The history and miracles of Theotokos Koukouzelisa
Where the icon of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa is located
The icon of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa is one of the miraculous icons of Mount Athos and belongs to the Monastery of Great Lavra. It is placed on a wooden throne inside the chapel of the Monastery.
The appearance of the Theotokos to John Koukouzeles
In front of the miraculous icon of the Theotokos Koukouzelisa, it was customary to conduct the Vigil for the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn.
One night, after the completion of the Saturday vigil, the chief chanter of the Monastery, John Koukouzeles, who had once served as the lead musician at the imperial palace, fell lightly asleep in the choir board.
In his sleep, he saw the Most Holy Theotokos greeting him, saying, «Rejoice, John! Sing to me, and I will never abandon you». As she spoke, she placed a gold coin in his palm.
Find here: Orthodox icon of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa.
The miracle of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa
When Saint John awoke, he beheld something truly wondrous! He was holding in his hand the coin that the Theotokos had left him in his dream!
From that moment, he devoted himself to long vigils and standing in prayer, which led to him developing serious issues with his legs.
Find the article here: Holy Monastery of the Great Lavra: the oldest Monastery and first in the hierarchy of Mount Athos
The healing of John Koukouzeles by the Theotokos
The Theotokos appeared to him again in his sleep and healed him. Since then, many miracles have been attributed both to the icon of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa and to the gold coin that John Koukouzeles held.
When is Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa celebrated
The Orthodox Church celebrates our Lady Koukouzelisa on November 21 each year.
Why the Virgin Mary is called ‘Koukouzelisa’
The name ‘Koukouzelisa’ comes from the connection with Saint John Koukouzelis through the vision and the miracle that occurred. For this reason, Saint John was ever-present in the right choir, chanting in honor of the Lord and the Theotokos.
Who John Koukouzeles was
John Koukouzeles lived in Dyrrachium, in Albania. He was often called ‘Koukouzeles,’ as whenever he was asked what he ate, he would reply, “koukia and zelie,” meaning broad beans and a Bulgarian word for cabbage.
After completing his studies at the Imperial Academy in Constantinople, Emperor Komnenos appointed him as a musician at the palace. However, John desired to follow the monastic life.
At one point, the Abbot of the Great Lavra Monastery visited Constantinople. John followed him back to Mount Athos, disguised as a servant so that no one would recognize him.
Despite his efforts to be accepted into the communal monastic life, he was instead made a shepherd. Through this service, he lived happily, in absolute peace and devotion to the Lord, as he had wished.
One day, a hermit nearby heard him singing so melodiously that even the animals stopped grazing to listen to him.
When John Koukouzelis fell asleep
Amazed, the hermit informed the Abbot of the Monastery of Great Lavra. After this revelation, the Abbot accepted him into the monastery.
From then on, he lived at the Monastery of Great Lavra until the end of his life. He fell asleep peacefully on October 1.
Find here: Orthodox icon of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa.
