Mother of God icon. Orthodox Icons

Praying in front of icons, people worship not the object itself, but what it symbolizes: great saints or religiously significant events. Amazing in this respect, the Mother of God - icons, all images with her are very different. They differ so much as if we are talking not about one Mother of God, but about many, each of whom infinitely loves people and wants to help them, but does it in their own way, in a special way.

Among the huge number of images of the Mother of God, several can be singled out especially. Each of them is endowed with its own history, and they are approached with different questions, but they are all equally significant for a believer.

Icon of the Mother of God "Iverskaya"

The Iberian icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is also called the Goalkeeper or the Gatekeeper, since several times it appeared in an unknown way in the icon case above the entrance to the monastery, from where it was not removed afterwards. Later, on the site of its location, a temple was rebuilt, where it is now located.

The icon is easily recognizable, since on it the right cheek of the Mother of God is marked with a bleeding wound. The rest of the plot is more familiar: with her left hand she holds the baby, while her right palm is stretched out towards him in a prayer gesture.

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

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

Icon of the Mother of God "Vladimirskaya"

According to one of the legends, the apostle and evangelist Luke was the author of the icon. Upon completion of the work, he showed the handiwork of his Mother of God and she herself blessed the icon. The image shows the Mother of God holding the baby with her right hand, and her left palm only slightly touches the robes of little Jesus, who hugs his mother by the neck. The "sign" of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is considered the visible "heel" (foot) of the Savior.

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

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

Icon of the Mother of God "Seven-shot"

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

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

This image of the icon of the Mother of God pray for the cure of cholera, deliverance from lameness and relaxation, reconciliation of enemies. The day of veneration is August 13/26.

Icon of the Mother of God "Reigning"

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

On the icon, the Mother of God is depicted as the Heavenly Queen: dressed in red robes, majestically seated on the royal throne, crowned with a crown and a halo. The orb and the scepter rest in her palms, and the baby Jesus is sitting on her knees. Today the icon is in Kolomenskoye, in the temple of the "Kazan" icon of the Mother of God.

The main theme of the prayers dedicated to the Sovereign Mother of God is truth. She is asked for honesty in words, deeds, love and for saving Russia. Honoring Day - March 2/15.

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

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

Tikhvin pray for the return of sight, the expulsion of demons, the healing of children and relief from the relaxation of the joints in case of paralysis. The day of veneration is June 26/9.

The first mention of the image is associated with the 12th century. The story goes that after Batu attacked the Gorodets monastery, everything turned to ashes, but the icon remained completely unharmed. Later, Vasily Kostroma, who saw the appearance of the Mother of God, transported the icon to Kostroma, to the Cathedral of Theodore Strastilat. This gave it its now known name.

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

It is necessary to pray to Theodorovskaya Mother of God for the safe resolution of difficult childbirth. Days of veneration: March 27/14 and August 29/16.

The quick-to-hearted woman is somewhat reminiscent of the Tikhvin Mother of God (she is also an image of the Hodegetria - Guidebook type). She is considered to be one of the miraculous icons. The place of creation of the Quick-To-Hearn is the holy Mount Athos, and now it resides within the walls of the Dochiar Monastery.

The story associated with this image tells of a monk, out of stupid interest, who smoked the face of the Virgin. For this he was deprived of his sight. Through prolonged prayers, the monk was able to bring him back and since then the icon “hears” the requests of all those in need and helps them.

It is necessary to pray to the Quick-To-Hearder, first of all, for the cure of blindness, lameness and relaxation, as well as for deliverance from captivity and the salvation of people who have been shipwrecked. The day of veneration is November 9/22.

Conventionally, all the variety of types of icons of the Mother of God with the 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. An iconographic scheme is an expression of a theological idea.

The first group is the type of iconography "Sign" (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, the Virgin in her womb will receive and give birth to a Son, and they will call His name: Emmanuel" (Isa. 7.14) and from the New Testament - the words of the Angel in the Annunciation: "The Holy Spirit will find on You and the power of the Most High will overshadow You, therefore the Holy One being born will be called the Son of God" (Luke 1.35). In these words, the mystery of the Incarnation is revealed to us, the birth of the Savior from the Virgin, the birth of the Son of God from an earthly woman.

This finds its expression 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 is a medallion (or sphere) with the image of the Savior Emmanuel, who is in the bosom of the Mother. The Mother of God can be presented full-length, as on the icon "Yaroslavl Oranta, Great Panagia", or up to the waist, as in "Kursk Root" or in Novgorod's "Sign", this is not so significant. Another thing is more important - the combination of the figures of the Mother of God and the (half-figure) of 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 one who prays as if opens the holy of holies, the inner Mary, in the depths of which the God-man is conceived by the Holy Spirit. "Thy womb is wider" - this is how the Mother of God is magnified in the Akathist. We see Her at the moment of standing before God: "Behold the servant of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy 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 Infant, only Her palms are open, and the position of Emmanuel's fingers is different - they are folded into a blessing. In other versions of the Sign, the Baby holds a scroll in one hand - a symbol of teaching, the other blesses. The clothes of the Mother of God are traditional - red maforium and blue underwear. Such are the clothes of the Mother of God on all icons (with rare exceptions), and, recall, their colors symbolize the union in Her of Virginity and Motherhood, Her earthly nature and Her heavenly vocation. In the Yaroslavl "Oranta", the clothes of the Mother of God are flooded with a golden light (depicted as a large assist), which is an expression of the streams of grace of the Holy Spirit that poured out on the Most Holy Virgin at the moment of conception. On both sides of Mary, the heavenly forces are depicted - 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 the Incarnation, raises humanity a step higher than angels and archangels, for God, according to St. fathers, did not take on the angelic image, but put on human flesh. In the chant glorifying the Mother of God, it is sung: "The most honest cherub and the most glorious seraphim without comparison."

The iconographic scheme of "Signs" 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 an infrequent detail that reveals the liturgical aspect of this image. This is an eagle - a rug under the feet of Mary, such are used in bishop divine services. In this case, the eagle symbolizes the cosmic service of the Mother of God, which lies ahead of God for the entire human race. The Mother of God stands on the eagle like on a cloud in the midst of the golden radiance of God's glory - the Mother of God is a new creature, a transformed creation, a new man. The scheme of the Kursk Root icon is supplemented with the image of the prophets, connected by the likeness of a flourishing vine. The prophets hold the scrolls of their prophecies. All this symbolizes the fact that the Mother of God and God's Son, born of her, is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and aspirations. So, in different iconographic versions, with 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 hands up. An example of such a variant is the image "The Mother of God - the Unbreakable Wall" from St. Sophia of Kiev (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 was named " Hodegetria"which in Greek means" Travel guide". This name contains the concept of the Theotokos icons as a whole, for the Mother of God leads us to Christ. The life of a Christian is a path from darkness to 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 built as follows: the figure of the Mother of God is presented frontally (sometimes with a slight tilt of the head), on one of Her hand, as on a throne, the Infant Christ sits, with the other hand the Mother of God points to Him, thereby directing the attention of those standing and praying. The Infant Christ blesses the Mother with one hand, and in Her face and us (often the gesture of blessing is directed directly at the viewer), in the other hand He holds a rolled scroll (there are options when the Infant has a scepter and orb, a book, an unfolded scroll in his hands).

In the gesture of the Mother of God, pointing to Christ, the key to this image - the Mother of God orients us spiritually, directing us to Christ, for He is the Way, Truth and 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 theotokos icons became unusually widespread throughout the Christian world, and especially in Byzantium and Russia. It was not by chance that many revered icons of this type were attributed to the brush of the Apostle Luke.

The most famous variants of Hodegetria include: "Smolenskaya", "Iverskaya" (Goalkeeper), "Tikhvin", "Georgian", "Jerusalem", "Three-handed", "Passionate", "Czestokhovskaya", "Kiprskaya", "Abalatskaya", "The guarantor of sinners" and many others.

Slight iconographic differences in details are associated with the details of the history of the origin of each particular image. So the third hand of the icon "Three-handed" was added by St. John Damascus, when the Mother of God restored his severed hand according to his olitva. The bleeding wound on the cheek of "Iverskaya" brings us back to the times of iconoclasm, when this image was attacked by those who rejected the icons: from the blow of the spear, the icon bleed, which plunged the witnesses into indescribable horror. The icon of the Mother of God "Passionate" usually depicts two angels flying to the Infant with the instruments of passion, thereby foreshadowing His suffering for us. As a result of this plot twist, the pose of the Infant Christ is somewhat changed - He is depicted half-turn, looking at the angels, His hands are 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 "Hodegetria" the Mother of God is represented in a half-length image, but there are also shoulder-length compositions of the Theotokos icons; these include "Kazanskaya", "Petrovskaya", "Igorevskaya". The same topic is being developed here, but in a somewhat abbreviated form.

The third type of theotokos icons in Russia received the name " Affection"which is not quite an accurate translation of the Greek word" Eleusa"(έλεουσα), that is," Merciful. "This epithet in Byzantium was called 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 icons called "Glycophilus" (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. Mary is inclined towards the Son, and He embraces the Mother by the neck with His hand.This touching composition contains a deep theological idea: here the Mother of God is revealed to us not only as the Mother caressing the Son, but also as a symbol of the soul in close communion with God. God is the mystical theme of many writings of the Holy Fathers The Mother of God Tenderness is one of the most mystical types of the 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 perished", "Pochaevskaya", etc. .d. In all these icons, the Mother of God is presented in a belt composition, in rare cases there is a shoulder composition, as, for example, in the icon "Korsunskaya".

A variation of the iconographic type "Tenderness" is the type "Leaping". Icons of this kind were common mainly in the Balkans, but such images are rarely found in Russian art. The iconographic scheme here is very close to "Tenderness", with the only difference that the Infant is presented in a more free pose, as if playing out. An example of this type of icons is "Yakhromskaya". In this composition, there is always a characteristic gesture - the Infant Christ touches the face of the Virgin with a pen. In this small detail, an abyss of tenderness and trust is hidden, which open to an attentive contemplating gaze.

Another kind of "Tenderness" iconography is "Mammal". From the name it is clear that a distinctive feature of this iconographic scheme is the image of the Mother of God breastfeeding the Infant Christ. Such a detail is not only an intimate detail of this iconographic version, but it reveals a new mystical aspect in reading the image of the Virgin. The Mother feeds the Son, in the same way She feeds our souls, in the same way God feeds us with the "pure milk of words" of the Word of God (1 Peter 2.2), so that we, as we grow, pass 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 whole directions in theological understanding of the image of the Mother of God. Each of them represents to us some one of the aspects of Her ministry, Her role in the saving mission of Christ, in the history of our salvation.

The fourth type does not have such a theological content as the first three. It is rather collective; it should include all those iconographic variants that, for one reason or another, were not included in the first three. The name of the fourth type is conditionally - " Akathist", since mainly iconographic schemes are built here not according to the principle of theological text, but according to 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. The main focus of these images is to show the Mother of God as the Queen of Heaven. In this form, this image entered the Byzantine iconography - especially often such compositions were placed in the conch of the apse. 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 of the Ferapontov Monastery.

But most of the icons of this type are a combination of the central scheme of the previous types with additional elements. For example, the iconographic scheme of the Burning Bush consists of the image of the Mother of God Hodegetria, surrounded by symbolic figures of glory and the powers of heaven (similarly to the way the image of heavenly glory is depicted in the iconography of the Savior in Strength). The iconographic scheme of the icon "The Mother of God - the Life-Giving Source" includes the image of the Mother of God with the Child seated on a throne, which looks like a kind of font inside a reservoir, and around there are angels and people who have come to drink from this source. The composition of the icon "The Mother of God - Mount Not Handcrafted" is also built on the principle of mechanical imposition of symbols - the Mother of God with the Christ Child (like Hodegetria) sit on the throne, against the background of figures and around them various symbols are depicted that directly illustrate akathist epithets: irrigated fleece, Jacob's ladder, unburned bush, light-receiving candle, unarmed mountain, etc. And, finally, the icon "Unexpected Joy" is built on the principle of "an icon in an icon", that is, the plot inclusion of the image of the icon inside the action taking place. A kneeling man is usually represented here, 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 "The joyous whole 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, the Mother of God is depicted with the Child Christ on the throne in a radiance of glory and surrounded by the powers of heaven. The image of the universe is presented in the form of a many-domed temple surrounded by flowering trees - it is at the same time an image of Heavenly Jerusalem. In the lower part of the icon, at the foot of the throne, people are depicted - prophets, kings, saints of different ranks, just the people of God. We see - the Icon represents the new earth and the new heaven (Rev. 21.1), - the image of the transformed creature, the beginning of which was laid in the mystery of the Incarnation (here the central image partly resembles the scheme of the Sign).

The iconographic variants, where the Mother of God is depicted without the Christ Child, 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 adjoin the four types already named by us earlier. For example, "The Mother of God of Ostrobramskaya-Vilna" is a variant tending to 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 unto me according to thy word." Luke 1.38). The position of the arms crossed on the chest (a gesture of humble prayer worship) is semantically close to that of Oranta. Consequently, this iconographic version can be attributed to the "Sign" type. In addition to Ostrobramskaya, this type corresponds to the icon "The Unmarried Bride" (mistakenly called "Tenderness"), which was the cell icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov.

The well-known ancient Russian icon "Our Lady of Bogolyubskaya" also depicts the Mother of God without the Infant, but standing before God with intercession for her worshipers (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 who are praying, then conditionally this icon can be attributed to the "Hodegetria" type. The Mother of God holds a prayer scroll in her hand, and with the other hand points to the image of Christ, written on the left in the segment of heaven. Thus, the same gesture is preserved as in the Hodegetria: Christ is the Way, Truth and Life.

But for the most part, the icons of the Theotokos, in which the Mother of God is presented 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 "Theotokos Seven-shot" or "Simeon's prophecy" can be attributed to this type; this iconographic version is also known under a different name - "Softening of Evil Hearts". Here is depicted the Mother of God with seven swords piercing Her heart. This image is taken from the prophecy of Simeon, who at the time of the Meeting uttered the following words: "And the weapon itself will pass through the soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2.35). Such iconography, as a rule, of late origin, most likely came from the Western European tradition and is distinguished by literary quality. Nevertheless, they also have 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, semantically corresponding to the third type of the Theotokos icons, known as "Tenderness", are practically not found, since it is difficult to imagine how it is possible to depict the intimate relationship of 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 the Mourning Mother of God ("Mater Dolorosa"), when the Mother of God is represented immersed in prayer grief for the crucified Christ. Usually, the Mother of God is depicted with her head bowed and prayerfully folded hands near her chin. This version became widespread in the West, but it is also well known in Orthodox iconography. Some researchers believe that he was not originally independent, was part of a diptych, in 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 for me Mati", which is well known in Balkan art and less famous in our country, in Russia. This icon usually depicts the Mother of God and Christ (sometimes standing in a tomb), the Mother mourns the death of the Son, hugging His dead body. In practice, this is a modification of the "Mourning" plot, but the iconographic scheme is built on the principle of "Tenderness" - only on icons like "Don't cry for Me Mati" The Mother of God presses not Little Jesus to Herself, but an adult after being taken down from the Cross. The tragedy of the plot reaches an extraordinary intensity - the grief of the Mother is inconsolable, but, as in any icon, there is news of the resurrection, it is in the name of the icon, which is built on the text of passionate chants: "Do not weep for Me Mati in the grave of seeing ...". The appeal to the Mother of God comes on behalf of Christ, who conquered death.

Traditionally, it is customary to depict the Mother of God in robes of two colors: cherry maforia (red modification), a blue tunic and a blue cap. On the maforia, as a rule, three golden stars are depicted - as a sign of her purity ("she conceived immaculately, immaculately gave birth, died immaculately") and a border as a sign of her glorification. The plat itself - maforia - means Her Motherhood, the blue (blue) color of the dress covered by it - Virginity. But occasionally we can see the Mother of God dressed in a blue maforia. So She was sometimes portrayed in Byzantium, in the Balkans. This is how Theophanes the Greek wrote the Mother of God in the deisis tier of the Annunciation Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. Apparently, in these cases it is more important for the icon painter to emphasize the Virginity, the innocence 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 the Mother.

The Orthodox tradition in exceptional cases allows the image of women with bare heads. Usually they write Mary of Egypt as a sign of her ascetic penitential way of life, which replaced her former dissolute way of life. In all other cases, whether it be the image of martyrs, queens, saints and righteous wives, myrrh-bearing wives 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 Theotokos icons, we see, quite unexpectedly, the image of the Mother of God with an uncovered head. For example, "Our Lady of Akhtyrskaya" and some others. In some cases, the circuit board is replaced by a crown (crown). The custom of depicting the Mother of God with an uncovered head is of Western origin, where it came into use since the Renaissance, and in principle is not canonical. The maphoria on the head of the Mother of God is not just a tribute to the Eastern Christian tradition, but a deep symbol - the sign of Her Motherhood and complete devotion 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 a wreath over a plate, as we see in such iconographic versions as "The Sovereign Mother of God", "Novodvorskaya", "Abalatskaya", "Kholmovskaya" and others. The image of the crown (crown) on the head of the Virgin also came to the Eastern Christian 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 the earth, on Her head we see nothing but a maforia fee. 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.

Orthodox icons

The icon is a completely unique phenomenon in medieval culture. There are hundreds of them in the temples, try to orient yourself, which one is needed. This is where the questions arise: what icons should we pray? Who should we pray to? What saint? Let's try to figure out which icon is for what.

KAZAN MOTHER OF GOD - the most revered icons in Russia, for several centuries revered as the Patroness and Protector of the Russian land and the Russian people. All the main events in life take place with her, starting with baptism. The icon gives a blessing for marriage, she is also an assistant in work. She is blessed with young people entering into marriage, they ask the icon for family well-being and happiness, in addition, the icon is hung by the cribs. An icon that stops the fire and helps those with vision problems. The image of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God helps in various troubles, misfortunes, diseases

VLADIMIR MOTHER OF GOD - one of the most revered, because it was used to crown kings and elect chief priests. Before her they pray for the softening of evil hearts, the healing of weakness, the humility of those at war, the healing of the possessed. She especially protects mothers and their children, grants pregnant women easy childbirth and healthy babies, relieves infertility and diseases of the reproductive organs. The image of an intercessor mother in all troubles and sorrows.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Desperate UNIFORM HOPE - Despite the fact that this icon is little known, some of the believers (and this is not forbidden by the church) compiled an akathist for it. They pray before the icon in various sorrows and when a person is in despondency. Those who have weakened their faith ask the Mother of God to restore their former disposition of spirit and send down spiritual courage. They pray to the icon for deliverance from enemies, for admonishing those quarreling (especially neighbors), for the eradication of envy. She is an assistant in the treatment of modern diseases - alcoholism, smoking, gaming and computer addiction ..

THE MOTHER OF POCHAEVSKAYA - The Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered shrines of the Russian Church. When addressing the Mother of God "Pochaevskaya" they pray for protection from internecine enmity, from an enemy invasion, for healing from blindness, both physical and spiritual, for release from captivity, pray for the bestowal of health and miracles of help in need.

Quick-hearted	Iverskaya	Unfading color	Recovery of the dead

The quick-hearted - pray, when quick and urgent help is needed, for the healing of mental and physical ailments, including paralysis, blindness, cancer, and also ask for the birth of healthy children and the release of prisoners.

IVERSKAYA MOTHER OF GOD - Homemaker. She is considered the patroness of all women, their helper and intercessor before the Lord. The icon, with the help of which the "celibacy wreath" is removed from both men and women. In front of the icon, they also pray for the healing of bodily and mental ailments, for consolation in illness.

FADING COLOR -When referring to the icon of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color", they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the resolution of family troubles. Prayers to this icon help not to be mistaken in the choice of spouses. The flower in the hands of the Mother of God confirms the integrity of the Mother of God and symbolizes the immortality of virginity.

Icon of the Theotokos RETURNING THE DEAD - seriously ill patients and their relatives apply with requests. It helps to get rid of vices, alcohol addiction. Repentant sinners who have turned their backs on God go to these icons. Women ask for a happy marriage and children's health, helps with eye diseases, fever, headaches. You can address the Blessed Mother with simple, sincere words that come from the soul.

Icon of the Theotokos UTOLI MY SORROWS - pray for deliverance from various diseases, both physical and mental ..

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos BEARING - or “It is worthy to eat”, they pray for mental and physical illnesses, at the end of any business, during epidemics, for happiness in marriage, in case of accidents ..

FYODOROVSKAYA icon of the Mother of God - has long been revered by believers not only as miraculous, but also as especially patronizing family well-being, the birth and upbringing of children, helping in difficult childbirth. Tradition connects it with the vocation in 1613 to the kingdom of the founder of the dynasty, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich. It is kept in the Epiphany Cathedral in the city of Kostroma.

JERUSALEM Icon of the Mother of God - they pray in grief, sadness and despondency, for healing from blindness, eye diseases and paralysis, during an epidemic of cholera, for getting rid of the death of livestock, from fire, during relaxation, as well as when enemies attack ..

TIKHVINSKAYA- The icon is considered for children, it is also called a "guidebook". She helps children with illnesses, calms the restless and disobedient, helps them in choosing friends, protects them from the bad influence of the street. It is believed that it strengthens the bond between parents and children, that is, children do not abandon their parents in old age. Helps women during childbirth and pregnancy ..

Theotokos POCHAEVSKAYA - pray for protection from internecine enmity, from enemy invasion, for healing from blindness, both physical and spiritual, for release from captivity., pray for the granting of health and miracles of help in need.

KOZELSHANSKAYA icon of the Mother of God- pray for the healing of orthopedic diseases, especially helps girls who have resorted to her with a prayer to arrange family happiness.

TRINESTRESS - before the miraculous image of the Mother of God, they pray for healing from pain in the arms and legs or their injuries, from getting rid of a fire, as well as from illness, grief and sorrow. ...

Softening Evil Hearts

Affection

Icon of the Mother of God SEE ON HUMILITY - pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for the granting of humility and repentance both for themselves and for sinners who do not want to repent, for the relief of the fate of the dead, for protection from false and crafty teachings. Prayers before the icon also help in solving housing issues.

Icon of the Mother of God BLESSED SKY - helps women to get married, find happiness in marriage and motherhood. They pray to the icon for deliverance from drunkenness and other addictions. If you have a cherished desire, pray in front of the “Blessed Heaven” icon, and it will come true. It is believed that the icon protects the paratroopers (Airborne Forces) and helps them in their service ..

Icon of the Mother of God SOFTENING Evil Hearts - in front of the icon they ask for a family truce or that there should be no enmity between neighbors, as well as peace between entire states. In our culture, the image of the Mother of God, whose chest is pierced with arrows, is one of the most emotional and expressive in icon painting. It makes it possible to feel mercy and compassion, Before her they pray for the softening of the hearts of those who come to you with evil thoughts.

THE MOTHER OF TENDERANCE - the icon is an intercessor both in national disasters and in the lives of ordinary people. Mothers pray for a happy marriage of their daughters, for happiness and prosperity.

Smolensk

Barskaya

Zhirovitskaya

Affectionate mother

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos SMOLENSK - called "Odigitria-Smolenskaya" has been known in Russia since ancient times. "Hodegetria", translated from Greek means "Guide". The icon for all Orthodox Christians is a guide to eternal salvation, the Smolensk Mother of God helps everyone who turns to her with prayers for healing from incurable diseases, in search of family peace and in other difficult and insoluble situations, as the first intercessor for us before God.

BARSKAYA icon of the Mother of God - they pray for good relations in the family, for children and health, she shows miracles of healing and God's mercy to all those who suffer, who resort to her in their sorrows and prayers.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos ZHIROVITSKAYA - they pray during the persecution of Orthodoxy, in doubt, for deliverance from fires, for any bodily weakness, they also pray for the arrangement of a girl's fate, for a happy marriage.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Affectionate MOTHER - pray for children, so that children are support in life.

Unexpected joy

Three joys

The Holy Trinity

SEMISTRAL

UNEXPECTED JOY - pray for the conversion of the lost, for the health and well-being of children, for the healing of deafness and ear diseases, for the preservation of marriage in love and harmony, pray for the gift of spiritual insight.

Icon of the mother of God of the THREE JOYS - They pray for the return of what was lost, for salvation from enemies, for release from captivity, for healing and for the successful resolution of any case. People who come to the image noticed that after earnest prayer, joy comes to their house in threefold size, for which the icon received its modern name.

THE HOLY TRINITY - The symbol of the "Trinity" is God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, or wisdom, reason, love. One of the three main icons that should be in every home. Before the icon they pray for the forgiveness of sins. It is considered confessional.

SEMISTRAL - This is the strongest icon in protecting the house and any premises, as well as the person on whom it is located, from evil, envious people, from the evil eye, damage and curses. Reconciles warring parties, brings peace, harmony, she is also taken on important matters. At home, she should be opposite the front door in order to see the eyes of the person entering.

Healer.	Inexhaustible Chalice	Unbreakable wall	Virgin of the Intercession

HEALER - they pray for the healing of the soul and body, she protects from various misfortunes, troubles, grief, eternal condemnation, takes care of release from prison. Childbirth assistant.

INCREDIBLE BOWL - they pray for all sinners, the icon calls for an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation, proclaims that an inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for those who ask with faith. She is for prosperity in the house, and also helps to heal from addictions, drunkenness, drug addiction, gambling.

STABLE WALL- Before the icon for every need: for the sick - healing, for the grieving - consolation, for the lost - admonition, guard the babies, educate and teach the young, encourage and instruct husbands and wives, support and warm the old, deliver from all misfortunes. Over the course of more than ten centuries, this miraculous icon remained intact. This is probably why it is so named

THE MOTHER OF COVER - pray for deliverance from troubles, for the protection of the country from enemies ..

BLESSED MATRONA - A very strong saint of our time. They turn to her on any difficult issue. She is our most "fast helper" and intercessor, a supplicant for us before the Lord. The relics are in the Intercession Women's Monastery on Taganka, where countless people come every day and turn to her for help.

NIKOLAY THE WONDERWORKER - This is the most revered saint in the world. He protects from poverty and want: when his icon is in the house, he makes sure that there is wealth in the house, protects from the need for anything, patronizes women, children, beggars, innocently condemned and animals. In addition, he is the patron saint of all travelers, drivers, sailors, pilots and just people on the road.

SAINT MARTYR PANTELEIMON - pray for healing from serious ailments, is the patron saint of warriors, since warriors, more often than others, receive wounds, and most of all need a doctor-healer.

SERGIUS OF RADONEZH - Founder of the Sergiev - Trinity Lavra in the 14th century. He is the patron saint of all students. They take the icon with them when passing exams and tests. It is very good that the icon is always in the pocket of your purse or briefcase every day when your child goes to school.

GUARDIAN ANGEL - pray: for help with headaches; about his patronage, from insomnia, in grief, about happiness in marriage, about driving out evil spirits, about getting rid of harm from wizards and sorcerers. About the intercession of widows and orphans, in despair, about deliverance from sudden or sudden death, about the expulsion of demons. Those who go to sleep pray to him for deliverance from prodigal dreams. The task of the guardian angel is to contribute to the salvation of the ward, intercede for them during their earthly life, pray to God for them, do not leave them, finally, after death and take the souls of those who have finished earthly life into eternity.

SPAS Omnipotent - often just "Savior" or "Savior" - this is the central image in the iconography of Christ, representing Him as the Heavenly King. "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end," says the Lord, "which is and was and is to come, the Almighty." The Chief Physician of souls and bodies, who knows about everything, and to whom, first of all, our prayer appeal should be directed. According to the rules, this icon is placed at the head of the iconostasis ..

NON-CREATIVE SPAS - pray for guidance on the true path, for the salvation of the soul, deliverance from bad thoughts and healing. According to church tradition, the first icon was the image of the Savior - the Savior Not Made by Hands.

Icon- not a portrait or a genre painting, but a prototype of an ideal humanity. Therefore, the icon gives only a symbolic image of it. Physical movement on the icon is minimized or completely absent. But the movement of the spirit is transmitted by special means - the pose of the figure, hands, folds of clothing, color, and most importantly - with the eyes. There is concentrated all the strength of moral achievement, all the strength of the spirit and its power over the body.

Clothes on icons- not a means to cover bodily nudity, clothing is a symbol. She is the fabric of the deeds of the saint. One of the important details is the folds. The nature of the folds on the clothes of the saints testifies to the time when the icon was painted. In the VIII-XIV centuries, folds were drawn frequent and small. They talk about strong spiritual experiences, about the lack of spiritual peace. In the 15th - 16th centuries, folds are drawn straight, long, and rare. Through them, as it were, all the elasticity of spiritual energy breaks through. They convey the fullness of ordered spiritual powers.

Around the head The Savior, the Mother of God and the saints of God on the icons depict a radiance in the shape of a circle, which is called a halo. The halo is an image of the radiance of light and Divine glory, which also transforms a person who is united with God.

There are no shadows on the icons... This is also due to the peculiarities of the world outlook and the tasks that the icon painter faced. The heavenly world is the kingdom of spirit, light, it is ethereal, there are no shadows. The icon shows things created and produced by Light, and not illuminated by light.

Symbols of gestures

HAND pressed to the chest - heartfelt empathy.
HAND raised up - a call to repentance.
A HAND stretched forward with an open palm is a sign of obedience and obedience.
TWO HANDS raised up - prayer for peace.
HANDS raised forward - a prayer for help, a gesture of request.
HANDS pressed to the cheeks - a sign of sadness, grief.

In the Orthodox faith, many icons of the Most Holy Theotokos are venerated. More often you can find shrines where the Mother of God holds a baby in her arms.

But there is a bright image of the Virgin Mary, depicted on the eve of the birth of Jesus Christ, but after the Annunciation.

Soon she will go to Elizabeth, her cousin, who will say the words that have become the hymn of the Mother of God: "Virgin Mary, rejoice!" We sing this song to Her to this day.

How does the image of the Most Holy Theotokos "Tenderness" look like, in what way it helps, let's talk in this article.

Image of Our Lady Tenderness

There is a whole iconographic series of holy images of the Mother of God, united under one name - "Tenderness". But the most famous of them is the icon "The Joy of All Joys", where the Virgin Mary is captured at the happiest moment when the Archangel Gabriel brought the good news that She was going to give birth to a son of God. The hands of the Mother of God are crossed in a prayer gesture, her head is slightly tilted, and her eyes are half-lowered. Such a face personifies tenderness.

The history of the icon "The Joy of All Joys"

The history of the Icon of Tenderness of the Most Holy Theotokos goes back several centuries. The original image of the Mother of God "Tenderness" was painted on canvas attached to a thin cypress board. This icon belonged to the Venerable Elder and Wonderworker Seraphim of Sarov (1759-1833), the patron saint and creator of the Diveyevo monastery. Saint Seraphim was glorified by the church in 1903 thanks to Emperor Nicholas II and is still the most revered ascetic of Orthodoxy in the history of the Russian Church.

In his life as a hermit, Seraphim of Sarov never parted with the face of the Mother of God "Tenderness", which he called "The Joy of All Joys" and carried everywhere with him in his backpack. That ancient shrine brought many miracles. Even the lamp oil near the face had healing properties. The monk miracle worker used it to lubricate the ailing pilgrims who flowed to him in rivers for help, said prayers to the icon "Tenderness", and this helped to recover.

After his death, the elder bequeathed to hand over his beloved shrine to the Diveyevo sisters, where she had been for more than 150 years. The Seraphim-Diveyevo icon is considered one of the main images depicting the face of the Mother of God, because it testifies to the imminent birth of the son of God, Jesus Christ. The light image is permeated with joy and meekness, just such feelings that the Mother of God experienced at that happy moment.

The history of writing and the author of the original of the Seraphim-Diveevsky image are unknown, and the origin of the icon dates back to the years of the life of Seraphim of Sarov, that is, the end of the 18th century. After the death of the elder, the image was kept in the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Diveyevo Monastery. A special side-chapel was built there, and an elegant goddess with glass (icon case) was carved under the icon itself. There was a tradition in the monastery when all the nuns during the service stood up behind this icon case with the face of the Mother of God. In 1902 Nicholas II made a priceless gift for this icon in the form of a gilded robe and a silver icon lamp.

And in 1991, the original shrine "Tenderness" was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate and is still in the patriarchal residence. In the Divee monastery, instead of the original, an exact copy of the miraculous image was left. But every year, on the day of Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos (Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent), the original is transferred from the Patriarchal Church to general worship at the Epiphany (Yelokhovsky) Cathedral. For the last 70 years, it is the Epiphany Cathedral that has been the heart of Orthodox Russia, the center of its spiritual life.

Anyone can see the wonderful image of "Tenderness" and venerate the beloved icon of Seraphim of Sarov once a year.

Other famous images of Affection

Over time, a large number of copies were made from the original, in which the Virgin Mary is depicted up to the waist, with her arms folded crosswise, most often in a blue veil. Above the head of the Virgin are written the words from the akathist - "Rejoice, unmarried bride." The images speak of forgiveness and eternal life, of death in the name of love and the salvation of all mankind. The Lord is already coming to earth to atone for worldly sins. It is known that some of these copies also have miraculous properties, like the original.

But in addition to the most famous "Joy of all Joys", there are many images with the image of the Mother of God, under the general name "Tenderness". There are icons where the Virgin Mary is depicted not alone, but with a baby in her arms, and her head is lovingly tilted towards him. Little Christ pulls his hands to the Mother of God and puts his cheek to her cheek. These shrines are permeated with such warmth that can only be between a mother and a child. Therefore, such faces also belong to the iconographic image "Tenderness".

In the Orthodox Church, several types of icons of the Mother of God are revered. Affection, from the Greek word "Eleus", means merciful, moved. Icons from the category "Eleusa" depict the Mother of God with the baby in her arms. Here is some of them:

The Lokot icon appeared quite by accident, when it was noticed on calendars sold in a regular store by a resident of the village, Natalya Shishkova. She told the saleswoman that it is not appropriate to treat photographs of the Mother of God that way. To this the saleswoman replied that the calendars were outdated and would have to be thrown away anyway.

Natalia, a true Christian believer, bought the two remaining calendars with the face of the Mother of God, cut off unnecessary dates and hung these “Tenderness” icons (photo) in her home. Once, while reading a church book in silence, a woman smelled a pleasant aroma, but did not attach any importance to it. And a few minutes later, I saw an oil stain on the image, and a fragrance came from it.

She consulted with the priest of the local church, who confirmed the frequent occurrence of myrrh-streaming images that are not in the temple. Meanwhile, the fragrant myrrh flowed more and more, and soon myrrh flowed from the photograph onto the wall.

And on the holiday of Great Easter, all the icons, of which she had quite a lot, were pacified in Natalya's house. After that, it was decided to transfer the image to the salary. Taking it off the wall, the owners were surprised to find that myrrh did not cover the entire leaf, but only the face of the Mother of God. Fragrant oil soaked the paper on the back side, where the image of the Tsaritsa emerged, and the rest of the calendar was dry. This is how a double face appeared, and the icon began to be called double-sided.

And after some time, they noticed that healings come from this image. People began to come to the house, read prayers and akathists. Over the past years, the Lokot icon has participated more than once in religious processions. With her, more than 13 thousand kilometers were traveled through different cities of Russia, and along the entire path of the procession, the peaceful face of the Mother of God helped the suffering to cope with life's hardships, gave healing to the believers, and turned the gaze of unbelievers to God.

• Pskov-Pechersk image of "Tenderness", which is a copy of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, was painted by the monk Arseniy Khitrosh in 1521. In 1529 the abbot of the monastery, the Monk Cornelius, took the icon to the Pskov-Pechersk monastery. The image became famous for defending Pskov in 1581, when the Polish king Stephen fired cannonballs at the city. One shell hit the icon "Tenderness", which the inhabitants of the fortress hung on the top of the wall, as the only Protector. But the shrine was miraculously not damaged.

The merit is attributed to the same image when in 1812 the city of Polotsk was recaptured from the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Russian soldiers and commanders attribute the victory to the help of the wonderful icon "Tenderness".

There are other stories of this image associated with miraculous healings from various ailments, including blindness.

On the Pskov-Pechersk icon, the Mother of God holds little Jesus, pressing against her mother's cheek.

This symbolizes the endless connection between children and parents, the great power of filial love.

The faces of the Virgin belong to the same type (Eleus):

• Donskoy;
• Vladimirskaya;
• Yaroslavl;
• Grebnevskaya;
• Pochaevskaya.

There are also lesser-known varieties of the faces of the Mother of God "Tenderness", for example, "Leaping of the Infant", which also belongs to the "Eleus" type. For many centuries, all these shrines have been pleasing the Orthodox with their help, carrying emotion and meaning in the image of the Mother of God icon.

The image of the mother of God Affection

Shrine help

The meaning of the "Affection" icon is important for everyone. But basically the images of the Mother of God are considered to be female intercessors. Turn to the holy face women, mothers and unmarried girls... They ask for support from the Mother of God and the man, calling on Her for help, remembering their mother. The icon will definitely help everyone, you just have to believe, and the stronger the faith, the sooner the desired will come.

What the icon is prayed for

Affection - the embodiment of purity itself, chastity and restrained joy... The sublime image of the Virgin revered by the people, especially by girls... Virgin Mary can speak in their sincere prayers:

• an assistant in choosing a groom;
• a moral teacher of chastity;
• a mentor of pure thoughts for an immature girl's heart;
• a leader in choosing a life path.

Women pray before Her:

• about a strong marriage;
• the desired conception of a child;
• successful delivery.

The miraculous image helps the suffering:

Today, many needlewomen embroider the image of "Tenderness" with their own hands. It is recommended that you pray earnestly during this work. There are cases when women who could not conceive, after completing the image, found out that they were pregnant. And the embroidered picture plays the same role as the church icon, for which you can now pray at home.

The main image of "Tenderness" is the Seraphim-Diveyevo icon. Revered and celebrated every year July 28th and 9th December... Other faces of the Mother of God are also venerated in every city, in all churches and temples:

In addition to these days, every Sunday, before the beginning of the service, all churches hold the Paraclis of the Mother of God (church chants in Her honor).

Prayers before the image of the Mother of God

The face of the Mother of God "Tenderness" shows everyone that any news or trials must be greeted with humility, showing meekness and humility. Fathers and mothers turn with all their hearts to the Mother of God with a request that their children be healthy and happy.

Prayer 1

Oh, Most Holy Lady, Mother of God! Accept my unworthy prayers, save me from evil slander and from vain death, give me joy and grant a place in sorrow. Deliver us, O Lady, from all evil, help us, Thy sinful servants, protect and stand in your coming for us before Thy Son and Christ God, and grant us their heirs to be their heirs, in order to reach the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life, with all the saints into endless centuries. Amen.

Prayer 2

Accept, Most Pure Lady, Lady, these honest gifts, You are the only one brought from us, unworthy of Your servants. Chosen from all generations, all creatures of the earth and heaven is the highest manifestation, be with us, knowing the Son of God and being vouchsafed to see His holy Body and His most pure Blood; By the same you are holy in childbirth, God-blessed, the brightest cherubim and the most honest seraphim, the true Mother of God.

And now praised Most Holy Theotokos, do not stop praying for us, unworthy of Thy servants, deliver us from every evil advice and every evil circumstance, and keep us intact from the poisonous intention of the devil; Observe us to the end with your prayers, as through your intercession and help we are saved. Glory to You, praise, worship and thanksgiving for everything. We ask the One Trinity, God and all the Saints, and we appeal to the Creator, now, ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Orthodox icons, their names and meanings are an important aspect of the study of Christian science. It is very difficult to imagine any Christian dwelling without a variety of icons, each of which has its own meaning. As the history of religion says, many of them became known to believers many centuries ago. Religious beliefs of people have been forming for a very long time, but the icons from this do not lose their special cultural and historical significance for the parishioners of many churches and temples. Orthodox icons, photos and their names play an important role in the human and its approach to the Lord.

It is believed that every saint can invisibly help even in the most seemingly hopeless situation. It is worth turning to some of the saints for help in any serious life situation. The names of Orthodox icons and their meanings will be presented in this article. In addition to descriptions and stories about the miraculous properties of each image, there will also be photos of the most revered of them.

This material will tell about the significance of each icon presented, as well as the rules of prayer and the miracles that a particular holy face can create. It also happens that the names of the icons from the photo already carry information about what troubles this image can save from. Each described icon in the heading will be allocated a special place. The greatest authority among believers both in Russia and throughout the world is the icon of the Mother of God, written and kept for a long time within the walls of the temples of the city of Kazan. This majestic and large-scale icon is considered the main protector of the inhabitants of our country. Any significant holiday in the life of a Russian person cannot do without the ritual of worshiping this image, be it baptism or the sacred ceremony of the wedding of loving hearts.

The venerated icons of the Mother of God will be described below. Photo and title, and their meaning will also be revealed.

It is known that the icon of Our Lady of Kazan helps single believers to soon find family happiness, and long-established couples to overcome discord in relationships and begin to live happier. Since it protects families, in any home it is customary to hang it near a crib so that the baby is under the protection and protection of the Lord.

In order to quickly find out which image of the Mother of God to pray in a given situation, it is better to learn in advance the icons of the Mother of God with the names. Speaking about the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, it is worth noting that it is considered no less revered among many believing citizens. There is evidence that the most influential tsars in the Russian Empire were awarded this icon at the coronation. This icon can be prayed to become kinder, to find a family and heal from serious ailments, as well as to make peace with those with whom there was a serious conflict. Also, this image invisibly protects from the misfortunes and sorrows of mothers and young children who are in a difficult life situation. On top of that, this icon helps with infertility and other disorders of the reproductive organs, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers. These are the most popular icons of the Virgin. Photos and names of other images will also be presented in this article.

As it already became clear even from the description of these two icons, the power of the Mother of God is practically omnipotent, however, like many other icons of the Orthodox Church. That is why it is so important for every believer to know the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos with their names. Every Christian needs to know at least some facts about the meaning of certain images, as well as a little information about the life of this or that Orthodox saint.

As you know, the Lord hears those people who follow Him, observing all church and spiritual laws. Believe in God and be happy. Below are the most revered icons of the Virgin, the names and meaning of each of them.

Icon of the Mother of God "Blessed Sky"

Prayers are presented to this miraculous icon to take the true path, as well as that the dead people in the next world be calm and good. Praise this icon in the old way, and on March 19 in a new style.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Desperate One Hope"

Some names of icons can rarely be heard in church use, but this does not deprive them of their power. Despite the fact that testifies to the little popularity of this image, there is even an akathist for it in the Orthodox Church. Prayers before this icon can heal despondency, mental decline and sorrow. Those believers who are disappointed and have lost their divine attitude pray to the Almighty to perk up, forgive offenders and make peace with enemies. In addition, they pray to the icon for deliverance from envy and reconciliation of warring people, including neighbors.

Modern addictions (gambling addiction, drug addiction, alcoholism, smoking, computer addiction) are subject to healing when referring to this image of the Mother of God.

Bogolyubskaya icon of the Mother of God

This icon helps in the healing of plague, cholera, pestilence and other serious diseases. Revered in this image either 18 or 1 June.

Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking the Lost"

This famous icon is prayed for to cure toothaches and headaches, vision problems, fever and epilepsy, for well-being in marriage, for the return of faith in the Lord to the heart, as well as for very serious, almost incurable childhood ailments. In addition, the same icon is asked for a cure for alcohol addiction. The date of the day of praise is 18 or 5 February.

Icon of the Vladimir Mother of God

This icon is known primarily for the fact that during the time of ancient Russia, the most noble masters and tsars were crowned with it. It is also known that with the participation of this image, elections of chief hierarchs were held. People pray to this icon to become kinder, to be healed from serious diseases, to drive demons out of the body. Mothers and their young children can fully hope for the patronage of the Mother of God in this image, and for those who are just waiting for the appearance of a baby, this face will bestow easy childbirth and health for a newborn baby. Infertile women can turn to the icon with a request to bestow long-awaited children.

The Vladimir and Kazan Mother of God are the most beloved icons of the Mother of God. Photos and names of these shrines can be found in the homes of even not too pious people.

Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow"

Sometimes the names of the icons speak for themselves. This icon is popular among people who have suffered severe resentment, suffering, severe seizures and diseases of the respiratory organs, tuberculosis patients. In addition, here you can pray for the healing of a sick person's hands. The icons are celebrated on the 6th or 24th of October.

Icon "Tsaritsa"

There are quite rare, but very strong icons of the Mother of God, photos with the names of which will be presented below.

The icon of Our Lady "The Tsaritsa" helps those people who suffer from cancer and undergo a number of courses of chemotherapy and radiation.

They offer their prayers to this icon during epidemics of plague, fever, ulcers, blindness, hearing impairments. The name day of the holy image is celebrated on August 6 or 22.

People pray to this icon for the normalization of relations in the country, for justice, for finding joy in the heart, for the absence of hypocrisy in love. The day of this icon is celebrated on March 15 or 2.

This image of the Holy Mother of God is prayed for in the presence of severe vices of the soul and body, as well as after an important matter has ended. The name of this icon is celebrated on June 11 or 23.

This image is offered by those who are suffering at the moment serious ailments of the soul and body, as well as those who are possessed by weakness. When true believers turn to this wonderful icon, they receive complete healing for an indefinite period. The name day of the Life-Giving Spring icon is celebrated on the day of Bright Week.

This holy image is prayed for against cholera, visual impairment and other similar ailments. It is customary to celebrate the name of this icon on September 8 or 21.

Name days are celebrated on the Tuesday of Bright Week, and she helps with severe fires, as well as with various problems and when you need comfort in mental troubles. Memorial Day 12 or 25 February.

Orthodox citizens are accustomed to turn their prayers to this icon in case of mass death of livestock, plague, cholera, as well as in the presence of blindness and problems of the musculoskeletal system. Treatment in a huge number of cases guarantees a complete recovery.

This icon, endowed with miraculous properties, is prayed for in case of pronounced paralysis, infection with smallpox, with diseases of the legs, with suspicions of attacks by "evil spirits", as well as guarding against sudden death. The days of commemoration of the icon are celebrated on March 16 or 29.

in cases where there is a danger of an invasion of foreigners, as well as the return of sight to blind people and the successful entry into God's union for people who love each other. In addition, such a prayer helps to survive cataclysms. The icon celebrates its birthday on June 8.21 and on October 4 and 22.

Those who suffer from significant impairments to the functioning of the hearing organs, as well as other similar ailments, worship and pray to this image. This icon celebrates its birthday on September 2 and 15.

"Kozelshchanskaya" icon of the Mother of God

A prayer appeal to this wonderful, life-giving icon is useful for any injuries to the limbs, serious injuries and upcoming serious surgical interventions. This icon of the Mother of God celebrates its birthday on February 6 and 21.

Icon of Our Lady "Mammal"

This divine face is worshiped as usual by women in labor, pregnant and lactating mothers. This icon celebrates Memorial Day on January 12 and 25.

Before this majestic icon, they pray in the name of piety, the triumph of truth, for the revival of mercy and compassion in people's hearts, for the acquisition of a healthy physical body and mind, for the preservation of the Christian faith throughout the country. The glorification of this icon and its name day takes place on April 12 and 25.

This icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is designed to save people who sincerely pray to Her from fires, floods and other damage to property. Memorial Day is celebrated on 4 and 17 September annually.

The icon helps to stay on the right path of life, to preserve a righteous way of life, and helps lonely believers to find true love. By sincerely praying before this image and asking for help and advice, you can solve any of the most difficult problems in family life and relationships between spouses. In addition, the icon helps seriously ill believers to be healed as soon as possible. Memorial Day is celebrated on April 3 and 16.

People who are deaf and hard of hearing usually stand in lines to this icon. The name day of the icon - December 9 and 22.

All sinful people pray to this icon, and relatives of gambling addicts, drug addicts and alcoholics also turn with hope. This icon appeals to the education of mercy and kindness, as well as to the feeling of joy from every day. The saying on the icon reads: "It will be given to all who ask by faith!"

Those who want to be healed from the most serious ailments offer their prayers to this icon. Name days are celebrated on January 21 or 3.

From time immemorial, in mi-well-you-a-hundred-tea-shes-d-nes at the birth of children, when death is so close, wives- shchi-us come-be-ha-yut with special-ben-but-go-ry-whose prayer to Spa-si-te-lyu and His Ma-te-ri. In the good of the families and in our time, you can see the icon-well Bo-go-ma-te-ri, na-zy-va-e- my "Help in the family." and all pregnant women who wish to give birth to healthy children without problems pray to the unusually blessed icon of the Mother of God.

They pray to this truly miraculous icon for the prevention of wars and schisms, for protection from various heresies, for protection from the invasion of foreigners and strangers, for protection from spiritual and physical blindness. Days of honor 23 and 5 July.

This image of the Mother of God is intended to protect believers from cholera and complete loss of sight. The name day of this wonderful image of the Virgin is celebrated on September 16 or 29.

This icon is better than any other can protect from the evil eye, damage and unkind thoughts of passing people. It is customary to place this icon in the left corner of the hallway so that every person entering the house can be seen at a glance. This icon feels envy and curses like no other, therefore, where there is this image, it does not take root. The best location for such an icon is opposite the front door.

Before this image, sailors who have suffered a shipwreck pray, as well as in the presence of blindness, weak legs, deafness, problems with their hands, as well as those who have unwittingly become hostages of terrorists. Celebrate the day of veneration of the icon on November 9 or 22.

This icon is prayed for if there is a suspicion of fetal pathology, so that childbirth is successful and the child is born healthy. The namesake of the icons is celebrated on March 9 and 22.

This icon is prayed for by those who work in professions that are associated with immersion in water. Name days are celebrated on December 20 or 2.

It is customary for this icon to offer prayers in the name of deliverance from drought, disease and general hunger. Name days of this holy image are celebrated on October 15 and 28.

This uplifting icon is prayed for in case of terrible despondency, grief and powerlessness. Also, a darkened state of mind will become a reason for praying to this icon. The name of this icon is celebrated on March 7 and 20.

"Passionate" icon of the Mother of God

This icon is able to give a miracle of healing from cholera, vision problems, muscle weakness, to protect from the impending "big fire". Name days are celebrated on 13 and 26 August.

This icon is worshiped in the healing of the blind and possessed by demons, in epilepsy, in muscle weakness, in the healing of young children, in the paralysis of the lower and upper extremities. You can also pray to this icon when attacking foreigners. This icon celebrates the name day on June 26 and 9.

To this image, believing parishioners pray for the elimination of drought and craving for vices, including atheism. The memorable day is celebrated on August 8 and 21.

People pray to this icon for the return of lost or stolen valuables, for the acquittal of knowingly innocent people and for the release of hostages from captivity. The day of this icon is celebrated on December 26 or 8.

This icon belongs to Saint Seraphim of Sarov and gives seriously ill people quick relief from suffering and strengthening their faith in the Lord. The birthday of this masterpiece of icon painting is celebrated on 28 and 10, as well as on 19 and 1 July.

They pray to this icon to moderate the ardor of sinful passions, to interrupt a series of harmful addictions. Orthodox believers celebrate a memorable day for the icon on January 25 and 7.

Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God

This icon has long been held in high esteem by believers because it protects happy families and the health of young children. On top of that, this icon can help with long and difficult childbirth. This image of the Virgin is kept in the Epiphany Cathedral in the city of Kostroma, and it appeared in 1613 and fell into the disposal of the Tsar of the Russian State Mikhail Fedorovich.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Healer"

This icon speaks for itself. Usually seriously ill Christians turn to her for help. The icon celebrates its birthday on September 18 or 1.

Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God

Those who are possessed by demons, as well as blind or visually impaired people come to pray to this icon. Name days are celebrated on September 1st and 14th.

Icon of the Mother of God "Three-handed"

This icon can very easily heal diseases of the hands and feet, as well as severe mental and spiritual suffering. The date of celebration of the name day of the icon is June 28 or 11.

The most revered icons of the Mother of God were presented above. Photos with names will help you quickly find a particular image and find out its meaning.

Icon "Holy Trinity"

The most famous version of the image of the icon "Holy Trinity" belongs to the brush of the famous master of icon painting Andrei Rublev. There are also images painted by the hands of other equally famous icon painters. The icon shows the faces of the members of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) soaring in heaven. This icon must be present in every home, since its action is universal. At the moment, the main copy is located within the walls of the Trinity Church in the city of Kaluga.

Other holy icons are also venerated in them. Their name and meaning, of course, should be known.

Icon named after the Holy Great Martyr Pantileimon

The image of the Great Martyr is known for its miraculous healing properties. Parishioners who put candles next to this icon and ask for healing receive the real Grace of the Lord. At the moment, the most important copy of the Pantileimon icon is in the temple of St. John the Baptist.

Holy Blessed Matrona of Moscow

This saint is one of the most revered in the world of religion. The main monastery, where her relics are to this day, is located in the capital of our country on the Taganskoye highway. The monastery in which the relics of Matrona rest is purely female. Every day, crowds of believers come to the monastery to turn to Matronushka with a prayer for help or with gratitude. In the vicinity of Moscow, namely in Kaluga, there is also an icon of the Matrona, and it is located in the temple of the wives - the Myrrh-bearers.

Peter and Fevronia

In the same church, there is an icon of the Holy couple Peter and Fevronia, who are asked for help in love and family life.

Unfortunately, all the icons are Orthodox, their photos and their names cannot be described within the framework of one article, because there are a huge variety of them. But nevertheless, the main shrines were still consecrated.