Venerable Gabriel the Georgian of Mount Athos

Saint Gabriel the Iberian lived in the 11th century and became a monk in Mount Athos.

According to tradition, he was the one chosen by Theotokos to retrieve her holy icon from the sea.

Her grace appeared before him and asked him to go down to the shore together with the abbot and the other brethren of the monastery in order to receive the sacred icon of Theotokos Portaitissa. The saint walked upon the waves of the sea, obeying her command and showing absolute trust in her words.

In this way, he received the holy treasure, which continues to protect and guard the monastery to this day.

His memory is commemorated on May 13, together with the other Iberian saints: Euthymius, John and George.