Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God "The Guide" from the Neamţ Monastery; St. Saint Mc. Pangratie, Bishop of Tavromeniatranslated

Orthodox calendar July 9 Veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God "The Guide" from the Neamț Monastery The icon of the Mother of God "The Guide" has been in the heritage of the Neamț Monastery for six centuries.

It dates back to 665, was painted in Lida and was given to ruler Alexander the Good by Byzantine Emperor John VIII Paleologus.

Tradition and some old notes attest that the icon from the Neamţ Monastery is a copy of the one that is said to have been miraculously painted on a pillar of the church in Lida, a city in Israel.

The painting of the icon located in the "Ascension of the Lord" Church in the monastery premises is protected with a metal garment, ornamented with precious stones, between the years 1844-1845, during the time of abbot Neonil.

The icon was hidden between June 3, 1821 and October 28, 1822 in the forest to be defended by the Turks.

Troparion Mother of God, ever-Virgin, with love and faith we worship your holy icon called the Guide and, thank you, we kiss her devoutly; that through it you bestow healings of souls and bodies on the faithful. For this, we say to you: Glory to your virginity! Glory to your mercy!