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The miraculous image of the Pantokrator monastery on Mount Athos is the icon of the Mother of God “Gerontissa”. She is also called “Abbess” or “Elderwoman”. The Mother of God is the patroness of older people; children ask before Her face for the health of their parents and healing of terrible illnesses. The sincere prayer of a believer allows one to heal both physical and mental wounds. How to pray to the image, what is the meaning, what does the “Gerontissa” icon help with - you can find out in this article.
Origin story
“Gerontissa” is the name of the icon, which depicts the Virgin Mary praying to the Savior in full growth. This most holy image is also called “Elderwoman” or “Abbess”. The shrine is kept in the Pantokrator Monastery, which is located in Greece on the most holy Mount Athos, on a rocky hill near the sea.
Several miracles are associated with this icon, allowing Christians to consider the image truly miraculous. Even during the construction of the monastery, tools left by workers in one place were found in another in the morning. This happened several times until people realized that it was the Mother of God herself who was showing them the place where they needed to build a monastery.
The monastery itself is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord. Built approximately between the 11th and 14th centuries. As a gift from the Byzantine nobility, Pantocrator received the icon “Gerontissa”, which depicted the Blessed Virgin, spiritually presiding over the monastery. This most holy image patronizes the elderly. There is even a legend according to which the icon once came to the aid of the dying elder abbot. Before his death, the abbot asked the priest to read the divine service and give him communion. However, the clergyman was in no hurry to fulfill the will of the dying man.
Suddenly he heard the voice of the Mother of God herself, coming from the most holy icon from the altar. The Mother of God commanded him to immediately fulfill the abbot's request. The priest read prayers and gave communion to the dying elder, after which he died calmly. Since then, the most holy icon began to be called the patroness of old people, that is, “Gerontissa” or “Gerondissa” (in Greek, the old man is gerondas).
In the 17th century there was a severe famine. The monks decided to leave the monastery. The abbot begged everyone to stay, and he himself prayed to the Immaculate Virgin to save the monks from starvation. A miracle happened. One morning the monks went into the storeroom where there were empty jugs, and saw that oil was pouring from them over the edge. Someone miraculously filled the vessels with oil. Then the monks realized that the Mother of God had listened to their prayers and saved them from hunger. In memory of this joyful event, the icon called “Gerontissa” depicts a jug with oil pouring over the edge.
Another legend says that during the war with the Turks, one Muslim decided to split the holy image into chips. However, the Mother of God stood up for the shrine, and punished the barbarian with blindness. Angry Muslims threw the image into a well located not far from the monastery. The icon was soon forgotten; none of the monks knew where it had disappeared.
The image lay in the well for 80 years. True, before his death the blind man decided to repent and return the icon to the monastery. He asked his relatives to come to Athos and show the monks the place where their shrine lay. Soon the icon was taken out of the well and taken to a place of honor in the temple.
When this image is venerated
There are two special dates in the history of this icon - December 15 and April 17. These days, believers remember the events that happened on Mount Athos many years ago. In honor of the Most Pure Virgin, solemn services are held in Orthodox churches around the world. On the day of celebration, believers gather in the temple, offer praise to the Lord and the Mother of God, listen to and perform an akathist, consisting of special troparions and kontakions.
Description and meaning of the image in Orthodoxy
The icon depicts the Mother of God in full height. The Mother of God stands with her arms folded in prayer. She stands alone, without the Holy Child. Near her feet there is a jug from which oil overflows. The icon was originally drawn on a board; later the image was updated and covered with a silver chasuble. The Mother of God herself ordered to cover the icon with silver, appearing to the monk in a vision. The chasuble was made in Russia with the money of a wealthy Constantinople lady. The Immaculate Virgin is depicted in a female maforia, decorated with stars, around her head is a luminous golden halo.
Initially, the most holy image was in the altar of the cathedral. Later the shrine was moved to the north-eastern pillar supporting the dome of the temple. Christians believe that "Gerontissa" protects the cathedral from misfortunes. In 1948, indeed, during a fire, the Mother of God sent rain clouds to the monastery, extinguishing the fire.
The icon of “Gerontissa” is prayed to in the most difficult life situations. There are several known cases where the image helped people with cancer and other illnesses to heal. The shrine patronizes the infirm and the elderly. Praying to the icon helps women from infertility and during childbirth. There are copies of this most holy image in many churches in Greece, as well as in some churches in Russia and Ukraine.
Used materials
- Materials from the websites of the Greek Orthodox pilgrimage service “Athos Orthodoxy”, Washington St. John the Baptist Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Ekaterinburg Novo-Tikhvin Monastery (texts used were deleted or moved on the site)
[1] “02.12: Memoria della Sinassi dell'Icona della Tutta Santa e Madre di di Dio denominata “Gherondissa – Anziana”, monthbook on the official website of the Archdiocese of Italy and Malta of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, .
[2] “Σύναξη της Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου της Γεροντίσσης”, page of the Greek site Ορθόδοξος Συναξα ριστής (Orthodox monthly book)
, .
[3] “Icons of Athos: “Gerontissa” (“Gerondissa”, “Old Lady”)”, website Athos Balkans Constantinople: History and Modernity
, ; “02.12: Memoria della Sinassi dell'Icona della Tutta Santa e Madre di di Dio denominata “Gherondissa – Anziana”, monthbook on the official website of the Archdiocese of Italy and Malta of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, .
[4] “Monasteries of Athos. 12. Filofey”, website Alexey Elpiadis, tour guide
, .
[5] “Icons of Athos: “Gerontissa” (“Gerondissa”, “Old Lady”)”, website Athos Balkans Constantinople: History and Modernity
, .
Where can I find the lists?
Copies of the most holy icon of Gerontissa are found in many Greek churches. This shrine is also revered in Russia and Ukraine. In honor of the most holy image, two services are held every year (April 17 and December 15).
A copy of this miraculous image is kept in the Pochaev Lavra, located in the village of Pochaev, Ternopil region, in Ukraine. A copy was commissioned by Archbishop Modest Strelbitsky at the end of the 19th century. On the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the most holy image was installed in the altar of the Assumption Cathedral on the right side of the throne. Before the service, the clergy asked the blessing of the Mother of God in front of the shrine.
Another copy of the Gerontissa icon is kept in the Novo-Tikhvin Convent in Yekaterinburg. It was painted on Mount Athos in the holy monastery of Pantokrator. In Greece, the image was decorated with a chasuble, and then sent to Russia.
Prayers
[5]
| Icon "Gerondissa" in the Pantokrator monastery on Mount Athos. Photo |
Troparion, tone 4
Like a bright star, / your holy image, O Redeemer, shone with divine miracles / with the rays of your grace and mercy / illuminated in the night of the sorrows of those who exist. / Grant us the same, O Lord Lagaya Virgo,/ deliverance from troubles,/ healing of mental illnesses and bodily, // salvation and great mercy.
Kontakion, tone 8
To Your icon, Most Holy Lady,/ those who were in need came with faith,/ through Your intercession they got rid of the evil ones,/ but as the Mother of Christ God,/ set us free from cruel circumstances, temporary and Dear ones, let us call Ti // Rejoice, our Deliverer from all the troubles
What do they ask for before the image?
Christians believe in the miraculous power of the icon and in the intercession of the Mother of God. Even after her earthly life, having ascended to heaven, the Immaculate Virgin continues to take care of people. Every Christian can make a request to the Mother of God. She will not only listen, but also help in any situation. People turn to her for help, asking her to show mercy, not to leave them alone with their problems.
Believers pray to the Blessed Virgin when various troubles or misfortunes happen in their lives. Our Lady helps sick people to heal, infertile women to become pregnant, and mothers in labor to give birth without complications. Christians consider the icon “Gerontissa” and the Immaculate Virgin depicted on it to be the intercessor of the elderly. Prayers to the saint help old people overcome serious illnesses, console grief, and ease mental anguish.
Christians believe that by praying to the Gerontissa icon, they can be cured of the most serious illnesses. Thousands of pilgrims come to the image, located on Mount Athos, each with their own request. Christians believe that if you sincerely repent of your sins and pray before the most holy icon, the Mother of God will have mercy on people and give them grace. Believers consider the Gerontissa icon miraculous, so they venerate it and turn to it with requests in sorrows and troubles.
Christians have the right to count on God's mercy. After all, the Mother of God always treats people who sincerely believe in God condescendingly. Sometimes her grace can be so much that it will pour oil over the edge of the jug (as shown in the icon).
In order to earn God's mercy, you need to sincerely pray, keep God's commandments, and repent of your sins. If the requests of sinners remain behind closed doors, you need to humbly accept God’s will, not grumble, and glorify the Savior and the Mother of God for their decision. A person must accept any will of the Almighty with gratitude in his heart, and not complain about anything or be offended.
What kind of things does this image help with?
People believe that one should pray to the Most Pure Virgin at this icon, asking for protection for the elderly. But the mercy of the Mother of God is not limited by any boundaries. Traditionally, people pray to her on the following occasions:
- Through prayers at this icon, the Mother of God helps old, dying people. It alleviates the suffering associated with serious illnesses.
- There is repeated evidence that people managed to be healed of cancer through prayers at the icon.
- Women who pray to the Mother of God receive healing from infertility.
- Often pregnant women turn to the Most Pure Virgin for help. The Mother of God helps during childbirth and ensures a favorable course of pregnancy.
Prayer text
In honor of the icon, a service is held and specially written prayers are read. You can pray to the most holy image in church or at home. You can buy an icon with the image of the Mother of God “Gerontissa” in a church shop.
Troparion before the icon: the image of the Mother of God is compared to a shining bright star that illuminated people in the darkness of sorrows. Believers ask for donations, to save them from troubles, to cure them of mental and physical illnesses, to save them and to show them great mercy. Kontakion before “Gerontissa”: believers turn with faith to the icon, asking for protection and deliverance from disasters. Christians call the Mother of God the Deliverer of people from all troubles.
In addition to the short troparion and kontakion, a canon dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos is read in front of the Gerontissa icon. It includes several (nine) songs, sedalina, kontakion, and ikos.
The first song glorifies the Blessed Virgin. The Mother of God is asked to save sinners. Christians believe that grace comes from the icon depicting the Mother of God. Christians fall to the image of the Mother of God with tears and ask her for deliverance from troubles. During prayer, Christians say the words “Glory” and “Rejoice.”
In the third song, the Mother of God is asked to strengthen people spiritually. Believers sing to her the words: “Save us” and ask for intercession. People believe that by praying to her, a dying person will be saved from death, if it is the will of the Almighty.
In the sedalena it is sung that the Mother of God carried little Christ in her arms. She is asked to save people from the wrath of the Lord, to take away misfortune and despondency from them, and to save souls.
The fourth song praises the Mother of God, seated on a light cloud. The Mother of God is asked to save people. She has the power to have mercy on people and show miracles of power (heal the sick, revive the youth).
The fifth song sings of the Virgin Mary, who carried the Savior in her womb. She is asked to save people. Believers sincerely believe that you can receive healing from any illness from the icon. The Mother of God is called the giver of joy to those who mourn.
In the sixth song they glorify and applaud the Mother of God, who gave birth to God. She is asked to save people. Christians believe that if an icon is brought to a person who is tormented by a demon, the holy image will deliver the sinner from torment.
The seventh song glorifies the wisdom of the Creator. The Mother of God is asked to save people. They pray to her to perform many mercies. The Mother of God is asked to cool the fire of temptation and give people grace.
In the eighth canto the Lord and the Mother of God are glorified for all ages. They ask the Mother of God to save people from all harm, to save the house and Russia. They pray to the Mother of God to guide people on the righteous path.
In the ninth song the Pure Ever-Virgin is glorified. Believers pray in front of the icon of the Mother of God and ask her to visit the mourners. The virgin is begged to show her bounties to people and save them from troubles. The Mother of God is asked to intercede for the believers before the Almighty, to grant mercy to Christians.
Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “Gerontissa”, tone 4
Like a most bright star,/ shining with divine miracles/ your holy image, O Deliverer,/ with the rays of your grace and mercy/ illuminating those in the night of sorrow./ Grant us, O All-good. I am the Virgin,/ deliverance from troubles,/ healing of mental and physical ailments,/ salvation and great mercy.
Translation: Like a bright star, Your holy image, O Deliverer, shone with Divine miracles, illuminating those in the darkness of sorrow with the rays of Your grace and mercy. Therefore, grant us, O All-Blessed Virgin, deliverance from troubles, healing of mental and physical illnesses, salvation and great mercy.
Kontakion to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “Gerontissa”, tone 8
To Your icon, Most Holy Lady, those who were in need came with faith, through Your intercession they got rid of the evil ones, but as the Mother of Christ God and free us from harsh circumstances, temporary and Dear ones, let us call Ty: Rejoice, our Deliverer from all troubles.
Translation: To Your icon, Most Holy Lady, those in need turned with faith, and through Your protection were delivered from disasters, but as the Mother of Christ God, free us from cruel disasters, temporary and eternal, and let us cry to You: “Rejoice, our Deliverer from all troubles.” .
Canon of the Most Holy Theotokos before the Icon of Gerontissa
Song 1
Irmos: I will open my mouth and be filled with the Spirit, and I will vomit the word to the Queen Mother, and I will appear, brightly triumphant, and I will sing, rejoicing, Those miracles.
Chorus: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Christ, True Light, grant me enlightenment to write praises to Your Most Holy Mother, and I will sing of Your great compassion towards Your servants.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Woe, O glorified one, Thou hast deigned, O Lady, to glorify Thy name among the poor with the grace of miracles from Thy holy icon, O Deliverer.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
When the inhabitants of the village, despairing of the energy that had destroyed their labors, flowed with tears to Thy image, the Virgin aby improved deliverance and, rejoicing, glorified Thy mercy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thy right hand, O Lady, was glorified in the fortress, and the multitude of Thy mercy appeared as the Patroness and Deliverer for the salvation of the needy.
Glory: Hope for Christians, Helper of those in sorrow, pray to Your Son to deliver from all troubles to those who celebrate Your holy image, Deliverer.
And now: Rejoice, inexhaustible wealth of the poor and orphaned Intercessor, Rejoice, who through faith saves Thy name, O Virgin, those who call, Rejoice, driving away despondency and giving joy to the Giver.
Song 3
Irmos: Thy hymns, O Theotokos, Living and Unenvious Source, spiritually establish the face of thyself, and grant crowns of glory in Thy Divine glory.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The Lord kills what He wants, and lives by You, Mother of the Belly, fulfilling the prayers of those who pray to You, raises those sent down to hell and raises them up from the rotting pit of passions by Your omnipotent intercession.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The priest hesitated to admonish the dying youth, and then, for the deceased, I prayed to You, O All-Blessed One, and was overshadowed by Your icon, the Deliverer, and suddenly the child came to life and rose up in health by Your and Your Son with life-giving power.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Life-giving Thy and all-healing source, Bride of God, by knowledge, Thy servants: in Thy image, the Deliverer, Thou grantest life and health, spiritual and physical, and delivers from troubles those who ask for Thy intercession.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You are the beginning of Christ's miracles, Most Wonderful Virgin, and the same miracles of Your image are glorifying today, O Deliverer, we pray to You: visit Your servants with Your grace, taking away illnesses, evils and eternal death from us.
Glory: Revive my soul, which is mortified by sins, O Lady, as through God I am all-powerful, and deliver the passions that hold me back, so that I may be freed from the captivity of passion, I magnify You with gratitude.
And now: Direct, O Pure One, to the silence of dispassion into the depths of evil, Thy drawn servant, and do not allow me to perish, asking Thy, Deliverer, mercy, for by Thy faith, covered, are saved.
Lord, have mercy (three times). Glory, and now:
Sedalen, voice 3rd
O Most Holy Thy hand, in the image of the One Who bore all, stretch out to Him, the Ever-Virgin Deliverer, and through Thy prayers deliver us from His anger, sin for the sake of the movable, averting the fierce induction and those for the sake of the hardship and despondency that people experience, and save our souls in peace.
Song 4
Irmos: Seated in Glory on the Throne of the Divine on a light cloud, the Divine Jesus came with an Imperishable Hand and called for salvation: glory, O Christ, to Thy power.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having understood the faithfulness of Thy goodness, O Lady, and a joyful trembling appeared in their hearts, when their souls were always troubled by troubles and ailments, Thou, Blessed One, remembered Thy mercy and went forth with Thy icon for the deliverance of Thy people.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having heard about the glorious miracle of Your power, the Mother of God, in the revival of the youth, rushing from various places to Your image, the Deliverer, and, accepting the healing, with joy the greatness of You.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Being merciful, Pure One, who embodied the All-Good Word for our salvation, do not deprive us of Your help and deliverance, who flow with faith to Your miraculous icon, the Deliverer.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You are the praise of the faithful, Mother of All Sings, You are the ark of shrines, bestowing sanctification, You are the healer of an inexhaustible source and the Deliverer from troubles of those who pray to You before Your holy image.
Glory: From the ailments of the oppressed and the temptations of the fighter, deliver us from these, O Mother of God, and at the hour of exodus do not give up our souls to be overcome by the adversary, so that we may sing of Thy greatness.
And now: Invincible Governor of Christian leaders and armies, Christ-loving army, armed with the shield of faith and the Cross, show them victorious, delivering from all the slander of the enemy.
Song 5
Irmos: Everyone was terrified of Your Divine glory: You, the Unmade Virgin, had in your womb God above all and gave birth to the Lifeless Son, giving peace to all who sing Your praises.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In the small sorrow of Thy Son's punishment, he became an inhabitant of the weight, and, having been ill, he called upon Thee, Mother of bounties, and through Thee he rose from despair and rejoiced, for the dew of grace, even from Thy icon, brought healing to them.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The grace of Thy icon, the Deliverer, Thy faithful servant, which I always carried with me, Thou didst forbid, O Lady, to hide it from the faithful, so that those who resort to You may be delivered from troubles and illnesses.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You, O All-Merciful Lady, have sent down liberation from the cruel, who have flown with faith to Your holy image, while hope, protection and indestructible joy have been granted to those who mourn, O God-rejoicing.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Horrified by those in need at the richness of Your gifts, Virgin, in wonders from Your image, I fell down and joyfully cried out: Truly You are the Deliverer from all troubles.
Glory: Joy of Angels and men, free me from the sorrows of this life and deliver me from the troubles of the future and the eternal fire with Your maternal boldness, O All-Blessed One, from the troubles of the Deliverer.
And now: God-chosen Ever-Virgin, in the watered fleece foreseen of ancient times, sprinkle with the dew of grace the parched earth of my heart and make my soul fruitful through good deeds and vision.
Song 6
Irmos: This divine and all-honorable celebration, O God of Wisdom, Mother of God, come, let us clasp our hands, glorifying the God who was born from Her.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Whose mind will comprehend, O Lady, the power of the fortress of Your Son, having brought His people out of the earth, even though they had sealed their faith for eternity, and You, Your Mother, having made a terrible enemy, from the womb of hell delivering those who call upon You.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
A cue tongue will explain the all-conquering power of Your Lady! It is only because the likeness of Your face, like fire, scorches evil spirits, but Your people heal and rejoice, and we reverently kiss it, Your servants.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
What word will depict the greatness of Your miracles, O All-merciful Deliverer from troubles! Just as Thy holy icon was brought to the fiercely tormented demon, the tormentor disappeared, and when healed, he glorified Thy power with a loud voice.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
From the abundance of grace inherent in Your image, the Bride of God, you healed how many people who were possessed and other sick people, how many mourners were joined in joy, who flowed with faith to Your icon.
Glory: Oh, Thy great mercy, the Mother of God, who was pleased by Thy miraculous image to stay with us! What shall we repay Thee for the grace that Thou hast shown us, bestowing upon this temple so much sacred wealth?
And now: Oh, All-Singing Mother, sovereign protection of the world! Protect those who honor You from all troubles, help them against their Christian enemies with Your irresistible power.
Lord, have mercy (three times). Glory, and now:
Kontakion, tone 8
To Your icon, Most Holy Lady, those in need came with faith, through Your intercession you were delivered from the evil ones, but as the Mother of Christ God, free us from cruel circumstances, temporary and eternal, and let us call You: Rejoice, our Deliverer from all troubles.
Ikos
Having gathered in this temple, let us glorify the glorious temple of the Divine, the Most Holy Virgin, before Her image with reverence crying out: Rejoice, village of Divine glory; Rejoice, Lady of Heaven and earth. Rejoice, inexhaustible source of miracles; Rejoice, all-powerful healing of the sick. Rejoice, chaser of demons; Rejoice, revival of the dead. Rejoice, shelter of the abodes of the Mountain; Rejoice, warm intercession of the monks. Rejoice, faithful to the Intercessor; Rejoice, salvation of the Christian race. Rejoice, joy shines upon her; Rejoice, for her sorrow ceases. Rejoice, our Deliverer from all troubles.
Song 7
Irmos: Having not served the creation of God’s wisdom more than the Creator, but having overcome the fiery rebuke manfully, I rejoice, singing: O Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Work with us according to the abundance of Thy mercy, Mother of God, and redeem us according to Thy miracles, and let them be ashamed of all power, and let the strength of those who show evil be crushed by Thy servant, who sing about You: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
For you, Virgin, the Chaldean cave is a prototype of those who have it, the youths were cooled with dew in the midst of the flame. Likewise, keep us, who have Your image, cool and unburnt in the fires of temptation with the grace of Your Son, so that we may sing to Him: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The seven-headed arrows of the seven deadly passions, which are fired by the seven-headed serpent devil who rises up against us, are quenched and crushed by the sevenfold, O Lady, and, like the unharmed youths, we sing: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We mean the seven-illuminated lamp of You, God-gracious Mary, who shines with the seven gifts of the Spirit upon the faithful, giving grace and mercy to those who sing about You, the Giver of good things: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Glory: You, Lady, possessor of mercy's inexhaustible treasure and your holy icon, the Deliverer, for the protection of the monastery and for deliverance from troubles, to your Son we sing about you: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
And now: As the King of the reigning Mother, we pray to Thee, the Lady: be an indestructible fortress for our fatherland and the Christ-loving army, giving them good things, singing: God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Song 8
Irmos: The pious youths in the cave saved the Nativity of the Theotokos; Then what is formed, now in action, raises up the entire universe to sing to You: Sing to the Lord, O works, and exalt Him to all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Like the three youths, who were kept in the fires, girdles and blessed God, so also faithfully, by You, Blessed One, having been delivered from fire, troubles and illnesses, all things, - I cry out, - Sing to the Lord and exalt Him forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Just as you once delivered those who flocked to your image, O Mother of God, from harmful evils, so now do not cease from those and all harm to deliver this monastery, the Mountain, Russia and the Orthodox everywhere, so that we glorify You forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Just as you died and were overshadowed by Your icon, O Virgin, you revived us; you also revive us, leading us away from the deadly path and instructing us on the path of the eternal life, so that, saved by You, we extol You forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As You commanded Your servant not to hide from the faithful the grace that flows from Your holy image, O All-merciful Deliverer, pour this out to us, Your servant, so that we glorify You forever.
Glory: As You have healed many, O Lady, from the torment of demons and other ailments, free us from mental and physical illnesses and from all the snares of the enemy, so that we may praise You forever.
And now: Like an Angel, inspire Gideon to defeat the Midianites, inspire, O All-Queen, and those who glorify Thee, overthrowing all the vacillation of the enemies, may we bless Thee forever.
The meaning of the icon "Gerontissa"
In the miraculous image, the Mother of God is represented in full height, alone without the Infant God. Her hands are extended in prayer, and at her feet there is a jug overflowing with oil. Her appearance cannot leave anyone indifferent, giving the believer a feeling of consolation and hope, joy and peace of mind.
Back in the 17th century, there was a terrible famine in the Athos monastery, and some monks even began to leave it out of despair. Only the abbot prayed earnestly and convinced the others to do the same and forgive the help of the Mother of God. And then one morning, his prayers were answered, and the empty jug was filled with oil, so much so that oil flowed from it over the edge. This is how the image of an overflowing jug appeared on the image of the “Abbess”.
And the image of the Mother of God received its name after a miracle was performed. There was an elderly abbot in that monastery on Mount Athos, who, sensing the approach of his death, asked the priest to hurry up and perform the liturgy in order to have time to receive communion for the last time. But the priest was in no hurry with the ritual, and immediately he heard a menacing voice emanating from the image of the Mother of God, to fulfill the last will of the dying abbot.
ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “WORTHY TO EAT”
The shrine is located in the Assumption Church of the administrative center of Mount Athos - Kareia.
According to legend, in the 10th century, in a cave not far from Kareya, a certain elder priest and a novice labored. One Sunday, June 11, 982, the elder went to the monastery for an all-night vigil, but the novice remained at home. Late at night an unknown monk knocked on his cell. The novice bowed to the stranger, gave him water to drink from the road, and offered to rest in his cell. Together with the guest, they began to sing psalms and prayers. However, while singing the words “Most Honest Cherub,” the mysterious guest unexpectedly noticed that in their places this song is sung differently: adding before “Most Honest” the words “It is worthy to eat, as truly you are blessed, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate, and the Mother of our God " And when the monk began to sing these words, the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful,” which stood in the cell, suddenly shone with a mysterious light, and the novice suddenly felt a special joy and began to sob with tenderness. He asked the guest to write down the wondrous words, and he inscribed them with his finger on a stone slab, which softened under his hand like wax. After this, the guest, who called himself the humble Gabriel, suddenly disappeared. The icon continued to shine with a mysterious light. The novice waited for the elder, told him about the mysterious stranger and showed him a stone slab with the words of prayer. The spiritually experienced elder immediately realized that Archangel Gabriel, sent to earth, came to his cell to announce to Christians a wondrous song in the name of the Mother of God. Since then, the angelic song “It is worthy to eat...” has been sung during every Divine Liturgy throughout the world - wherever there is at least one Orthodox throne or at least one Orthodox Christian lives.
The celebration of the icon takes place on June 24.
