The miraculous icon of Saint Nicholas is placed in the Katholikon of the Gregoriou Monastery. Its visual and spiritual beauty, combined with the miracles performed by the Saint, make it one of the most important relics of the monastery.
There are many cases in which the monks invoked the Saint and felt his presence in their monastic community.
According to tradition, one of the most important miracles occurred in 1850. When a ship tied up in the monastery's arsana to load timber, a very strong wind stirred the waters. The conditions quickly became dangerous and unsuitable for the work the sailors had undertaken. With Saint Nicholas as their patron, they began to pray and ask for his blessing. They even asked the fathers of the monastery to make a request. Soon the sea storm passed. The sailors dedicated to Saint Nicholas a silver boat, which is still placed in front of his miraculous icon, in order to show their gratitude.
In 1911, Saint Nicholas took once again care of the monastery. When during the holy feast the monks could not find any fishing boats to buy the necessities for their festive table, the Saint swelled the waters of the sea and provided them with fish. The sea storm washed them ashore where the monks found them. They praised the Saint for his love and care, which has never abandoned them.
Finally, according to other narratives, during the difficult year of 1916, the monastery had a great problem of shortage of food. All the supplies had run out, and there was only one last batch of wheat left. As Fr. Chrysanthos and Fr. Michael were sifting the last quantity of wheat, an unknown white-haired elder appeared before them. He asked them about the monastery and they explained the problem they were facing. The old man took some wheat in his hands and blessed it. From then on, no matter how many difficulties the monastery has faced, it never had to be deprived of food. Saint Nicholas, who had then appeared before the two elders, always cared for the monks, so that they were always provided with all the necessary material goods.
As for the icon, it represents Saint Nicholas bearded. With his right hand he blesses the faithful, while with his left hand he holds the gospel. On his right there is depicted Jesus Christ, while on his left there is the Virgin Mary. The icon is placed in the middle of two vertical columns, which are decorated with the figures of the saints of our church. The halo of the Saint is in relief, while above the faces represented, there are the inscriptions "Saint Nicholas", "Jesus Christ" and "Mother of God".
The icon is covered by a silver frame decorated with relief details and floral designs. In the strip surrounding the figures there are also placed precious stones, which embellish and brighten the miraculous icon of Saint Nicholas.
