The miraculous icon of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer is placed on the right column of the new Katholikon of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos. Every Sunday Saint George is glorified during the Divine Liturgy, together with Saint Demetrios, who is also considered to be a protector of the monastery.
According to the legend, the creation of the icon is placed in the period of iconoclasm. The first miracle of if, happened during that time of persecution. The iconoclasts threw the icon into the fire and, despite the fact that some parts of it were destroyed, the face of the saint remained untouched. Today we can still see the traces of the fire that confirm the narration of the tradition. It is also said that they even stabbed the icon. At that moment, blood oozed from the wound of the Saint. Traces of that stabbing are also visible today.
How did the icon get to the monastery of Xenophontos?
It is said that an Orthodox Christian took the icon, came to the shore, prayed and lowered it into the water. As it happened many other times, with icons that travelled through the sea until they found their holy destination, the icon of Saint George arrived by sea to Mount Athos and to the place where the monastery of Saint Demetrios was at that time located. Today, in the spot where it was found, we can see a holy spring and a small pilgrimage site.
The depiction of Saint George seated on a throne, instead of the usual type according to which he is riding a horse, is known from the late 12th century. The saint is dressed in military attire and armour. In his right hand he holds a spear, while with his left hand he touches the throne. On his left shoulder he carries two arrows and a bow.
In the upper part of the icon we can notice the holy hand of God who blesses the Saint. Two angels are crowning him as the Great Martyr. The crown they hold is decorated by many pearls.
There is also a metal frame that surrounds the icon. It was created in the 19th century and it is beautifully decorated.
People often pray to the icon of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer in order to be healed from kidney diseases. He is also a protector of the armed forces.
