Hand painted Orthodox icon on wood, "Mother of God, Prodromitsa", 20x26 cm

Hand-painted Orthodox icon on wood representing Prodromitsa - Icon of the Mother of God, painted by Ana Drăgan.

The Icon of the Mother of God Prodromitsa is a miracle-working icon "not made by human hands", the most precious dowry of the Hermitage of John the Baptist Prodromus on the Holy Mount Athos in Greece) and the blessing of the Mother of God. The commemoration of this Holy Icon of the Mother of God is on July 12.

According to tradition, the image of the Most Holy Virgin was not painted by human hand, but appeared on the canvas through the work of an angel, in accordance with the will of God. Over the years, many testimonies have spoken of miracles wrought through her intercession, especially healings from grave illnesses, which have deepened the devotion of the faithful.

Before being placed in the Prodromu Skete of Mount Athos, the Icon of the Mother of God “Prodromița” rested in several places, occasions on which miracles occurred that strengthened the faith of those who venerated her.

In Huși, a great multitude of believers gathered to receive help and healing. Then, in Bârlad, where the icon was placed in the Orthodox Cathedral, remarkable events were recorded. One of these was the unexpected increase in the icon’s weight when an unbelieving schoolteacher wished to take it to his home, testing the power of God. The carriage prepared for its transport broke under the weight, thus thwarting his plan. Also in Bârlad, a gravely ill woman, fearful of dying on the way, was urged in a dream by the Mother of God to come to the Cathedral; heeding this call, she arrived, and after prayer, was healed at once.

In Galați, in the Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, a painter mocked the icon, but the face of the Virgin changed before his eyes, filling him with fear and leading him to repentance.