Quick to Hear Mother of God

The Mother of God Quick to Hear was written or “painted” in the tenth century at the Monastery of Dochiarou on Mount Athos.  She first revealed herself to a monk passing by with a lighted torch.  The icon of the Theotokos (God-Bearer) hung above the refectory door - heard a voice tell him to no longer pass that way with the torch sullying the icon with soot.  The monk, thinking it was a joke by the monastery brethren, ignored the voice and continued his duties, carrying the torch through the doorway.

The monk was struck blind.  Remembering the instruction, the monk knelt and prayed before her asking for forgiveness.  He again heard the Mother of God’s voice - announcing both his forgiveness and the restoration of his sight.  She also instructed him to tell his fellow monastic brothers the story.  She asked to be known as the Mother of God Quick to Hear saying “For I will quickly show mercy and grant the wishes of those who come to me.”  In Russia, this image is greatly cherished - known for its healing power for both the diseased and the possessed.

Giclée (reproduction) available