Tria Chéria

All this happened years ago, at the monastery of "Saint Ignatius of Antioch" of Sokolski, about 10km from Gabrovo, near the village of Charkovo. I stood fascinated in front of the famous miracle-working icon of Maria-Tria-Chéria. An old monk was busy around the church occasionally looking over to me. I was prepared for this moment but actually seeing it so close, took my breath away. I examined it carefully inch-by-inch. It was most magnificent, a true masterpiece. 

I turned my head was surprised to find the monk standing next to me - he was in his seventies, with a full white beard and rich braid on his back from under his black toque. He held two huge yellowish wax candles, one in each hand. I bowed "Good morning, father!" He replied in good but heavily accented English: "God bless you, my son, welcome to our house. I am Father Postolin." I told him how far I came to see it and proudly showed off telling of my studies, the opinions and theories on origins and the meaning of the icon. He listened smiling and nodding and after I finished, rolled his eyes: "Son, the truth is simpler, always, or have you not heard of Father Ockham, of Ockham's Razor fame? He was a Franciscan, not of our faith, but nevertheless learned and wise. Truth is that many years ago, Father Bogumil the Blessed, greatest Icon painter of his days, who always said that one wrote icons, not painted them, he worked on this one icon here for many, many weeks and all could see it's beauty. He finished it but for the decision on Mary's hands, he was uncertain and, for now, he left all three. Thereafter which he retired to his cell to pray to God to guide him on his doubts and later he went to the cellars for the plum spirits for which the monastery was so famous. Father Bogumil the Blessed, greatest Icon painter of his days, he did like a drop or two, but that cold February night he may have had more than a drop or two and fell down on the floor where the abbot found him in the morning. Thus, with God, in His wisdom, calling to him his son, Father Bogumil the Blessed, greatest Icon painter of his days, the icon stayed untouched as you see her before you now." 

I was stunned, could not move, my mouth gaping. Father Postolin shook my hand warmly and said: "Go in peace, my son and with you shall go my blessings."