This miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Dakrirroousa" (Shedding Tears) is a replica of the highly revered icon of the Theotokos of Tikhvin in Russia. According to tradition, this icon miraculously transported itself from Constantinople to the small Russian town of Tikhvin near Novgorod in 1383. The monastery dedicated to the Mother of God was subsequently built there. The original icon was lost; yet, starting from the 16th century, this type of iconography became particularly beloved in Russia, as evidenced by the numerous replicas of this icon that have survived to this day.
The icon of the Mother of God was presented by the benefactor of the monastery, a Russian merchant from St. Petersburg, Michail Vyushin. It is located in the right lectern of the main temple of the Prophet Elijah skete.
During the restoration work in the altar part of the main temple, one of the clergymen saw tears flowing from the eyes of the Mother of God. He immediately reported what he had seen to the brethren; monks who also witnessed this miracle spread the news throughout Mount Athos and the entire Orthodox world. By the decision of the skete, the day of celebrating this miracle was set for February 17.
The tsar of Russia, Alexander II, sought the help of the holy men of Mount Athos in the Russo-Turkish War, requesting the transfer of this icon to the military theater, which is believed to have contributed to the victory of Russian forces. Military commanders, witnessing many miracles of the Mother of God with their own eyes, revered and honored Her, adorning Her image with their medals, which decorate the icon to this day. Despite his desire to keep the icon in Russia, Tsar Alexander was forced to return it to the Skete of Prophet Elijah in Mount Athos, having previously made a precious setting. From time to time, the icon continues to exude tears and help those in need.
The Mother of God is depicted with a slight turn of the body, as if leaning towards the Infant Christ; Her left hand is positioned at chest level in a gesture of blessing. Christ's right foot is slightly below the left with the sole turned out. He holds a closed scroll in His left hand and blesses with His right hand.
The icon is covered with a setting of gold and silver donated by Alexander II (1855-1881). The richly decorated robe leaves only the faces and hands of the two figures, as well as the feet of Christ, uncovered. At the bottom, there is an inscription in Old Slavic: "Image of the Most Holy Theotokos of Tikhvin."
This icon of the Mother of God dates back to the first half of the 19th century. From an iconographic perspective, it follows the established type of Hodegetria.
