In the church of the cell of Simonopetra Holy Monastery in Karyes, there is a miraculous icon of Saint Minas. The saint has the ability to help people find things they have lost. Those who need his support light a candle and beg Saint Minas to assist them. According to the tradition, the icon was brought to the monastery by monks from Kerasia.
On its surface we can distinguish two individual parts. The upper part, which occupies three quarters of the surface, depicts Saint Minas, while the lower part depicts the Saints Victor, Metrophanes of Constantinople and Vincent.
Saint Minas is dressed in military attire, holding a cross in his right hand and a shield in his left. He has grey hair and beard.
The younger Saints Victor and Vincent are depicted in patrician dress, with short, dark hair and no beards. In their right hand they hold the cross that demonstrates their martyrdom. Saint Metrophanes is depicted in the center, dressed in clerical garb. In his left hand he holds the Gospel, while with his right hand he blesses the faithful.
The gilded frame of the picture was created after the icon. It covers the entire surface, except from the head and the hands of the saints. Among other things, there are carved geometric motifs covering the background, forming the figures' costumes. There are also floral motifs and inscriptions on the strips that divide the picture into separated sections. The armor with the lion's head and the shield held by the Saint in his left hand are also gilded.
The inscriptions occupy a special place in the icon and stand out thanks to the enamel of which they are made. In blue letters we read "Saint Minas the Egyptian". The names of Saints Victor, Metrophanes of Constantinople and Vincent are written above their halo in blue and white. The motif that adorns the frame of the image and the dividing line is constructed of colorful patterns full of flowers. According to the stylistic elements and the inscription, the icon was created in 1852 by Hieromonk Makarios (1796-1866).
