The miraculous icon of Theotokos Vematarissa, or Theotokos Ktetorissa, belongs to the Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi. Specifically, it is placed in the enthronement of the Chancel, from where it takes its name (Chancel = Ιερό Βήμα / Iero Vema). As for the nickname "Ktetorissa", it is derived from its antiquity, as it dates back to the time of the three possessors of the monastery, Athanasios, Nicholas and Antonios (Ktetorissa/Ktetor = Κτήτωρ = Founder).
As far as its history is concerned, it is related to the raids of the Arabs on Mount Athos during the 10th century. According to tradition, during one of the attacks, the hierodeacon Savas hid the icon in order to save it from the raiders. He lowered it, along with a lit candle, to the bottom of the well inside the church. As he did not manage to escape from the enemy, but was captured by the Arabs, the icon remained hidden.
Seventy years later the deacon was released. Being very old, he returned to the monastery of Mount Athos and searched for the icon of the Virgin Mary. Miraculously, the monks found it untouched and placed in the exact same spot. She was standing upright on the water, while in front of her the candle, that had been left burning by the hierodeacon Savas, was still burning.
Today the icon of the Virgin Mary is particularly venerated for the miracle she performed, revealing the presence and providence of the Most Holy Theotokos. The monks place it on the throne of the Katholikon and venerate it on the great feasts of Easter, of Annunciation, of Prophet Elijah, on the Assumption, on Christmas and on Epiphany. In front of the icon, the candle that was taken from the well burns unlit. The monks enforce its material and make sure it remains lit, so that it always recalls the miracle of the Theotokos.
As far as its iconography is concerned, it follows the type of Theotokos Hodegetria. The Virgin holds Jesus in her left hand, while her right hand is placed at chest level. Her head is slightly inclined towards the Divine Infant and her gaze is fixed on the faithful. Jesus is looking at his Blessed Mother. With His right hand He blesses the faithful, while with His left hand He holds a closed scroll.
The icon is covered by an elaborate relief cover, except for the faces of the figures, which are slightly altered due to the candle burning continuously in front of them. The relief surface is covered with floral motifs, with numerous pictorial details, as well as decorative stones around the faces of the holy figures. Surrounding the icon, there are smaller representations of saints, prophets and scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
