The icon of Theotokos Esfagmeni is painted in the narthex of the chapel of Saint Demetrios, in the Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Vatopaidi. It is a miraculous depiction of the Virgin Mary. The nickname "Esfagmeni" was given to the icon thanks to the history that connects it with the monastery.
Specifically, according to tradition, a deacon of the monastery had an increased workload during his day. As a result, he was always coming late to the trapeza where the dinner was served. In that way he always caused the frustration of the monk who oversaw the place. One day, arriving quite late, he approached that monk and asked for his lunch. He angrily refused to serve him and chased him out. The deacon, angry as well, returned to the church and began to complain to the Virgin Mary about his daily toil and the injustice he was forced to endure. Overwhelmed by his thoughts, he could not contain his irritation and struck the face of the Virgin Mary with a knife he held in his hand. Immediately, blood began to flow from her face, while the deacon lost his sight and fell to the floor in a state of insanity. For three long years, he stood in the pew opposite the icon, weeping and begging the Virgin Mary to forgive him. Indeed, Our Lady had mercy on him and gave him back his light. However, when he passed away, during his funeral, the monks saw that his right hand, black and battered, remained of his entire body. This hand is kept in the monastery to this day as a reminder of the event, of the monk's irreverence and of the miraculous grace of the Virgin Mary.
As far as its iconographic type is concerned, the representation follows, with minor variations, the model of Theotokos Hodegetria. The Virgin Mary holds Jesus with her left hand, while her right hand, instead of standing at the height of the chest, supports the left foot of the Divine Infant. Jesus blesses the faithful with his right hand, while with his left hand he holds a closed scroll. Furthermore, the icon is covered with a silver-gilt lining. The embossed folds of the garments and the rich decorative details highlight the aesthetic value of the work. The Virgin's garment is adorned with three stars on the right shoulder, the left shoulder and the forehead, indicating her relationship with the Triune God. The halos of the figures are equally ornate, decorated with floral periwigs, while a crown is also placed on the Virgin's head, highlighting her position as the Queen of Heaven.
In the chapel of Saint Demetrios there is a fresco with the representation of the event of the engraving of the icon by the deacon. In another place the deacon himself is also depicted.
