The history and the miracles of Panagia Paramythia
Where is the icon of Our Lady Paramythia located
The miraculous icon of Our Lady Paramythia dates back to the 14th century. Initially, it was a wall painting (fresco) at the Katholikon of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi.
Following a major miracle, the venerable icon was transferred to the left side of the main gate of the monastery’s Katholikon (the main church), where there is a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary Paramythia.
The miracle of Monastery of Vatopedi’s salvation
In earlier times, the monks of the Monastery would venerate the icon of the Virgin Mary Paramythia after the Matins Service. Then, the Abbot would give the doorman the keys to open the gate, which had remained closed throughout the night.
In the early 14th century, on January 21, after the completion of Matins, the fathers returned to their cells to rest until the start of their daily duties. Meanwhile, they didn’t know that hostile pirates had surrounded the gate and were prepared to attack.
The miracle of Our Lady Paramythia
Then, something astonishing occurred! The Abbot, who was alone in the church, praying with intense devotion, suddenly heard a voice that didn’t sound like a human voice. It said to him: «Do not open the gate of the Monastery today, instead, climb to the walls and drive away the pirates».
Realizing that these words were coming from the holy icon of the Virgin Mary Paramythia, the Abbot approached the icon devoutly. Before his eyes, he beheld an extraordinary sight!
Find here: Icons with the Virgin Mary Paramythia
The words of Jesus Christ to His Mother
The Theotokos, holding the infant Jesus Christ in her arms, came to life. The Lord, as a child, moved His hand toward His Mother’s mouth, covering it, and said:
«No, Mother, do not tell them. Let them be punished for their neglect of their monastic duties». With great maternal patience, the Blessed Virgin held the hand of her Son, bent her head to the right, and said twice:
«Do not open the Monastery gate, climb to the walls and repent, for my Son because He is angry with you». Then, the icon returned to its original form.
The monks rushed to the walls and saw the pirates just outside the gate, ready to plunder the Monastery. However, thanks to the divine providence of the Theotokos, the Monastery was saved.
The transformation of the Virgin Mary Paramythia
Following these miraculous events, the Abbot gathered the monks to recount what had transpired, repeating what he had heard from the holy icon. They approached the icon of Our Lady Paramythia and were astonished to see that it had changed.
The Virgin was depicted holding the hand of Jesus Christ near her mouth, while her head was inclined to the right, as if to avoid His hand. Her expression was filled with love and compassion, contrasting with the face of Christ, who appeared strict, like a Judge.
The miracle of this holy icon confirms the powerful intercession of the Theotokos before her Son on behalf of humanity's sins.
Find here: Hand-painted Orthodox Icons with Theotokos Paramythia
The Acheiropoietos Icon of the Virgin Mary Paramythia
This form of the holy icon, as it appears today, was not crafted by human hands but was divinely transformed by the grace of the Mother of God to save the Monastery. For this reason, it is called Acheiropoietos, meaning that it is not made by hands.
Why the Icon is called Paramythia
The icon is named Paramythia, which means comforter as it is said that the gentleness of the Theotokos’ face in the icon soothes and consoles the soul of every believer who gazes upon her.
When the Virgin Mary Paramythia is celebrated
The Church celebrates the Synaxis of Our Lady Paramythia on January 21 each year.
In the chapel of the Virgin Mary Paramythia, an eternal vigil lamp burns before the icon, and the Supplicatory Canon is chanted daily, while a Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Friday.
Find here the article: Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi: the Athoniada Academy and the miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary
The Connection of the icon of Our Lady Paramythia with the life of Saint Neophytos
The icon of Our Lady Paramythia is associated with the life of Saint Neophytos, who served as the guardian of the chapel.
While on a mission to a dependency in Evia, Saint Neophytos fell ill and prayed to the Theotokos to grant him the blessing of passing away in his Monastery.
Then, he heard the Virgin Mary say to him: «Neophytos, return to your Monastery and prepare for your departure from this life within a year».
True to this prophecy, Saint Neophytos returned to the Monastery, and after one year, he heard the voice of the Theotokos again, saying: «Neophytos, the time of your departure has come».
After receiving the Holy Mysteries, he returned to his cell and fell ill. He called the fathers of the monastery to receive their blessing and soon passed away, as the Theotokos had foretold.
Find here: Icons with the Virgin Mary Paramythia
