Panagia Quick to Hear

Παναγία η Γοργοϋπήκοος

Our icon of Panagia Quick to Hear (Παναγία η Γοργοϋπήκοος) is a generous gift of Docheiariou Monastery on Mount Athos.

Our church has been blessed to receive the gift of this Icon, which is a replica of the original 11th Century Icon, from the Holy Monastery of Docheiariou on Mount Athos. The icon is named Γοργοϋπήκοος, which means "quickly hearing," because of the many miraculous works that have been bestowed quickly on those who request the help of the Theotokos with reverence and faith.

Every Thursday at 6 PM we offer a Paraklesis (intercessory service) for this Holy Icon. Please join us!

The History of Panagia Gorgoipikoos Icon

Παναγία η Γοργοϋπήκοος is one of the miraculous icons of the Holy Mountain. It is an 11th century wall-painting at Docheiariou Monastery.

In 1664, the monk Neilos, who used to pass regularly in front of the icon holding in his hand a lighted torch which he needed for his duties in the refectory, heard a voice telling him: "Do not come past here with a torch, leaving smoke on my icon". Neilos did not pay much attention to the voice, but it was soon heard again. Then a punishment was given to the monk, and he became blind. The brethren began to show great reverence in passing before the icon and hung a perpetual lamp before it and burnt incense before the icon every day. The blind Neilos spent all his time in front of the icon, imploring the Theotokos to forgive him and heal him, and his prayer was granted when, for the third time, a voice was heard from the icon. The Theotokos told Neilos that his supplication had been heard, and that it was to her protection, after God, and her overshadowing guardianship that the monks should thereafter have recourse for all their needs. She would hear them speedily, for her name is Παναγία η Γοργοϋπήκοος (she who hears speedily). This miracle and the promise of the Theotokos became quickly known to the whole of Athos and her icon became an object of pilgrimage for all the Holy Mountain.

The Feast day of the icon of Panagia Gorgoipikoos is on October 1. 

Vespers for the Installation of the Icon of Gorgoipikoos

His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios Presiding