Theotokos Esfagmeni

The icon of the "Slained" or "Esphagmeni" (often referring to "cut" or "slashed") is one of the notable miraculous icons associated with the Holy Monastery on Mount Athos.  

Located in the narthex of the chapel of Saint Demetrius, north of the main church of the Holy Monastery, is the venerated icon known as the "Slained" or "Esphagmeni". This icon holds a poignant story of penance and forgiveness.

Tradition recounts the tale of a churchman deacon of the main church, burdened with duties, who often arrived late for meals. On one such occasion, after being denied sustenance by the trepezari (monk in the trapeza) who regarded him as inconsiderate and greedy, the deacon was consumed by anger.

In his rage, he returned to the church brandishing a knife. Voicing his frustrations about his tireless service, he struck the face of the Virgin Mary's icon with the knife. To his shock, blood began to stream from the icon's damaged face. In that moment, the deacon was struck blind and fell, as if possessed by a malevolent force.

For three years, burdened by remorse, he sat before the icon, constantly weeping and pleading for the Virgin Mary's forgiveness. In her boundless mercy, the Virgin forgave and healed him, but as a mark of the gravity of his transgression, she allowed the hand that struck her to remain forever tainted. Legend has it that upon the deacon's death, while the rest of his body decomposed, his right hand remained unaffected, its darkened hue bearing witness to his impulsive act. This hand is preserved to this day near the icon, marking the spot where the repentant deacon once sought forgiveness.

This tale serves as a powerful reminder of both the consequences of one's actions and the profound depths of divine forgiveness.