Andronicus

 

This icon was at one time a domestic icon of Byzantine Emperor Andronicus II Paleologus (1281-1332). Later on, Andronicus donated it to the Monemvasia Cloister in Morea where it remained until the early 19th century. In 1839, it was presented to Russian Emperor Nicholas I". In Russia, the icon was kept first at the Winter Palace and then at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in St. Petersburg and later on, at the Convent of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Vyshni Volochok where it remained until the revolution of 1917. At the Convent of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the holy image was inserted into another, larger icon showing St. Neonilla the Martyr and St. Ephraem Syrus. That is why they may also be present in later copies of the icon. Feast days: May 1/14 and October 22/November 4.