According to the tradition, the icon of Theotokos Pafsolipi was miraculously saved from the terrible fire that broke out in 1722 and destroyed half of the Holy Monastery of Hilandar, along with the library that was located there.
The icon of Theotokos Pafsolipi is based on a particularly unusual iconographic type, both in terms of the pose of Virgin Mary's body and the position of Jesus. The Virgin Mary is depicted seated, with her right hand resting on Jesus' feet. Her left hand touches her face. The image creates the impression that Jesus Christ is floating. He is holding an open scroll with both hands, the text of which cannot be read. The Virgin Mary is dressed in a deep purple robe, while Christ wears a blue tunic and an orange robe.
On the dark blue background of the icon there is an inscription in old Slavonic: "Icon of Theotokos Pafsolipi." On both sides, to the right and to the left of the halo of the Virgin, there is the inscription "Mother of God".
The gilded frame of the icon covers the entire surface, except from the faces, the hands of the figures, and the feet of Jesus Christ. At the bottom of the icon there is a second inscription: "This holy icon was untouched by the fire".
In terms of artistic elements, the icon of Theotokos Pafsolipi corresponds to the stylistic forms of Russian hagiographers of the late 17th century.
