The representation of Theotokos “One Who Listens to Our Prayers” is a fresco that was removed from an old church and re-installed in the Katholikon of the Zograf Monastery.
The nickname given to it is related to Hosios Kosmas, who lived on Mount Athos and prayed many times in front of the holy figure of the Virgin Mary. In particular, according to the Athonite tradition, Hosios Kosmas knelt before the icon of the Virgin Mary, asking God to show him the way to save his soul. He then heard the voice of the Holy Virgin telling him that he should leave the monastery and practice alone in silence. So he did. Shortly afterwards he retired and continued the rest of his monastic life in a cave near the monastery. The description “the one who listens to our prayers” indicates the immediate response of the Virgin Mary, who heard the prayer of the saint and immediately enlightened him with her blessing.
As for the iconographic type, the Virgin is represented looking straight to the faithful. In front of her is placed the Divine Infant. Jesus Christ is also looking frontally at the faithful. The icon is covered by an elaborate frame, from which only the faces of the figures are excluded. The richness of the color of the halos, as well as the glittering gold of the background, highlight the glory and grace of the Blessed Mother of God.
At the bottom there is an inscription referring to the donation of the icon.
