The icon of Theotokos Pantanassa is placed in the Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos. The nickname given to her indicates the transcendence of the face of the Virgin Mary, the praise we address to her and the special place she holds in the hearts of all Christians. In particular, the word "Pantanassa" identifies the Most Holy Theotokos as the Queen of all.
The icon is covered by an elaborate gilded frame with relief details and precious stones. The faces of the Virgin Mary and the Divine Infant are excluded from the frame, as well as the inscriptions "Mother of God", "The Pantanassa" and "Jesus Christ".
Theotokos is depicted in the standard type of the Virgin Mary Hodegetria. Her right hand is placed at breast level, while her left hand is placed in her arms, embracing the Divine Infant. Jesus blesses the faithful with his right hand, while with his left hand he holds the gospel.
Of particular interest is the dark shade of the faces of the figures, and less so of their hands. According to the Athonite tradition, the monk who started the depiction of the Virgin Mary died before completing the icon. When a younger monk attempted to complete the work, the icon miraculously rejected his colors and did not allow any further processing. Thus, it remains unfinished until today.
However, it is venerated for the miraculous grace of the Blessed Virgin, who once again revealed her presence and will to the monks of the Athonite state.
