Changes

This page is dedicated to the miraculous icon of '''Archangel [[Michael]] of Mantamados''' (Gr. Μανταμάδος) - in Lesvos, Greece.This icon is one of four [[Wonderworking Icons|miraculous icons]] of the [[Archangel Michael]] in the Dodecanesse of Greece.

== Archangel Michael Monastery of Mantamados, the Taxiarchis==On the island of Lesvos ==This is , one of four can visit this miraculous icons icon at the '''Byzantine Monastery of the Taxiarchis''' (Archangel Michael ) in the Dodecanesse district of GreeceMantamados. This monastery is situated in the northeast part of Lesvos, 36 km from Mytilini. The history of this monastery and the icon is closely connected to the history of the island of Lesvos.

On the island of LesvosThis is a famous monastery, one can visit this miraculous icon at the Monastery made of stone. In the Taxiarchis (Archangel) Michael in past, the district of Mantamados. This monastery functioned as a men’s convent and is situated first mentioned in a 1661 ecclesiastical document. The small church within the northeast part of Lesvos, 36 km monastery originally dates from Mytilinithe 17th century but was replaced by larger church in the 18th century. The history of this monastery present church (cathedral) was constructed in 1879 and the icon) follows a three-aisled basilica architectural type. The monastery is closely connected to the history of the island of Lesvosstructured para-metrically around this church.

This is a famous Byzantine monastery, made of stone.  In the past, the monastery functioned as a men’s convent and is first mentioned in a 1661 ecclesiastical document.  The small church within the monastery originally dates from the 17th century but was replaced by larger church in the 18th century. The present church (cathedral) was constructed in 1879 and follows a three-aisled basilica architectural type. The monastery is structured para-metrically around this church.==Mantamados Icon==The Saracen pirates, during the 9th and 10th centuries, began to invade the entire island. One of their main targets was the monastery of the Taxiarchis. During one of the raids, the Saracen pirates slaughtered all of the monks in the monastery. One monk, however, in his attempt to escape, climbed up the roof but the pirates pursued him. As they closed in on him, the Archangel Michael appeared in front of the Saracens with his own sword drawn and forced them to retreat in a panic. This is how the monk survived.

This icon, is now kept within the interior of the church.  Many islanders claim to have had personal experiences of miracles being granted for them by Mantamados. This is evident by the numerous cabinets full of ‘tagmata’ to the Archangel housed inside the church. To this day, pilgrims to this church have mixed emotions regarding this icon. At times, the expression on the icon can appear sever, sad or happy according to the message that the Archangel wants to convey to that pilgrim or the faithful. This is the legend of the much-celebrated icon of Mantamados and is the only carved icon (in relief) in existence in Orthodoxy.

== External Sources to the Island of Matamados ==1* [http://www.mandamados. gr/ Municipality of Mandamados (Mantamados) - ] * [[w:Mantamados|Mantamados on Wikipedia]].* [http://www.mandamadoslesvos.gr/2. Wikipedia article - http:nomos/lesvos_tourist_guide/en-architecture.wikipediahtm Lesvos Guide by Prefectural Commission of Tourism].org/wiki/Mantamados/