The Most Holy Theotokos “Gerontissa”

This incredibly beautiful icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Gerontissa” is hand-crafted at the Holy Monastery of Pantokrator on Mount Athos.
The soft face of the Theotokos, radiating absolute love, fills the beholder with grace from the very first glance at this work of art.
The luxurious silver covering is made with attention to every detail and is an exact replica of the original icon, which has been preserved in the monastery for centuries.
The icon brings grace and consolation to its owner or to the church, where anyone who comes to “Gerontissa” in prayer will instantly receive the best for themselves and their loved ones.

History and Legend
According to tradition, the original icon was initially located in the Monastery of “Hagia Sophia” in Constantinople and was saved during the iconoclastic disputes. Later, it was transferred to the Monastery of Pantokrator on Mount Athos.
The icon received its name “Gerontissa” after a remarkable miracle:

The Miracle of the Abbot: At the time when the icon was in the monastery, one of the abbots was gravely ill and sensed his impending death. He strongly desired to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ for the last time, but the priest who was to perform the sacrament was delayed. At this critical moment, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared before the icon and sternly commanded the priest to immediately fulfill the dying abbot’s wish. After the abbot received communion, he passed away in peace. The monks named the icon “Gerontissa” (“Elder” or “Guide/Leader”) in honor of this miracle and the swift intervention of the Mother of God.

Other Miracles
Over the centuries, many other miracles have been attributed to the icon:

• The Miracle of the Oil: Once, the monastery’s olive oil supplies were nearly exhausted. One of the monks prayed before the icon for help, and soon oil flowed from the empty containers, filling the entire monastery kitchen.
• The Miracle of the Spring: In a place where there was no water, a spring burst forth after prayers before the icon.
• Healings: Prayers offered before the icon are believed to be especially helpful for the elderly and infirm, as well as for resolving various material and life-related difficulties.

The icon is also unique in its unusual iconographic type — the Holy Theotokos is depicted in full figure, without the Christ Child, in a prayerful posture (Oranta). This makes it easily recognizable and deeply revered among Orthodox Christians. Its feast day is celebrated on December 2/15.