The miraculous icon of Theotokos Koukouzelissa belongs to the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra and is placed in the chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary. In fact, honoring the holy icon, the chapel is often called the Church of Koukouzelissa.
As far as its name is concerned, the icon was placed in the iconostasis of the monastery's Katholikon. There, Hosios John Koukouzelis often chanted from the right pew. One day, after a vigil was held and the Saint chanted the Akathist Hymn, tired as he was, he fell asleep on the wooden seat. The Virgin Mary appeared before him and asked him to continue chanting, giving him the promise that she would never abandon him. She even placed a coin in his right hand as a gift and symbol of her miraculous presence. The Saint continued to chant and praise the Most Holy Theotokos daily. He composed hymns in her honor and constantly glorified her name. When at some point he was overcome by standing upright and chanting, the Virgin Mary healed him of his illness.
Theotokos Koukouzelissa intervened in the life of Mount Athos many times through her holy icon. She saved the monastery from many dangers, from fires that broke out and from pirate raids. Furthermore, with the coin that she gave to the Saint, he was able to perform miracles in her name.
Today, her icon comes out of the monastery three times a year, during the Easter period, on the feast of Saint Athanasios of Athos and on November 21st, the feast day of Theotokos Koukouzelissa and of the Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.
Speaking of its iconography, the representation follows the model of Theotokos Hodegetria. She holds Jesus in her left hand, while her right hand stands at chest level. Jesus blesses the faithful with his right hand, while with his left hand he holds a globe, according to the post-Byzantine iconographic type.
The picture is covered by a relief frame. The clothing of the faces is richly decorated with strong folds and floral ornaments. The relief halos still dominate the center, while a crown with precious stones is placed above the head of both the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. To the right of the holy figures there is represented Saint Athanasios the Athonite, as the founder of the monastery. On the left, the scene of the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Hosios John Koukouzelis and the donation of the sacred coin is depicted in relief. Below the representation there is an inscription referring to the event. In the rest of the space there are placed medals supported by angels and referring to the "Mother of God" and "Jesus Christ".
Finally, in front of the icon there are placed several votive offerings, crosses and other precious objects that highlight the grace and blessing of the Virgin Mary. The faithful venerate Theotokos Koukouzelissa and honor her for the help she gives them. Moreover, as Hosios John Koukouzelis addresses her, Theotokos is "the king's throne".
