Theotokos of Miasena
Encyclopedia
The Theotokos of Miasena or the Theotokos of the Azour is an icon
of Mary
which is thought to have been involved in a number of miraculous
events. These events include the rediscovery of the icon unharmed over 100 years after it is supposed to have been thrown into a pond.
There are no extant accounts as to how this icon first appeared at the monastery
of the Theotokos at Miasena, near the city of Melitene, Little Armenia
. The monastery was founded by St. Acacius of Melitene in the 5th century. It is known that the icon is linked to several miracles which have been linked to its presence there.
Accounts to how it disappeared differ. Some sources say that the icon was cast into the water (either the pond of Ghazour near the monastery or Lake Zagura) because the local population feared that the icon would be destroyed by the iconoclast
Leo III the Isaurian
. Other accounts indicate that it was cast in the water by the iconoclasts specifically to be destroyed.
Roughly one hundred years later, Michael III
restored the veneration of icons. Toward the end of his reign, on September 1, 864, the icon is said to have been rediscovered after having risen to the surface of the lake it had earlier been cast into, completely unharmed. The icon was restored to the monastery of Miasena.
This incident is commemorated in the calendar
of the Eastern Orthodox Church
as the Synaxis
of the Most Holy Theotokos in Miasena Monastery on September 1
. On this feast, people pray for Mary's special protection and guidance.
Icon
An icon is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity and in certain Eastern Catholic churches...
of Mary
Mary (mother of Jesus)
Mary , commonly referred to as "Saint Mary", "Mother Mary", the "Virgin Mary", the "Blessed Virgin Mary", or "Mary, Mother of God", was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee...
which is thought to have been involved in a number of miraculous
Miracle
A miracle often denotes an event attributed to divine intervention. Alternatively, it may be an event attributed to a miracle worker, saint, or religious leader. A miracle is sometimes thought of as a perceptible interruption of the laws of nature. Others suggest that a god may work with the laws...
events. These events include the rediscovery of the icon unharmed over 100 years after it is supposed to have been thrown into a pond.
There are no extant accounts as to how this icon first appeared at the monastery
Monastery
Monastery denotes the building, or complex of buildings, that houses a room reserved for prayer as well as the domestic quarters and workplace of monastics, whether monks or nuns, and whether living in community or alone .Monasteries may vary greatly in size – a small dwelling accommodating only...
of the Theotokos at Miasena, near the city of Melitene, Little Armenia
Little Armenia
Little Armenia can refer to:* Little Armenia, Los Angeles, California* The Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, also known as Lesser Armenia...
. The monastery was founded by St. Acacius of Melitene in the 5th century. It is known that the icon is linked to several miracles which have been linked to its presence there.
Accounts to how it disappeared differ. Some sources say that the icon was cast into the water (either the pond of Ghazour near the monastery or Lake Zagura) because the local population feared that the icon would be destroyed by the iconoclast
Iconoclasm
Iconoclasm is the deliberate destruction of religious icons and other symbols or monuments, usually with religious or political motives. It is a frequent component of major political or religious changes...
Leo III the Isaurian
Leo III the Isaurian
Leo III the Isaurian or the Syrian , was Byzantine emperor from 717 until his death in 741...
. Other accounts indicate that it was cast in the water by the iconoclasts specifically to be destroyed.
Roughly one hundred years later, Michael III
Michael III
Michael III , , Byzantine Emperor from 842 to 867. Michael III was the third and traditionally last member of the Amorian-Phrygian Dynasty...
restored the veneration of icons. Toward the end of his reign, on September 1, 864, the icon is said to have been rediscovered after having risen to the surface of the lake it had earlier been cast into, completely unharmed. The icon was restored to the monastery of Miasena.
This incident is commemorated in the calendar
Calendar of saints
The calendar of saints is a traditional Christian method of organizing a liturgical year by associating each day with one or more saints and referring to the feast day of said saint...
of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
as the Synaxis
Synaxis
In Eastern Christianity , a Synaxis is an assembly for liturgical purposes, generally through the celebration of Vespers, Matins, Little Hours, and the Divine Liturgy....
of the Most Holy Theotokos in Miasena Monastery on September 1
September 1 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Aug. 31 - Eastern Orthodox Church calendar - Sep. 2All fixed commemorations below celebrated on Sep. 14 by Old Calendarists-Saints:* Righteous Joshua, the son of Nun...
. On this feast, people pray for Mary's special protection and guidance.