The origin of the icon is associated with a miracle. According to the belief it was brought to the village of Oreshak about 1600 by one or two monks coming from the Mount Athos monasteries. They wore the icon to Wallachia but stayed in the village to meet a hermit for whom they had heard. The next day, when they were preparing to leave, the donkey, carrying the icon refused to move and they had to stay in the village for another day. The next day the incident was repeated. After a few days the donkey continued to resist, and the monks accepted it as a sign that the icon should remain there.

The Troyan hermit soon attracted a few more brothers who built a small wooden church for the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary and began to serve in it. The glory of the miraculous icon spread out because it gave healing to those who came with faith to her. The number of pilgrims and settlers grew. Soon, cells and inns were bulilt for them. Thus, the Troyan monastery was found.