The miraculous icon of Theotokos Pyrovolithisa is placed in the Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos. It is an icon of the 18th century, the history of which dates back to the time of the Turkish occupation.
The colors are cheerful and vivid. The Virgin Mary is represented according to the iconographic type of the Virgin Mary Hodegetria. Her right hand is placed at breast height, while her left hand holds the Divine Infant. Jesus Christ, seated on the left side of His Blessed Mother, blesses the faithful with His right hand, while with His left hand He holds an open scroll. Their garments are bright and adorned with elegant, discreet details. The blue robe under the Virgin's tunic illuminates her facial expression, showing her sweetness and maternal warmth. On the golden plain surrounding there are two round shapes with the inscription "Mother of God". In their inside they are adorned with wonderful artistic details. Above and within the halo of Jesus it is also inscribed "Jesus Christ", "He who Is".
The name "Pyrovolithisa" was given to the icon of the Virgin Mary after the miracle performed during the Turkish occupation. When an Ottoman wanted to destroy the icon by shooting it, the bullet from the gun came back towards him and killed him. Even today we can still notice the mark of the shot.
