Most Holy Theotokos “Hodegetria” (exact copy)

MADE IN THE HOLY XENOPHONT MONASTERY ON MOUNT ATHOS.

BLESSED.

AN EXACT COPY OF THE ORIGINAL “HODEGETRIA” ICON FROM THE MAIN CHURCH OF THE MONASTERY.

The Theotokos “Hodegetria” is one of the most ancient and revered images of the Most Holy Mother of God in the Christian world. She helps in difficult life situations, casts out demons from people, and shows the right path in life. The first image of the icon was painted by Saint Apostle and Evangelist Luke. The icon was brought from Jerusalem to Constantinople in the 5th century by Empress Eudokia, wife of Emperor Theodosius II. Especially for this icon, the emperor’s sister, Saint Pulcheria, founded the main women’s monastery “Odigon.”

From there comes its name: in Greek “Hodegetria” means Guide. The icon became a protector of Constantinople, and hundreds of thousands of pilgrims came to venerate it and seek help. After the fall of Byzantium in 1453, the original was lost for centuries.

In the 18th century, the “Hodegetria” appeared on Mount Athos, initially in Vatopedi Monastery, and later — by miraculous means — she chose the Xenophont Monastery, to which she moved several times in a wondrous way.