The miraculous icon of Panteleimon the Healer is kept in the skete of St. Panteleimon of Mount Athos. Despite its small size, this icon is quite well-known for the miracles it has performed.
The first miracle documented in historical records, occurred in the 12th century, shortly after the establishment of the skete. The fathers residing there faced a great need for drinking water, as the nearest spring was far away and so it required a long journey to fetch water.
The skete elders decided to seek divine help and convened a council. They decided to dig two hollows in the ground: one for the icon of Saint Panteleimon the Healer and the other for the icon of Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous. It was agreed that the saint whose hollow fills with water, would be the patron saint of the skete.
Afterward, the elders held an all-night vigil, praying for mercy and a resolution to their problem with fresh water. As they left the church after the vigil, the monks discovered that the hollow with the icon of St. Panteleimon was filled with milk instead of water. From the hagiography of the great martyr we know that when his head was severed, milk flowed from the wound as a symbol of his young age.
Thus, the saint expressed his desire to become the patron of the skete, which was subsequently named in his honor. The icon placed in the hollow dug by the elders, was transferred to the skete's church and has been venerated as miraculous ever since.
It is worth noting that a miraculous spring, also named after the great martyr Panteleimon, now flows in the skete.
The second significant miracle manifested by the holy image in the 19th century, involved a monk discovering a treasure trove of silver coins while performing his duties. He informed other residents of the skete. Having consulted, the council of elders decided that the treasure belonged to Saint Panteleimon, since it was found in his skete. Therefore, it was decided to use the coins for a silver setting for the miraculous image. However, the jeweler tasked with this duty, being unscrupulous, decided to withhold some of the silver.
When the silver setting was placed upon the icon, Healer Panteleimon, detecting the jeweler's deceit, struck him with paralysis of both hands. Realizing his wrongdoing as his limbs ceased to obey him, the jeweler hurried to the skete to seek forgiveness from the saint.
After obtaining forgiveness, the jeweler used the stolen silver to craft representations of hands, which are still kept in front of the icon as evidence of the miracle.
SAINT PANTELEIMON THE HEALER
Not all believers remember the story of the life and martyrdom of Saint Panteleimon; yet most people know he is often prayed for healing and relief from various ailments. Interestingly, believers still share stories of miraculous healings occurring through prayers at the relics of Saint Panteleimon or his icon.
What do we pray Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon for?
- The cure of bodily ailments, especially the treatment of eye disorders;
- Spiritual insight, including finding the right path in life;
- Support in making the right choice in difficult situations;
- Strengthening of faith and finding a confessor;
- Assisting doctors and all those whose work is connected with medicine;
- Resolution of difficult situations at work;
- For those whose work involves risks to life and health, including military men.
