The icon with a scar

On the shores of Mount Athos, the monks of the Iviron Monastery saw an icon upon the sea. After the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos, the monk Gabriel, with prayer, walked upon the water and received it into his embrace. The icon then repeatedly and miraculously left the church and appeared at the monastery gate, showing that she did not wish to be guarded by them, but rather that she herself would guard them.

Since then, it has stood at the gate as a protector and comfort to all who approach it with faith.

A distinctive feature is the origin of the scar on the chin of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Iveron Icon, one of the most famous icons on the Holy Mountain. Namely, a barbarian once struck the icon with his spear, and blood flowed from that place. After this event, the barbarian repented, became a monk, and served in the monastery. Although he received a monastic name, out of humility he wished to bear the name Varvarin.

The original icon is covered with silver and gold that cover almost the entire figure except for the face, which is customary for the most venerated icons.