Light a candle: Cell of Megali Panagia of the Koutloumousiou Monastery

The holy cell of Megali Panagia was built around 830 A.D. and is located to the southeast of the Koutloumousiou Monastery.

In 972 A.D., during the time of Saint Athanasius of Athos, the first Typikon of the cell was composed by Euthymius Studitis. It was written on goat skin and ratified by Emperor John I Tzimiskes.  It was signed by 58 representatives, 10 presbyters and 8 abbots, including the founder of the Gomatos monastery, Eustratios.

At present, the cell is in a dilapidated state. A new building of about 230 square meters has been renovated to accommodate a monastic brotherhood consisting of three fathers. The following items are preserved here:

• Two ancient frescoes preserved from the old Church of Our Lady and dating back to 1452;
• The miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Evergetida";
• The relics of Saint Parthenius, Bishop of Lampsacus, the patron saint of cancer patients, people suffering from the effects of witchcraft, farmers, and winemakers.

Currently, the new brotherhood is trying to restore the holy cell of Megali Panagia so that divine services and liturgies can be held here once again with the grace of the Mother of God.

The holy miraculous icon of the Mother of God, known as "Evergetida" (Benefactress), is particularly revered by the pilgrims and monks of the Megali Panagia cell of Holy Mount Athos. The icon is an exact copy of Our Lady of Kazan. The bronze cover that adorns it to this day was also created there.

Throughout its existence, the icon has manifested many miracles, of which there are numerous testimonies of the believers.  Her grace does not cease to spread wherever it is called upon.

What do we pray the Mother of God "Evergetida" for?

• Healing of infertility;
• Healing from various diseases;
• Getting back what was lost;
• Help in finding a job.

We wish that She who held the infant Jesus in Her pure and holy hands, She who blessed the whole world, would generously pour Her grace upon all who seek Her aid and protection, and guide us to the true joy and salvation, that is, to Her Son and Our Lord.