Economissa Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
Great Lavra, Greece (8th c.)
In the 900s, the unfinished Great Monastery on Mount Athos ran out of funds, and the starving monks had to leave. Finally the monastery founder, St. Athanasius, left too in search of help. On the road he met a woman in a long blue veil. When Athanasius asked the lady's name, she answered: “|I am the mother of your Lord.”
The abbot asked for a sign. “Strike the rock with your staff.” As water flowed from the rock, she vanished.
Athanasius returned to find the building completed and stocked with supplies. Soon it was full of monks as well.
In the monastery church, the Economissa icon depicts many saints connected with the monastery. Our Lady the Steward is honored along with St. Athanasius on his feast day, July 5.
Text and image used with permission.
Source: "365 Days with Mary" by Michael O'Neill
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