The second most important and oldest monastery in Macedonia is the Holy Monastery of Panagia of Ikosifoinissa.
It is situated at an altitude of 753 meters on the northern side of Mount Pangaion.
The Acheiropoieton of Theotokos and the miracles
According to the historical references of the second period of the Bulgarian occupation, in 1918, the chief Bulgarian officer entered the temple and touched the miraculous icon of the Virgin in order to transfer it. Then an invisible force threw him into the marble column to the left, injured his head, and died. Traces of his blood, boot, and gun remained visible to this day on the marble floor of the temple.
Legend has it that the icon is made by Apostle Luke. Although it is believed to be an icon made by Apostle Luke, the imprint on the wood was miraculously made by the Virgin herself. When Apostle Luke was painting the face of the Virgin Mary, he was that there was a slit in the wood and, in order not to be disturbed, the Virgin appears with the Child on the wood, which is why the slit is visible in the face of the Virgin Mary.
The name of the Monastery, according to one of the three versions, is due to the miracle of the icon of the Virgin, which shone and scattered light “Phoenician purple” [foinikoun], that is royal purple. From this comes the name: Icon foinissousa – Icon foinissa – Ikosifoinissa.
Source: ANA-MPA