Panagia
Glykophilousa
Venerated for centuries at the Holy Monastery of Philotheou. The icon depicts the Mother embracing the Son, cheek to cheek — an image of tenderness preserved in unceasing prayer.
The finding of the holy icon
During the period of iconoclasm, Victoria, the wife of the senator Symeon, committed the venerable icon to the sea to save it from desecration.
Holy tradition relates that the icon sailed across the archipelago and came upright to the shores of Mount Athos, near the Monastery of Philotheou. The Fathers received it with psalms and hymns and enthroned it in the catholicon.
« It came through the waters, as another ark — and was found in the wilderness of the monks. »
The icon belongs to the iconographic type of the Glykophilousa, in which the Theotokos embraces the pre-eternal Word, kissing Him cheek to cheek — an image of boundless tenderness and of the coming Crucifixion.
Ten centuries of stillness, liturgy and prayer.
Signs of the Presence
From the day of its enthronement until today, countless faithful have venerated the Glykophilousa and returned to their homes with testimonies of healing, consolation and divine protection.
« For ten years I suffered an illness without cure. I came to Philotheou, I knelt before the Glykophilousa, and that night my soul grew calm as a child in its mother’s arms. »
« My wife was in a grave condition. I vowed to visit the Panagia. We returned to our home — and her health was restored without medical explanation. »
Contemporary readings
Akathist and Paraklesis — what is the difference?
Two forms of supplicatory prayer, both addressed to the Theotokos. The Akathist Hymn draws upon the theology of the Incarnation; the Supplicatory Canon turns toward pastoral consolation.
Holy Week at Philotheou
Seven days, seven gates. The chronicle of Holy Week within the courtyard of Philotheou — from Palm Sunday to Holy Pascha.
On the silence of the monastery
The silence of the monastery is not the absence of words — it is the presence of listening. A reflection from the cell.
The Akathist Hymn
Listen to the full service of the Akathist Hymn, chanted by the Fathers of the Monastery of Philotheou in the catholicon.
Journey to Mount Athos
Mount Athos is a self-governed monastic state under the protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Entry is permitted only to male pilgrims, upon issuance of the Diamonitirion (permit).
The pilgrim arrives by boat from Ouranoupolis, disembarks at the monastery’s arsanas (harbour) and follows the uphill road beneath the shade of the chestnut trees.
The salmon-hued tower
The main entrance of the Monastery after the 2010 restoration.
