The icon of Theotokos entitled "Axion Esti", is located in the Protaton, in Karyes on Mount Athos. Because of its location, it is still characterized as Theotokos "Karyotissa", as it is also inscribed to the left of the figure of the Virgin Mary.
According to the athonite tradition, the icon was transferred to the Protaton after a miracle that was performed. Originally it was in the cell of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary of the Pantokratoros Monastery. This cell was inhabited by a monk and his subordinate. When on Saturday the monk left the cell to attend the vigil that was being held in the Protaton, the subordinate was left alone. Late at night, he received a visit from a monk. He hosted him during the night, and the next morning they awoke for the Divine Liturgy. Among other things, the subordinate chanted to the Virgin Mary in the usual way. His guest, however, continued to praise Theotokos by chanting "Axion Esti", a prayer unknown until then. Not having a pencil and paper to write down the words, the subordinate gave the visitor a stone. He engraved the words with his finger and then disappeared. According to the athonite tradition, this visitor was none other than the Archangel Gabriel.
This plaque was transferred to Karyes and from there to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The miracle became known everywhere. The icon of the Holy Virgin was thus transferred from the cell of the Dormition to Protaton and placed in the enthronement of the Holy Altar.
As the miracle was performed on the 11th of July, the monks celebrate this day every year. They honor the Most Holy Virgin and chant with devotion the "Axion Esti", which in the meantime has entered into liturgical use and has become known all throughout the Orthodoxy. At the same time, over the centuries, many more troparia dedicated to the icon were written by Athonite fathers. Such are the troparia written by Saint Nicodemus the Athonite and chanted during the litany of the icon. The deacon Benedictos of the Panteleimon Monastery and the elder Gerasimos Mikrajananitis composed also chants for the feast day. During the celebration of the feast of Theotokos "Axion Esti", the icon is litigated throughout the Karyes region.
As far as its iconographic type is concerned, it follows the model of Theotokos Kykkotissa. The Virgin Mary is turned to the left, holding the Divine Infant in her arms. With her left hand she is supporting Jesus, while with her right hand she holds a half-open scroll. Jesus stands within the arms of his Holy Mother. His left hand is hidden between his garments, while with his right hand he holds the same scroll as the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary's garment is dark blue with red and gold details, while Jesus' garment is gold with a green belt. The scroll they are holding bears the inscription 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.
Finally, the icon is covered by a relief cover. Among other things, the prophets and the great fathers of the church are represented around the perimeter, together with the archangels placing an elaborate crown on the head of the Virgin.
