The Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra maintains a historic dependency on the island of Lemnos, in the village of Propouli, since the 14th century. Τhis monastery dependency is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, known as the Virgin of the Vine.
In earlier times, the Athonite Dependency of the Virgin of the Vine was an independent monastery. In 1798 AD, Patriarch Gerasimos III confirmed with a patriarchal sigillion (is the patriarchal and synodical mandate concerning various ecclesiastical affairs) that the dependency belongs to the Simonopetra Monastery.
When the chapel of our Lady of the Vine was built
In the year 1706 AD, the Monk of Simonos Petra, Agapios built the chapel of the Holy Dependency. Actually, the dedicatory plaque remains preserved in the exonarthex of the church, bearing the inscription: "ERECTED... BY THE VENERABLE MONK AGAPIOS... IN THE YEAR 1706."
From the Dependency of the Vine, a part of the church has been preserved, primarily its eastern side, due to the various damges that it had undergone over time. The ruins of the Dependency of the Theotokos of the Vine served as a residence for the monks and workers.
Within the ruins of the dependency lies the church of Saint Mary Magdalene, who is considered a co-founder of the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra. She is depicted in an icon alongside Saint Simon the Myrrh-scented, the founder of the Monastery.
The Rare Garment of the Virgin of the Vine
In the chapel of the Holy Dependency, the miraculous icon of our Lady of the Vine is preserved, dating back to around 1700 AD. The Theotokos of the Vine is depicted wearing a white garment instead of the typical red attire, a remarkably rare occurrence that symbolizes purity.
The residents of the island recognize the miracles that were performed by the Virgin Mary through her white veil and show reverence to her as the Virgin of their land.
Find here: icon of our Lady of the Vine.
Our Lady of the Vine, protector of sick children
The Virgin Mary of the Vine is particularly beloved by all inhabitants of the island. She has performed many miracles, which are affirmed by the island's residents to this day. She protects the entire world, focusing on young children and adults that are facing health issues and other difficulties.
When the Theotokos of the Vine is celebrated
Our Lady of the Vine is honored on the Dormition of the Theotokos, on August 15th. Every year, a great festival is organized at the small church in Lemnos and a multitude of Christians from all around the world visit it on that day.
