Where the icon of the Virgin Mary Epakouousa is located
The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary the Hearer or Epakouousa (in Greek it means "She who Hears") is found in the Holy Monastery Zografou, in the Sanctuary of the monastery’s Katholikon. On the icon, Theotokos is depicted holding the child Jesus Christ before her chest. Jesus Christ is portrayed at a young age blessing with His right hand.
The history behind our Lady Epakouousa
The icon of our Lady Epakouousa is closely connected with the life of Saint Kosmas the Zographite.
Saint Cosmas the Zografite was a hermit, who lived in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. One day, while he was still residing in the monastery, he found himself alone in the church. There, he approached the icon of the Virgin Mary Epakouousa and prayed heartlly, saying the following words:
«Most Holy Theotokos, intercede to your Son and God that He may guide me on the path of salvation».
At that very moment, the Most Holy Theotokos answered him with the following words: «My Son and God, teach Your servant how to be saved».
This time, the response came from Jesus Christ, who urged him, saying:«Let him depart from the monastery and find peace alone».
Thus it came to pass. Saint Cosmas the Zographite withdrew to a cave outside the monastery to devote himself to a life of solitude, a path he followed with great spiritual success. Indeed, he was deemed worthy to receive the gift of performing miracles.
Why the icon of the Virgin Mary was named Epakouousa
The name Theotokos "Epakouousa" has the meaning that she heard and answered the request of Saint Cosmas when he sought her in prayer. For this reason, the icon of the Theotokos was named Epakouousa.
