Saint Irene Chrysovalantou

During the second half of the 9th century and early 10th century Saint Irene was Abbess at the Monastery of Chrysovalantou. In her life she did not follow the conventional path of the time, at 15 years old she was slated to marry the Emperor Michael she refused this proposal and went to the Monastery where she committed to vigils, prayer and soon after replaced the Abbess. With great trust in God lead the community and property. St Irene is also known for her gifts of foresight and destroyer of demons. The original icon is housed at the Holy Monastery of the Saint Raphael, Saint Nicolaos and Saint Irene in Mytilini.