Memory 26 September (9 October)
Sioni Cathedral’s Iveron Icon of the Mother of God
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| Sioni Cathedral’s Iveron Icon of the Mother of God |
In September 26, 1989, a copy of the famous Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, the “Portaitissa,” arrived in Tbilisi from the Iveron Monastery on Mt. Athos. With the blessing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, the monks of the Holy Mountain had painted this exact copy as a symbol of love and gratitude to the Georgian people.
All of Georgia celebrated this momentous day. The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God arrived from the Holy Mountain at a difficult time in the nation’s history, and every believing Christian perceived its arrival as a sign of divine blessing and compassion.
This day was subsequently entered on the Georgian Church calendar.
The wonder-working icon now hangs on the north wall of Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi.
O Holy Queen and Mother of God, truth and healing issue forth abundantly from thy holy icon for all who approach in faith and love. Look upon my afflictions, have mercy on my soul, and heal my body by thy grace!
