Theotokos Oikonomissa is associated with the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra and the miracle performed to Saint Athanasios of Mount Athos.
As noted by the Athonite tradition, the Saint faced serious problems during the rebuilding of the monastery, as all the necessary goods were running out and the survival of the monastery was at risk. Thus, he decided to go to Karyes and consult the Protos of Mount Athos. On his way, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him and ordered him to go back and check the monastery's storehouses, which he would find full of food and goods. As she told him, she would become herself the monastery's housekeeper and thus they would no longer have to worry about their survival. As a proof, she asked him to strike the stone in front of him with his rod. From there, cool water began to gush forth, which is known to this day as the Holy Water of Saint Athanasios.
Thus, the Most Holy Theotokos is the monastery's housekeeper. This title is not given to any monk. There is only an assistant housekeeper, who stands by her work.
In the monastery there are many representations of Theotokos Oikonomissa. In the largest of these, the Virgin Mary is depicted enthroned, holding Jesus Christ in her arms. The icon is silver-plated in 1905. On the left of the Virgin Mary there is the patron of the monastery Nikiforos Fokas and Saint George, while on the right there is the second patron John Tsimiskis and Saint Demetrios. On the upper part, on the left side, Saint Michael Synades, Saint Athanasios of Athos and Saint John the Baptist are also depicted, while on the right side there are Saint Nicholas, Saint Stephen the Protomartyr and Saint Simeon the Theodochos. In front of the two groups of saints there are the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
This magnificent representation of Theotokos Oikonomissa highlights the honor that the monks attribute to her as the protector and helper of their monastic life. May her grace cover and bless the lives of all Christians!
