Panagia Koukouzelisa
The miracle of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa
When Saint John awoke, he beheld something truly wondrous! He was holding in his hand the coin that the Theotokos had left him in his dream!
From that moment, he devoted himself to long vigils and standing in prayer, which led to him developing serious issues with his legs.
The healing of John Koukouzeles by the Theotokos
The Theotokos appeared to him again in his sleep and healed him. Since then, many miracles have been attributed both to the icon of the
The miracle of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa
When Saint John awoke, he beheld something truly wondrous! He was holding in his hand the coin that the Theotokos had left him in his dream!
From that moment, he devoted himself to long vigils and standing in prayer, which led to him developing serious issues with his legs.The healing of John Koukouzeles by the Theotokos
The Theotokos appeared to him again in his sleep and healed him. Since then, many miracles have been attributed both to the icon of the Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa and to the gold coin that John Koukouzeles held.
When is Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa celebrated
The Orthodox Church celebrates our Lady Koukouzelisa on November 21 each year.
Why the Virgin Mary is called ‘Koukouzelisa’
The name ‘Koukouzelisa’ comes from the connection with Saint John Koukouzelis through the vision and the miracle that occurred. For this reason, Saint John was ever-present in the right choir, chanting in honor of the Lord and the Theotokos.
Who John Koukouzeles was
John Koukouzeles lived in Dyrrachium, in Albania. He was often called ‘Koukouzeles,’ as whenever he was asked what he ate, he would reply, “koukia and zelie,” meaning broad beans and a Bulgarian word for cabbage.
After completing his studies at the Imperial Academy in Constantinople, Emperor Komnenos appointed him as a musician at the palace. However, John desired to follow the monastic life.
At one point, the Abbot of the Monastery of the Great Lavra visited Constantinople. John followed him back to Mount Athos, disguised as a servant so that no one would recognize him.
Despite his efforts to be accepted into the communal monastic life, he was instead made a shepherd. Through this service, he lived happily, in absolute peace and devotion to the Lord, as he had wished.
One day, a hermit nearby heard him singing so melodiously that even the animals stopped grazing to listen to him.
When John Koukouzelis fell asleep
Amazed, the hermit informed the Abbot of the Monastery of the Great Lavra .After this revelation, the Abbot accepted him into the monastery.
From then on, he lived at the Monastery of the Great Lavrauntil the end of his life. He fell asleep peacefully on October 1.
and to the gold coin that John Koukouzeles held.
When is Virgin Mary Koukouzelisa celebrated
The Orthodox Church celebrates our Lady Koukouzelisa on November 21 each year.
Why the Virgin Mary is called ‘Koukouzelisa’
The name ‘Koukouzelisa’ comes from the connection with Saint John Koukouzelis through the vision and the miracle that occurred. For this reason, Saint John was ever-present in the right choir, chanting in honor of the Lord and the Theotokos.
Who John Koukouzeles was
John Koukouzeles lived in Dyrrachium, in Albania. He was often called ‘Koukouzeles,’ as whenever he was asked what he ate, he would reply, “koukia and zelie,” meaning broad beans and a Bulgarian word for cabbage.
After completing his studies at the Imperial Academy in Constantinople, Emperor Komnenos appointed him as a musician at the palace. However, John desired to follow the monastic life.
At one point, the Abbot of the Monastery of the Great Lavra visited Constantinople. John followed him back to Mount Athos, disguised as a servant so that no one would recognize him.
Despite his efforts to be accepted into the communal monastic life, he was instead made a shepherd. Through this service, he lived happily, in absolute peace and devotion to the Lord, as he had wished.
One day, a hermit nearby heard him singing so melodiously that even the animals stopped grazing to listen to him.
When John Koukouzelis fell asleep
Amazed, the hermit informed the Abbot of the Monastery of the Great Lavra. After this revelation, the Abbot accepted him into the monastery.
From then on, he lived at the Monastery of the Great Lavra until the end of his life. He fell asleep peacefully on October 1.
Edited Excerpt from the official Mount Athos website, links to full article and where to purchase a copy of the icon below…