Perhaps one of the most treasured icons on Mount Athos, Greece and throughout the world, Panagia Portaitissa is connected to a rich history and a plethora of miracles. During the years of the Byzantine Iconoclasm (8th & 9th century), a widow and her son threw the Icon into the sea in an effort to save it from being burnt and destroyed by the soldiers of the Emperor Theophilus.

Instead of sinking, the Icon stood upright and travelled through the sea. Deeply moved by this scene, the widow’s son dedicated himself to God and later settled in Mount Athos where he told the story to other monks.

About a century later, the monks of the Iviron Monastery in Mount Athos saw for several days a column of light extending from the sea to the heavens. The mystery was revealed by the Holy Mother of God Herself, who urged Gabriel, a monk of the monastery, to walk on the waters (as if it were land) and bring the Icon back to shore.

The monks built a chapel and zealously worshipped the icon every day. Despite this, after its installation in the altar, the icon repeatedly disappeared from the chapel and was always found above the gate of the monastery.

The Holy Virgin Mary appeared to monk Gabriel again, to tell him that this was the place she had chosen, so that she could protect the monks, and not be protected by them. The icon has since then taken the name “Portaitissa” (The Keeper of the Portal).

According to legend, a pirate once struck the icon with his sword and blood began to flow from the Virgin’s cheek. Shaken by this miracle, the soldier instantly repented and started a monastic life.

Since then, all copies of the Icon have depicted Her with a scar and blood on Her cheek. .