The Most Holy Theotokos asked Saint Athanasius to strike with his rod the stone that was placed in front of them. He obeyed her command. Immediately water began to flow abundantly. Thus, a spring of holy water was created at this point. Until today, it remains a blessing that purifies the soul and heals the body from many diseases.
Saint Athanasius the Athonite
For the monks of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasius is not just one of the many who were sanctified. On the contrary, he is a special elder and spiritual father of all monks of Athos.
In his personality, his fatherly affection and enlightened intellect, everyone finds what reflects their inner soul. Mount Athos exists under his paternal blessing, under his care and faithfulness, which have given shelter to so many Orthodox monks.
Saint Athanasius of Athos managed to unite the various monasteries, sketes and cells that were in a state of isolation. He also managed to develop and consolidate a special bond with his disciples. Today he is rightly considered to be the father of the athonite community, the founder and pioneer of athonite monasticism.
The legend of the sacred spring and the appearance of the Virgin Mary
When Saint Athanasius the Athonite began the construction of the Monastery of Great Lavra, the necessary goods, money, food and materials, began to run out within the first few months. The Saint did not have enough to provide accommodation and food for the craftsmen working on Athos, while his financial difficulties did not even allow him to pay for the costs of the works. In desperation, he left the area and traveled to Karyes, the capital of the peninsula, hoping to find more help.
After walking for two hours, a woman, imposing and majestic, appeared before him. She asked:
"Abba Athanasius, where are you going? Why did you give up on what you started? Come back to continue your holy and godly work."
Saint Athanasius was surprised, both because he had not expected to meet a woman within the athonite territory and because the power of her presence was stunning. With awe and respect, the Saint responded:
"Who are you and how do you know me? How do you know my name and command me to return? And, then, by what means? How am I to continue my work in the monastery? Where will I get all the necessary materials?"
The lady replied that she was the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of God. She repeated to him that he should return to complete his work. She guaranteed him that he would find all the storerooms and chests full of goods, so that he would have all he needed in order to complete the building of the monastery.
However, in order to make sure that everything the woman had told him was true, Saint Athanasius asked the Virgin Mary to give him a sign.
She ordered him to strike with his rod the stone that was placed before them. As soon as he did so, abundant water began to flow from that spot. Thus, a spring of cool and holy water was created. Until today, it remains a cure for the body and a blessing for the souls of the pilgrims.
Since then the spring has been called "The Spring of Saint Athanasius the Athonite". Whoever passes by there and drinks from it, receives the blessing of the holy water.
Saint Athanasius, convinced by the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary, returned and found that the storerooms and chests were indeed filled with all the necessary material goods. The supplies were not exhausted until the work was completed. As Theotokos had promised, the monastery was not deprived of anything. It was built with her blessings and was brightened by her grace, which covers the lives of all monks until today.
The healing power of the sacred water
All residents of Mount Athos know that the water of the spring remains undiminished even in the driest summer. Every traveler can quench their thirst here, both in winter and during the summer months.
As this particular spring is a miracle in itself, pilgrims often try to take with them whatever they can, holy water or small stones found nearby. In this way they bring the divine blessing upon themselves, worshiping both the grace of Saint Athanasius and the Virgin Mary. Moreover, it is believed that if one places a small stone from the spring in a bottle of ordinary water, its properties will be transformed, turning it into a healing holy water.
Prayer to Saint Athanasius the Athonite
The holy water of Saint Athanasius has miraculous grace and can cure the illnesses of all pilgrims. However, Saint Athanasius listens to all faithful people and cares for those who pray to him. Through prayer, every Christian can ask for his support, making him the helper and protector of his life. In addition, Christians often turn to Saint Athanasius in prayer in order to determine the fate of a seriously ill person who suffers from chronic diseases.
Apolytikion
“The Angels' ranks were awed by thy life in the flesh, how, though corporeal, and clad with earthly clay, thou didst set forth with courage to invisible wars and wrestlings and didst boldly smite the hordes of the demons with mortal wounds. Wherefore, Christ rewarded thee with abundant gifts in return. Entreat Him that our souls find salvation, O most renowned Father Athanasius.”
