The icon of Panagia Soumela, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Luke, stands as one of the most revered relics of Orthodox Christianity and an essential symbol of Pontic heritage. Its story is deeply intertwined with the Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trebizond, where it was venerated for centuries as a miraculous icon and a spiritual beacon for Pontic Greeks.

However, the expulsion of Pontic Greeks during the turbulent decades of the early 20th century, culminating in the Asia Minor Catastrophe, made its preservation in its homeland impossible. The transfer of the icon to Greece became a symbolic struggle, bearing emotional, spiritual, and cultural significance, particularly for the Pontic people and the wider Greek community.

On November 9, 1931, the arrival of the icon in Athens marked a poignant moment for Pontic Greeks who had been exiled from their native lands. It was a powerful event that elicited profound emotions and enthusiasm, as the icon embodied the faith and hope of Pontic Greeks for preserving their cultural identity. The transfer was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts and collaboration of Pontic diaspora members, who understood the importance of the icon as a symbol of identity, faith, and resilience.

The icon of Panagia Soumela was not merely a religious object but a sacred link between Pontic Greeks and their spiritual homeland. For generations, Panagia Soumela symbolized protection and hope during times of hardship, reinforcing people’s faith in difficult times. With its return, Pontic Greeks felt they had brought back a treasured piece of their cultural identity, strengthening the sense of belonging to a community rooted in shared history and tradition.

After its arrival in Athens, the icon was kept temporarily, and in 1951, the new Panagia Soumela Monastery in Kastania, Imathia, on Mount Vermio, became its permanent home. Today, the new monastery serves as a pilgrimage site and spiritual center for Pontic Greeks and all Greeks who honor Panagia Soumela as their guardian and a custodian of historical memory. Panagia Soumela unites generations of Pontic Greeks, rekindling memories of a lost homeland and a shared identity.

The anniversary of the icon’s return serves as a reminder of Greece’s rich cultural and religious heritage. For Pontic Greeks and the Greek people, the icon of Panagia Soumela remains a symbol of faith, strength, and hope, keeping alive the traditions and values that are an inseparable part of the Greek soul and culture.