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What does the icon of the Mother of God mean? Mother of God icons all images

Icons of the Mother of God evoke a special feeling among Orthodox Christians. Photos with the names of the most famous images in Russia are presented on this page.

Through icons, believers turn to the Mother of God with prayers for strengthening faith, healing illnesses, and saving the soul.

How many icons of the Mother of God are there?

No one knows exactly how many different images of the Mother of God have been written. In the monthly book published by the Moscow Patriarchate, 295 names are mentioned.

But according to iconography, the images of the Mother of God are divided into only three types: Oranta (looks with arms raised up), Hodegetria (the baby blesses the Mother of God), Eleusa (tenderness, clinging to each other).

Icons of the Mother of God with photos and descriptions

Below is a list of Holy Faces, the most popular or, on the contrary, little known, whose history or description is very interesting.

"Kazan" Icon of the Mother of God

Celebrated on July 21 and November 4. The miraculous image saved the country in times of unrest, disasters and wars. Its significance is to preserve the country under the shadow of the Mother of God.

The most revered image in Rus'. Found in 1579 in Kazan in a fire during the persecution of Christians. They bless married couples, pray for the healing of eye diseases, and to repel foreign invasion.

Icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”

In 1878, one retired soldier suffering from heavy drinking had an apparition of St. Varlaam to go to the city of Serpukhov and pray there in front of a certain image. This icon turned out to be the now famous “Inexhaustible Chalice”.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Theodorovskaya”

Celebrated on March 27 and August 29. They ask her for a happy marriage and healthy children.

Possibly written by the Apostle Luke. It was located in the 12th century in the city of Gorodets. She miraculously moved to Kostroma: she was seen in the hands of St. warrior Theodore Stratilates, who walked with her through the city. Hence the name “Feodorovskaya”.

"Sovereign" Mother of God

Celebrated on March 15th. The meaning of the image is that power over Russia passed from the Tsar directly to the Virgin Mary.

Revealed in 1917 in the village of Kolomenskoye, in the Moscow region, on the very day on which Nicholas II abdicated the throne. It was as if the Most Holy Theotokos took over the power from the Tsar.

"Vladimir" icon

Celebrated on June 3, July 6, September 8. The significance of the image for Orthodox Christians in preserving Russia from foreign warriors.

Written by the Apostle Luke on the tabletop of the Holy Family. Saved Moscow from the invasion of Tamerlane. At Soviet power exhibited at the Tretyakov Gallery.

"Tikhvin" Mother of God

This image, according to legend, was written by the evangelist and apostle Luke. He miraculously appeared near the city of Tikhvin. Particularly remarkable among the many miracles revealed by the image was the salvation of the Tikhvin monastery during the Northern War in 1613.

"Three-handed"

So named after a miracle that happened to St. John of Damascus. His severed hand grew back into place through prayer at the image of the Mother of God. In honor of this event, a silver hand was attached to the frame of the image.

"Unexpected Joy"

Celebrated on May 14 and December 22. The meaning of the image lies in the mercy of the Mother of God even towards unrepentant sinners, leading them to repentance.

The icon is named in memory of the conversion of one lawless man, who, with the Archangel's greeting, asked for a blessing for his lawless deeds.

"Blessed Womb"

In the 14th century it was located in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kremlin. Glorified by many miracles.

"Annunciation"

The image is dedicated to the twelfth holiday of the same name.

"Blessed Sky"

Celebrated on March 19th. The meaning of the image is that it is in this guise that, according to the assumption, the Blessed Virgin Mary will descend to earth, preparing people for the second coming of Christ.

The image was brought to Moscow by the Lithuanian princess Sofia Vitovtovna at the beginning of the 15th century.

"Joy of All Who Sorrow"

In 1688, sick Euphemia, a relative of the patriarch, suffering from incurable disease, was miraculously healed in front of this image.

"Upbringing"

Celebrated on March 18th. The significance of the icon is associated with the upbringing of the younger generation in the Orthodox faith.

This is a Byzantine image known for many miracles. Provides assistance to parents and their children.

"Life-Giving Source"

Celebrated on the fifth day after Easter. They pray for the preservation of prudence and a sinless life.

The icon is named in memory of the holy source of water near Constantinople. In this place, the Virgin Mary appeared to Leo Marcellus and predicted that he would become emperor.

"Deliverer"

Celebrated on October 30th. In 1841 in Greece, a prayer vigil in front of this image miraculously stopped a locust invasion.

The icon was with its family Alexandra III when their train crashed. It was on this day that the name day of the icon began to be celebrated, in commemoration of the salvation of the emperor.

"Key of Understanding"

They pray for children who have difficulty learning. The icon is locally revered and is located in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Appeared in Russia in the 16th century, related to the image of “Addition of mind”.

"Mammal"

The image was transported to Serbia from Jerusalem by St. Savva in the 6th century.

"Fadeless Color"

Signifies the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"Otrada"

Celebrated on February 3. It means the great mercy of the Mother of God to sinners, despite even her Son.

The image is associated with a miraculous deliverance from the robbers who attacked the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos.

"Assistant in childbirth"

Helps with difficult childbirth.

"Self-Written"

Locally revered on Mount Athos. It miraculously manifested itself in a pious icon painter from the city of Iasi in 1863.

"Quick to Hear"

Athos icon. From her, a miraculous healing of the disobedient monk’s vision occurred.

"Quiet my sorrows"

Celebrated on February 7th. Relieves mental anguish. Many healings came from her.

Brought to Moscow in 1640 by Cossacks. She poured myrrh in 1760.

"Healer"

Meaning: comfort to the sick. Often decorates hospital churches.

Conclusion

Turning to these icons has always helped Orthodox Christians in difficult moments of life. And now, in modern world, healings and miracles continue. New miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary appear.

Intercession Holy Mother of God will continue until the end of the history of the human race.

When praying in front of icons, people venerate not the object itself, but what it symbolizes: great saints or religiously significant events. The Mother of God is amazing in this regard - the icons, all the images with her are very different. They are so different, as if we are talking not about one Mother of God, but about many, each of whom endlessly loves people and wants to help them, but does it in her own special way.

Among huge number Several images of the Mother of God can be especially highlighted. Each of them has its own history, and they are addressed with different questions, but they are all equally significant for a believer.

Icon of the Mother of God “Iverskaya”

The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is also called the Goalkeeper or Gatekeeper, since several times she in an unknown way she ended up in an icon case above the entrance to the monastery, from where she was no longer removed. Later, a temple was built at its location, where it is now located.

The icon is easily recognizable because it right cheek Our Lady is marked with a bleeding wound. The rest of the plot is more familiar: she holds the baby with her left hand, while her right palm is extended towards him in a prayerful gesture.

It is customary to pray to the Iveron Mother of God for deliverance from all evils and consolation in trouble, salvation from fire, and a good harvest.

Days of honoring the Goalkeeper - February 25/12, October 26/13, second day Easter week(weeks).

Icon of the Mother of God “Vladimir”

According to one legend, the author of the icon was the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. Upon completion of the work, he showed the work of his hands to the Mother of God and she herself blessed the icon. The image shows the Virgin Mary holding a baby right hand, and her left palm only lightly touches the robe of little Jesus, who hugs his mother's neck. "Omen" Vladimir icon The visible “heel” (foot) of the Savior is considered the Mother of God.

The image is considered miraculous. It was used during the decree of Russian metropolitans and patriarchs, and acquired the status of the main Russian shrine. They pray to Vladimirskaya for protection from external attacks, for unity and deliverance from false teachings, and reconciliation of enemies.

Days of veneration – 3.06/21.05, 6.07/23.06 and 8.09/26.08.

Icon of the Mother of God “Seven Arrows”

According to its name, the icon depicts the Mother of God pierced by seven arrows. It is believed that a peasant from Kadnikovsky district discovered it in a church bell tower, where they stepped on it, believing that it was an ordinary board. The Seven-Shot Mother of God, an icon, all images of which are difficult to count, has a more famous variety called “Softening Evil Hearts.”

According to some sources, Semistrelnaya’s age is at least 500 years. In 1917, it was located in the St. John the Theologian Church, but was lost and today its location is unknown.

This image of the icon of the Mother of God is prayed for to cure cholera, get rid of lameness and relaxation, and reconcile enemies. Day of veneration – August 13/26.

Icon of the Mother of God “Sovereign”

The image was discovered in one of the churches near Moscow in 1917, on the day when Nicholas II abdicated the throne. Everyone saw a certain sign in this, although the specific interpretation of the event could differ greatly depending on who undertook to talk about it.

On the icon, the Mother of God is depicted as the Heavenly Queen: dressed in red robes, sitting majestically on the royal throne, crowned with a crown and halo. An orb and a scepter rest in her palms, and the baby Jesus sits on her lap. Today the icon is located in Kolomenskoye, in the Church of the “Kazan” Icon of the Mother of God.

The main theme of prayers dedicated to the Sovereign Mother of God is truth. She is asked to be honest in words, deeds, love and to save Russia. Day of veneration – March 2/15.

Some believe that Tikhvinskaya was written during the life of the Mother of God herself. Its distinctive feature can be considered a scroll that the baby holds in one hand. The fingers of the Savior’s other hand are folded in a blessing gesture.

Now the image is placed in the Moscow Tikhvin Church. Lists from it are posted in many other churches, monasteries and temples.

Tikhvinskaya is prayed for the return of vision, the exorcism of demons, the healing of children and relief from joint laxity in case of paralysis. Day of veneration – June 26/9.

The first mention of the image is associated with the 12th century. The story goes that after Batu’s attack on the Gorodetsky Monastery, everything turned to ashes, but the icon remained absolutely unharmed. Later, Vasily of Kostroma, who saw the appearance of the Mother of God, transported the image to Kostroma, to the Cathedral of Theodore Strastilates. This gave it its now famous name.

In the icon, the Savior is on the right hand of the Mother of God. With her right palm, the Mother of God supports his leg. The baby himself presses his face to the Mother and hugs her neck with his left hand.

You need to pray to the Theodore Mother of God for a successful resolution of difficult childbirth. Days of veneration: March 27/14 and August 29/16.

The Quick Hearer in some ways resembles the Tikhvin Mother of God (she is also an image of the Hodegetria type - Guide). It is considered one of the miraculous icons. The place of creation of the Quick Hearer is the holy Mount Athos, and now she resides within the walls of the Dokhiar monastery.

The story associated with this image tells of a monk who, out of stupid interest, smoked the face of the Virgin Mary. For this he was deprived of his sight. With prolonged prayers, the monk was able to return it, and since then the icon has been “hearing” the requests of all those suffering and helping them.

You need to pray to the Quick Hearer, first of all, for a cure for blindness, lameness and relaxation, as well as for deliverance from captivity and the salvation of people caught in a shipwreck. Day of veneration – November 9/22.

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 for many 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 provide simple family joys and consolation in troubles.

Four types of icons of the Virgin Mary

IN Orthodox calendar Many days are marked by the veneration of the miraculous icons of the Mother of God. 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 Infant 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 Eleusa - Vladimir, 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 has not yet been born, but is already present on the medallion, symbolizing the divine and human principles. 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», « Burning bush", "All creation rejoices in you, rejoicing."

Patronage of icons

Icons of the Mother of God in Rus' had the most widespread. This explains such an abundance of images of the 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 “Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary” icon 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 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;
  • at 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.

Miraculous icon - concentration 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 undeniable 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 besieged Veliky 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.

  • Veliky 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, 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 Annunciation icon 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 liberated 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 whole 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 of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary 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 bodily and mental illness 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 about a 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 the intercessor and comforter of all Christians and lost souls. The day of celebration is September 21st.

Often the icon of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary gave to desperate parents 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.

The 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, 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.

Since ancient times in Rus' they have been very revered Holy Mother of God. We offer daily prayers to the Mother of God, asking Her for help and salvation. The Church places the Queen of Heaven above all saints and all angels, because the closest to God is His Mother.

With acceptance Orthodox faith From Byzantium, the Russian people accepted faith in the Mother of God and Her speedy intercession. The holy image of the Mother of God has always been and, of course, remains in a special place among the Russian people. Our Lady is the protector and patroness of the Russian land.


Yu. P. Pontyukhin. "Dmitry Donskoy and Sergius of Radonezh"

It is read at services large number prayers addressed to the Queen of Heaven, temples are dedicated to Her, and veneration of Her numerous icons is widespread.

The calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church mentions about 260 revered and miraculous icons of the Mother of God, in general they can be counted more 860 . For most icons, days of celebration have been established, prayers and akathists are written for them.

The history of the first icons of the Mother of God

There is a legend that he painted the very first icon Apostle Luke. Historians have doubts about this, but Tradition did not arise out of nowhere. From the New Testament we know that the Apostle Luke was a doctor and very educated person of his time, but the fact that he was an artist is not said in Scripture. However, it is in the Gospel of Luke that most of all is said about the Mother of God and it was the Apostle Luke who created and described for us the image of the Mother of God. The Gospel was sometimes called a verbal icon, and we can call the Apostle-Evangelist Luke the first icon painter, although, most likely, he “wrote” not with paints on canvas, but with words.


V.L. Borovikovsky. "Evangelist Luke"

There is another legend about the first image: when the saints apostles Peter and John the Theologian preached in Lydda(near Jerusalem), a temple was built there for converts. The apostles asked the Mother of God to consecrate and bless the temple with Her presence. The Most Pure Virgin replied that she would be there with them. Arriving at the temple, the apostles saw on one of the supporting pillars of the temple miraculous image Holy Mother of God. The list from this image, called Lydda Icon of the Mother of God , is still revered to this day.


Lydda Icon of the Mother of God

In the scientific community, the earliest images of the Virgin Mary are considered to be genre subjects from the painting of the catacombs. These are the scenes Annunciation(catacombs of Priscila II century) and scenes Nativity of Christ(catacombs of St. Sebestian III - IV centuries).


Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome

But all these are rather proto-icons; the first icons in the literal sense of the word appear only after Ephesus Cathedral 431 years, where the veneration of the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God was established.


Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus

Elements of the iconography of the Virgin Mary

The appearance of the Mother of God is known not only from ancient images, but also from descriptions of church historians (Nicephorus Callistus, monk Epiphanius).

The Virgin Mary is traditionally depicted in maforia(a traditional veil for a married Jewish woman to cover her head and shoulders), and tunic (long dress). Maforius is usually written in red (a symbol of royal origin, but also of suffering). Undergarments are usually written blue-blue (a sign of heavenly purity).


Maforium is decorated three stars- on the head and shoulders (a symbol of the purity of the Ever-Virgin “before Christmas, at Christmas and after Christmas”, as well as a symbol of the Holy Trinity). The inscription on the icon is given according to tradition in Greek abbreviation ΜΡ ΘΥ (Mother of God).

The Mother of God in Russian icons is always somewhat sad, this sadness is sometimes mournful, sometimes bright. However, the image of the Mother of God is always full of wisdom and spiritual strength. The Most Holy Virgin can solemnly “reveal” the Child to the world, can tenderly press the Son to Herself or easily support Him - She is always full of reverence, worships her Divine Child and meekly resigns herself to the inevitability of sacrifice.

Types of Orthodox iconography of the Mother of God

Of course, initially there were no types of icons of the Mother of God, and only later, for classification and detailed study, they were identified based on the nature of the writing.

IN Orthodox iconography it is customary to highlight 5 types of images of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

1. "Oranta" (Greek: “Praying”) and “Sign”

2."Hodegetria" (Greek: "Guidebook")

3. "Eleusa" (Greek: “Tenderness”)

4."Panahranta" (Greek: “All-blameless”)

5.“ Agiosoritissa" (Greek: from the name of the chapel “Agia Soros” in Constantinople).

“Oranta” (“Praying”), “The Sign”

This is one of the main types of images of the Mother of God, representing Her from the front, with her hands raised to the level of her head, palms open, that is, in the traditional gesture of intercessory prayer. IN Orthodox churches images of this type are sometimes placed at the top of the altar.

The first image of the Virgin Mary "Orants" (Greek “Praying”) without the Child are found already in the Roman catacombs (II - IV centuries).

Sometimes on the bosom of the Virgin Mary, against the background of a round sphere, is depicted Spas Emmanuel(Heb. “God is with us”). The medallion symbolizes both heaven, as the abode of God, and the womb of the Mother of God, in which the Savior is embodied. Some icons of this type are called "Panagia" (Greek: “All Holy”).


In the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv (11th century) there is one of the most famous mosaic images of Oranta (the height of the figure is 5 m 45 cm). One of the epithets assigned this image - « Unbreakable Wall» . In icon painting, independent images of the Mother of God Oranta without the Child are used extremely rarely.


Icon "Unbreakable Wall"

The half-length image of the Mother of God-Oranta received the name "Sign" , and that's how it happened. November 27, 1169, during the assault on Veliky Novgorod by the Suzdalites, residents of the besieged city brought an icon of the Mother of God to the wall. One of the arrows pierced the image, and the Mother of God turned her face to the city, shedding tears. Inspired by this SIGN, the Novgorodians repelled the Suzdal regiments...


Of the icons of this type, the most famous are.

"Hodegetria" ("Guidebook")

On icons of this type we see the Mother of God, who points to the Infant Christ seated on Her hand.

The Mother of God seems to be telling the entire human race that the true path is the path to Christ. On these icons She appears as a guide to God and eternal salvation. Here the center of the composition is Christ, who blesses with his right hand and holds a rolled up scroll in his left hand - a symbol of the Gospel. Christ said about himself: "I am the way and the truth and the life"(John 14:6), and the Mother of God is the one who helps us walk along this path - she is our intercessor. This is also one of the oldest types of images of the Virgin Mary.


Of the icons of this type, the most famous are:,.

"Eleusa" ("Tenderness")

On icons like "Tenderness" we see the Child Christ resting his cheek against the cheek of the Mother of God. The head of the Virgin Mary is bowed towards the Son, and He puts his hand around the Mother’s neck. The images convey the tender communication of Mother and Son. Love unites the heavenly and earthly, the divine and the human in the icon: this connection is expressed by the contact of faces and the pairing of halos.

This touching composition contains a deep theological idea: here the Mother of God is presented not only as a Mother caressing her Son, but also as a symbol of a soul in close communion, in love with God.

The Mother of God thought, hugging her Son to Her: She, foreseeing the way of the cross, knows what suffering awaits Him.

The type of image of the Mother of God “Tenderness” found a special response in the hearts Orthodox people, the idea of ​​sacrificial service to one’s people is close and understandable, and the grief of the Mother of God, bringing her son into a world of cruelty and suffering, is in tune with the feelings of all Orthodox Christians. Therefore, there are a lot of icons of this type.


Of the icons of this type in Russia, the most famous are the Derzhavnaya and.

"Agiosoritissa" (as in Agia-soros), "Intercessor"

"Agia Soros"(which means “Holy Cancer”) is the name of the chapel in Constantinople, where there is an icon of the Virgin Mary facing Christ in prayer. The name of the chapel gave its name to this iconographic type.

On icons of this type, the Mother of God is depicted in full height, without the Child, facing the Savior, sometimes with a scroll in hand.


Similar icons are included in Deesis series iconostasis (that is, a row of icons where the Savior is depicted in the center, and on the right and left hand- icons of the Mother of God and John the Baptist praying).


In Russia, this type of icons is also called "Intercessor" .

Why are there so many icons of the Mother of God?

How could so many similar ones arise, and yet very different icons? After all, each, while maintaining all the features of its type, has individuality.

From the first icons, lists were made, which were distributed throughout the world and acquired their own characteristic features. Through the prayers of believers, miracles and healings occurred in front of these icons, which is what subsequent icon painters tried to capture by making new copies. Each creator wanted to make an icon tied to their locality, and also tell real story the presence of this particular icon on their land.

That is why there are so many different icons of the Mother of God. Each of them found a response in the hearts and souls of those praying, and throughout Orthodox world prayers are offered to them.

Saturday of the fifth week of Lent Orthodox Church performs unseated singing to the image of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The ancient Israelites, seeing the death of their enemies in the depths of the Red Sea, sang a victorious song to God the Deliverer on its shores: “Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength; Thy right hand, O Lord, crusheth the enemies!”

Since then, the Old Testament Church has annually sung this song of gratitude and victory on the holiday of Easter in remembrance of its miraculous deliverance from powerful enemies. The Orthodox, New Testament church has seen itself repeatedly struggling with the right hand of the Almighty; her enemies in difficult moments of danger were overthrown by miraculous help.

On Saturday, the fifth week of Great Lent, the Holy Church solemnly proclaims the prayer singing of the akathist, or thanksgiving praise to the Most Holy Theotokos Hodegetria.

This holiday was established in the 9th century in memory of the repeated deliverance of Constantinople with the help and intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos from the invasion of adversaries. Under Emperor Heraclius, when Patriarch Sergius, carrying in his arms the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos along the pillars and walls of the city, begged the Lord for protection against the fierce enemies of the Persian and Scythian troops besieging Constantinople, then the people sought protection in the churches of the Lord, day and night beseeching the zealous Intercessor save your city. This icon is now in Moscow in the Assumption Cathedral and is called Blachernae.

Emperor Constantine the Great, the founder of Constantinople, dedicated it to the Mother of God and revered the Blessed Virgin as his patroness and his city. Many temples in Her honor were erected there. The Volachern Church kept her holy icon, painted by St. Evangelist Luke. On a memorable night, when the united forces of the Hagarians and Persians from the sea and from the land moved to crush the walls of Constantinople, suddenly a terrible storm arose against the Blachernae temple itself, which scattered and sank their ships with a multitude of troops. The remaining enemies fled in shame. It was then that all that night the grateful people who were in the Blachernae Church proclaimed a victorious, all-night and non-sedal hymn to the Defender of the city:

“To the elected Voivode, victorious,as if we have got rid of the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy Tirabi, the Mother of God!”

And from that time on, in commemoration of such a great miracle, the Orthodox Church established a festival Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

At first, the feast of the Akathist was celebrated in Constantinople among the royal palaces in that Blachernae Church, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God and the sacred remains of Her earthly life - Her robe and belt - were kept; but in the 9th century this holiday was included in the typologies of the monasteries of St. Sava of Studium and then in the triodion, and from that time on it became common to the entire Eastern Church.

This akathist is a sacred praise of the Blessed Virgin. It consists of 24 hymns, or songs: 12 kontakia and 12 ikos, arranged according to the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet. Each song begins with its corresponding
counted by letter, each kontakion ends with a psalm Hallelujah, each ikos is a greeting from the archangel: rejoice.

All creation ends a short prayer To Holy Virgin that She would save Christians from troubles and misfortunes. The akathist is read in this form on other days; but on Saturday of the Feast of the Praise of the Mother of God it is part of the service and is sung at Matins not all at once, but separately, in the interval of other songs, in four different exits, and each section begins and ends with the singing of the first kontakion: Chosen Voivode etc. The Akathist was written in the middle of the 7th century, according to many, by the deacon of the great Church of Constantinople, George of Pisidia. Subsequently, Joseph the Studite wrote a canon on Saturday Akathist, and some other persons added prayers of thanksgiving to this in memory of the same all-powerful voivodeship Mother of God.

Our Orthodox Church celebrates this celebration to strengthen the repentant in the hope of the Heavenly Intercessor, who, by delivering the faithful from visible enemies, is all the more ready to help us in the fight against visible enemies.

The image of the Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the Moscow Assumption Cathedral on a pillar.