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The Neamţ Wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God, named Hodegetria; Hieromartyr Pancratius the Bishop of Taormina in Sicily

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

Orthodox Calendar July 9 The Neamţ Wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God named Hodegetria (“She Who Leads the Way”)

This icon of the Mother of God is believed to be the oldest and most beautiful in Romania and the Byzantine world. It is known throughout the world as a wonderworking icon. For over 600 years, it has strengthened Christian Orthodox faith for leaders, monks, and Romanian faithful.

It was painted in Lida (today’s Israel) around 665 and later given to Prince Alexander the Good by John Palaiologos the 8th, Emperor of Constantinople (15th century). The tradition and some documents say it is a copy of an icon which is said to have been miraculously painted on a pillar of the church in Lida.

Between June 1821 and October 1822, to protect it during an Ottoman invasion, the icon was buried in a clearing where today lies the Old Icon Sketis.

The Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina Pancratius was born when our Lord Jesus Christ yet lived upon the earth.

The parents of Pancratius were natives of Antioch. Hearing the good news of Jesus Christ, Pancratius’ father took his young son with him and went to Jerusalem in order to see the great Teacher for…

Source: Basilica News Agency (English) · Read the full story →

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Δέσποινα Νικολαΐδου

This image of Odegetria from Neamts is truly impressive, to think that it was painted around 665 in Lyda and then given to Alexander the Good. The fact that they buried her in 1821-1822 to save her from the Ottomans shows how much they loved her. However, the story of Saint Pancratius who was born while Christ was still alive seemed very powerful to me.

Γιάννης Θεοδώρου

Yes, the story of Saint Pancratius is indeed possible, being born while Christ was still alive and then becoming a bishop in Sicily. I was more impressed that the image was buried in the forest in 1821-22 and then found intact. Have you ever been to Neamz to see her in person?