Icons-amulets protecting children, protecting them from evil, unkind people. What does the Seven-Shot Icon of the Mother of God help with?

Cover Holy Mother of God- or Intercession, as people say - is a great holiday in Christianity, although it is not part of the 12 main ones. It means a sign of the grace of the Lord. The main image of the celebration is the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which on this day in all churches is brought to the middle of the hall. This holiday is dedicated to the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The action took place in Constantinople. Around the 10th century, when the Saracens attacked the city, all local residents gathered in the Blachernae Temple, located on the shores of the Bosphorus. At that time, the headdress and robe of the Mother of God were already stored in this place.

All those gathered sincerely prayed to God for salvation and help. And at that very moment, the holy fool Andrei - a resident of the city who was known to everyone else for his deep intelligence and piety - saw the image of the Mother of God, who seemed to be walking through the air along with the saints. She began the prayer with tears in her eyes and also asked for alms for the city. After this, she approached the altar and, taking off her head covering (omophorion), seemed to cover everyone present.

By the morning they were able to defend the city and repel the enemy army. After this majestic event, the icon of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary appeared.

Description and meaning of the icon

If you carefully examine the image of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God, the icon was perfectly able to unite two worlds: earthly and heavenly. You can also see on it:

• naves of the Blachernae Temple;
• sacred altar;
• a dark red curtain that seems to cover the image of the Mother of God.

You can also notice the fact that the Virgin Mary is not depicted alone. In addition to it, you can see:

• Venerable Roman the Sweet Singer with a scroll on the pulpit;
• Ecumenical Patriarch;
• Many prophets, martyrs;
• John the Baptist;
• Andrey Bogolyubov and others.

It is worth noting the fact that the meaning of the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is easily read by the way it looks. So, its most important mission is to protect the believing people.

Iconographic features

As for the appearance of icons in Rus' in general, this event can be attributed to the 12th century. And immediately two completely different approaches to depicting holy images arose.

The Moscow version of the image of the Mother of God of the Intercession of the icon, the meaning of which is the depiction of all the details of the scene in the Blachernae Church - reflects as fully as possible all previous events. And everyone around you must be included. It is also obligatory that in this version the Queen of Heaven herself holds the veil.

According to the Novgorod version, the veil is held by angels, The Mother of God holds her hands in an outburst of prayer.

What and who does the shrine help with?

In every church and temple you can see the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary icon, what they pray to her for, it’s worthwhile to figure it out.

Every special person, first of all, asks for help in the fight against his internal enemies. Thus, the Queen of Heaven gives everyone a protective shield that helps keep the head, soul and physical shell - the body - healthy.

If we consider help in a broader sense, for example for the people, then the icon has long been considered a talisman and the most powerful patroness of the army, which protected from all kinds of attacks and troubles. Quite often the prayer is said in such situations when:

• there is a strong need for protection in the home and family;
• it is necessary to overcome the disease;
• a person is overcome by sadness or despondency;
• need help in love affairs;
• Housing problems and all sorts of issues need to be resolved.

That is why it is imperative to have an icon of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, the significance of which, undoubtedly, is also great at home.

Folk customs

In Russia, the holiday of the Intercession long time was perceived as a symbol of the meeting between autumn and winter, and also marked the beginning of weddings and folk festivals. All this because on this day work in the fields was completed, and people began to feel a large number of free time.

As echoes of the perception of the church holiday, the people still have the custom of praying in front of the icon of the Intercession, so that the Mother of God would help in a successful marriage, family affairs and health.

As for directly Christian traditions, then the church, of course, does not prohibit requests of this kind, but still calls to remember that prayer to the Mother of God is, first of all, awareness of one’s own sins and repentance for what one has done.

On this day, each temple holds a litiya and religious procession. It is on this day, as on other church holidays, that church bells sound unusual and as solemn as possible.

In Orthodoxy there are many icons that help people overcome spiritual and material problems. One of these icons is the “Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary”.

Obviously, this icon is dedicated to the Feast of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated on October 14 every year. This is one of the greatest and 12 main holidays in Christianity, which reminds us of the miracle that happened more than 1000 years ago in Constantinople, when a bishop and his disciple saw the image of the Mother of God praying with people and covering them with her omophorion.

What does an icon help with?

The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is reliable protection from the evil eye, from misfortunes and any misfortune. This icon protects all family members from illness and disease. All the most important prayers are read before her.

The icon helps in study, in work and in love, if your moods and goals are pure. If you have a difficult task ahead of you, place the icon in front of you on your desktop. You can take it with you to the exam.

The icon “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” is given to newlyweds for a wedding or at the wedding by parents, thereby marking their blessing.

Where to hang the icon

You can hang it anywhere - the main thing is that it is at the top, above you. This is what it consists of secret meaning, after all, according to legend, the Mother of God appeared above the people and held her omophorion over them.

• In the kitchen, the icon will protect all family members from accidents and will bless the food they eat.
• In the bedroom, the Mother of God will keep the husband and wife from moving away from each other and will strengthen love.
• In the living room or in the corridor, the icon will protect you from evil spirits entering the house.

Wherever you place this icon, it will always and everywhere protect you from troubles and troubles.

All icons have their own special story. The Protection of the Virgin Mary was miraculous and was always revered by kings and clergy. Read prayers before her for the coming sleep and in the morning, thanksgiving prayers and ask the Intercessor to help you solve your problems. Be happy and don't forget to press the buttons and

12.10.2016 01:22

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What measure of grief and suffering can an earthly woman endure? Early orphanhood, life at the temple, suspicions of a spouse about treason - this is the beginning of the life path of the Most Holy Theotokos. The Virgin Mary endured a lot of grief and suffering... The crowd’s mockery of her Son, his martyrdom and long years lives without Him testify to the suffering of the Mother. Her sacrificial love and endless patience helped her rise to the highest spiritual level.

The icons of the Most Holy Theotokos seem radiant and humble. Her experiences, hardships, and sufferings were replaced by Heavenly glory and the joy of the reunion of the Mother and the Son. The miraculous icons of the Mother of God are revered in many cities and countries. They ease grief and bring faith, heal illnesses and reward forgiveness. Prayers at the image of the Mother of God help soldiers on the battlefields and deliver them from enemies. At the same time, they grant simple family joys and consolation in troubles.

Four types of icons of the Virgin Mary

IN Orthodox calendar many days are marked by veneration miraculous icons Our Lady. Through her face she does good deeds, changes the destinies of people, and saves the fallen. The icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary differ from each other. There are 4 main types of such icons.

Hodegetria (translated from Greek - Guide). In the icon of this type, the Mother of God holds the Child Christ, pointing at him with her hand. Everything is reflected in her eyes life path Christian. Most famous images This type is the Smolensk, Georgian and Kazan icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Eleusa (translated from Greek - Merciful). Here the Mother of God clung to the Baby, they hug each other. This image is a symbol of the love of Mother and Son, their unity. The most famous icons of Eleus are the Vladimir and Don Mother of God.

Oranta (translated from Greek - Sign). In the iconography of this view, the Mother of God raised her hands to the sky in an outburst of prayer. The baby is not yet born, but is already present on the medallion, symbolizing the divine and humanity. The most famous icons are “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, “Yaroslavl Oranta”.

The akathist view of the icon is a collective image. It is created in iconography under the impression of the Gospel texts. This is more like an illustration of the actions of the Mother of God, her participation in the fate of the Son. Bright icons of this species - “ Unexpected joy", "The Burning Bush", "All creation rejoices over you."

Patronage of icons

Icons of the Mother of God in Rus' had the widest distribution. This explains such an abundance of images Mother of God. Her face is loved and revered by the people. She is considered a protector, comforter and intercessor. The image of the Mother of God carries within itself love and forgiveness for all sinners and those who have repented.

People turn to the Holy Image in sorrow and illness, asking for protection from enemies and ill-wishers. Prayers before the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos help women during pregnancy, grant easy childbirth and health to children. Men come for protection and consolation. Each of the miraculous icons of the Mother of God can help after sincere prayer.

Before the image of “Recovery of the Lost” they pray for headaches, toothaches, for dying children, a grace-filled marriage, and for aversion from alcohol addiction.

In front of the icon of the Feodorovskaya Mother of God they ask for relief from difficult childbirth. Our Lady of Ostrabram will protect marriage from evil forces and make it prosperous. The “Burning Bush” will protect the house from fires. The icon “The Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary” protects from national troubles, protects from danger, helps mothers, and gives happiness to their children.

The image of the Vladimir Mother of God brought victory to Russian troops over Tamerlane in 1395. They say that the miraculous icon frightened the enemy, and the khan’s hordes simply fled.

The image of the Don Mother of God helped on the day of the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. And in 1558, Ivan the Terrible prayed for a long time before going to Kazan. The icon granted victory to the Russian troops and the capture of the city.

How to pray in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary

There are many ready-made prayers that are read before the face of the Mother of God. These are requests for help, glorification of the Mother during church holidays, Akathists. They are so simple that with constant reading they can be easily learned by heart.

There are prayers:

• when hungry;
• in sorrow and illness;
• in case of danger of drowning;
• for injuries and pain;
• for eye diseases and blindness;
• when protecting a house from fire;
• for hearing diseases and deafness;
• for cancer;
• about the disease of drunkenness;
• about the gift of patience;
• about getting rid of thoughts of suicide.

This is only a small part of the prayers with which people turn to the image. It is not without reason that icons of the Most Holy Theotokos are considered miraculous. There are known facts when the image helped in curing serious illnesses, gave faith and patience.

The Mother of God is a protector and intercessor. If you approach the image with a pure heart and bright thoughts, then the reward will not be long in coming. Prayers can be read at home, in front of the home iconostasis. Or in church, after the service. Formal pronunciation of the words of the text does not grant a miracle. Only sincere faith in the power of God will help the request be fulfilled.

The clergy assure that if the text of the prayer is difficult to learn, then it can be read in written form. Or state your request in your own words. We should not forget that after fulfilling a wish, you must come to the icon and thank it.

Miraculous icons

The icon represents the connection between God and man. This is an opportunity to join and receive Grace. This is a belief in a happy deliverance from torment and sinfulness. This is the understanding that only suffering can cleanse the soul, bring peace to the heart, and teach patience and forgiveness.

The miraculous icon is a concentration of Divine power. Not all images have survived to this day. And not all icons, being miraculous, were recognized by the church administration. There must be indisputable evidence of healing, evidence of power, for the image to be officially recognized. Only after this does the icon receive miraculous status. Basically, such testimonies tell about healing during an epidemic, about saving the state from enemies, or about healing from various diseases.

Miraculous icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary can be found in different cities and countries of the world. People come to them with requests, prayers, hopes. What unites them is the power of the image, which is capable of human life bring a miracle.

Icon "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

Evidence of the Assumption (bodily migration) of the Virgin Mary can be found in different sources. However, the Holy Scriptures say nothing about this. The only known facts are that during the VI Ecumenical Council a decision was made to open the tomb. They saw only funeral clothes and a holy belt in it. The latter can still be found on the holy Mount Athos (Greece) in the monastery of Vatopedi.

Before her death, Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Mother of God with the news that her life’s journey would end in 3 days. Afterwards the Lord will take her to himself. The funeral of the Mother of God took place in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sick, touching her bed, were healed. And 3 days after the funeral, the apostles did not find her body in the cave; only funeral clothes remained there.

On August 28, the celebration of the image of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary takes place. The icon is exhibited in churches in Moscow and Kyiv.

The image helps to cope with the fear of death. You can ask for strengthening of faith and humility. The “Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos” also grants relief from illnesses. The icon, among other things, helps to comprehend one’s actions, strengthen oneself in virtues, and walk one’s path in life with dignity.

"The Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

This name of the image is associated with the events of 1170. The troops were besieged Velikiy Novgorod. The townspeople constantly prayed for salvation. The Archbishop of Novgorod, while asking for help, heard the command of the Mother of God that her icon be raised to the city walls. The face was taken to the wall and turned towards the enemy troops. One of the arrows hit the image. The miraculous icon turned away from the attackers, depriving them of light and Grace. She turned to the besieged, granting them a miracle of salvation. At the same moment, confusion occurred in the enemy’s camp, fear seized them, and the enemies were defeated.

• Velikiy Novgorod;
• Moscow;
• Saint Petersburg;
• Barnaul;
• Moore;
• Belgorod;
• Severodvinsk;
• Nizhny Tagil;
• Kursk

The miraculous icon “The Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary” protects soldiers and the population in military conflicts. Helps travelers, reconciles warring parties. Saves from diseases during epidemics, heals eye diseases and blindness.

The Annunciation is good news. Archangel Gabriel informs the Virgin Mary that Grace has visited her. She will give birth to the Son of God and name him Jesus. The day of celebration of this miraculous icon falls on April 7th.

There is a legend according to which the icon of the Annunciation appeared on the wall of one of the Kremlin towers during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. It was in this tower that the unjustly accused governor was imprisoned. He prayed and asked for a miracle. In confirmation of his innocence, there was the appearance of the face of the Mother of God.

The icon of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary survived the fire in 1737. Then the Annunciation Church and the Tsar Bell burned down. But the icon remained untouched by the flame. It can be found in the temples of the following cities:

• Moscow;
• Saint Petersburg;
• Pereslavl-Zalessky;
• Nizhny Novgorod;
• Kazan.

They pray to the miraculous icon for deliverance from imprisonment and unjust attacks, for the healing of spiritual and physical illnesses, for sorrows and temptations.

According to legend, this image was painted by the Apostle Luke. Allegedly, during the life of the Mother of God, with her blessing, Luke created from 3 to 70 faces of the Mother.

The Virgin Mary had four inheritances - Iveria (Georgia), Athos, Kievan Rus, Diveyevo monastery. There she was supposed to carry the word of God and sermons. The Mother of God did not have time to visit everywhere during her lifetime. But even after death, she participated in the spread of the Christian faith with signs and visions.

The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Goalkeeper” is a symbol of the protection of all true believers. She appears as an intercessor, guardian, and comforter in all troubles and misfortunes.

The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is located in churches in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Samara, Rostov-on-Don, and Orel. It also exists in churches in the Novgorod, Kursk, Pskov, and Tambov regions. The days of celebration fall on February 25, October 26 and Tuesday of Holy Week.

There are many written and oral testimonies of healing after prayer. The icon helps to find the strength for repentance and cleansing. Sinners come to her in search of a righteous path, asking for protection and consolation. The icon relieves physical and mental illnesses. In front of it you can pray for the preservation of the house from fires, floods and other disasters.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Goalkeeper” leaves mysteries to this day. In 1981, a Greek monk created an image copied from the original. The icon turned out to be myrrh-streaming. It was brought to Montreal (Canada) in 1982 by Joseph Muñoz Cortes. After akathists and prayers before the image, severe, incurable diseases (leukemia, paralysis) were healed. The icon returned people to spiritual life and freed them from unbelief. In 1997, the keeper of the image of Cortes was killed. The icon has disappeared.

"Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

There are several famous miraculous “Tenderness” icons. Many lists have been made from them that do not lose their beneficial power.

The Smolensk Icon of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in 1103. Polish invaders besieged the city. For 20 months, with the help of a miraculous image, the Smolensk troops held Smolensk and did not surrender it to the enemies.

The Pskov-Pechora Icon is famous for its miraculous healings. Evidence dating back to 1524 has been preserved in the chronicles of Pskov and Veliky Novgorod.

The Seraphim-Diveyevo icon “Tenderness of the Most Holy Theotokos” was in the cell of the holy elder Seraphim of Sarov until his death. Afterwards, several lists were made, which later also turned out to be miraculous. The Elder of Sarov anointed the sick with oil from the lamp that burned in front of the icon, and they were healed.

The Novgorod icon “Tenderness” in 1337 hovered in the air above the church doors. Tears fell from her eyes. Later that same year, a pestilence began in the city. The townspeople prayed to the holy image to intercede for them. Soon the disease subsided.

Prayer in front of the icon helps in troubles and misfortunes. Eliminates temptations, saves marriage. Grants pregnancy and easy childbirth. This image is considered feminine and helps in many illnesses and sorrows. Relieves eye diseases and blindness. Almost all miraculous images of the Virgin are capable of healing physical and mental illnesses after prayers and Akathists.

"Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

Prophecies about the birth of the Virgin, who will become the mother of the Messiah, are heard already in Old Testament. She came from an ancient family that included many high priests, patriarchs, and kings. Jokaim and Anna, the parents of the Mother of God, did not have children for a long time. They fervently prayed for a child to appear in the family. After 50 years of marriage, they were given the happy news of the conception and birth of the Queen of Heaven.

The icon “Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary” tells the story of joyful event. The birth and entire subsequent life of Mary is imbued with faith, calmness, and patience. It is not for nothing that she is considered an intercessor, a comforter of all Christians and lost souls. The day of celebration is September 21st.

Often the icon “Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary” gave desperate parents a long-awaited child. Any prayer in front of the image can calm and heal the soul from insults and injustice. Particularly effective are requests for lost souls, the return of faith, cleansing from sins, and the granting of spiritual and moral foundations. Prayers for children, family reunification, elimination of grievances and quarrels between spouses will also be heard.

Meaning of the icon

Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos personify the unity of God and man. As a simple woman, she gave birth to the Savior, as the Holy Virgin Mary stood next to him in Heaven. This is a combination of higher spirituality and understanding of human weaknesses. The image of the Mother of God is a collective image of a mother who knows how to forgive her children, intercede for them, and understand them. That is why there are so many icons, prayers, holidays, and memorable dates dedicated to the Mother of God.

The priests teach that there is no greater suffering on earth than standing nearby and seeing the death of your own child. The Most Holy Theotokos passed through the pangs of sacrifice to spiritual transformation. The icon, the meaning of which lies not in external splendor, but in internal virtues, teaches the laity much...

The Mother of God spent her entire life in humility and patience. I lost my parents early. She married a widower whose sons did not love her and did not believe in Divine Grace. Her meekness and suffering became an amazing combination of earthly spirituality and heavenly holiness.

Formal reading of prayers and indifferent attendance at church will not grant the favor of the Mother of God. Only through repentance, a pure heart, and sincere love can one achieve the intercession of the Virgin.

The miraculous icons of the Most Holy Theotokos teach humanity and the ability to remain virtuous in any life situations. To endure difficulties and trials with humility and to know that even in sin you can repent and regain Grace.

Whenever difficult situations in life, every person hopes for help from Heaven. More often, people turn to the Queen of Heaven - the great Patroness of all humanity before the Almighty. Her image is in everyone Orthodox church located to the left of the Royal Doors.

The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God occupies a special place among the Mother of God icons. It is one of the most revered and famous shrines of Orthodoxy.

History of the Holy Face

During 1 Ecumenical Council was a follower of the Aryan heresy given hard supports Since then in Orthodox Christendom peace and quiet came. But at the beginning of the 9th century, fierce fighters against Orthodox images, destroying holy faces.

Just at that time, a pious believing widow with her teenage son lived on the territory of Nicaea (now Turkey). The woman had a fortune inherited from her late husband. With this money, the widow built a church, within the walls of which the icon of the Mother of God rested. The iconoclasts, having visited the temple, decided to take away her fortune from the woman, demanding a large sum of money. Hearing the refusal, one of the attackers angrily plunged his sword into the Face of the Virgin Mary.

And then a stream of real human blood flowed over the icon. The bandits were very frightened and ran out of the church, warning the widow that the next day they would return again to collect the debt.

When it got dark, mother and son took the icon of the Mother of God and went to the sea. Having laid the Face on the water, they beheld a miracle: the icon itself stood in vertical position and swam in this state through the waves straight into the open sea. Amazed by what they saw, they returned home, but fearing the possible re-arrival of robbers, they could not stay within their native walls.

Iveron Icon of the Mother of God

Appearance on Athos

The son went to Athos and accepted monasticism at the Iveron monastery. The newly minted monk told the story of how the icon itself stood up on the waves and floated out to sea. But soon the elders, who were at the monastery gates, noticed a bright and huge pillar of fire rising above the surface of the sea. The sight was wonderful and scary at the same time.

Mother protects the home, patronizes all Orthodox Christian women and intercedes for their needs before Her Son.

The original of the Holy Face of the Mother of God is kept on Mount Athos in the men's Orthodox monastery Icon of the Iveron Mother of God.

Celebrations in honor of the Iveron Icon take place several times a year: February 25, May 6, October 26, and also on Tuesday of Easter week.

Watch a video about the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God

There are icons not only in churches, but also in homes. The image of the Mother of God is considered one of the most powerful, but it is important to know what each image is intended for.

People turn to the icon of the Mother of God for help, protection and consolation. They pray in front of her image to save themselves and their loved ones from all troubles. That is why there is such a variety of images of the Virgin Mary.

Those who want to save their home keep an icon Mother of God. It is known that those who pray to her are protected spiritually and physically from any evil. Since ancient times, people have hung an image above the entrance and asked for its protection. There are more than 800 names of images. Those with a child in their arms relieve ailments and help the soul to see the light. Prayer only reaches if it comes from the heart and with good intentions.

Kinds

Total exists four types of icons Mother of God:

1 The Omen. The Mother of God prays on these icons. They write it up to the waist or in full height. There is no image on her chest yet born Christ. This icon symbolizes the Immaculate Conception;

2 Hodegetria. Occurs most often. The main idea is that the Mother of God leads to faith. Depicted in full height, waist-deep or shoulder-deep. She has a baby in her arms. She points to him with one. Jesus blesses the mother and the believers;

3 Eleusa. On icons of this type, the Mother of God is always depicted holding a child in her arms. Symbol of the unity of mother and son;

4 Akathist. On them the Virgin Mary is depicted without a child. It is considered a collective image of mothers who worry about their children.

Origins

The first image of the Virgin Mary was found in the second century AD in the catacombs.

Her images were applied to vessels for incense. In the 5th century Mary was granted the right to be called the Mother of God. In the images that have survived, she holds a child in her arms and sits on a throne. Her images were mosaiced in old temples, e.g. Santa Maggiore and in church Panagia Angeloktista. Images of Mary were created in Byzantium. One of the icons was brought to Russia. Was later named Vladimirskaya and began to be considered the standard of icon painting. A copy of Byzantine icons is Novgorodskaya icon.

How to pray

Icons of the Mother of God are considered truly miraculous and believers turn to them for help. The Mother of God protects. If you approach her with pure intentions, she will fulfill the request. Simply reading prayers does not work; only sincere faith will help. You can pray at home or in church after the service. The most common:

• From hunger. The harvest increases, income increases;
• For ailments. More often they ask about vision;
• From drunkenness. The drunkard will become a teetotaler forever;
• From grief. The soul calms down;
• To protect your home. Ill-wishers will not pass.

Miracle

Many images are considered miraculous. From Moscow:

• Gracious. Located in the Conception Convent. She grants motherhood to women;
• Tikhvinskaya. Gives protection. It is interesting that under communism the church with this icon was not closed;
• Vladimirskaya from the Church of St. Nicholas. There is a legend that she saved Rus' from enemies three times. This icon is venerated in June-July and September.
• Kazan Mother of God. The first miracle was her rescue from the fire - she remained intact. Heals and protects.

Nobody knows why icons stream myrrh. This usually happens before tragic events. It is interesting that this phenomenon appears only on icons made on wood. The icons streamed myrrh before the events in Georgia, Beslan and Ukraine. The seven-shot icon has been streaming myrrh for 20 years.

Meaning

Icons of the Mother of God symbolize the unity of God and man.

Her image is collective– a mother who forgives her child, understands and protects him. Therefore, there are many icons and holidays dedicated to this image. The clergy instruct that there is no greater pain than the death of one’s own child. The Mother of God went through these torments and teaches humility to believers. She lived in patience, orphaned. The Mother of God married a widower; his children did not love her.

Reading prayers without faith and indifferent visits to the temple will bring nothing. Our Lady teaches people to remain virtuous, to be humble in difficult moments of their lives and to know that everything can turn out for the better.

Traditions

It is customary to draw the throne in Greece and Italy. The Virgin Mary on it or in full growth in Russia was usually depicted on frescoes or iconostases - on large-scale canvases. Icon painters mostly painted it up to the waist or shoulders. She is an intercessor and protects those who ask.

In the Russian tradition, the icon is satellite. They took it with them, prayed before it and passed it on to their descendants. It is believed that the older the image, the more powerful it is. In Russia It's common to have more than one house icons, and also in temples there are countless of them. Many images of the Mother of God are considered miraculous.

Canons

In Orthodox iconography, the following are used to depict the Mother of God: details:

• Blue tunic;
• Blue cap;
• Maforius;

Every element on the icon has a meaning.

The stars on maforia signify the stages of life: conception, birth and death. Border- glorification. Handkerchief symbolizes motherhood, divine belonging. Blue- a symbol of virginity, purity. Sometimes tradition is broken to emphasize a certain detail. Our Lady without mafori I am also considered a departure from church canons. In Orthodoxy, the crown is written on top of the scarf. The image of the crown itself came from the west. In early icons the Mother of God was only in maforia.

Holidays

More than two hundred images are recorded in the religious calendar.

One of the important holidays is Protection of the Virgin Mary. It is named after the icon of the same name. On it the Mother of God is depicted in full height. In her hands she holds a cloth with the image of Jesus, sometimes she is depicted without it. One of the most revered icons - Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Semistrelnaya

This image is distinguished from others by a detail: it is pierced by 7 arrows, sometimes with swords in their place.

What does this mean? Typically near the right shoulder three arrows, and the left one has four. There is an image with symmetry - three on each side and one below.

Meaning

When, on the fortieth day of Jesus’ life, they brought him to the Jerusalem temple, the sage Simeon blessed him and told the Mother of God that “a weapon will pierce the soul.” He predicted the suffering of a mother about her son. It is believed that seven arrows are a symbol of sins. In addition, the number seven means completeness, in this case the completeness of maternal grief. The date of its origin is unknown. Some believe that it is five centuries old, others believe that it is more. According to legend, the image was found in the first half of the 19th century on an ordinary wooden board.

The Mother of God turns to her son to intercede for those who sincerely ask. However, she sees the sins of each of those praying and this pierces her like arrows.

Help

This image is one of the most powerful. Prayers at this icon help those who have evil people around them: envious and ill-wishers. It helps to soften hearts, awaken compassion and a desire to do good in people. Anyone who is sick will receive the help of the Mother of God.

Miracles have been witnessed:

• The lame man who found the icon on the stairs of the bell tower was cured;
• Deliverance of the Vologda province from the cholera epidemic.

It is believed that if you place an icon of the Mother of God at home, then it will be protected from bad influences, and the residents will find physical and spiritual harmony.

Who does it help:

• To those who fight. She protects their lives;
• For those who have envious people or enemies;
• Sick of any illness.

Those who hang this icon at home or in their office do not have to worry about safety, since it wards off evil and protects from conflicts. Can be hung small image above the door of the house or on the desktop.

Where can I buy

Many people ask: where to buy an icon? This image is quite common, so it is easy to find. Can buy in the church shop. They are in almost any mall. However, before placing it in your home, you need to consecrate it in the church. Some sellers may claim that nothing is counterfeited and the products are sanctified, but it is better not to take risks.

Why is it preferable to buy icons in a temple:

• All icons are consecrated;
• No fakes;
• By purchasing from a temple, you are supporting it and allowing it to grow.

Some people who are fond of needlework embroider icons threads or beads, and also paint.

Where to hang

Owners of this icon say that household members become softer in character and calmer.

The house itself becomes more prosperous, so all believers want to buy it. It is best to place the icon there, where it will be convenient to pray.

Icons are not decoration, so there are some useful tips:

• There should be no items such as cosmetics, figurines, jewelry and other non-religious attributes near the icons;
• It is not allowed to place icons together with non-iconographic images and non-canonical attributes: paintings based on biblical subjects, calendars, books;
• You should not place images of modern idols near the icon: fan posters various fillings or photographs;
• Icons are usually hung on the eastern side to bring in positive energy. Make sure there is free space in front of her;
• It is allowed to keep religious literature, candles and other religious attributes next to the icon;
• To make an iconostasis at home, it is appropriate to use a shelf, a special structure or an icon case. They are usually not hung on nails;
• If several faces are placed, then you need to follow the hierarchy: in the center there are two older faces, and on the left and right there are younger ones next to each other;
• Often hung above the door;
• The place where the icon stands is kept clean.

How to pray

The clergy say that if a person does not know prayers, but believes, then he can pray to the Mother of God, and she will accept his requests.

It is worth praying every day, especially before leaving home. Thoughts must be the most sincere, otherwise she will not hear those asking for help. Requests for healing, for an end to quarrels and conflicts - something that can help Semistrelnaya.

Celebration days

The icons are different, but since they belong to the same type, they decided to honor them on the same days. It happens:

• August 13;
• After Easter on the 9th Sunday;
• The first Sunday after the Holy Trinity.

Notable lists

In Moscow there are two icons that stream myrrh. One is located in the Church of the Archangel Michael, and the other in the village of Bachurino.

It was made to order, but when the owner noticed that the icon was streaming myrrh, I immediately gave it to the church. After this, the icon was recognized as miraculous and it was taken abroad and shown in Russian cities. Another icon is located in the Church of St. Lazarus, which is located in Vologda. It was brought after the war. Pilgrims come to her twice a year.

Another icon is in the Venetian chapel. She was found by Italian soldiers during Second World War. The icon was found in a destroyed house and given to the priest. The Italian forces were defeated, but the priest escaped. Then in Venice built a chapel for the icon. They say that before the war this icon belonged to a monastery.

Kazanskaya

It is believed that Our Lady of Kazan protects from enemies and heals ailments.

Those who are in trouble can ask her for help and protection. This icon can be placed at home or given as a gift. This image belongs to the “Hodegetria” type, that is, its goal is direct the person to true path.

Story

In the 16th century there was a fire in Kazan. The holy face was discovered by the merchant's little daughter Matrona. In a dream, the Mother of God appeared to her and told her to get the icon from the fire. Surprisingly the image was not damaged and looked new. At the site where the icon was found, a convent. The icon was given to the Assumption Cathedral for storage. However, in the 20th century the icon was stolen and then destroyed. Only copies of the image have survived. After the founding of the temple, Matrona and her mother became abbess.

Celebration dates

It is customary to celebrate this image twice a year:

• 21st of June. On this day, the girl saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. Celebrated since the 16th century;
• November 4. Moscow was liberated by Minin and Pozharsky in the fall of 1612.

Before the decisive battle, people prayed and asked for intercession. After the revolution November 4 ceased to be a holiday, in 2005 it became Day of National Unity. The same service is held on these days.

Icon location

IN early years it was located in Tretyakov Gallery. A copy of it is kept in the home church of the Moscow Patriarch. This copy is gift to Rome Catholic Church in honor of the end of the rivalry between the churches. The closest copy to the original is stored in Prince Vladimir Cathedral, which is in St. Petersburg.

Meaning

The Kazan Mother of God helps people realize and find their true path through life.

They prayed to her during the Time of Troubles, and thanks to her protection, troops recaptured Moscow from the Polish invaders. Peter I prayed to her before the Battle of Poltava. During the Patriotic War of 1812, she helped soldiers win several victories. Kutuzov prayed to the Mother of God before heading into the army.

Miracles that happened during religious processions are associated with it:

• The unknown pilgrim was cured of his illness;
• Daughter-in-law noble person got rid of leg disease;
• The newborn received his sight;
• Demons came out of several women.

After this, all the sufferers hurried to the icon.

Not only military or political figures, but also ordinary people can rely on the protection of the Kazan Mother of God. If you ask from pure heart, That she grants her protection to everyone who asks.

How does it help?

Kazan Mother of God helps everyone who believes and asks for help:

• They ask the Kazan Mother of God to bless the marriage of the young;
• People turn to her married couples with a request to find harmony in their relationships and get rid of misfortunes
• Most of all, she is supportive of children: she protects them from misfortune, evil people and helps along the path of life;
• They pray to her to help the soldiers and protect their native land;
• She helps to find the right decision and avoid failure. Witnesses say that she came to them in their dreams and told them what to do and how to do it, and what to give up. Thus, a person avoids trouble;
• They pray to her in difficult times, when there is not enough strength to fight. In sorrow, she will comfort the one who asks and give him instructions;
• It helps with weakening faith in the soul and cures ailments. They ask her to get her sight back. Helps you to see spiritually.

VIDEO: Intercessor. Kazan Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Intercessor / Kazan Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the center of the plot of the picture is the Vatican list of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God - main Orthodox shrine Kazan.

Iverskaya

The icon received its name from the monastery in which it is located. It stands on the sacred Mount Athos. People call her the Gatekeeper.

Basically, it helps in getting rid of diseases and protecting the home from unwanted guests. The monks said that she warns of negative events that will happen in the world soon.

Where is it stored?

First mentioned in the 9th century. During that period, images of saints were mocked and were subject to destruction. According to legend, the image was saved by a widow, but they found out about it. The soldiers burst into the woman's house and pierced the image, it bled. The woman prayed to the Mother of God and went to the water. When the icon touched the water, it floated vertically. The rumor about this reached Mount Athos. The widow's son became a monk on the mountain.

Not far from her, hundreds of years ago, a ship with Mary moored. In the 5th century a monastery was created. One day the monks saw a column of fire from the water. They tried to approach the image, but it floated away as they approached. The monks prayed to God to give them the icon. After some time, the Mother of God appeared to the elder and said: that he will give them the icon. But for this he must come to her by sea.

The brothers positioned themselves on the shore and began to pray while the elder walked on the water. After receiving it, she was kept in the chapel and prayed for three days. After that, she was moved to the temple, and a source appeared in the place where she was. Then it appeared above the gate, it was removed and returned to its place, but the image again appeared above the gate.

The Mother of God again appeared to the elder and said that there was no need to protect her, she herself would be the guardian of the monastery. The monks built a church above the gate and the image is still there. She is honored on Tuesday of Bright Week. Then a procession of the cross is made to the place where the elder received the shrine.