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===The Magician's Wiles===
A young and beautiful girl came to the monastery of Chrysovalantou and became a novice. To fight this, the evil one incited her ex-fiancé such that he sought the help of a magician in Cappadocia. The magician's spells made the novice lose her mind and threaten to drown herself. Irene lamented her neglect and received the power to defy the evil one in this struggle. Gathering her community together, she explained the situation and ordered a week-long period of [[fast]]ing, daily 100 prostrations, and the continual prayer for an understanding of God's will. On the third night, St. [[Basil the Great|Basil]] appeared to Irene, advising her to take the novice to the convent of [[Panagia Blachernitissa|Vlachernae]], where the Mother of God would heal her. Taking two senior nuns with her, on arrival they fell asleep during their first all-night [[vigil]] from exhaustion.
Irene's vision continued while she slept: a pilgrim procession appeared in white and golden robes, shining with a strange and unearthly light, scattering flowers and incense on the path. Irene asked their purpose, to be told that the Mother of God was coming. The Mother of God arrived at that moment, surrounded by hosts of angels, so radiant that none could look upon her; she visited the sick, then came to Irene, who prostrated in fear. While prostrate, Irene heard the Mother of God tell St. [[Basil the Great|Basil of Caesarea]] to cure the young girl from Caesarea, saying, "My Son and God has given you this power." Irene then awoke with the message, "Return to your convent and within three days your novice will be healed." She disclosed her vision to her companions and they departed with joy, arriving in time for Friday's [[Vespers]].
