Virgin Mary Paramythia Silk Screen Icon Freestanding – Gold Engraved Wood

Description

Also known as the Vatopedi Mother of Consolation or the Mother of Comfort, the icon of the Virgin Mary Paramythia is a miraculous icon from the Monastery of Vatopaidi on Mount Athos. Mount Athos is known as the Garden of the Mother of God in reference to a visit made by the Holy Mother where she blessed the mountain and the residents, seeing many convert to Christianity. 

According to tradition, this icon of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus miraculously changed when a group of pirates decided to attack the monastery. While they were hiding during the night, the monks in the monastery continued their daily routine, unaware of the horde of pirates awaiting daylight to raid. All except the Abbot, who heard the holy icon speak to him after his prayers. Upon hearing the icon say, “Do not open the gates of the Monastery today, but go up on the walls and drive away the pirates,” the Abbot turned to look at the icon witnessing the Virgin Mary turn towards her right shoulder and look at the Abbot, while the infant Jesus covered her mouth. Another voice emanating from the infant Jesus then said, “No, Mother, do not watch over this sinful flock, let them fall under the sword of the pirates and be punished as they deserve.”  Unperturbed by her Son’s words, the Theotokos in the icon took His hand in hers and turned her head slightly, once again telling the Abbot to not open the doors of the Monastery and to drive away the pirates. 

The monks were saved from the pirates as a result of this miracle, naming the icon Paramythia in honour of the Theotokos. Paramythia means “calm” or “restrain.” The monastery continues to chant a Canon of Supplication for the icon and celebrates Divine Liturgy each Friday.