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Determine which icon of the Mother of God. The most famous icons, their photos, descriptions and meanings

For our readers: a list of icons of the Mother of God with detailed descriptions from various sources.

The search system is a powerful tool that gives much more results than manually browsing through a list of all the icons. The search system searches not only by main names, but also by rare and rarely used icon names. For example, when looking through the list, you will not find the “Hilendar” icon, while the search system will not leave you without a result, since Hilendar is a rarely used name for the Akathist icon.

List of all icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This list shows only the names of the icons mentioned in the monthly book, as well as locally revered icons for which photographs were found. The names of icons for which there is no image are listed in the list rare icons Mother of God.

Icon statuses are explained here.

Miscellaneous (Virgin Mary)

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. the 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. The Most Holy Theotokos seemed to have received 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. Under Soviet rule, she 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 himself 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 form 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 Spring"

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.

See also: Catholic iconography of the Virgin Mary Orthodox iconography of the Mother of God- a set of types of images of the Virgin Mary in icon painting and a system for studying them.

The appearance of the Mother of God, in addition to the most ancient images, is known from descriptions of church historians, for example, Nikephoros Callistus, monk Epiphanius, etc. The Mother of God is traditionally depicted in certain clothes: a purple maforia (a married woman’s veil that covers the head and shoulders), and a tunic (long dress) of blue color . Maforium is decorated with three stars - on the head and shoulders. The inscription on the icon is given according to tradition in the Greek abbreviation ΜΗΡ ΘΥ or ΜΡ ΘΥ (Mother of God).

Icons of the Mother of God are designed to reveal the entire Mother of God dogmatics of Christianity. Tradition attributes the first icons of the Mother of God to the Evangelist Luke. The oldest surviving images of the Virgin Mary were discovered in Roman catacombs and date back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries by researchers. Mary is most often represented seated with the Christ Child in her arms (usually in scenes worship of the Magi), or in a pose Orants.

The image of the Mother of God sitting on a throne with the Child in her arms is often found in Byzantium; in Russian iconography it is known from the ancient Svenskaya (Pechersk) icon, attributed to the first Russian icon painter Alypius, and the new Sovereign icon, which appeared in 1917. It is to the iconography of the Mother of God on the throne that some researchers trace one of the most common types of images - Hodegetria.

Icons of the Mother of God of another common iconographic type - Eleusy (Tenderness), - probably not found earlier than the 10th century, but became especially popular in the late Byzantine and Old Russian icon painting. The scheme of Our Lady of Oranta was developed in the system of painting the temple, and in icon painting it is known in independent icons under the name Sign or in complex multi-figure compositions.

Along with the Hodegetria, a similar type of icon of the Mother of God is distinguished Panahranta, which means “All-Merciful.” This type is characterized by the image of the Mother of God on the throne with the Child of God on her knees. The throne symbolizes the royal majesty of the Mother of God.

Another type of image of the Virgin Mary is independently used even less often: this is the so-called “ Deesis"an icon representing the Mother of God without the Child in a prayerful pose and included in the Deesis compositions. Single icons of the Mother of God of this type (as well as the type itself among some researchers) are called Agiosoritissa. In addition, there are many compositions based on liturgical texts and chants, sometimes combined under the general name “akathist icons.” In addition to the icons of the Mother of God, Her iconography includes icons of the Mother of God feasts.

Iconographic type of Orans. Icon of the Great Panagia. Yaroslavl, around 1218

In the Russian calendar Orthodox Church About 260 revered and miraculous icons of the Mother of God are mentioned; in general, more than 860 names of Her icons can be counted. For most icons, separate days of celebration are established; prayers, troparia, kontakions, and sometimes akathists are written for them.

Venerated icons of the Virgin Mary

Abalakskaya (Abalatskaya, “The Sign” Abalatskaya)
Augustovskaya
Agiosoritissa
Azovskaya
Akathist Zografskaya
Akathist Hilandarskaya
Albazinskaya (The Word became flesh), Albazinskaya (The Sign)
Alexandria
Altar girl (Ktitorskaya, Vimatarissa)
Andronikovskaya
Arapetskaya (Arabian)
Armatiyskaya
Akhtyrskaya
Atskurskaya
Balykinskaya
Barlovskaya (Blessed Womb)
Barskaya
Bugabashskaya
Bakhchisarai
Belynichiskaya
Besednaya
Annunciation (Kyiv)
Annunciation (Moscow)
Annunciation (Ustyug)
Blessed Sky
Bogolyubskaya
Bogorodsko-Ufa
Borkolabovskaya
In sorrows and sorrows Consolation
Valaamskaya
Valanasskaya
Vatopedi
Vertograd prisoner
Leap of the Baby
Recovery of the dead
Byzantine
Vilenskaya
Bethlehem
Vladimirskaya
Blachernae (Vlahernetissa)
Volokolamsk
The one who brought the ecclesiarch to reason
Joy to all who mourn
Joy with pennies to all who mourn
All-Tsaritsa
Vutivanskaya
Galichskaya
Gerbovetskaya
Gerontissa
Mount Nerukosechnaya
Grebnevskaya
Greek Andronikova
Georgian
Damascus
Devpeteruvskaya
Degtyarevskaya
Dalmatian
Sovereign
Dolinskaya
Donskaya
Worthy to eat
Dubenskaya Krasnogorskaya
Yeletskaya
Eleusa
Life-Giving Spring
Zhirovitskaya
Intercessor
Sign
Iverskaya
Igorevskaya
Jerusalem
Deliverance from the troubles of those suffering
Kazanskaya
Kaluzhskaya
Kasperovskaya
Kozelshchanskaya
Kolochskaya
Konevskaya
Korsunskaya
Kupyatitskaya
Kursk-Korennaya
Lydda
Maksimovskaya
Gracious
Mammal
Moldavian
Moldavian
Monevmasian
Molchenskaya
Montreal Iverskaya
Muromskaya
Burning bush
Unbreakable Wall
Everlasting Color (Fragrant Color)
Inexhaustible Chalice
Continuous Help
Unexpected Joy
Nikopea
Rejoices in You
Ognevidnaya
Hodegetria
Ozeryanskaya
Oranta
Ostrobramskaya
Paraclesis
Peschanskaya
Petrovskaya
Pecherskaya-Svenskaya
Pimenovskaya
Pisidian (Pisian)
Podkubenskaya
Childbirth assistance
Port Arthur
Pochaevskaya
Adding intelligence
Look to humility
Psychosostria (Psychosostra)
Ravensbruck
Saydanayskaya
Svenskaya
Svyatogorskaya
Holy Cross
Svyatorachitsa
Sedmiezernaya
Semistrelnaya
Quick to Hear
Smolenskaya
Breadmaker
Helper of sinners
Starorusskaya
Passionate
Tabynskaya
Tervenicheskaya
Tikhvinskaya
Tolgskaya
Toropetskaya
Three-handed
Fat Mountain
Tenderness
“Tenderness” Pskov-Pecherskaya
Softening Evil Hearts
Ural
"Assumption" Kiev-Pecherskaya
“Assumption” Pskov-Pecherskaya
"Assuage My Sorrows"
Feodorovskaya
Filermskaya
Halkopratiyskaya
Kholmskaya
Healer
Częstochowa
Chirskaya (Pskovskaya)
Economissa
Yaroslavskaya
Yaroslavskaya (Pecherskaya)
Yakhromskaya

Links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Orthodox iconography of the Virgin Mary
List of names of icons of the Mother of God (incomplete)
From Abalakskaya to Yakhromskaya - lists of all known images of the Mother of God on cirota.ru
Kondakov N.P. Iconography of Our Lady
List of miraculous and revered icons of the Mother of God with dates of celebration
Collection of icons of the Mother of God with brief description and prayers
Icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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» Icons of the Mother of God

Yakhromskaya (Akhrenskaya)

Yastrebskaya (Arakiotissa)
Yaskinskaya
Yaroslavskaya (Pecherskaya)
Yaroslavskaya
Yanoborskaya
Jacobstadt
Appearance of the South Icon of the Mother of God to the Venerable Dorotheos
Appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Equal to the Apostles Nina
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to St. Sergius of Radonezh
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to St. Seraphim of Sarov
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to St. Kirill of Belozersky in the Simonov Monastery
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Saint Dosifei
Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Pochaevskaya Mountain
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Cornelius of Komel
Appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Arkhangelsk City in 1919
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Athanasius of Athos
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to the Apostle Andrew on the Kyiv Mountains (Vision to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called of the Mother of God on the Pechersk Mountains)
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Alexander Svirsky
Phenomenon Tikhvin icon Our Lady of the Fishermen on the Lake
Yurovichskaya Merciful
Economist (House Builder)
Shestokovskaya (Sheltomezhskaya)
Cholskaya (Chelnaya)
Chislenskaya
Chirskaya (Pskovskaya)
Most Honest Cherub And Most Glorious Seraphim
Chernigovskaya Ilyinskaya
Chernigov Gethsemane
Czestochowa Tyvrovskaya
Czestochowa Icon of the Mother of God, meaning and photo
Che Cha Narechem
Chainichskaya (Chainichka Krasnitsa)
Four-part Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Tsilkanskaya (Tsiklanskaya)
Tsesarskaya Borovskaya
Tsesarskaya (Caesarskaya)
Icon of the Mother of God the Healer, meaning and photo
Tsaregradskaya
Tsarevokokshaiskaya (Mironositskaya)
Chrysafitissa
Kholmskaya
Khlynovskaya
Khakhulskaya
Chalcopratian (Agiosoritissa)
Filermskaya
Feodotyevskaya
Feodorovskaya (Syzran)
Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, meaning and photo
Faneromeni (Revealed)

This icon is very strong. She helps in various, often very complex matters. It is advisable to have an icon of All Saints, photos and their meaning in every home in order to read various prayers in front of it. But, if it is not possible to purchase a large and high-quality icon, . This is where the saints depicted on the icon help.

Who and when to pray

There is a . He is considered the most important above all angels, so you need to pray to him if you want your own guardian angel to become stronger and stronger. Archangel Michael is also the guardian of paradise, not allowing anyone into it who could harm the human soul. It is believed that at the Last Judgment he will be one of God’s main helpers, dividing people into good and fallen. Therefore, those who want to go to heaven should pray to him. It is believed that Archangel Michael helps to overcome the passions that prevent the soul from getting to heaven, be it drunkenness, drug addiction, or the destructive passion of a woman for a man who takes advantage of her.

Also on the icon of All Saints is. This saint helps with various female diseases and promotes a happy family life. Her days are celebrated on November 22 and May 2. During her lifetime, she possessed a prophetic gift and could predict events without physical vision. People turn to her in prayers to shed light on some life situation, to get married successfully, as well as for the well-being of children. Saint Matrona helps with illnesses and solving various everyday issues.

Also on the icon there is the face of the venerable John the Baptist. This saint is considered one of the most powerful, as he baptized Jesus Christ himself. He is the patron of the water element, helps with mental and physical ailments, and cures drunkenness and passions. Its day is celebrated on July 7th. It is also called the day of John Kupala. It is believed that after this holiday the opening of the swimming season begins. They pray to John the Baptist in difficult situations, mental illness and for deliverance from drunkenness or drug addiction, and various emotional experiences.

Patron of peasants and agriculture, as well as a protector from wars and various conflicts, is considered a saint. It is customary to pray to him against the invasion of enemies, for a good harvest, and also for good luck in traveling overland. The days of celebrating the memory of this saint are September 12 and December 6. You can pray to him in various difficult situations related to agriculture and military service.

If you suffer from overeating, drinking and cannot get rid of greed and... various forms material dependence, it is worth praying to the holy martyr Boniface. His day is January 1, just after the New Year. This saint helps many in getting rid of the sin of drunkenness, as well as overeating, gluttony, dependence on material goods and greed, and gambling.

If you look at the icon of All Saints, in the photo and their meaning, then you can find the saint there Anastasia the Pattern Maker, which is prayed against the danger of imprisonment or for those who are currently there. The church celebrates her memory on January 4. During her life, she helped Christians who were imprisoned, for which she herself was brutally executed. However, she is considered the patroness of people who are facing trial, prison and who are sitting there, even for just sins.

If you need victory in an exam, in court, in various circumstances, you should turn to the icon St. George the Victorious. His face is also on the icon of All Saints. George defeated the dangerous asp, which terrified different people. The name of this saint is very famous. It is believed that it helps in various unfavorable circumstances, illnesses, victories not only in the race for survival, but also over one’s own passions and vices. The church celebrates his memory on November 23 and April 6. The saint promotes victories in various fields life. Soldiers prayed to him before being sent to hot spots, and ordinary people before exams, trials and in many other situations.

If you want peace in the family, good relationships without quarrels and scandals, it is best to pray Guria, Samon And Avawu. These martyrs are depicted in the icon and they help in various difficult situations. Their memorial day falls on November 28th. They are believed to help with various everyday needs and also contribute to family well-being in the home.

Considered one of the most revered Russian saints. His holiday is usually celebrated on June 14 and January 2. During his life, he helped in various problems, had the gift of insight, saw the future and received many letters, to which he gave advice and answers that would help each recipient in life. Therefore, they pray to him for various ailments and illnesses in the family. The saint also helps in solving everyday issues, he can tell you which one to take the right decision. You can pray to him on any issue, and he always helps, even if not right away.

In case of love failures, when adultery and various troubles occur on the personal front, it is worth turning to the image Ksenia of Petersburg, whose memorial days fall on February 6 and June 6. She helps in various matters that relate to family life, children's well-being and much more. It also helps to get rid of alcoholism, drug addiction and love addiction.

He is considered one of the most beloved saints among the people. His memorial days fall on December 19 and May 6. There is Nikolai Veshny and Winter. The prototype of the American Santa Claus was this saint, who is equally revered by both the Orthodox and catholic church. Travelers should pray to Nicholas, those who serve in the army, are at sea, on an airplane, and also in case of various everyday difficulties, financial failures and debts. It is believed that this saint gives people joy and helps everyone who sincerely asks him in various matters and endeavors.

Also depicted on the icon of All Saints is the feast day of which the church celebrates on July 18. This saint helps children in learning, adults in acquiring life knowledge, worldly wisdom, as well as in various issues. They pray to him in court proceedings, also in family conflicts, situations when someone behaves very arrogantly and proudly.

August 9 begins to celebrate the day Panteleimon the Healer- it helps from various diseases, contributes to the acquisition of physical and mental health. His face is also on the icon of All Saints.

August 2 – Memorial Day Elijah the Prophet. It helps against floods, natural disasters and various water-related problems. However, on this day it is no longer advisable to swim, as there is a danger of catching a cold. Elijah the Prophet also helps in solving difficult life situations, conflicts and quarrels, as well as if it is difficult to find a way out.

The icon also contains images Seraphim of Sarov, Martyr Varvara, Spiridon of Trimifuntsky who helps in solving financial issues and business. The day of celebration of Seraphim of Sarov falls on August 1. It helps in solving many life issues and healing diseases. Barbara's Day is celebrated on December 17, and the Feast of Spyridon is celebrated on December 25. These days it is customary to pray to him to attract financial luck and make the right decision.

Well, the day of the icon of All Saints is celebrated on July 12. On this day, a person with any baptismal name can ask for anything in front of the icon. True, there are restrictions on this too.

What not to pray for

The icon of All Saints, photos and their meaning help in various matters - from an unpleasant everyday situation to the cure of a serious illness. However, remember that you should not make a request that is contrary to Christian laws and principles. For example, beat off someone else's husband, remove a person from a position, break up a couple, wish someone harm. All this harms the human soul and can lead you to trouble. Also, the icon may not help if he is destined to go through some kind of crisis. Or so that he will eventually take the bright path.

Conventionally, the entire variety of types of icons of the Mother of God and Child can be divided into four groups, each of which represents the disclosure of one of the facets of the image of the Mother of God. The iconographic scheme is an expression of a theological idea.

The first group is the “Sign” type of iconography (a shortened and truncated version - Oranta, from Latin orans - praying). This is the most theologically rich iconographic type and is associated with the theme of the Incarnation. The iconographic scheme is based on two texts: from the Old Testament - the prophecy of Isaiah: “So the Lord himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and they will call His name Emmanuel” (Is. 7.14) and from the New Testament - the words of the Angel in the Annunciation: “The Holy Spirit will come upon You and the power of the Most High will overshadow You, therefore the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1.35). These words reveal to us the mystery of the Incarnation, the birth of the Savior from the Virgin, the birth of the Son of God from an earthly woman.

This is expressed in the iconographic scheme: Mary is represented in the pose of Oranta, that is, praying, with her hands raised to the sky; at the level of Her chest there is a medallion (or sphere) with the image of the Savior Emmanuel, located in the womb of the Mother. The Mother of God can be represented full-length, as in the icon "Yaroslavl Oranta, Great Panagia", or waist-length, as in the "Kursk Root" or in the Novgorod "Sign", this is not so significant. More important is the combination of the figures of the Mother of God and the (half-figure) Christ, which conveys one of the deepest revelations: the birth of God in the flesh, Mary becomes the Mother of God through the incarnation of the Logos. At the moment of contemplating the icon, the Holy of Holies, the inner Mary, is revealed to the prayer, in the depths of which the God-Man is conceived by the Holy Spirit. “Your womb is more spacious” - this is how the Mother of God is magnified in the Akathist. We see Her at the moment of standing before God: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to Me according to Your word” (Luke 1.38). Her hands are raised in prayer (this gesture is described in the Book of Exodus 17.11). In the Yaroslavl "Oranta" this gesture is repeated in the figure of the Child, only Her palms are open, and the position of Emmanuel's fingers is different - they are folded in a blessing. In other versions of the Sign, the Child holds a scroll in one hand - a symbol of teaching, and blesses with the other. The Mother of God's clothes are traditional - a red maforium and a blue undergarment. These are the clothes of the Mother of God on all icons (with rare exceptions), and, let us recall, their colors symbolize the combination in Her of Virginity and Motherhood, Her earthly nature and Her heavenly calling. In the Yaroslavl "Oranta", the robe of the Mother of God is flooded with golden light (depicted in the form of a large assist), which is an expression of the streams of grace of the Holy Spirit poured out on the Blessed Virgin at the moment of conception. On both sides of Mary are depicted the heavenly powers - either archangels with mirrors in their hands (Yaroslavl "Oranta"), or a blue cherub and a fiery red seraphim. The presence of angelic and heavenly forces in the composition means that the Mother of God, with her humble consent to participate in the act of Incarnation, raises humanity to a level above the angels and archangels, for God, according to St. fathers, did not take on the angelic form, but put on human flesh. In the hymn glorifying the Mother of God, this is what is sung: “The most honorable cherub and the most glorious without comparison is the seraphim.”

The iconographic scheme of the “Sign” can be very simple, as in the Novgorod version, or it can be developed and complicated, as in the case of the Yaroslavl “Oranta”. The composition of the latter, for example, includes a not often encountered detail that reveals the liturgical aspect of this image. This is an eagle - a rug under Mary’s feet, such as are used in hierarchal services. In this case, the eagle symbolizes the cosmic nature of the service of the Mother of God, which stands before God for the entire human race. The Mother of God stands on the eagle as if on a cloud amid the golden radiance of God's glory - the Mother of God is a new creation, a transfigured creation, a new man. The diagram of the Kursk Root icon is supplemented with the image of prophets connected to each other in the likeness of a flourishing vine. The prophets have scrolls of their prophecies in their hands. All this symbolizes the fact that the Mother of God and the Son of God, born of Her, are the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and aspirations. Thus, in different iconographic variants, in the presence of a common iconographic core, the same theme of the Incarnation is revealed, therefore the iconographic type “Sign” is sometimes called “Incarnation”.

One of the variants of the “Sign” iconography is “Oranta”. In this case, the Mother of God is presented without the Child in the same pose, with her arms raised. An example of this option is the image of “Our Lady - the Unbreakable Wall” from St. Sophia of Kyiv (mosaic, 10th century). Here the Mother of God is presented as a symbol of the Church. For the first time, Augustine saw the Church in Our Lady. This association has received a wide range of interpretations in the history of theological thought.

The second iconographic type received the name " Hodegetria"which in Greek means " Guidebook"That title contains the concept of the Mother of God icons as a whole, for the Mother of God leads us to Christ. The life of a Christian is a path from darkness into God’s wonderful light, from sin to salvation, from death to life. And on this difficult path we have a helper - the Most Holy Theotokos. She was a bridge for the Savior to come into the world, now She is a bridge for us on the way to Him.

So, the iconographic scheme of Hodegetria is constructed as follows: the figure of the Mother of God is presented frontally (sometimes with a slight tilt of the head), on one of Her hands, as on a throne, sits the Infant Christ, with the other hand the Mother of God points to Him, thereby directing the attention of those present and those praying. The Infant Christ blesses the Mother with one hand, and in Her person also us (often the gesture of blessing is directed directly at the viewer), in the other hand He holds a rolled up scroll (there are options when the Infant holds a scepter and orb, a book, an unrolled scroll).

In the gesture of the Mother of God, pointing to Christ, the key to this image is that the Mother of God orients us spiritually, directing us to Christ, for He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. She carries our prayers to Him, She intercedes for us before Him, She keeps us on the path to Him. Having become the Mother of the One who adopted us to the Heavenly Father, the Mother of God becomes the mother of each of us. This type of Mother of God icons received extraordinary widespread throughout the Christian world, and especially in Byzantium and Russia. It is no coincidence that many revered icons of this type were attributed to the brushes of the Apostle Luke.

The most famous variants of Hodegetria include: “Smolenskaya”, “Iverskaya” (Goalkeeper), “Tikhvinskaya”, “Gruzinskaya”, “Jerusalemskaya”, “Three-handed”, “Passionate”, “Czestochowa”, “Cyprus”, “Abalatskaya”, "Helper of Sinners" and many others.

Small iconographic differences in detail are associated with the details of the history of the origin of each specific image. So the third hand of the “Three-Handed” icon was added to St. John of Damascus, when, through his prayer, the Mother of God restored his severed hand. The bleeding wound on the cheek of “Iverskaya” takes us back to the times of iconoclasm, when this image was attacked by those who rejected the icon: from the blow of a spear, blood flowed from the icon, which plunged the witnesses into indescribable horror. The icon of the Mother of God “Passionate” usually depicts two angels flying towards the Child with instruments of passion, thereby foreshadowing His suffering for us. As a result of this plot twist, the pose of the Infant Christ is slightly changed - He is depicted half-turned, looking at the angels, His hands holding Mary’s hand. Each of these details is worthy of careful consideration, but in the absence of such an opportunity in this case, we will leave it for solitary contemplation.

As a rule, in the Hodegetria the Mother of God is represented in a half-length depiction, but there are also shoulder-length compositions of the Mother of God icons; These include “Kazanskaya”, “Petrovskaya”, “Igorevskaya”. The same topic is being developed here, but in some abbreviated version.

The third type of Mother of God icons in Rus' received the name " Tenderness"which is not an entirely accurate translation of the Greek word" Eleusa"(έλεουσα), i.e. "Merciful". In Byzantium, this epithet was used to designate the Mother of God herself and many of Her icons, but over time, in Russian iconography, the name "Tenderness" began to be associated with a certain iconographic scheme. In the Greek version, this type The icon was called “Glykofilusa” (γλυκυφιλουσα) - “Sweet kiss”. This is the most lyrical of all types of iconography, revealing the intimate side of the communication of the Mother of God with Her Son. The iconographic scheme includes two figures - the Virgin Mary and the Child Christ, their faces pressed to each other. Mary is leaning towards the Son, and He puts his hand around the Mother’s neck. This touching composition contains a deep theological idea: here the Mother of God is shown to us not only as a Mother caressing the Son, but also as a symbol of the soul in close communion with God. By God is the mystical theme of many of the writings of the Holy Fathers. The Mother of God of Tenderness is one of the most mystical types of Mother of God icons.

This type was also widespread in Russia. Icons of the “Tenderness” type include: “Vladimirskaya”, “Volokolamskaya”, “Donskaya”, “Fedorovskaya”, “Zhirovitskaya”, “Grebnevskaya”, “Akhrenskaya”, “Yaroslavskaya”, “Recovery of the Dead”, “Pochaevskaya”, etc. .d. In all these icons, the Mother of God is represented in a half-length composition; in rare cases, a shoulder composition is found, as, for example, in the “Korsun” icon.

A variation of the “Tenderness” iconographic type is the “Leaping” type. Icons of this kind were distributed mainly in the Balkans, but such images are also occasionally found in Russian art. The iconographic scheme here is very close to “Tenderness”, with the only difference being that the Baby is presented in a freer pose, as if playing out. An example of this type of icon is “Yakhromskaya”. This composition always contains a characteristic gesture - the Infant Christ touches the face of the Virgin Mary with his hand. This small detail hides an abyss of tenderness and trust, which opens up to an attentive, contemplative gaze.

Another type of “Tenderness” iconography is “Mammal.” From the name it is clear that the distinctive feature of this iconographic scheme is the image of the Mother of God breastfeeding the Christ Child. Such a detail is not only an intimate detail of this iconographic version, but it reveals a new mystical aspect in the reading of the image of the Virgin Mary. The Mother feeds the Son, in the same way She feeds our souls, in the same way God feeds us with the “pure verbal milk” of the Word of God (1 Pet. 2.2), so that as we grow, we move from milk to solid food (Heb. 5.12).

So, the three iconographic types we have named - “Sign”, “Hodegetria” and “Tenderness” are the main ones, leading in the iconography of the Mother of God, since they are based on entire directions in the theological understanding of the image of the Mother of God. Each of them presents to us one aspect of Her ministry, Her role in the saving mission of Christ, in the history of our salvation.

The fourth type does not have the same theological content as the first three. It is rather collective; it should include all those iconographic options that, for one reason or another, were not included in the first three. The name of the fourth type is conditional - " Akathist", since mainly the iconographic schemes here are built not on the principle of a theological text, but on the principle of illustrating one or another epithet with which the Mother of God is magnified in the Akathist and other hymnographic works. The main meaning of icons of this type is the glorification of the Mother of God. These should include those already mentioned images of the Mother of God with the Child on the throne. The main emphasis of these images is to show the Mother of God as the Queen of Heaven. In this form, this image entered into Byzantine iconography - such compositions were especially often placed in the apse conch. In this version, the Mother of God is also present in St. Sophia of Constantinople. In Russian iconography, an example of such an image is the fresco of Dionysius in the apse of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary at the Ferapontov Monastery.

But most icons of this type represent a combination of the central scheme of previous types with additional elements. For example, the iconographic scheme of the “Burning Bush” consists of an image of the Mother of God Hodegetria, surrounded by symbolic figures of glory and heavenly powers (similar to how the image of heavenly glory is depicted in the iconography of “The Savior in Power”). The iconographic scheme of the icon “The Mother of God - Life-Giving Source” includes an image of the Mother of God with the Child sitting on a throne, which looks like a kind of font inside a reservoir, and around are angels and people who have come to drink from this source. The composition of the icon "The Mother of God - Mount Uncut" is also built on the principle of mechanical superimposition of symbols - the Mother of God and the Child Christ (like the Hodegetria) are seated on a throne, and are depicted against the background of figures and around them various symbols, directly illustrating akathist epithets: watered fleece, Jacob’s ladder, burning bush, light-receiving candle, uncut mountain, etc. And finally, the icon “Unexpected Joy” is built on the principle of “an icon within an icon,” that is, the plot inclusion of an image of an icon within the ongoing action. Here a man is usually shown kneeling, praying before the image of the Mother of God Hodegetria, who gave him moral insight and healing.

The pinnacle of akathist iconography should be recognized as the image “All creation rejoices in You.” This is an interesting iconography in its own way; it is based on the idea of the cosmic glorification of the Mother of God. In the center is the Virgin Mary with the Child Christ on the throne in a blaze of glory and surrounded by heavenly powers. The image of the universe is presented in the form of a multi-domed temple surrounded by flowering trees - this is at the same time an image of the Heavenly Jerusalem. In the lower part of the icon, at the foot of the throne, people are depicted - prophets, kings, saints of various ranks, simply the people of God. We see - represented on the Icon new land and the new heaven (Rev. 21.1), - the image of the transfigured creature, the beginning of which lies in the mystery of the Incarnation (here the central image partly resembles the diagram of the Sign).

The iconographic options where the Mother of God is depicted without the Infant Christ are few in number; it is not possible to combine them into a special group, since the iconographic scheme in each of them is determined by its own independent theological idea. But to one degree or another they are adjacent to the four types we have already named. For example, “Our Lady of Ostrobramskaya-Vilna” is a variant that gravitates toward the “Sign” type, since the image of the Mother of God is revealed here at the moment of Her acceptance of the Good News (“Behold the servant of the Lord, be it done to Me according to Your word.” Luke 1.38). The position of the hands crossed on the chest (a gesture of humble prayerful worship) is semantically close to the Oranta gesture. Consequently, this iconographic variant can be classified as the “Sign” type. In addition to Ostrobramskaya, this type corresponds to the icon “The Unbrided Bride” (erroneously called “Tenderness”), which was the cell icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

The famous ancient Russian icon “The Mother of God of Bogolyubsk” also depicts the Mother of God without the Child, but standing before God with intercession for those praying to Her (a group of worshipers is sometimes depicted at the feet of the Mother of God). Since here the Mother of God is depicted as an intercessor and as showing the way to those praying, this icon can conditionally be attributed to the “Hodegetria” type. In her hand, the Mother of God holds a scroll with a prayer, and with the other hand she points to the image of Christ written on the left in the segment of the sky. Thus, the same gesture is preserved as in Hodegetria: Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

But for the most part, the Mother of God icons, in which the Mother of God is represented without the Child, belong to the fourth type - akathist icons, since they were written for the glorification of the Mother of God. So, for example, the iconography of “The Mother of God of Seven Arrows” or “Simeon’s Prophecy” can be attributed to this type; this iconographic version is also known under another name - “Softening Evil Hearts.” Here the Mother of God is depicted with seven swords piercing Her heart. This image is taken from the prophecy of Simeon, who during the Presentation uttered the following words: “And a weapon will pierce your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2.35). Such iconographies, as a rule, are of late origin, apparently came from the Western European tradition and are distinguished by their literary nature. Nevertheless, they also contain their own meaning, revealing to us the image of the Mother of God, which is so necessary for the growth of the Orthodox soul.

Iconographic variants that semantically correspond to the third type of Mother of God icons, known as “Tenderness,” are practically never found, since it is difficult to imagine how it is possible to depict intimate relationships The Mother of God and Her Son in the image of the Mother of God alone. Nevertheless, such a turn in iconography is possible. This is the so-called type of Our Lady of Sorrows (“Mater Dolorosa”), when the Mother of God is represented immersed in prayerful sorrow for the crucified Christ. Usually the Mother of God is depicted with her head bowed and her hands folded in prayer near her chin. This option has become widespread in the West, but also in Orthodox iconography he is also well known. Some researchers believe that it was initially not independent, but was part of a diptych, on the second half of which the suffering Jesus Christ was depicted (in a crown of thorns, with the signs of the Passion). We can see the same plot in the icon “Don’t Weep Mene Mati”, well known in Balkan art and less known here in Russia. This icon usually depicts the Mother of God and Christ (sometimes standing in a tomb), the Mother mourning the death of her Son, hugging His dead body. In practice, this is a modification of the “Lamentation” plot, but the iconographic scheme is built on the principle of “Tenderness” - only on icons like “Do not weep, Mother of God”, the Mother of God does not press Little Jesus to Herself, but an adult after being taken down from the Cross. The tragedy of the plot reaches an extraordinary intensity - the Mother’s grief is inconsolable, but, as in any icon, there is a message of resurrection, it is in the title of the icon, which is based on the text of a passionate chant: “Do not weep for Mena Mother in the tomb of the seeing...”. The appeal to the Mother of God comes in the name of Christ, who conquered death.

It is traditional to depict the Virgin Mary in clothes of two colors: cherry maforia (a modification of red), a blue tunic and a blue cap. As a rule, three golden stars are depicted on the maforia - as a sign of her purity (“she conceived immaculately, gave birth immaculately, died immaculately”) and a border as a sign of her glorification. The dress itself - maforia - means Her Motherhood, the blue color of the dress covered with it - Virginity. But occasionally we can see the Mother of God dressed in blue maforia. This is how She was sometimes depicted in Byzantium and the Balkans. This is how Theophan the Greek painted the Mother of God in the Deesis rite of the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Apparently, in these cases, it is more important for the icon painter to emphasize the Virginity, the purity of the Mother of God, to highlight the aspect of Her purity, to focus our attention on this facet of the image of the Virgin and Mother.

Orthodox tradition in exceptional cases allows the depiction of women with bareheaded. Usually, Mary of Egypt is written this way as a sign of her ascetic-repentant lifestyle, which replaced her previous dissolute lifestyle. In all other cases, be it the image of martyrs, queens, saints and righteous wives, myrrh-bearing women and other numerous characters inhabiting the Orthodox icon world, it is customary to depict women with their heads covered. Likewise, the Apostle Paul writes that it is good for a woman to cover her head, for this is “a sign of authority over her” (1 Cor. 11.5,10). But in some iconographic versions of the Mother of God icons we see, quite unexpectedly, an image of the Mother of God with her head uncovered. For example, “Our Lady of Akhtyrskaya” and some others. In some cases, the plate is replaced by a crown (crown). The custom of depicting the Mother of God with her head uncovered is of Western origin, where it came into use since the Renaissance, and is, in principle, non-canonical. The maforium on the head of the Mother of God is not just a tribute to the Eastern Christian tradition, but a deep symbol - a sign of Her Motherhood and complete surrender to God. Even the crown on Her head cannot replace maforia, for the crown (crown) is a sign of the Kingdom, the Mother of God is the Queen of Heaven, but this royal dignity is based solely on Her Motherhood, on the fact that She became the Mother of the Savior and our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is correct to depict the crown on top of the plate, as we see in such iconographic depictions as “Our Lady of the Sovereign”, “Novodvorskaya”, “Abalatskaya”, “Kholmovskaya” and others. The image of the crown (crown) on the head of the Virgin Mary also came into Eastern Christian culture. iconographic tradition from Western Europe. In Byzantium this was not accepted at all. Even when the Mother of God was depicted with the upcoming emperors (as can be seen in the mosaics of St. Sophia of Constantinople), which is an expression of the superiority of the Kingdom of Heaven over the kingdom of earth, on Her head we do not see anything other than a motherboard. And this is very characteristic, since in the development of iconography there is over time a departure from laconicism and pure semantics (sign structure) towards illustrativeness and external symbolism.

For Orthodox Christians, the Mother of God is one of the most revered and main Saints. There are a huge number of icons of the Mother of God. Below is a detailed description and names with photos of the most famous icons of the Mother of God.

For Orthodox Christians, the Mother of God is one of the most revered and main Saints

In the legend about the life of the Mother of God it is written that icons with her holy face are “like the stars in the sky.” Their exact number is not known with certainty. According to calculations carried out by experts, the number of icons of the Virgin Mary reaches approximately 700. It is believed that the first icon of the Virgin Mary was created by the Evangelist Luke.

The first icons of the Mother of God came to Russian lands from Byzantium. There are several so-called iconographic types. The origins of all Russian icons of the Mother of God go back to them (photos with the name and description of the meaning of some of them, below).

In the legend about the life of the Mother of God it is written that icons with her holy face are “like the stars in the sky”

"Kazanskaya"

The history of this icon began in the 15th century. The Mother of God appeared to a little girl in a dream and showed her where to find Her image: under the ruins of a burnt house. The child told his parents about this, but they did not give special significance according to a 10 year old girl.

The Mother of God continued to appear in the child’s dreams and each time pointed to the place where the icon lay. Finally, the girl managed to persuade her mother to go to the place indicated by the Mother of God. The mother and child came to the place where they found the icon. A nunnery was built at its location.

The icon depicts the Mother of God, with little Jesus Christ sitting on one of Her hands.

Miracles associated with the “Kazan” Icon of the Mother of God began to occur immediately after it was found. While the icon was being transferred from its location to the temple, two blind men participating in the procession regained their sight.

Thus began the first miracles associated with this icon of the Mother of God, which continued over the next centuries. Thanks to the miraculous image, the Russian state has won serious historical battles more than once. Moreover, more than once the enemy clearly outnumbered the Russian troops.

The icon depicts the Mother of God, with little Jesus Christ sitting on one of Her hands. One of his hands is raised in a blessing gesture. Both Mother and Son look directly at the person praying.

They pray to the “Kazan” icon of the Mother of God:

about healing various ailments. First of all, this concerns eye diseases, which is connected with the story of the very first miracle of sight of two blind men;
about the health and well-being of children;
from despondency and sadness;
about happiness in marriage.

Prayer before the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

O Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love, falling before Thy honorable icon, we pray to Thee: do not turn Thy face away from those who come running to You, beg, O Merciful Mother, Thy Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, to keep our country peaceful, and to establish His holy church May he preserve the unshakable from unbelief, heresies and schism. There are no imams of any other help, no imams of other hope, except You, Most Pure Virgin: You are the All-Powerful Helper and Intercessor of Christians. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from all temptations, sorrows, troubles and from vain death; Grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of sinful lives and the remission of sins, so that we all praise Thy greatness with gratitude, let us be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and there with all the saints we will glorify the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"Inexhaustible Chalice"

This icon begins its history in the 3rd century AD. The Nicene icon is considered its ancestor. The story of the manifestation of the power of the Mother of God is connected with it. Since then, the icon has become revered by the Orthodox Church.

In the 18th century, the icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice” appeared, which was marked by a miracle of healing. An old man appeared in a dream to a peasant, mired in the sin of drunkenness and whose legs gave out. He told the drunkard that if he prayed in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon, he would be healed of drunkenness and get back on his feet. And so it happened.

This icon begins its history in the 3rd century AD.

Since then, people have been praying to the icon of the Mother of God for healing from alcoholism. The icon depicts the Mother of God with her hands raised up. In front of her stands little Jesus in a bowl. His two hands are raised in a blessing gesture.

Prayer of the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”

Oh, Most Merciful Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but mercifully hear us: wives, children, mothers and those obsessed with the serious illness of drunkenness, and for this, for the sake of our mother - the Church of Christ and the salvation of those who fall away, brothers and sisters, and heal our relatives. Oh, Merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and quickly raise them from the falls of sin, bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our sins and not to turn His mercy away from His people, but to strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, O Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children, of wives who weep for their husbands, of children, the orphaned and the poor, abandoned as lost, and of all of us who fall before Your icon. And may this cry of ours, through Your prayers, come to the Throne of the Most High. Cover and protect us from the evil trap and all the snares of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, with Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, may God’s mercy cover us for the endless ages of ages. Amen.

"Feodorovskaya"

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God is kept in the monastery in Kostroma. How this icon appeared in Rus' is unknown. The first mentions associated with it date back to the 12th century. There are several legends telling the story of its discovery. Many miracles are associated with the Feodorovskaya icon. It is known that she was especially revered in the royal family.

In this icon, the Mother of God is depicted with little Jesus in her arms. He clung to his mother, hugging Her. One leg of Jesus Christ is bare to the knee.

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God is kept in the monastery in Kostroma

They pray to the Feodorovskaya icon about:

health and healing from various diseases;
conceiving a child;
happy family life;
easy birth.

To whom will I call, Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow; to whom will I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and earth: who will pluck me from the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from anger and sorrow, and all sorts of ailments and illnesses, from visible and invisible enemies, pacify the enmity of those who suffer me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice ; Likewise, free me from your flesh’s vile customs. Cover me under the canopy of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I commend myself to your Motherly intercession; give me Mother and hope, protection, and help, and intercession, joy and consolation, and a quick Helper in everything. Oh, wonderful Lady! Everyone flows to You, without Your all-powerful help does not leave; For this reason, even though I am unworthy, I come running to You, so that I may be delivered from sudden and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I am worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to You in the tenderness of my heart the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever.

"Sovereign"

This image of the Mother of God appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. The icon was discovered in the basement of the church. Interestingly, on the day she was found, Nicholas 2 abdicated the throne. An era has begun Soviet power.

It is believed that it was not in vain that this particular icon was found at the turn of the era. It depicts the Virgin Mary with little Jesus sitting on her lap. In the hands of the Mother of God are symbols of sovereign power. It is believed that after the fall of tsarist power, the Mother of God herself became the head of Russia, protecting and saving its people.

This image of the Mother of God appeared at the beginning of the 20th century

They pray to the icon for:

peace and cessation of hostility;
health and wellbeing;
financial stability;
peace of mind.

Oh, peace to the Intercessor, Mother of All Singing! With fear, faith and love, falling before Your honorable Sovereign icon, we earnestly pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who come running to You, beg, O merciful Mother of Light, Your Son and our God, the Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve our country in peace, may he establish our state in prosperity, and deliver us from internecine warfare, may he strengthen our Holy Orthodox Church, and preserve her unshakable from unbelief, schism and heresies. The imams have no other help than You, Most Pure Virgin. You are the all-powerful intercessor of Christians before God, softening His righteous anger. Deliver all who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from hunger, sorrows and illnesses, grant us a spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of sinful lives and the forgiveness of our sins; May we all, praising Thy greatness with gratitude, be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom, and there, with all the saints, let us glorify the most honorable and magnificent name in the Trinity of the glorified God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

"Vladimirskaya"

One of the most revered Shrines on Russian soil. This icon belongs to the type of icon of the Mother of God - “Tenderness”. On it, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ clung to each other. The prototype of the icon is considered to be the image of the Mother of God, painted by the Evangelist Luke. This icon has repeatedly defended the Russian state from enemy invasions.

One of the most revered Shrines on Russian soil

They pray to the icon for:

healing from various diseases;
about peace in the family;
strengthening faith.

To whom shall we cry, Lady? To whom shall we resort in our sorrow, if not to You, Queen of Heaven? Who will receive our tears and sighs, if not You, Most Immaculate, the hope of Christians and refuge for us sinners? Who is in mercy more than You? Incline Your ear to us, Lady, Mother of our God, and do not despise those who require Your help: hear our groaning, strengthen us sinners, enlighten and teach us, O Queen of Heaven, and do not depart from us, Thy servant, Lady, for our grumbling, but Be our Mother and Intercessor, and entrust us to the merciful protection of Your Son. Arrange for us whatever Your holy will pleases, and lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life, may we weep for our sins, may we rejoice with You always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

"Tikhvinskaya"

This icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with her son Jesus Christ, who holds the sacred list in one hand, and blesses the praying person with the other. The story of the defeat of the fascist invaders in one of the most important battles is connected with the Tikhvin icon. The enemy was defeated after the icon was flown on an airplane around the capital.

This icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with her son Jesus Christ

They pray to Our Lady of Tikhvin:

about curing infertility;
about deliverance from various troubles and difficult life circumstances;
about children's health;
about the cure for epilepsy and paralysis.

We thank Thee, O Most Blessed and Most Pure, Most Blessed Virgin, Lady, Mother of Christ our God, for all Thy good deeds that Thou hast shown to the human race, especially to us, the people of Russia named after Christ, about whom the most angelic tongue will be pleased with praise. We thank Thee, as even now Thou hast surprised Thy ineffable mercy upon us, Thy unworthy servants, with the supernatural self-coming of Thy Most Pure icon, and with it Thou hast enlightened all Russian country. Likewise, we, sinners, worshiping with fear and joy, cry out to Thee: O Most Holy Virgin, Queen and Mother of God, save and have mercy on Thy people, and grant them victory over all their enemies, and save the reigning cities, and all Christian cities and countries, and deliver this holy temple from every slander of the enemy, and grant all benefits to all who have now come with faith and pray to Thy servant and worship to the Most Holy Image Yours, as you are blessed with the Son and God born of You, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"Three-handed"

The history of this icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is connected with the defense of the Orthodox faith and its champions during persecution. John of Damascus was accused of treason, for which his hand was cut off. After fervent prayers to the image of the Mother of God, the Saint’s hand remained in its place without a single scratch. This miracle of healing is captured on the icon as a reminder of true salvation.

In the icon, the Mother of God holds Christ in her arms, pointing at Him with one hand

In the icon, the Mother of God holds Christ in her arms, pointing at Him with one hand. Below is another hand - this is the severed hand of the Saint. It was to this icon that the royal family prayed before their martyrdom. They pray in front of the Three-Handed icon in case of severe physical injuries, as well as in any difficult life circumstances.

Oh, Most Holy Lady and Lady Theotokos, who showed a great miracle to Saint John of Damascus, as if he showed true faith - undoubted hope! Hear us, sinners, before Your miraculous icon, fervently praying and asking for Your help: do not reject this prayer of many for the sake of our sins, but, as the Mother of mercy and generosity, deliver us from illnesses, sorrows and sorrows, forgive the sins we have committed, fill us with joy and joy to all who honor Your holy icon, may we joyfully sing and glorify Your name with love, for You are chosen and blessed from all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Another prayer:

Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin, Mother of God Mary! We fall down and worship You before Your holy icon, remembering Your glorious miracle, the healing of the truncated right hand of St. John of Damascus, which was revealed from this icon, whose sign is still visible on it, in the form of a third hand attached to Your image. We pray to You and ask You, the All-merciful and All-generous Intercessor of our race: hear us, praying to You, and like blessed John, who cried out to You in sorrow and illness, you heard us, so do not despise us, those who grieve and suffer from the wounds of many different passions, do not despise , those who diligently come running to You from a contrite soul. You see, O All-Merciful Lady, our infirmities, our embitterment, our need, I will need Your help, as enemies surround us from everywhere, and there is no one who helps, less than one who intercedes, unless You have mercy on us, the Lady. To her, we pray to You, listen to our painful voice and help us to preserve the patristic Orthodox faith immaculately until the end of our days, to walk unswervingly in all the commandments of the Lord, to always bring true repentance for our sins to God and to be honored with a peaceful Christian death and a good answer at the terrible judgment of the Son Yours and our God. Beseech Him for us with Thy motherly prayer, that He may not condemn us according to our iniquity, but may He have mercy on us according to His great and ineffable mercy. O All-Good One! Hear us and do not deprive us of Your sovereign help, yes, having received salvation through You, let us sing and glorify You on the land of the living and our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of You, to Him belong glory and power, honor and worship, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit , always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"Unexpected Joy"

The very name of this image of the Holy Virgin Mary speaks about the meaning of the icon. Every praying and believing person should strive for the joy experienced at the forgiveness of earthly sins. To do this, a person living on earth must constantly pray and seek the salvation of his soul.

The icon depicts a sinner praying before the image of the Mother of God and her son Jesus Christ. A certain person who led a sinful life, but constantly prayed, was brought to his senses by the Mother of God. After this, the sinner repented and began to lead a righteous life.

The very name of this image of the Holy Virgin Mary speaks about the meaning of the icon

They pray in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon about:

admonition and guidance on the true path;
missing persons;
easy pregnancy;
on peaceful resolution of conflict situations.

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You: and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon every day, You did not despise, but You granted the unexpected joy of repentance, and through Your zealous intercession with Your Son for the forgiveness of the sinner Thou hast bowed thus, and now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, and to all of us, with faith and tenderness before Thy celibate image, who, according to each need, grant unexpected joy: may all in heaven and on The lands lead You as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and this leading, glorify You and Your Son with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

"Blessed Womb"

The name of this image of the Mother of God originates from the words Gospel. The icon depicts the Mother of God sitting on a pillow. The Christ Child is pressed to Her breast. Three copies of this icon have survived.

The icon of the Mother of God “Blessed Womb” is considered the patroness of all mothers: future and accomplished. They pray to her for the cure of infertility, for help in childbirth and for the successful bearing of a healthy child.

The name of this image of the Virgin Mary originates from the words Gospel

O Most Holy Theotokos, our merciful Mother! Show Thy mercy to us, Thy servants (names), who are in sorrow and who are always in sin, and do not despise us, Thy many-sinful servants. We resort to You, Most Holy Theotokos, aware of our many sins and pray: visit our weak souls and ask Your beloved Son and our God to grant us, Your servants (names), forgiveness. One Most Pure and Blessed One, we place all our hope in You: Most Merciful Mother of God, keep us under Your protection.

"Annunciation"

The name of the icon means good news. The icon depicts a scene about how an angel informed the Virgin Mary about her imminent conception of a child and his birth. The angel told Mary that she would conceive from the Holy Spirit and give birth to the savior of mankind.

The icon marks liberation. Therefore, they pray to this image of the Mother of God for physical and spiritual freedom.

The name of the icon means good news

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon of the Annunciation

Accept, O All-merciful, Most Pure Lady Theotokos, these honorable gifts, the only one bestowed upon You from us, Your unworthy servants, chosen from all generations, who has appeared above all creatures of heaven and earth. Because for Your sake the Lord of hosts was with us, and through You we knew the Son of God, and became worthy of His Holy Body and His Most Pure Blood. Blessed are you, too, in the birth of births, God-blessed One, the most luminous of the Cherubim and the most honorable of the Seraphim. And now, All-Singing Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil advice and from every situation, and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil. But even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if by Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the One God and the Creator of all, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

"Blessed Sky"

This icon of the Mother of God is revered not only in Russian Orthodox land, but also far beyond. It is believed that the Patroness on this icon prays for the whole world. People turn to the Shrine for help in their personal lives, when mental disorders to return to the righteous path.

It is believed that the Patroness on this icon prays for the whole world

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “Gracious Heaven”

What shall we call You, O Blessed Mother of God, Immaculate Mary?
With what hymns shall we exalt Thee, exalted by Heaven and earth, Angels and men? For there appeared upon You a mystery unheard of for centuries on earth and unknown to the Angels in Heaven, more than mind and word, the incarnation of God the Word, born from the beginning from the Beginning Father without a Mother and incarnated in Your womb and born with the imperishable seal of Your virginity.

Oh, the miracle of all ancient and new miracles! The immutable word of God Himself about the victorious seed of the woman will be fulfilled and perfected in the Husbandless Virgin.

Oh, the immeasurable depth of the wisdom and greatness of God! What names shall we call Thee, O Unbrideless Bride? Shall we call Thee the dawn of the sun rising in the sky? But You are Heaven itself, from You the Sun of Truth has risen - Christ our God, the Savior of sinners. Do we call You the gate leading into the paradise lost by our ancestors, abounding in all blessings? But You Yourself are a blessed paradise, having grown the Flower of incorruption, healing and driving away the stink of sin and the stench of ancestral corruption. Shall we call you young? Immaculate Virgin who has not known marriage? But even to old age you remained uncurved and virgin until birth, and in the birth, and after the birth of the Son, you remained. Shall we call Thee Pure and Holy Mary, who with Her purity surpassed all mothers and foremothers? But You not only gave birth to That Child Christ, but You also carried Him with Your breasts and nourished Him with Your mother’s virgin milk, the One Who nourishes every creature, Whom they stand before with fear and trembling. Heavenly powers and every breath and creation praises Him.
Oh, truly You are wonderful in wives, wonderful in virgins, inimitable in mothers! We fall before You before Your Divine face and before Your holy feet we cast down and lay down all our thoughts, desires, intentions and feelings. Sanctify them with Your Mother of God charity and lift them up, like the sacrifice of our humble heart, like a little-valued mite of our spiritual poverty, to the Throne of Your Son, our Savior, so that the message of destinies will guide our path to salvation and the inheritance of His Kingdom, which has no end forever and ever. . Amen.

"The Sorrowful Joy of All"

The name of the icon contains its entire meaning and significance: the Mother of God consoles those who resort to Her help. The Icon of the Mother of God “The Sorrowful Joy of All” depicts the Mother of God surrounded by suffering people: sick, hungry, naked. On top of the Mother of God is Jesus Christ. He holds the Holy Scripture in one hand and blesses with the other.

The name of the icon contains its entire meaning and significance.

Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Most Blessed Mother of Christ God our Savior, Joy to all the sorrowing, visiting the sick, protection and intercessor of the weak, widows and orphans, patroness of the sad, all-reliable comforter of sad mothers, strength of weak babies, and always ready help and faithful refuge for all the helpless! You, O All-Merciful One, have been given grace from the Almighty to intercede for everyone and deliver them from sorrow and illness, for you yourself have endured fierce sorrow and illness, looking at the free suffering of Your beloved Son and Him crucified on the cross in sight, when Simeon’s weapon was predicted by Your heart let's pass. Moreover, O beloved Mother of children, heed the voice of our prayer, comfort us in the sorrow of those who exist, as a faithful intercessor of joy: standing before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, at the right hand of Your Son, Christ our God, you can, if you wish, ask for everything useful to us. For this reason, with heartfelt faith and love from the soul, we fall to You as the Queen and Lady and we dare to cry out to You in psalms: hearing, O Daughters, and seeing, and incline Your ear, hear our prayer, and deliver us from current troubles and sorrows; You fulfill the requests of all the faithful, as if they were joyful, and you have given peace and consolation to their souls. Behold our misfortune and sorrow: show us Thy mercy, send comfort to our hearts wounded by sorrow, show and surprise us sinners with the riches of Thy mercy, give us tears of repentance to cleanse our sins and quench the wrath of God, and with a pure heart, good conscience and With undoubted hope we resort to Your intercession and intercession: accept, our all-merciful Lady Theotokos, our earnest prayer offered to You, and do not reject us, unworthy, from Your mercy, but grant us deliverance from sorrow and illness, protect us from all slander of the enemy and slander human, be our constant helper all the days of our life, so that under Your maternal protection we will always achieve our goals and be preserved by Your intercession and prayers to Your Son and God our Savior, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His beginningless Father and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"Upbringing"

The icon depicts the Mother of God with Christ sitting on Her left hand. His right hand turned towards the face of the Most Pure Virgin. The holy image was lost after the advent of Soviet power due to the destruction of the temple in which it was kept. Now a copy of this image of the Mother of God is kept in a Moscow church.

The name of this icon speaks for itself: in front of it they pray for children and ask for help from the Mother of God in raising them.

The icon depicts the Mother of God with Christ sitting on Her left hand

Oh, Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, most merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your roof our children [names], and all the youths, young women, infants and mothers born in their wombs. Cover them with Your robe, keep them in the fear of God and obedience to their parents, beg our Lord and Your Son to grant them everything that is useful for salvation. We entrust them to Your maternal supervision, for You are the Divine cover of Your servant. Amen.

"Life-Giving Spring"

On the icon “Life-Giving Spring” the Mother of God is depicted in a cup, which is placed in a source of miraculous water: all who drink from it receive healing of their infirmities. The celebration of the day of the miraculous icon is dedicated to the restoration of the temple, which was erected at a source with healing water. They pray to the icon for the healing of various ailments.

On the icon “Life-Giving Spring” the Mother of God is depicted in a bowl

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Life-Giving Spring”

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, All-Merciful Lady Lady Theotokos, Thy Life-Giving Source, You have given us healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world, and with the same gratitude we sincerely pray to You, Most Holy Queen, pray to give us Thy Son and our God forgiveness of sins and mercy and consolation to every grieving and embittered soul, and liberation from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, O Lady, protection to this temple and these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection of our country from misfortunes, so that we may live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be honored to see You as our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. To him be glory and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

"Deliverer"

The glorification of the “Deliverer” icon began in the 18th century, after a miracle occurred that freed one of the Greek provinces from locusts. After this, the icon repeatedly showed its miraculous power. They pray to the icon for deliverance from demonic possession during various disasters, and for the healing of various infirmities.

The glorification of the “Deliverer” icon began in the 18th century

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Deliverer”

Oh, Mother of God, our help and protection, whenever we ask, be our deliverer, we trust in You and always call upon You with all our souls: have mercy and help, have pity and deliver, incline Your ear and accept our sorrowful and tearful prayers, and as You wish, calm and rejoice us, who love your Beginning Son and our God. Amen.

"Key of Understanding"

On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted in full height, and a key is drawn at the bottom. Prayers are performed in front of the icon before the start of any teaching. They also pray before her for children who have difficulty in some sciences or for those who suffer from poor mental development.

In this icon the Mother of God is depicted in full height

Wisdom, the Teacher and the Giver of meaning, the unwise
To the Instructor and Intercessor of the poor, Mother of Christ our God, strengthen and enlighten my heart, O Lady, and add my mind to Christ with fervent supplication. Give me the word, having given birth to the Father's Word, so that I may boldly ask Your Son for us. Amen.

"Mammal"

In the icon, the Mother of God is breastfeeding little Jesus Christ. There are several lists of this icon. Many miracles of healing are associated with them, occurring after prayers in front of this image of the Mother of God. The icon is the patroness of babies and their mothers. They pray to her:

about successful feeding of young children;
with a lack of milk in the mother;
during difficult childbirth, etc.

In the icon, the Mother of God breastfeeds little Jesus Christ

Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We see You on the holy icon, carrying in your arms and feeding with milk Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, and even more so, you weighed the maternal sorrows and infirmities of the sons and daughters of human beings. With the same warmth falling upon Thy whole-bearing image and tenderly kissing this, we pray to Thee, All-Merciful Lady: we, sinners, condemned to give birth to sickness and nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from the grave deliver from illness and bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy of deliverance, accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His Name, as we and our children glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the true hope of our race, forever and ever. . Amen.

"Eternal Color"

The Mother of God in this icon is depicted with the Infant of God sitting on one of Her hands. In another, the Virgin Mary holds a white lily. This particular flower is a symbol of purity and innocence.

The Mother of God in this icon is depicted with the Infant of God sitting on one of Her hands

On some lists, instead of a lily, another flower is depicted, but this does not change the meaning of the icon: prayers in front of it help preserve youth, beauty, purity of soul and body. The icon is considered female, but men can also pray in front of it. Turning to this image of the Mother of God helps resolve family conflicts and assists in all matters related to marriage.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon “Fadeless Color”

O Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

"Consolation and Consolation"

The history of the icon is one of the most memorable, revealing the deep meaning of the image. This image of the Mother of God helped to avoid the robbery of the monastery. The Mother of God, depicted in this icon, warned the abbot that the robbers were preparing an attack on the monastery.

In addition to the fact that the abbot heard with his own ears a female voice emanating from the image, the very position of the Holy Virgin Mary, who had previously been depicted in the usual prayer pose, changed. The painted figures of the Virgin Mary and Christ miraculously began to move and changed their position.

The history of the icon is one of the most memorable

Now the head of the Blessed Virgin was slightly tilted to the side, and the hand of Jesus covered the Mother’s lips, forbidding Her to speak. The Lord wanted to punish the monks. But despite the ban, the Mother of God rejected the hand of Christ and warned the abbot about trouble. The plunder of the monastery was prevented.

This once again showed the mercy of the Mother of God, who always shows it to people in everything. This is the whole essence and meaning of the icon: Divine punishment is inevitable, but at the same time there is always the possibility of salvation.

Prayers are offered to the icon for deliverance from various adversities, including deliverance from epidemics that affect large numbers of people.

Prayer before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Consolation and Consolation”

Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, our Joy and Consolation! Look mercifully at the people coming with faith and love and worshiping Your Most Pure Image, accept our singing of praise and pour out Your warm prayer for us sinners to the Lord, so that, despising all our sins, He will save and have mercy on us, O Most Precious Lady! Show us Your wonderful mercies, save the shepherds of the Church and the entire Christian army. We pray to You with tenderness, deliver us all from all sorrow, guide us on the path of all virtues and goodness, save us from temptations, troubles and illnesses and take away slander and quarrels from us, save us from lightning thunder, from the flood of fire, from hail, cowardice, flood and deadly plagues, grant us Your merciful help along the way, at sea and on land.
Behold, O All-Merciful Lady, in undoubted hope we offer to You our wretched prayer. Do not reject our tears and sighs, do not forget us all the days of our life, but always remain with us, and through Your intercession and intercession with the Lord, give us joy, consolation, protection and help, so that we glorify and magnify and please You throughout all generations. forever and ever. Amen.

"Assistant in childbirth"

They pray to this image of the Mother of God for help in all matters related to the birth of children:

about the health of the newborn;
about help in difficult childbirth;
during a difficult pregnancy.

They pray to this image of the Mother of God for help in all matters related to the birth of children.

In the icon, the Mother of God is depicted with her hair flowing and her hands folded on her chest. Jesus Christ in the bosom of the Virgin Mary

Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We see you in the holy icon, carrying Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in your womb. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, even though the mother weighed the sorrow and infirmity of the sons and daughters of human beings. Falling with the same warmth upon Thy whole-bearing image, and kissing this tenderly, we pray to Thee, all-merciful Lady: to give birth to us sinners condemned in illness and to nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from a serious illness and deliver from bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise.

O mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy and deliverance accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, as we and our children will glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the faithful Hope of our race, forever and ever. .

"Self-Written"

The name of the icon is explained by the history of its origin. The monks commissioned the pious artist to paint an icon of the Mother of God. After part of the icon was painted, the work stopped: the artist could not depict the face of the Virgin Mary.

He began to pray earnestly, and when he entered the workshop in the morning, he saw that the icon was completely finished. All the missing parts of the image were present on it. The features of the Mother of God were perfect. Many who prayed in front of this icon received healing from illnesses.

The name of the icon is explained by the history of its origin

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Self-Writing”

“We reverently bow to Your miraculous icon, Most Holy Virgin Mary, and pray to You, O All-Glorious One: grant healing from illnesses, send down strength to our bodies and souls. We trust in Your mercy and send up glory: glory, Most Pure One, glory, Most Blessed One, forever and ever. Amen".

"Quick to Hear"

The story that glorified this icon took place in one of the monasteries on Holy Mount Athos. The image of the Mother of God hung above the entrance to the refectory. Each time one of the monks passed into it, he carried a burning splinter in his hands, from which smoke emanated and soot settled on the icon. Walking once again into the dining room, the monk heard the voice of the Mother of God, who asked him to stop smoking Her image. At first the monk could not believe his ears, thinking that this was a joke of his brothers. But the incident repeated itself, and the monk became blind.

After this, he prayed for a long time at the very icon from which he heard the Virgin Mary herself call to him. His prayers were heard: he regained his sight, and the Mother of God informed him that from now on everyone who falls to this icon and asks for HER help and intercession will be heard.

The image of the Mother of God hung above the entrance to the refectory

All those who need a speedy resolution of any difficult situations pray to this image of the Mother of God.

Most blessed Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to God the Word more than any word for our salvation, and who received His grace more abundantly than all others, who appeared as a sea of Divine gifts and miracles, an ever-flowing river, pouring out goodness to all who come running to You with faith! To Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the humane-loving Lord: surprise us with Your rich mercies and our petitions brought to You, Quick to Hear, speed up the fulfillment of everything that is arranged for the benefit of consolation and salvation for everyone. Visit, O Blessing Thy servants, with Thy grace, grant to the sick healing and perfect health, to those overwhelmed by silence, to those captivated by freedom, and to the afflicted by various images of comfort. Deliver, O All-Merciful Lady, every city and country from famine, plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and other temporary and eternal punishments, by Your maternal boldness turning away the wrath of God; and spiritual relaxation, overwhelm by passions and falls, free Thy servant, as if, without stumbling in all piety, having lived in this world, and in the future of eternal blessings, we may be made worthy of the grace and love for mankind of Thy Son and God, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with His Beginning Father and By the Most Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"Quiet my sorrows"

The icon has been revered since the 18th century. Until this time, it was in oblivion in the bell tower of the temple. The story associated with the icon tells about the miracle of healing of one woman from an illness. The Mother of God appeared to her in a dream, telling her to ask to be taken to the temple and pray for healing before the image of the Mother of God “Quench my sorrows.” The woman did everything and left the temple on her own legs, which she could not stand on before.

The icon has been revered since the 18th century

In the icon, the Mother of God is depicted with Christ in her arms, who holds a paper scroll in his hands. One hand of the Virgin Mary is leaning against her cheek, and her head is slightly tilted. This position of the Virgin Mary suggests that She listens to all the requests of those praying. In front of this image, the Mother of God asks for help in all difficult life situations, for health and deliverance from illnesses.

Hope of all ends of the earth, Most Pure Virgin, Lady Theotokos, my consolation! Do not disdain us sinners, for we trust in Your mercy, there is fire in us and water our withered hearts with repentance, cleanse our minds from sinful thoughts, accept the prayers offered to You with sighs from the soul and heart. Be an intercessor for us to Your Son and God, and turn away His anger with Your motherly prayers, heal mental and physical ulcers, Lady Lady, quench the illness of soul and body, calm the storm of evil attacks of the enemy, take away the burden of our sins, and do not abandon us to the end perish, and comfort our broken hearts with sorrow, may we glorify Thee until our last breath. Amen.

"Healer"

This is another image of the Blessed Virgin, to whom all believing Orthodox Christians turn in prayer. From the title it becomes clear what the Mother of God depicted in this icon is asked for: healing from various serious illnesses, deliverance from the torments of pain.

There is a known case that occurred with one of the clergy suffering from a serious illness. After the priest’s constant prayers, his room was once illuminated with white light, in which the Virgin Mary appeared. She touched the sick person with her staff, and the priest, by the will of God, was healed of his illness.

From the name it becomes clear what the Mother of God is asked for

Accept, O All-Blessed and All-Powerful Lady Theotokos the Virgin, these prayers, now offered to You with tears from us, Your unworthy servants, who send up to Your celibate image the singing with tenderness, as if You yourself are here and heed our prayer. For every request you fulfill, you alleviate sorrows, you grant health to the weak, you heal the weakened and sick, you drive away demons from demons, you deliver the offended from insults, you cleanse lepers and have mercy on little children; Moreover, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, you free us from bonds and prisons and heal all kinds of varied passions: for all things are possible through Your intercession to Your Son, Christ our God. Oh, All-Singing Mother, Most Holy Theotokos! Do not cease to pray for us, Your unworthy servants, who glorify You and honor You, and who worship Your Most Pure Image with tenderness, and who have irrevocable hope and undoubted faith in You, the Ever-Virgin, Most Glorious and Immaculate, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

"Sign"

Icons of the Mother of God “The Sign” appeared in the 11th – 13th centuries. They depict the Mother of God, raising her hands up in prayer, and Jesus Christ is drawn against HER background. The name of these icons comes from the Novgorod icon of the Mother of God, which gave a sign to the inhabitants of the city of the same name during the fight against the enemy. Thanks to this, the Novgorodians won the battle.

Icons of the Mother of God “The Sign” appeared in the 11th – 13th centuries

O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We fall down and worship You before Your holy, miraculous icon, remembering the wondrous sign of Your intercession, which was revealed to the great Novegrad during the days of the military invasion of this city. We humbly pray to Thee, the All-Powerful Intercessor of our race: just as in ancient times You hastened to help our fathers, so now we, weak and sinners, have been made worthy of Your maternal intercession and care. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the cover of Your mercy, the Holy Church, Your city (Your abode), our entire Orthodox country and all of us who fall to You with faith and love, tenderly asking with tears for Your intercession. Hey, Madam All-Merciful! Have mercy on us, overwhelmed by many sins, extend Thy God-receiving hand to Christ the Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking us forgiveness of our sins, a pious peaceful life, a good Christian death and a good answer at His terrible Judgment, yes, we are saved by Thy almighty to Through our prayers, we will inherit the bliss of paradise and, with all the saints, we will sing the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Most Worshipful Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy to us forever and ever. Amen.

"Gracious"

The Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” is one of the many icons painted by the Evangelist Luke. It depicts the Mother of God begging for mercy on the entire Christian race. Hence its name.

The icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” is one of the many icons

This icon is prayed to in the following cases:

bleeding;
infertility;
headache;
family troubles.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her “Merciful” Icon

O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Merciful Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary! Falling before Your holy and miraculous icon, we humbly pray to You, our Good and Merciful Intercessor: listen to the voice of our sinful prayers, do not despise the sighs from the soul, seeing the sorrows and misfortunes that have befallen us, and like a truly loving Mother, striving to help us helpless, sad, Those who have fallen into many and grave sins and continually anger our Lord and Creator, pray to Him, our Representative, not to destroy us with our iniquities, but to show us His philanthropic mercy. Ask us, Lady, from His goodness, bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, well-timed rains and a blessing from above for all our good deeds and undertakings, and as of old you looked mercifully upon the humble praise of the novice of Athonite. , who sang a song of praise to You before Your most pure icon, and You sent the Archangel Gabriel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the angels of the mountain glorify You, graciously accept our prayer now fervently offered to You, and bring it to Your Son and God, may He be merciful He will be a sinner for us, and He will add His mercy to all who honor Thee and worship Thy holy image with faith. O All-Merciful Queen, All-Blessed Mother of God, stretch out Your God-bearing hands to Him, in His image, as if You were carrying a baby, and beg Him to save us all and deliver us from eternal destruction. Show us, O Lady, Your generosity: heal the sick, comfort the sorrowful, help the needy, make us all prosperous to bear the yoke of Christ in patience and humility, grant us the honorable end of this earthly life, to receive a Christian shameless death, and to inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, through Your maternal intercession to To Christ our God, who was born of You, and to Him with His Originless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

All icons of the Mother of God with such different names, photos and descriptions of their origin, can heal from any disease. This applies to both body and soul. The main thing is that all prayer requests addressed to the icons of the Mother of God, photos with names and descriptions of which were presented above, are pronounced with sincere faith and repentance.

Bright face

The bright holiday of Christmas, the holiday of faith, hope and love. A holiday of light in the soul of each of us, which has come to us with her on this day for more than 2000 years. Virgin Mary, Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Mariam, Queen of Heaven, Seide Mariam - this is how different people address her in different countries. When we see her, turn to her, this light becomes larger. It is the bright faces of the Mother of God that make up the majority of healing and miraculous icons. People turned to her during great disasters, wars, epidemics, and fires. Legends about cases of miraculous deliverance are included in the History of the Russian state.

Dozens of types of her images - more than 800 - were created over many centuries, based on historical events, reflect the special place of the Mother of God in Christian culture. There is little information left about her, but it is she who we see in the most important events, but which one? According to various sources, there are 4 to 6 main types of icons of the Mother of God, the rest are called editions - that is, variants of the main images.

Oranta (Praying)

This is how the first Christians depicted her - in the form of a prayer address: from the front, to the waist and with raised arms, bent at the elbows, and against the background of the sphere of the Savior Emmanuel.

Icons of this type are also called Panagia (all-holy) , A in Rus' this image is called Sign in memory of the storming of besieged Novgorod in 1169, when, according to legend, tears flowed from the image of the Virgin Mary pierced by an arrow.

The image of the Mother of God praying with Jesus Christ is the most common in Orthodox icon painting. The most famous images Signs are - Abalakskaya, Narva, Tsarskoye Selo, Kursk-Korennaya. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God occupies a special place Inexhaustible Chalice , where Christ is depicted in a golden cup. This icon became known to many after the publication of I. S. Shmelev’s story “The Inexhaustible Chalice” (1918).

Hodegetria (Guidebook)

Images Hodegetria strict and straightforward, the Mother of God holds the Child Christ on her left hand, pointing at him with her right, their heads do not touch each other. Hodegetria the oldest type of image of the Mother of God, which dates back to the first icon painter in history, Apostle Luke. Here she appears as a guide to God and eternal salvation.

In Rus' to the most famous options Hodegetria include: Smolenskaya, Iverskaya (Goalkeeper), Tikhvinskaya, Jerusalemskaya, Three-handed, Passionate, Sporuchnitsa sinners.

Eleusa (Tenderness)

Images of the Virgin Mary belonging to the type Eleusa - full of tenderness and tenderness, earthly and heavenly, divine and human love. The Child Christ rests his left cheek on the right cheek of the Mother of God, the Mother of God presses her Son to Her.

In the Greek version, this type of icon is called Glycophilus. Sweet kiss - one of the miraculous images, also related to the Tenderness, written, according to legend, by the Evangelist Luke. The most touching of the miraculous icons is the Head of Mary bowed to the Son, and He puts his hand around the Mother’s neck. She knows what suffering awaits him. Our Lady of Tenderness is one of the most mystical types of Mother of God icons. This also includes other icons of amazing beauty and power - Donskaya, Leaping of a baby, Mammal, Recovering the dead.

Became the most revered in Russia Vladimir icon Mother of God, it is she who can most often be seen in wedding couples along with the image of the Savior. It is the image of Tenderness that finds the greatest appeal in a person’s heart, because the idea of sacrificial service, the pain and sorrow of a mother has always been close and understandable in Rus'.

To icons like Tenderness include: Vladimirskaya, Volokolamskaya, Donskaya, Fedorovskaya, Zhirovitskaya, Recovery of the dead, Pochaevskaya.

Panahranta (All-Merciful)

On icons of this type, the Mother of God is depicted sitting on a throne, holding. On her lap she holds the Christ Child. The throne here serves as a symbol of the glory of the Mother of God, as the most perfect one born on Earth.

The most famous in Russia Sovereign and All-Tsaritsa .

Agiosortissa (Intercessor)

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

Other icons in which the Mother of God is depicted alone can be classified as one of the main types, for example Ostrobramskaya - to the Sign, just like Bride Unbride (it is sometimes called Tenderness, it is the cell icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov), or to the category Akathist glorifying her. This, for example, is one of the most revered icons - Mother of God of Seven Arrows or Softening evil hearts.

Any icon painting type is not a set of unconditional rules that must be followed, but a direction of thought and a goal that the icon painter strives to achieve. Therefore, each image is unique, although quite recognizable in its dogmatic content and artistic solution.

During childbirth, Helper, Spreader of Bread, Kozelshchanskaya, Healer, Tenderness

It is customary to depict the Virgin Mary in clothes of two colors: cherry maforia (or blue like Theophanes the Greek), blue tunic and blue cover. Three golden stars are depicted on the maforia - as a sign of her purity and a border as a sign of her glorification. Maforium (married woman's dress) - means Her Motherhood, covered with blue or blue dresses - Virginity. And when painting the image of the Mother of God, they never use black - the color of sorrow, because she is light and hope.

The iconography of the Virgin Mary is a huge part of our culture. Many of her images can be called young, for example, Derzhavnaya was found in 1917, hidden in the basement of a church, and it was painted at the end of the 19th century. Each of the hundreds of famous icons of the Mother of God has its own symbolism and meaning, its own history...