Greece presented a replica of the Byzantine icon Panagia Melissous (Virgin of the Bees) to France during the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The event, held on December 7, 2024, marked the cathedral’s official reopening nearly six years after the devastating fire that gutted Parisian historical and cultural landmark.
Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou personally gifted the icon as a symbol of the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between Greece and France. The ceremony was attended by over 40 global leaders, dignitaries, and religious figures.
Created by Mount Athos monk Georgios Aleuras, this Panagia Melissous is based on an original housed at the Monastery of Saint John on the island of Rhodes. The original was inspired by an unusual phenomenon observed there – bees nesting near the church refrained from disturbing churchgoers during services. This behavior was seen as a sign of divine grace, leading to the creation of the icon to honor the Virgin Mary and reflect this spiritual occurrence.
The idea to donate the replica to Notre Dame originated with Greek MP Giannis Pappas and was supported by the monastery’s leadership. The icon was chosen for its symbolic resonance with a modern event directly related to the Notre Dame fire -the miraculous survival of approximately 200,000 bees housed on its rooftop hives.
