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The great defender of the Orthodox Faith against the Iconoclasts, our righteous
Father John of Damascus, was slandered to the Caliph of Damascus by
the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Isaurian (reigned 717-741). Saint John
was accused of sedition and his right hand was cut off. Having asked
for the severed hand, Saint John passed the night in great pain, praying
for the aid of the most holy Theotokos. Awaking from sleep, he found
that his hand had been miraculously restored, with only a red scar
about the wrist where it had been severed, as a testimony to the wonderous
healing. In thanksgiving, he had a silver hand attached to the icon
to commemorate this great miracle. On becoming a monk in the lavra
of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified in the Holy Land, John brought the icon
with him. There it remained until the thirteenth century, when it was
given to Saint Sabbas of Serbia, who brought it to Serbia, where it
remained for a time. Later, it was miraculously transported by an unguided
donkey that carried it to the Serbian Monastery of Hilandar on the Holy Mountain, Athos, where it remains to this
day.
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone:
From the Palestine, godly-minded Sabbas brought unto us thy ven'rable icon,
which is known as Of the Three Hands, O all-holy Bride of God. Wherefore,
since the monks of Hilandar now possess it as their boast, they send up hymns
of praise and thanksgiving, while crying out with fervour: Rejoice, thou
who art full of grace.
Kontakion in the
Plagal of the Fourth Tone:
Come, let us worship the famed icon of the Queen of all called: Of the Three
Hands, for the fearful marvel which it wrought; and with fervent faith and
longing, come, let us cry out: O pure Maiden, keep thy monastery and thy flock
from all dangers, tribulations, and adversities, for we cry to thee: Rejoice,
thou help and defence of all.
Source: http://www.goarch.org
Read lives of other Saints - http://www.truechristianity.info/en/saints_en.php
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