By Archimandrite Haralambos Vasilopoulos
Among the many holy relics of Simonopetra Monastery on Mount Athos is the left hand of the Myrrh-bearing woman, St. Mary Magdalene. It is the most sacred treasure of Simonopetra. This hand is incorrupt, exudes a beautiful heavenly fragrance, gives off a bodily warmth as if it is still living, and works many miracles. Because of these many miracles, St. Mary Magdalene is held with great reverence by the monks of Simonopetra, who consider her to be the second foundress of the Holy Monastery. Below are a few examples of the grace which issues forth from this holy relic:
1. In 1945 a great fire took place in the forests of the Holy Monastery of Iveron. The wind was very strong so that within a few hours the fire reached the ridge bordering the monasteries of Iveron, Philotheou, Xeropotamou and even the forest of Simonopetra. Everyone believed the forests would be destroyed. The monks of Simonopetra ran to the forest where the fire was. Two pious hieromonks named Neophytos and Panteleimon took with them the holy relic of St. Mary Magdalene. None of the monks dared approach the fire, lest they be encircled and unable to escape. However, as the two brothers approached the fire with the holy relic, the fire was held back. The priests began a Holy Water Service then chanted a Supplication Service to St. Mary Magdalene. By the time the services were done, the fire was completely extinguished, to the great wonder of the fathers who were all gathered there as witnesses.
2. A similar miracle to the one above occurred in the forests of Simonopetra with the holy relic of St. Mary Magdalene in 1947.
3. In the region of Galatista of Thessaloniki in 1911 plant eating worms appeared destroying the plants. Residents asked for the holy relic of St. Mary Magdalene and a Holy Water Service. Immediately the worms began to disappear.
4. In 1912 in the region of Epanomis of Thessaloniki many locusts appeared. Residents asked for the holy relic of St. Mary Magdalene. After the completion of a Holy Water Service as well as a Supplication Service to St. Mary Magdalene, the locusts left. Residents highly honor St. Mary till this day for that miracle.
The Saint performs many other miracles every day for those who call upon her with faith.
Source: Η Αγία Μαρία η Μαγδαληνή, εκδ. Ορθόδοξου Τύπου, Κάνιγγος 10, Αθήναι 1984 (σελ. 42-45). Translation by John Sanidopoulos.
Read also: Saint Mary Magdalene Returns To Zakynthos Island
