The icon, which was gifted by a representative of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikandr, who arrived in London to celebrate the feast, will remain in the cathedral to be venerated by the faithful of Great Britain.
Archbishop Georgios, the primate of the Cypriot Church, visited England over the weekend for the 50th anniversary of the parish in Harrow.
The Icon has gained renown for its healing properties, particularly for those suffering from serious illnesses including cancer. The icon is also sought by couples struggling with infertility, with many crediting their prayers before the image with helping them conceive children.
Located in the Pieria region at the foot of Mount Olympus, the Monastery of Panagia Petra has been intimately connected with the spiritual life and history of the area for over twelve centuries. Until the late 19th century, it even served as the seat of the Bishop of Petra.
The historic monastery, founded by Sts. Nikolaj Velimirović and Mardarije and home to the incorrupt relics of the latter, served as the focal point for the traditional St. Mardarije Day celebration that has become a cornerstone event for Orthodox Christians across North America.