The Miraculous Icon of the Lady of Hamatoura
The icon holds a central place in the monastery, representing the Ever-Virgin Mother of God. In her left hand, she cradles our Lord Jesus Christ, mysteriously incarnated from her, while her right hand gestures towards Him, presenting Him to us as the Lord and Creator Who condescended to save us. He is depicted wearing a golden-trimmed, brown robe, symbolising both His divine and human natures, glowing in this sacred union.
With her hand, the Theotokos presents Him to us as God and Saviour. Her gaze pierces into the depths of our souls, awakening faith within us. Through the tenderness of her radiant face, filled with vitality, she implores the Lord to save us. With simplicity in her gaze, humility in her attire, and abundance of compassion and mercy, she guides and draws us towards Him. We obediently follow her lead, as she silently conveys a prayer-like presence that never ceases.
This icon is a testament to the profound legacy of monastic life in Hamatoura throughout history. Its silence teaches us and informs us about the generation of the early fathers, illustrating the significance of their sacrifices in the eyes of the Lord and the generosity of their offerings. Its craftsmanship confirms that it is crafted with the finest techniques, and the materials used in gilding require skill and mastery to make the icon appear as if it were drawn on a polished golden plate with precision and care (by the hand of Michael Polychronis). A distinctive feature lies in the ornamentation adorning the halos surrounding the heads of both the Virgin and the Lord.
Dating back to the 17th century and restored in the 19th century, this icon has been imbued with the prayers of righteous fathers, the sighs of repentant souls before it and the reverence of faithful visitors who poured out their souls and hopes before it. It has answered their pleas and bestowed upon each seeker what is fitting for their salvation. No one approaches it and departs empty-handed; rather, they leave enriched by the blessings of its grace.
The elders tell us that she often answered the prayers of many supplicants who approached her seeking children in a time when medicine had little role or efficacy. She generously granted healing to the ailing, solace to those mourning the loss of loved ones or grappling with displacement, and protected many children from death, generously providing milk to mothers whose children had no nourishment. She also assisted many seeking refuge under her protection, and their endeavours led to plentiful blessings and a continuous stream of grace.
After the monastery was destroyed and the monks scattered, whenever they carried and moved it to the Monastery of Saint George, it inexplicably returned, suggesting that its blessings remained inseparable from the monastery. Until the monastery's abbot, Father Hierotheos al-Kfoury prayed, pleading with it, “Stay with me in the Monastery of Saint George and assist me, for I am unable to reside in the ruined monastery to serve you faithfully as a humble servant.” It stayed and safeguarded the monastery, with visitors sensing its prevailing presence despite occasional lapses in discipline.
People sought her blessings before leaving the country, and expats inevitably returned to visit, expressing gratitude for its blessings and assistance.
Restored by Michael Polychronis from the island of Crete in 1817 due to its aging condition, as recorded at its edge, it returned with even greater beauty and grandeur.
The miraculous icon was returned to its monastery in 2019, embracing its visitors and instilling hope and strength of faith in them.
Extend, o Mother of God, your hand to those who prostrate before your holy icon and those who beseech you through it, alleviating every illness, weakness and negligence. Shower us with heavenly and earthly blessings through your compassion, and guide us to righteous deeds by your counsel, so that the name of the Lord may be glorified in us, forgiving our sins and granting us eternal life. Amen.
