In the Holy Monastery of Pantokratoros there is the great icon of the Virgin Mary, one of the most important miraculous icons of Mount Athos. The depiction is associated with the miracle performed by the Mother of God, filling the monastery's jars with oil during difficult periods when the monastery was facing various shortages.
However, as this icon is particularly large and cannot be moved every time for the veneration of the faithful, a smaller copy was created. The copy depicts the Virgin Mary full-faced, according to the iconographic type of Theotokos Herondissa. Next to her, there is a vessel overflowing with oil. In the background, the slopes of Athos and the holy monastery can be seen. Her clothing is lavish, with vibrant colors and beautiful drawings of flowers. Today, however, a silver covering leaves only the face and the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be visible. The rest of the decoration, as well as the Virgin's clothing, are in relief and are examples of high artistic skill.
According to tradition, this icon was given the nickname "Pyrosotira" as in 1948 it saved the monastery from a fire that broke out, threatening the church and the rest of the buildings. The procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary stopped the strong wind and the fire was gradually limited.
