed) from Hilandar Monastery

The Icon's Sacred Journey

The Icon of the Virgin Mary Tricherousa has a rich history, closely linked to the spiritual life of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Originally transported by Saint Sava from Jerusalem to Serbia, the icon has been an object of reverence for generations.

The icon gained its name "The Three-Handed" after a miraculous event involving St. John of Damascus. After having his right hand severed as a punishment, he was miraculously healed by the Virgin Mary. In gratitude, a third hand made of silver was attached to the icon.

Miracles and Wonders

One of the miracles associated with the Tricherousa icon was its unexpected appearance behind the walls of the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos. It was brought to the battlefield by soldiers but returned mysteriously to the monastery.

On another occasion, during the elections for a new abbot, the icon relocated itself from the altar to the abbot’s seat. It was then understood that this was a divine sign that the Virgin Mary wished to guide the monastery.

The Legacy and Continual Guidance

Today, the Tricherousa icon remains a significant religious artifact. It is believed that the icon’s presence is a divine sign of the Virgin Mary's intent to continually guide and protect the monastery.