The history and miracles of Theotokos Economissa at Holy Monastery of Great Lavra

Where is the icon of Our Lady Economissa 

The icon of Our Lady Economissa or Stewardess is kept at the Monastery of the Great Lavra. Specifically, it is located in the Lete of the Katholikon of the Monastery, to the left of the Beautiful Gate, placed upon a wooden shrine.

The miracle with Saint Athanasios the Athonite

The miraculous icon of Theotokos Economissa is associated with a miracle performed to Saint Athanasios the Athonite. During the period when the Monastery was under construction, supplies and provisions had run out, causing great hardship of the monastic brotherhood.

Thus, Saint Athanasios was compelled to travel to Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos, to obtain the necessary provisions for the Monastery. 

However, along the way, the Mother of God appeared to him, urging him to return to the Monastery, assuring him that the storage rooms were filled with the necessary goods. Indeed, upon his return, Saint Athanasios found the storerooms fully stocked.

Why the icon of the Theotokos was named Economissa

When, the Theotokos conveyed to him that she would henceforth be the “Economissa” of the Monastery, taking responsibility for its sustenance and material needs. This is why she was given the title Econimissa, which means servant.

To this day, the Theotokos is deemed the housekeeper or servant of the Monastery of the Great Lavra. The only remaining monastic office is that of the assistant housekeeper.

What the icon of the Virgin Mary Economissa depicts

The venerable icon of our Lady Economissa of portrays the Theotokos seated on a throne, holding the Christ Child in her arms.

On either side of her are depicted Saints Athanasios the Athonite and Michael, Bishop of Synnada. Above the Theotokos are two angels, holding a crown.

In another version, the icon presents 14 figures: the Theotokos with the Divine Infant, surrounded by 10 Saints of the Holy Monastery, with two Angels holding the crown above the Theotokos.

Edited excerpt from the official Mount Athos website, link to full article and where to purchase a copy of the icon below…