Faith, service and support for Orthodox Christian life.

In 1664, the refectory monk Neilos regularly passed before the icon carrying burning torches for his service in the refectory. He heard a voice telling him not to pass again with the torches and smoke the icon. Neilos paid little attention, but the voice was soon heard again, rebuking him, and he was left blind.

The brethren began to pass before the icon with great reverence, hung a vigil lamp before it and instructed the new refectory monk to incense it every day. The blind Neilos spent his time in a stall before the icon, imploring the Mother of God to forgive and heal him.

A third voice was then heard from the icon, telling Neilos that his prayer had been heard and that henceforth the monks should turn to Her protection after God in every need. She would hear them quickly, for Her name is “Gorgoypikoos” — Quick to Hear. The feast is kept at Docheiariou on 1 October. The miracle and promise soon became known throughout Mount Athos, and the icon became a major Athonite place of pilgrimage.