Icon of Virgin Mary Athonite polisher

The Lady Theotokos appeared for the first time in Athos, to Saint Peter (655-681) and after four to five centuries, to the abbot of the Great Laura, Nicholas.

To both hermits he said these words: “Your dwelling and your divine rest shall be nowhere else but on Mount Athos, which I have received from my Son and God to be my lot, to which those who wish to depart from worldly cares and confusions, to come to it and work in this garden, to cultivate virtue, purity of heart and purity of soul, and from now on it will be called by all “Mount Athos”. “Mount Athos is henceforth called… and my orchard”.

After these words, the Most Holy Theotokos gave a promise that she would love, consider and protect the monks, but also protect them from temptations, dangers and sorrows. With the promises and divine pledges of Our Lady, Mount Athos, since it was inhabited by monks and until today, continues its holy life and spiritual activity.

Although at times the Monks have been severely tested from time to time and are still being tested today by various visible and invisible temptations, the help offered by God and the protection of the Virgin Mary will help to ensure that the Holy Struggle and the preservation of the Faith do not fade away.