Icon of the Iberian Mother of God: the meaning and how the image helps. Six special icons to have in your home

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

Actions took place in Constantinople. Around the 10th century, when the Saracens attacked the city, all local residents gathered in the Blachernae temple, which stands on the banks of the Bosphorus. At that time, the headdress and robe of the Mother of God were already kept in this place.

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

By morning, the city was still able to defend and repulse the enemy army. After this magnificent event, the icon of the Intercession of the Virgin appeared.

Description and meaning of the icon

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

• the naves of the Blachernae Church;
• sacred altar;
• a dark red curtain, which, as it were, covers the image of the Mother of God.

You can also notice the fact that the Mother of God is not depicted alone. In addition to her, you can see:

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

It is worth noting that the meaning of the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is easy to read by the way it looks. So, its most important mission is to protect the believing people.

Iconographic features

As for the appearance of icons in Russia as a whole, this event can be attributed to the 12th century. And immediately there were two completely different approaches to the depiction of holy images.

The Moscow version of the image of the Virgin of the Intercession of the Icon, the meaning of which - the image of all the details of the scene in the Blakherna Church - reflects as fully as possible all the previous events. And all those around you must be indicated. The fact that, according to this option, the Queen of Heaven herself holds the veil is also obligatory.

According to the Novgorod izvod - angels keep the cover, The Mother of God holds her hands in a prayer impulse.

In what and to whom does the shrine help

In every church and temple you can contemplate the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos icon, what they pray to her, you should definitely figure it out.

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

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

• there is a strong need for protection in the home and family;
• it is necessary to overcome the disease;
• a person is overcome by sadness or despondency;
• help in love affairs is needed;
• you need to resolve housing problems and all kinds of issues.

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

Folk customs

In Russia, the holiday of the Intercession has long been perceived as a symbol of the meeting between autumn and winter, and was also marked by the beginning of weddings and festivities. All this because on this day work in the fields was completed, and people had a lot of free time.

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

As for the Christian traditions directly, the church, of course, does not prohibit requests of such a plan, but nevertheless calls to remember that prayer to the Mother of God is, first of all, an awareness of one's own sins and repentance for what has been done.

On this day, each church holds a litiya and a procession of the cross. It is on this day, as well as on other church holidays, that the church bell sounds unusual and as solemn as possible.

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

The icons of the Most Holy Theotokos seem to be shining and humble, her experiences, deprivations, sufferings were replaced by Heavenly glory and the joy of the reunification of the Mother with the Son. The miraculous icons of the Mother of God are revered in many cities and countries. They ease grief and bring faith, heal sickness, and reward forgiveness. Prayers at the image of the Virgin help the soldiers on the battlefields, deliver them from enemies. At the same time, they give simple family joys and consolation in troubles.

Four types of icons of the Virgin

In the Orthodox calendar, many days are marked by the veneration of the miraculous icons of the Mother of God. Through her face, she does good deeds, changes the fate of people, saves the fallen. The icons of the Most Holy Theotokos differ from each other. There are 4 main types of such icons.

Hodegetria (translated from Greek - Guide). On the icon of this type, the Mother of God is holding the Infant Christ, pointing at him with her hand. Her eyes reflect the entire life of a Christian. The most famous images of this type are the Smolensk, Georgian and Kazan icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.

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

Oranta (translated from Greek - Sign). In the iconography of this type, the Mother of God raised her hands to the sky in a prayer impulse. The baby has not yet been born, but is already present on the medallion, symbolizing the divine and human principles. The most famous icons are the Inexhaustible Chalice and Yaroslavl Oranta.

The acathistic appearance of the icon is a collective image. It is created in iconography under the impression of the Gospel texts. This is more like an illustration of the actions of the Mother of God, her participation in the fate of the Son. Bright icons of this type - "Unexpected Joy", "Burning Bush", "The whole creature rejoices about you".

Patronage of icons

The icons of the Mother of God in Russia were most widespread. This explains such an abundance of images of the Mother of God. Her face is loved and revered by the people. She is considered a protector, comforter and intercessor. The image of the Mother of God carries love, forgiveness to all sinners and repentant.

They turn to the Holy Image in sorrow and illness, ask to be protected from enemies and ill-wishers. Prayers in front of the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos help women during pregnancy, give easy childbirth and health to children. Men come for protection and comfort. Each of the miraculous icons of the Mother of God is able to help after sincere prayer.

Before the image "Seeking the Lost" they pray for headaches, toothaches, for dying children, a fertile marriage, for aversion from alcohol addiction.

Before the icon of Theodorovskaya Mother of God, they ask for relief from difficult childbirth. The Ostrabrahm Mother of God will protect marriage from evil forces, make it prosperous. The "Burning Bush" will save the house from fires. The icon "The Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos" protects from national troubles, protects from danger, helps mothers, bestows happiness on their children.

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

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

How to pray before the icon of the Virgin

There are many ready-made prayers that are read before the face of the Virgin. These are requests for help, glorification of the Mother during church holidays, Akathists. They are so simple that with constant reading they are easy to learn by heart.

There are prayers:

• with hunger;
• in sorrow and illness;
• when there is a danger of drowning;
• with injury and pain;
• with eye diseases and blindness;
• when protecting a house from fire;
• with hearing diseases and deafness;
• with cancer;
• about the illness of drunkenness;
• about the gift of patience;
• about getting rid of thoughts of suicide.

This is only a small part of the prayers with which the people turn to the image. The icons of the Most Holy Mother of God are considered miraculous. Facts are known when the image helped in curing serious illnesses, gave faith and patience.

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

The priests assure that if the text of the prayer is difficult to learn, then it can be read in written form. Or state the request in your own words. We should not forget that after the fulfillment of the desire, it is necessary to come to the icon, to thank.

Miraculous icons

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

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

Miraculous icons of the Most Holy Theotokos can be found in different cities and countries of the world. People come to them with requests, prayers, hopes. They are united by the power of an image that is capable of bringing a miracle into ordinary human life.

Icon "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

Testimonies of the Assumption (bodily relocation) of the Mother of God can be found in various sources. However, the Holy Scriptures do not say anything about this. The only known facts are that during the VI Ecumenical Council a decision was made to open the tomb. In it they saw only burial clothes and a holy belt. The latter can still be found on the holy Mount Athos (Greece) in the monastery of Vatopedi.

Before her death, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Mother of God with the news that her life path would end in 3 days. After that, the Lord will take her to him. The funeral of the Mother of God took place in the Garden of Gethsemane. The sick, having touched her bed, were healed. And 3 days after the funeral, the apostles did not find her body in the cave, only burial clothes remained there.

On August 28, the celebration of the image of the "Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos" takes place. The icon is exhibited in churches in Moscow and Kiev.

The image helps to cope with the fear of death. You can ask for the strengthening of faith, humility. Deliverance from disease also grants the "Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos." The icon, among other things, helps to comprehend their deeds, to gain a foothold in virtues, to walk their life's path with dignity.

"The Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos"

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

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

The miraculous icon "The Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos" protects the soldiers and the population in military conflicts. Helps travelers, reconciles warring parties. Saves from diseases during epidemics, heals eye diseases, blindness.

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

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

The icon "The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos" survived a fire in 1737. Then the Church of the Annunciation and the Tsar Bell burned down. But the icon remained untouched by the flames. It can be found in the temples of such cities:

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

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

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

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

The Iberian icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Goalkeeper" is a symbol of the protection of all true believers. She appears as an intercessor, keeper, comforter in all troubles and misfortunes.

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

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

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Goalkeeper" remains a mystery to this day. In 1981, a Greek monk created an image copied from the original. The icon turned out to be myrrh-streaming. It was brought to Montreal (Canada) in 1982 by Joseph Muñoz Cortez. After akathists, prayers before the image, serious, incurable diseases (leukemia, paralysis) were healed. The icon returned people to spiritual life, delivered from unbelief. In 1997, the guardian of the image, Cortez, was assassinated. The icon has disappeared.

"Tenderness of the Most Holy Theotokos"

There are several famous miraculous icons "Tenderness". A lot of lists have been made from them, which do not lose their blessed power.

The Smolensk icon "The Tenderness of the Most Holy Theotokos" appeared in 1103. Polish invaders laid siege to the city. For 20 months with the help of the miraculous image, the Smolensk troops held Smolensk, did not surrender it to the enemies.

The Pskov-Pechora icon is famous for its miraculous healings. In the annals of Pskov and Veliky Novgorod, evidence dated 1524 has been preserved.

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

The Novgorod icon "Tenderness" in 1337 hovered in the air above the church doors. Tears dripped from her eyes. Later in the same year, a plague began in the city. The townspeople prayed to the holy image to intercede for them. Soon the disease receded.

Prayer before the icon helps in troubles and misfortunes. Relieves temptation, preserves marriage. Grants pregnancy and easy labor. This image is considered feminine and helps in many diseases and sorrows. Eliminates eye diseases, blindness. Almost all miraculous images of the Virgin are able to heal bodily and mental illnesses after prayers and Akathists.

"Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary"

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

The icon "Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos" tells about a joyful event. The birth and all subsequent life of Mary is imbued with faith, tranquility, patience. It is not for nothing that she is considered the intercessor, the comforter of all Christians and lost souls. The day of the celebration is September 21.

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

The meaning of the icon

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

The priests teach that there is no greater suffering on earth than to stand by and see the death of your own child. The Most Holy Theotokos went to spiritual transformation through the torments of sacrifice. The icon, the meaning of which lies not in external brilliance, but in internal virtues, teaches the laity a lot ...

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

Formal reading of prayers, indifferent attendance at church will not give the grace of the Mother of God. Only through repentance, a pure heart, and sincere love can the intercession of the Virgin be achieved.

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

The image of the Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God is a visible proof of that amazing story that happened more than two millennia ago. And the old man utters the very words that we remember at every service to this day: "Now you let your servant go, O Lord ..." (Luke 2:29). But what was this story? What helps the icon of the Mother of God of the Seven Arrows?

The icon of the Mother of God Seven-shot is found in almost every church. This is one of the most revered icons. What does this image mean? How does the Seven-arrow icon help?

Icon of the Seven-arrow Mother of God: description

An unpredictable life throws up all kinds of surprises. The good and the bad. Bearable and unbearable. But what can compare with the suffering of the one who sees on the cross not only the Son, but also her God? And he doubts. Doubt is truly a weapon. How can He who was born without a man, healed the sick, raised the dead, - now endure humiliation and beatings and death?

The suffering of a mother for her Son and doubt about the truth of the most holy, than she lived, for which she endured. The limit of despair, despair is beyond measure and ... victory. “The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” - we read a passage in the Gospel describing this event. Traitors will be revealed, and those who loved in secret will also be revealed. Your own thoughts of the heart will open and will be overcome. It is this victory of the Mother of God, this unimaginable intensity of inner pain and struggle that is reflected in the icon, and its true meaning, which the Mother of God sends us through her as a message - I am with you! No matter how deep your grief is, no matter how unbearably hard and painful it is, know that I am with you. I'm near. I know how you feel because I went through it too.

What does the seven-arrow icon of the Mother of God mean?

The Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God is that "portal" to the invisible, but real world, when space and time can become unstable, the laws of nature can change and what people call a miracle can happen. But a miracle is just an atypical situation. Those who turned to the Mother of God and received consolation from her know what prayer in front of her helps. Christians pray not to the icon itself, but to the Image depicted on it, and the meaning of the Seven-arrow icon reveals to us all its depth and meaning. The Main Comforter will help in everything if you turn to her with faith and humility. We are all children for her, and she is our common Mother. Well, how can a mother refuse a child when he turns to her, and even with tears? The answer is known: nothing. Only if it does not threaten his safety.

Does not threaten security. “But how does mom know,” the child will think. “How can she forbid me something, if I need it. And not someday later - I need it now! " - the child thinks. How we sometimes look like children. The Mother of God hears everyone, accepts everyone and loves everyone, but what is asked may not happen, or it may not happen immediately. It takes a firm commitment to endure and trust. Trust that you have been heard and understood there. She protects us like the apple of her eye. Through the prayers of the Mother of God, any help, any protection is possible for her Son. “Ask, and it will be given to you” - it is written in the Gospel. Ask.

There is one more meaning of the icon of the Seven-shot Mother of God. In the image we see seven arrows - seven human sins. Invisible to the eyes of people, they are visible to the Mother of God - she looks directly into the heart. The sinfulness of a fallen man pierces the soul of the Mother of God, just like the contemplation of a mocked Son.

What does the "Seven-shot" icon of the Mother of God protect and who does it help?

The Mother of God is depicted on the icon pierced by seven arrows from both sides - to the right and to the left. There is a similar icon "Softening Evil Hearts" ("Simeon's Prophecy"), where arrows (swords) are located three on each side and one below. By prayer, the icons are identical. Believers ask before the image for the reconciliation of the warring and deliverance from hard-heartedness.

What does the Seven-arrow Icon of the Mother of God protect from?

1. From envious people and ill-wishers. The Mother of God softens their hearts and protects you.
2. From injury and disease. The Mother of God protects you and grants you recovery.
3. From enemies and murderers. The icon protects from weapons, protects soldiers and defenders.

The Prayer of the Seven-shot Mother of God helps to find strength in oneself in order to keep the peace, you can also ask that such strength be given to those who are angry with us or want to offend us. This icon of the Mother of God protects everyone who turns to her in prayer, for the sake of the image and meaning that this icon carries. But not by herself, the Mother of God helps and protects us, but asking for us from her Son and Lord - Jesus Christ.

Miracles of the Icon of the Mother of God of Seven Arrows

The holy image was found near Vologda more than 500 years ago. According to legend, the icon was acquired by a peasant, who found it on the bell tower of the church, where they walked on it, taking it for a board. In a dream, the Mother of God appeared to the peasant and told him where to look for Her face. After finding the icon, the first healing immediately took place - the peasant who found it got rid of the tormenting ailment - lameness and relaxation.

The miracles of the icon continued until its disappearance after the 1917 revolution. The icon became especially famous in 1830 during the cholera epidemic.

Where to hang the seven-shot icon of the Mother of God?

How to hang an icon so that it not only pleases the eye, but also helps protect the household, fill the house with peace and love? The question of choosing a place, how and where to store an icon, is not accidental: incorrectly placed icons can give a completely opposite effect.

Previously, there was a red corner for icons - a specially designated place for prayer. This method is not the only one, it is enough to follow just a few rules:

• all icons should be kept in one place and not mixed with photographs and paintings;
• the icons should stand apart, since the place where they will stand is intended for prayer, that is, for living communication with the Divine world. Through the prayer of the Mother of God, the Lord hears our requests most quickly, since she is the very first intercessor before us. The proximity of icons with other objects, albeit very expensive and important for us, is not allowed;
• you cannot put icons on the shelves with books, on the TV, or hang them on the paintings. Arranged or hung in this way, they can do more harm than good, since they lose their original meaning as a door for communication with God.

Seven-shot, of course, it is one of the most revered icons and should stand in the middle of the home iconostasis, where it should be - next to the icon of Jesus Christ. This option is classic, but if there are no other icons in the house, you can put it alone and light a candle or a lamp in front of it. Follow this link to learn more about this and other icons by purchasing books.

In the tradition, believers also have the option of wearing the icon under their heart - on their chest, along with a pectoral cross. In this case, the icon will more often remind the owner of itself and this will give more frequent communication with the Mother of God through her image. Which, of course, will increase the degree of the icon's impact on our lives.

Where else can you hang the Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God? Believers often place this image above the front door. It is believed that the Mother of God will protect the house from the invasion of enemies and envious people.

The seven-arrow icon of the Mother of God: the most powerful prayer

Prayer is communication of specific people with each other. Some are still on earth, while others have died, but they have lived their lives in such a way that the glory of them and faith in them is alive. The belief that Divine Mediators are our intercessors, advocates, whose voice is valuable. And the main intercessor is the Mother of God, who in the image of Seven-shot is the embodiment of forgiveness, endless mercy and love.

Troparion and kontakion of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Seven Arrows

Troparion, voice 5:
Soften our wicked hearts, the Mother of God, and extinguish the misfortunes of those who hate us, and resolve any tightness of our souls. We look at Your holy image, We are touched by Your suffering and mercy, and we kiss Your wounds, but our arrows that torment You are terrified. Do not give us, Merciful Mother, in our cruelty of heart and from the cruelty of our neighbors to perish, Thou art truly evil hearts Softening.

Kontakion:
To the Chosen Virgin Mary, who is superior to all the daughters of the earth, the Mother of the Son of God, who gave Him the salvation of the world, we cry with affection: behold our much sorrowful life, remember the sorrows and diseases that you also endured, like our earthly one, and do with us according to Your mercy, Yes, we call Ty: Rejoice, mournful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

The seven-arrow icon of the Mother of God: prayer

O long-suffering Mother of God, Higher than all the daughters of the earth, in her purity and in the multitude of sufferings that you transferred to the earth, accept our many painful sighs and preserve us under the roof of your mercy. We do not believe in any other refuge and warm intercession, but, as if you have boldness towards Who was born out of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we can reach the Kingdom of Heaven without any doubt, where, together with all the saints, we will sing in the Trinity to the one God, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

You can, and sometimes even need to, pray in your own words. Especially when you have something to say. But also do not forget the experience of congregational prayers, which are recited by all Christians in one word. They create a kind of prayer choir, which is also pleasant in heaven.

Love is the most sacred thing in our life. And maternal love is the strongest of all its varieties. Understanding what the seven-arrow icon of the Mother of God helps from in everyday life - in moments of grief and sorrow, tightness of soul, despair, when we are offended - we turn to the one who loves, and endures, and waits. She is waiting for prayer and fellowship, waiting for us to bring all our sorrows and sorrows to her. They told, as in the spirit, everything that lies like a stone on the heart. And we bring fears, hopes, complaints, requests to her - and we get consolation.

The Ostrobram icon is one of the most important icons for Orthodox and Catholic Christians. One of the official versions of the emergence of the icon says that the shrine appeared in the fourteenth century in Vilna (modern Vilnius) thanks to Prince Olgerd, who brought it from Chersonesos. This shrine has a very rich and interesting history; the holy image often changed its owner and location. After the death of Prince Olgerd, the icon was moved to the Trinity monastery.

Ostrobramskaya icon: history and meaning

The Christian shrine was passed from hand to hand. Currently, the Ostrobram icon can be seen in the historical Vilnius Museum above the Sharp Gates... These gates are nowadays an important attraction in Lithuania and a favorite place for pilgrims in this country. Catholics and Orthodox Christians from all over the Christian world pray in front of the Ostrobramskoy icon.

In Vilnius, candles are constantly burning in front of the icon; pilgrims from all over the world flock here every day.

Like any other icon, Ostrobramskaya has her own day. Orthodox Christians celebrate it on December 26, while Catholic Christians celebrate it on April 14.

The Ostrobramskoy icon depicts Mother of God without a child, therefore, the shrine is considered quite rare. The first face was depicted on eight oak boards, each board 2 centimeters wide. The shrine turned out to be quite large - 2 meters by 1.65 m. The icon depicts the Mother of God up to the waist, her head is tilted, her arms are crossed. In this position, the Mother of God received the good news of the birth of the son of God.

Now on the head of the Mother of God a crown and a halo with many shining stars shine. The figure is hidden behind a silver robe. At the very bottom of the icon is a silver crescent.

The history of the icon

The history of the appearance of this shrine covers several versions. The first version suggests that the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was first seen by the inhabitants of the city of Vilna on the main gate in the spring of 1431. The main gates of the city had a pointed appearance; it is believed that the name of the Ostrobram icon is associated with these gates.

According to another version, the shrine appeared in Vilna. The Greek emperor presented the icon as a sign of the adoption of Christianity.

In the Catholic world, it is believed that this shrine has European roots and it appeared in the 17th century.

Orthodox Christians believe that the shrine is the legacy of Byzantium. In the nineteenth century, when they removed the robe from the icon, they found ancient Slavic inscription... It was a song of praise to the Mother of God. According to some historical data, the Ostrobramsk shrine used to be part of the composition of the Annunciation. At present, the ancient inscription from the icon is kept in the village of Kyana.

How does the Ostrobramsky image of the Mother of God help?

Ostrobramsk shrine - one of the main protectors of Christians from dark forces and ailments... It protects against the evil tongue of the ill-wisher. To protect themselves from intruders and bad news, the icon is hung over the front door of the dwelling.

The Ostrobramskaya icon of the Mother of God: what does it protect from? Many magical influences, curses, evil eyes can be neutralized by praying to the holy image. You can protect yourself from the evil eye, evil word and slander with the help of this holy image.

The Blessed Image of the Ostrobramskaya Theotokos can protect against sudden death. The face of Our Lady of Ostrobramskoy helps to establish an atmosphere in the house, calm adversity and achieve harmony.

At mental disorders, depression and other mental illnesses will help the prayer of the Holy Ostrobramskoy Mother of God.

Newlyweds should hang this shrine in their home in order to protect the family union from outside evil influences.

The image of the Ostrobramskaya Holy Mother of God helps in solving many problems, she will help:

1. Protect yourself from an evil word, an evil eye.
2. To achieve harmony and a favorable atmosphere in the family and home.
3. Protect the family union from outside influences.
4. Protect the house from intruders, bad news.
5. Protect or get rid of magical interference.
6. Cure mental disorders.
7. Carry out and give birth to a healthy baby.

The holy image has a powerful force for a successful delivery. Parents-to-be should pray to the Ostrobramsk Icon of the Holy Mother of God in order to protect themselves and the unborn child. The holy image helps couples who could not have children for a long time. For God to send a child, a woman must pray to the face with a clean and open mind, pure thoughts. Prayer for the protection of mother and child during pregnancy begins with the words "Most Holy Theotokos, do not turn your face away from me, the sinful servant of God ..."

There are prayers for this icon to protect the home.

Many Orthodox Christians who have been to Vilnius noticed the strong positive energy of the Ostrobramsk Icon of the Theotokos. People pray in front of the icon, not noticing how they themselves kneel. The powerful energy of the icon energizes the suffering with its strength, gives peace, harmony and pacification.

This holy face is of great relevance in our time. It is very important for a modern person keep calm and love in your soul despite the active world around. Being judicious and confident is important in today's world. The Ostrobramsky image of the Mother of God helps in this.

The shrine hangs over the gates of Vilnius for a reason; it protects the city from evil misfortunes and gives joy and peace to all residents and guests of the city.

You need to pray in front of the holy Ostrobramsky image without fuss, discarding all extraneous thoughts and deeds.

Where to place the Ostrobram icon in the house

Ostrobramsky image protects housing from ill-wishers, uninvited guests, bad news, so the icon should be hung over the front door of your home. A few rules before placing an icon:

• choose a place for placement;
• read a prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos;
• the shrine must look into the house.

After you place the Ostrobramsk shrine in your home, you may notice that some people stop or become less likely to visit you. The Mother of God takes away from you all people who can bring evil or threat to you or your loved ones.

Miracles of the Ostrobramsky Image of the Most Holy Theotokos

Many miracles performed by the Ostrobramsk icon have been and continue to be observed by Christians around the world. The holy image healed many people from diseases, restored speech, and helped in the search for missing children.

The desperate mother of the child, who was sick with leukemia, prayed to the Ostrobramsk face of the Mother of God, and soon the child was miraculously healed. Another story tells of a boy who, from birth, had problems with his speech apparatus and could not speak. After long prayers to his mother to the Ostrobramsky image of the Mother of God, the boy began to speak without problems and speech defects.

Moscow witnessed another great miracle when several children were kidnapped. Thanks to prayers, the children returned home safe and sound. The Ostrobramsk shrine helps to find the missing people.

The Ostrobramskaya Mother of God is the protector of all Christians, she helps everyone who turns to her with deep faith and pure thoughts.

The meaning of the icon is more and more confirmed every year by examples of miraculous help to the suffering.

The history of the Ostrobramsky Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos knows many examples when couples, desperate to have children, soon became happy parents.

The Holy Ostrobramsky image of the Mother of God is not an easy shrine, it is a real miracle, a gift to the Christian world. The holy image helps to get rid of and protect from many problems: adjust the atmosphere in the house, achieve harmony and tranquility, protect housing from bad people and bad news, find missing or kidnapped people, heal from mental and physical ailments, remove curses, evil eyes and other magical influences ... The holy image helps even the most desperate couples to become pregnant and safely give birth to a child, protects the family union from outside interference.

The Ostrobramsky image of the Holy Mother of God is revered throughout the Christian world: in the Republic of Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, and the Russian Federation.

Divine services for this icon are held all over the world, every year more and more pilgrims come to Vilnius to look at the Ostrobramskaya shrine above the main gate of the capital of Lithuania.

Pray with pure thoughts, an open mind. The Ostrobramskaya Mother of God helps everyone, a person who will find the time and turn to her, will stay alone with this holy image and pray.

Icon of the Ostrobramskaya Mother of God