Where is the icon of Our Lady the Formidable Protection
The icon of the Theotokos Formidable Protection or Great Protection or Fovera Prostasia (in Greek) is located at the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousi on Mount Athos. It is placed on the left side of the lete in the Katholikon, within the chapel dedicated to the Theotokos the Great Protection, which was built in 1733 AD.
The holy icon depicts the Virgin Mary holding the young Jesus Christ in her left hand. Her head is turned towards Jesus Christ and the angel, who holds the symbols of the Passion.
The miracle of the «invisible» Monastery
The most famous miracle of Our Lady of Great Protection is the miracle of the «invisible» monastery. According to tradition, when pirates once raided the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousi, the monks found themselves exposed and helpless.
Then, they sought refuge in the icon of the Theotokos, praying to her with great reverence and pleading for her protection against the pirates. It is said that the Theotokos heard their prayers and rendered the monastery invisible to the eyes of the raiders.
Find here the article: Holy Monastery of Koutloumousi: here is kept the miraculous icon of Panagia the Formidable Protection
Why the Virgin Mary Was Named the Great Protection
This miracle caused the pirates to abandon the Holy Mount Athos, the Garden of Virgin Mary without causing any damage to the monastery. Everyone believed it was divine intervention and mediation by the Theotokos. For this reason, the icon of the Virgin Mary was named Great Protection (in Greek Fovera Prostasia).
The miracle of the fire at the Monastery's Dependency
The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary the Great Protection was originally located at a dependency of the Holy Monastery of Koutloumousi in Crete. One day, a great fire broke out, completely destroying the dependency. However, the only object that survived was the icon of the Ever-Virgin Mary.
As the Fathers and many pilgrims mention, from the moment the holy icon of the Virgin Mary the Formidable Protection was transferred to Koutloumousi, it has performed numerous miracles.
The miracle of saving the Monastery from a fire
Another miracle attributed to Our Lady the Great Protection is the saving of the monastery from a fire that broke out in its surrounding forest. The monks, holding the icon of the Theotokos, fled for safety. Shortly thereafter, a heavy rainstorm erupted, putting out the fire and saving the monastery and the monks.
When the Feast of Our Lady Formidable Protection is celebrated
The Synaxis of the Virgin Mary the Formidable Protection is celebrated on the Tuesday of Easter Week, which is the second day after Holy Easter. The procession of the icon takes place from the monastery to Protaton, as a reciprocal gesture for the visit of the icon of “Axion Estin” that took place the previous day at Koutloumousi.
Find here: Icons of the Virgin Mary the Formidable Protection.
