Icon “Fadeless color. All about the icon of unfading color and prayer to it

27.10.2014

The “Unfading Color” icon depicts the Mother of God with her baby son Jesus sitting in her arms. At the same time, the Mother of God is holding a white lily in her hands. This flower on this icon represents purity, youth and eternal beauty.

An interesting fact is that all the “Eternal Color” icons differ from each other, no two are alike. But the Mother of God is always depicted on them with some kind of flower. Usually it can be a rose or lily.

A little about the history of the icon

Today it is not possible to say exactly when and under what circumstances this icon was painted. But if you believe the assumptions of experts, “Unfading Color” was brought back in the 17th century by pilgrims from Greece. This is how the icon appeared in Rus'. As the legend says, this image of the Mother of God is associated with Mount Athos, on which the immortelle grew. They say that in the first variations of the icons, it was the immortelle flowers that were depicted in the hands of the Virgin Mary. She herself was depicted with a scepter, sitting on a throne. A little later, icon painters began to remove complex artistic elements, and the immortelle was replaced with a lily.

What does the “Fadeless Color” icon symbolize?

Orthodox believers are especially in awe of this painting, because the icon symbolizes purity and innocence. Therefore, the icon “Unfading Color” is addressed:

young girls who protect their honor and innocence for their future husband;
single women in search of a loving and worthy husband;
for a blessing for a young bride who is getting married (by giving this icon, the mother blesses her daughter on her wedding day);
married women who want to overcome family adversity and save their marriage, making it happy.

It turns out that the tradition of giving an icon at a wedding is precisely designed for the fact that in the future “Fadeless Color” will help a married woman, as a keeper of the hearth, in solving family problems.

Usually women pray in front of the “Unfading Color” icon, but if they wish, men can also ask the Mother of God for something.

According to legend, thanks to this icon, you can preserve a woman’s youth and beauty for many years, always remaining attractive.

There are many references to the fact that the image of the Virgin Mary with a flower helped to heal the sick and helps those suffering from illnesses to regain health. There is even a case described (memoirs of the monk Metelius) of how a patient was healed by just one touch of the lily painted on the icon.

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In the icon, the Most Holy Theotokos holds her Divine Son on her right hand, and in Her left hand is a white lily flower. This flower symbolically signifies the unfading of virginity and the purity of the Most Pure Virgin, to whom the Holy Church addresses itself: “You are the Root of virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity.” Some lists show roses or other flowers instead of lilies. Lists of the icon "Unfading Flower" ("Fragrant Flower") became famous in Moscow, Voronezh and other places of the Russian Church.

The name "Unfading Flower" ("Fragrant Flower") is associated with chants dedicated to the Mother of God. Since ancient times, in prayer books there has been a symbolic comparison of the Most Holy Theotokos with an “unfading, fragrant flower.” Also, the name of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” goes back to the canon of Joseph the Songwriter. And the origin of the “Unfading Flower” icon is connected with Athos: immortal flowers, considered a symbol of purity, grew on the slopes of the Holy Mountain.

The appearance of this icon dates back to the 16th - 17th centuries. The icon came to Rus' through pilgrims in the 17th - 18th centuries. One of the first revered copies of the “Unfading Flower” icon appears in the Moscow St. Alexievsky Monastery, which stood on the site of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior at the beginning of the 18th century. Probably at the same time or somewhat earlier, the same icons appeared in other churches in Central and Southern Russia. Most of them were brought from Athos. Russian icon painters turned to this image relatively rarely.

There are two known versions of the “Fadeless Color” icon. In the first, the so-called “Hodegetria type,” the Mother of God holds the Infant Christ on her left hand, and the lily flower is held by Christ himself or the Mother of God. In the second case, the Mother of God is addressed to the Child standing on a high footstool - a throne. Christ in royal vestments: a crown on his head, a scepter and an orb in his hands. The Mother of God supports Him with her left hand, and in her right hand is a rod blooming with paradise flowers.
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Unfading Color” they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the right choice of a spouse, for happiness in marriage, for purity and chastity, for deliverance from carnal warfare upon marriage. Pure and fiery prayer before this icon helps in resolving difficult family problems. In front of the “Unfading Color” icon, they pray, first of all, to preserve themselves in purity and righteousness, as well as for admonition when choosing a future spouse. They also turn to prayer when there are sorrows in family life. Prayer in front of the icon “Unfading Color” (“Fragrant Color”) helps people in the “invasion of sadness”, with the loss of loved ones, in a state of loneliness. In all these cases, the Mother of God helps to gain spiritual strength to overcome trials, continue life, and fulfill Christian duty. One of the most heartfelt prayers addressed to this icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is the akathist.

This image, which is rarely seen in Russian churches, is dearly loved by believers.

The celebration in honor of the “Unfading Flower” icon in the Orthodox Church takes place on April 16 (April 3 according to the Julian calendar). In more ancient images, the difference was as follows. On the icon “Unfading Flower” the Infant God sat on the right hand of the Mother of God, and on the icon “Fragrant Flower” (commemorated on November 28 of the new century / November 15 of the old style) - on the left. In modern icons these distinctions are often not respected.

Troparion, tone 5:

Most blessed Virgin Mary, we worship Your most pure image, We sing a song of praise to You, We bring needs, grief and tears to You, But You, oh, our meek Intercessor, Earthly sorrows are so close to You, accept our sighs, help us and save us from troubles. Tirelessly and with tenderness let us call to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Magnification:

We magnify Thee, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Thy holy image, through which we heal our illnesses and raise souls to God.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “The Unfading Flower.”
Oh, 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. Mistress 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 Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.

Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate 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.

(Minea April. Part 1. - M., Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, 2002; life-my.ucoz.ru; illustrations - www.diveevo.ru; calendar.rop.ru; www.usds.ru; www. neuvyadaemy-tsvet.ru; dic.academic.ru; svyato.info).

Source in honor of the icon B.M. "Fadeless Color" Ekaterinivka village Shcherbin. Krasnodar district. cr.

The icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” was created in the 17th century on Mount Athos. As an example, Byzantine writings were used, where the Mother of God and the Child of God are compared to flowers that never wither. In the icon, the Mother of God holds her Child in her right hand, and in her left hand there is a lily flower, which symbolizes purity. It is worth noting that many of the “Unfading Flower” icons are different from each other, but at the same time, they always have a flower in the hands of the Mother of God, either a lily or a rose. Some sources indicate that earlier the image was painted differently, and the Mother of God sat on a throne and held a scepter entwined with flowers in her hands. After a while, the small details were removed from the canvas, and the scepter was replaced with a flower.

Despite the fact that the “Fadeless Color” icon has a special meaning specifically for women, anyone can turn to it for help. Every year, pilgrims to Mount Athos can become eyewitnesses of a real miracle. Throughout the year, people bring white lily flowers to the image and before the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the withered stems are filled with strength and begin to produce new buds. The celebration of this icon takes place every year, and this happens on April 16th.

Meaning and prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon

The power of this image was known back in ancient times. People wore it on their chest to protect themselves from various troubles. Prayerful appeals to the icon help maintain chastity and a righteous life. There is a legend that it is this image of the Virgin Mary that allows the fair sex to preserve their beauty and youth for many years. In ancient times, this information was considered a secret, and it was passed down from generation to generation through the female line. It is believed that sincere prayer will help solve many family problems.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Unfading Color” is of great importance for single girls, since they turn to her with a request to choose a worthy life partner. In their prayers, girls can also ask for a successful marriage and family happiness. Often this image is used to bless the bride before marriage. Young ladies pray for the preservation of chastity. There is a huge amount of evidence that the image helps to recover from many diseases. in front of the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Unfading Color” helps to cope with existing life trials and various emotional experiences. You can turn to the image to receive love and recognition from others.

Prayer for marriage to the “Unfading Color” icon

The “Unfading Color” icon is considered one of the most beautiful in the Orthodox religion. The image of the Mother of God with a baby in her arms helps everyone solve problems, get rid of grief and mental anguish.

The icon depicts the Most Pure Virgin, who supports the Son of God with one hand, and in the other clutches a snow-white lily - a symbol of purity and innocence. On some images a rose or a rose branch is written, and the Divine Child is sometimes on one or the other hand. However, this minor difference does not in any way affect the miraculous properties of the icon. The Virgo's face is invariably beautiful, with soft features and a thoughtful, kind, forgiving and understanding look. The holy image miraculously puts everyone in a peaceful mood, makes them forget about the hardships of life and pushes them towards dialogue with Higher powers.

The help of the icon is great:

• The Mother of God patronizes married couples, gives them love, confidence in each other, protects them from quarrels and troubles, protects them from envious people and ill-wishers;
• with the help of this icon it is customary to bless the bride for a happy married life, entrust her to her husband for a life of love, prosperity and mutual understanding;
• women often turn to the holy face with a request to protect family relationships from temptations and devilish machinations;
• they pray to the Mother of God in the hope of overcoming mental pain, acquiring beauty and youth, getting rid of illness and anger;
• young girls ask the icon for a happy marriage, a kind and fair husband, children and health for their future family.

Prayer for Marriage

“Blessed Virgin, protector of sinful Christians! Hear our prayers addressed to You. Do not refuse us our request, hope and support in the sorrow and joy of sinful servants of God. We entrust our souls and hearts to Your mercy. With your protection, intercessor of the human race, protect us from enemies and enemies who think evil against us. You are the most pure and immaculate, bearing His Son from God. Grant us the grace to find true love and a companion until our death. Give reason to live righteously, in piety, and not quarrel over trifles and trifles in family life. Bless, Mother, for the birth of healthy offspring, whose souls we entrust to the Lord at birth. Light a righteous, unquenchable fire in our hearts. Strengthen our faith in the Lord and warm our souls wandering in darkness. Amen".

There are many legends and proven stories about healing miracles associated with the image of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”. Every Christian can turn to the icon for help and ask for the secret. Prayers and sincere faith work truly indescribable miracles. We wish you all the best, and don't forget to press the buttons and

14.04.2017 07:17

The image of the Mother of God is loved and revered by Christians from all over the world. The “Increasing Mind” icon has a row...

On the Greek island of Kefalonia, a bright tradition has existed for centuries. On the holy feast of the Annunciation, believers bring modest white flowers to the Church, similar to those that the Archangel Gabriel presented to the Mother of God with the news of God’s will to become the mother of the Savior.

The young, embarrassed girl accepted Gabriel's gift, and from then on The lily flower became the personification of the Virgin Mary, as a symbol of purity and innocence. Remembering this phenomenon, Orthodox Christians, feeling the protection and patronage of the Mother of God, place fragile flowers on the icon case in front of the icon, where they remain for a long five months without watering or rays of sunlight.

And on the Feast of the Assumption, an incredible event happens every time - miraculously the withered stems are filled with juice, new shoots of buds are expelled and the temple is filled with a wonderful fragrance and luxurious blossoming of lilies. This is the unfading color. The priests say that Like a flower, the human soul can dry out, losing its divine spark. But as soon as one regains faith, the hardened spirit, with the help of prayer and trust in Christ, again joins the mercy of the Mother of God.

Description

Since the original image of the Mother of God was lost and her image was restored from numerous preserved church scrolls, there is no single prototype. Most often, the Virgin Mary is depicted in festive clothes of blue or red decorated with ribbons. With one hand the Mother of God supports the Divine Infant, and with the other she holds a branch of a lily with a blossoming bud. The face of the Queen of Heaven is depicted as soft and gentle.

The Synod allows variations in the image:

• Jesus is supported by both the right and left hands of the Virgin Mary.
• The head of the Mother of God can be covered with a veil, with a crown, or not covered at all.
• Christ is depicted as both a baby and a youth in rich clothes with a crown on his head. He holds a scroll or orb in his hands.
• Flowers may differ in variety, shade and splendor.

It is noted that the older and more ancient the icon, the more carefully the details are drawn on it. The plot can be supplemented by the image of a throne, flower garlands and the apostles present.

Meaning

Since ancient times, the “Unfading Color” icon has symbolized innocence, pure thoughts and the unfading beauty of the soul before suffering and grief. Purity and chastity emanating from the Mother of God are the standard for young unmarried girls and single boys who dream of finding their other half to create a strong family.

Often the image of the Mother of God is used to bless brides for marriage. and escorted into married life, having carried out the Sacrament of Wedding. Looking at the lovely image of the Virgin Mary, women of different ages pray for the preservation of health and beauty. Single Christians of both sexes, bowing before the icon, ask to be given a bright feeling of love, to relieve anxiety and receive recognition from the people around them.

What do they pray to the icon for and how does “Fadeless Color” help?

The Mother of God has always been considered the main intercessor of Orthodox Christians. Despite the fact that more women turn to the “Unfading Color” icon, a sincere prayer for the mercy of the Mother of God is acceptable for people of both sexes and a wide range of ages.

Young boys and girls are asking:

Married ladies and respectable men pray:

• About the pacification of spiritual and carnal passions.
• About help in overcoming obstacles.
• About mutual understanding in married life and maintaining loving relationships.
• About a calm future pastime with your family.
• About the proper upbringing of children.
• About the decision in the event of family adversity and preservation of the home.
• About preserving the beauty of soul and body.

“Fadeless Color” helps you find:

• Peace of mind.
• Comfort after sad news.
• Recover your fading faith in Christ.
• Find the strength to overcome obstacles and overwhelming dark thoughts.
• Get hope for tomorrow.
• Get rid of worries.

The “Unfading Color” icon is considered miraculous. Prayer before it helps to cleanse yourself of negativity, irritation and resentment. The Mother of God joyfully softens hardened hearts and restores faded feelings. Christians raised in the faith pray to the Virgin Mary for guidance on the true path, and ask to bestow knowledge about the Lord on the younger generation.

Icon in the house

Home iconostasis. Usually the icon is placed in the home iconostasis along with the other images or placed on a specially equipped shelf in the eastern side of the home.

Lace and fresh flowers are considered good decorations for “Unfading Color.” or willow branches. It is necessary to remember about regular cleaning of the home icon case; the image must be kept clean.

Respect for the holy image greatly strengthens the prayer of the believer.

It is also permissible to place icons in rooms:

• Marital bedroom. Love relationships between spouses are not considered a sin, but lead to the continuation of the human race.
• Girl's bedroom. The image helps to maintain purity of thoughts and refrain from sinful thoughts.
• Children bedroom. Under the auspices of the Mother of God, children's sleep will be pure and bright.

Clergy have no special requirements for the placement of icons. It is possible to place the icon anywhere in the house.

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Prayer

Oh, 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.

Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten and teach us, do not retreat 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, so that we may pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most kind and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession, protect us 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 may be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son, to whom we give glory, honor and worship now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

It may seem to people far from faith that the image of “The Unfading Flower” is just a pretty picture, but thousands of believers talk about the ambulance of the Mother of God, about her intercession and guardianship over the petitioners.

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