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The icon of the tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary helps. Orthodox icon of the tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The icon of the tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary helps. Orthodox icon of the tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, a strange and at the same time powerful icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary appeared on the shelves of Orthodox stores and church shops, and a little later in online stores. Its strangeness lies in its unusual and completely unusual image for Russian Orthodox iconography, which combines 16 main miraculous icons of the Most Holy Mother of God and the Eternal Child in . In my own way appearance Tree icon Holy Mother of God resembles a family tree, however, if you understand its structure. It becomes clear that everything grows from the center of the tree.

Christian icon of the Tree of Life of the Mother of God - meaning and spiritual meaning.

In the center of the icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary the great Birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem is depicted - the Most Pure Virgin Mary sits next to the manger in which the Divine Infant lies. This event is the basis and foundation of everything that is in the Christian faith. This is the birth not only of Jesus our Lord, but also the birth of the Virgin Mary, as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven, this birth new faith, the period of man’s coming to God, his creator.

Under the image of the Holy Birth there is an icon, which in Christianity is a symbol of the purest and unconditional love between the Mother of God and the Child, depicting their inextricable connection - the “Sweet Kiss” icon.

The image of the Most Pure Mother of God is very strong in the soul of the Russian person. The Mother of God is considered the intercessor of the Russian land in Heaven and our patron saint. Therefore, on both sides of the icon of the birth of the Lord we see those icons of the Mother of God that are known to every Russian person, glorified by their . Among them are the icons of the Vladimir, Kazan, Smolensk, Pochaev Mother of God, the famous revered icons Quench My Sorrows, the Inexhaustible Chalice, the Goalkeeper and others.

The icon of the Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary presents the main iconographic types:

  • The Sign, or Oranta;
  • Hodegetria, or Guide;
  • Tenderness.

The icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary does not have its own day of celebration, just as there are no special occasions when one must pray to this particular icon. The image itself is a composite image. And you need to pray to each individual icon depicted in the branches of the tree, or to the Mother of God and the Infant God as a whole.

Author Icons Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary also unknown. However, her appearance at the beginning of the 21st century, in difficult transitional times for Russia, is evidence that the Mother of God still patronizes the Russian land, protects it, showing us the path to God.

The “Tree of Life” icon is quite rare and not as common as many others. Its second name is “Spas the True Vine.” It depicts Jesus Christ in the middle of a vine with branches extending from a central pillar. The Mother of God and the disciples of Christ are located on them. The meaning of the icon may not be clear to an uninitiated person.

Dear tourists. Book excursions with my participation, you will have a wonderful time, I guarantee it!!! I tell a lot, interestingly, and in human language:)

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Jerusalem+ Bethlehem

The icon is deeply edifying. IN in this case The tree symbolizes the Church, the Holy Scriptures. Jesus Christ is placed in the center, representing the ideal image of a Christian. And the apostles close to him symbolize the people closest to him and those who have known the faith. Also on the branches there are small leaves, which in turn symbolize other people whose task is to spread Christian faith.

There is also an interpretation that the depicted Tree, like the Church, does not stand in one place, but is constantly evolving. And each person must make his or her own contribution to this development. Specifically, to spread love and wisdom to all people. The icon is also a symbol of fertility and immortality (like an ever-growing Tree).

As a rule, in front of this icon, people pray with gratitude to God that he protects them from the numerous temptations in the world and gives them eternal life. When praying in front of the icon, you should wish for fertility. If you want your children to grow up in reverence for adults, then you should also turn to this icon. Different religious traditions use different prayers (and even several). Therefore, it is better to clarify the text with a clergyman.

The best place to buy the Tree of Life icon is in Jerusalem. There are many retail outlets in the city and its suburbs where this can be done. In addition, I will show you proven places where icons are made by truly professional craftsmen. You can choose either a simple icon without additional decorations, created from simple materials. Or using precious metals and jewelry. It all depends on your desire and financial capabilities.

It is also convenient to buy an icon in Jerusalem because you can consecrate it here with your own hands (you yourself illuminate it on the stone of Confirmation where the body of Jesus lay when he was taken down from the cross).. The main thing is, come to Israel, and I will have an interesting and useful time I guarantee you!

Dear tourists! If for any reason you cannot come to Israel, then just write to me and I will ask the seller to contact you to discuss the purchase and shipping. Accordingly, the icon or cross purchased by you will be illuminated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher before sending (Ask the forefather for a photograph or a short video of the consecration as evidence :))

Important!!! Dear tourists, I do not sell icons or crosses :) you can ask any questions about prices, quality, etc. directly to the seller (in Russian) who will contact you. I can only introduce you (physically if you come and virtually if you write :))

Savior the Tree of Life or, as this icon is much more often called, Savior the True Vine, is a Greek icon, widely known in the Greek tradition, but extremely rare in Russia. Russian icon painting workshops almost never use this subject, although, of course, they are familiar with it. This is one of the most symbolically rich images of the iconography of Christ.

The Savior Himself is depicted in such an icon in the center, in the image of Pantocrator - Jesus Pantocrator, Almighty Judge and King of Heaven, Ruler of the world. That is, the image of Jesus himself fully corresponds to one of the six main canonical iconographic types generally accepted in the Orthodox tradition. However, unlike the usual image of the Almighty, here He is represented as a tree trunk, on the branches of which there are medallions with images of the apostles of His Church. The symbolism of the images of this icon goes back to the words from the Gospel of John: “I am the true vine and My Father is a vinedresser. Every branch of Me that does not bear fruit He cuts off; and every one that bears fruit he cleanses, that it may bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed through the word that I preached to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it is in the vine, so neither can you unless you are in Me. I am the vine, and you are the branches; He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in Me will be cast out like a branch and wither; and such [branches] are gathered and thrown into the fire, and they are burned” (John 15: 1-6).

Images of the apostles, disciples of Christ, whom He sent around the world to preach and spread the Christian faith, are traditionally symbolic. The Supreme Apostle Peter is always depicted with a bunch of keys - these are the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, that is, the totality of the Church Sacraments (the image symbolized by the keys). The Evangelists Mark, Luke, Matthew and John are depicted with the books of the Gospels, and the Apostle John can always be distinguished from the others by at least the mountainous background outlined behind him - in memory of his work on the Gospel on the rocky island of Patmos.

The Icon of the True Vine (Grape Vine) has been known in Greece since the 15th century; it first appeared in Greek monasteries. However, initially around Christ it depicted not only the apostles, but also the Mother of God and John the Baptist, acting as defenders of people in the face of a strict Judge. In this form, the icon was a little reminiscent of the Deesis rite, which is the central part of the Orthodox iconostasis. In more late time, in the 17th century, another version of the image of the True Vine appears - the icon also depicts the Holy Sepulcher, from which the vine grows, or they vary the image of Christ - He holds the vine in his hands, or it grows from His pierced rib, and Himself squeezes the grape a bunch in a chalice - a cup used during Christian worship to consecrate wine. Thus, in later versions of the icon the Eucharistic content of the plot is strengthened as opposed to the more ancient allegorical one. However, the more ancient iconographic version remains much more widespread today. In general, the symbolism of the vine is very widely represented in the Bible, and in the decoration of Christian churches, and, of course, during worship.

Grapes are a symbol of wisdom, immortality, and at the same time - blood, sacrifice. A well-groomed vineyard is a symbol of peace and prosperity. Floral ornaments are widely used to decorate churches, in frames and carved crowns of icons, on internal frescoes and external paintings of churches, on carved bases of iconostases, platbands and tiles. The symbol of the Last Judgment at the end of time is the harvest of grapes. The image of the Flourishing Cross, which came to Rus' from Byzantium, is also determined by the symbolism of the vine - two flowering branches emanate from the base of the cross as a sign of the Resurrection, hence it is called the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.

And if the Russian version of the Life-Giving Cross uses a floral ornament, then the Greek version uses a vine with leaves and clusters. There is also a known legend connecting the Cross of the Lord with the heavenly Tree of Life. According to this legend, a tree that once grew on Adam’s grave from a wreath buried with him was used for the crucifixion of Christ. Adam wove this wreath from branches brought by his third son Seth from paradise, branches of the Tree of Life. During the time of King Solomon, it was predicted that the Messiah would be executed on the trunk of this tree, and Solomon ordered the trunk to be drowned. However, for the crucifixion of Christ, the trunk of the Tree, drowned by Solomon, was taken from the font of Siloam (the source from which, according to the Gospel of John, Christ healed the blind), and it was from this that the Cross was made. When it became known about the Resurrection of Christ, the cross, being frightened, was hidden and buried. In the 4th century St. Helena - the mother of the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great Equal to the Apostles - undertook an investigation and discovered the place where the Cross was buried. However, it turned out that along with the Cross of the Lord, the crosses of the thieves crucified with Him were also buried. Nevertheless, the Cross of the Lord was immediately distinguishable by the living grapevine sprouting from it.

The Icon of the True Savior Vine depicts not only the Savior himself, but also His entire Church. According to Jesus himself, He is the trunk, and people are His branches. The Church is a living, changing and developing organism, growing like a tree or a vine, the center and foundation of which is Christ, but the branches, shoots and even the smallest leaves are individual people, believers, the new people of God, becoming one family. Speaking about Himself as the True Vine, Christ makes the disciples, the apostles - and through them the entire Church, each of its members - participants in His life. The Church does not just gather around Christ - it unites with Him. constitutes His Body. And although each individual person in this organism retains his individuality and freedom, through love he is included in the unity of the Mystical Body. Through the sacraments, believers, members of the Church, are united with Christ. Therefore, the central, main sacrament of the Church is the Eucharist, communion of Body and Blood, bread and wine - the basis of the liturgy. And the icon of the True Savior Vine also reminds us of this.

Clement of Alexandria, the founder of the Alexandrian theological school, who lived at the end of the 2nd century, missionary and Christian apologist, writes: “The grapes give wine, as the Word gave His blood.” For members of the Church, the vine and bunches of ripe grapes are a symbol of paradise, a symbol of the coming Kingdom of God.

Despite the huge number of existing Orthodox Church images of the Virgin Mary, icon painters continue to paint similar ones, being inspired by the Holy Spirit. The icon “Tree of the Most Holy Theotokos” also belongs to the young boards. The image appeared at a time when people especially needed it - during the economic crisis as a sign of the Virgin Mary's favor. The author of the board is unknown, but this is completely unimportant, the important thing is that people continue to see the real support of the Lord God.

Compositional features

The icon “Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary” appeared relatively recently - at the beginning of the 21st century. This is a very young age for an icon, but today it can be found everywhere - in churches, church shops and home altars. main feature the icons are its collection, since it depicts 16 faces of the Virgin Mary, in general it somewhat resembles a family tree, but each individual image describes the Virgin Mary as the Queen of Heaven.

Read about church life:

The icon is characterized by its collectivity - in total there are 16 different images of the Virgin Mary, which are arranged in the form of branches of one tree.

Each Mother of God holds the Child Christ in her arms.

  • The composition consists of:
  • 7 images on the right;
  • 7 images on the left;
  • "Vladimirskaya" from below;
  • The birth of Christ is at the center;
  • "Holy Trinity" from above;

outlines of heavenly Jerusalem under the image of “Vladimirskaya”.

The central link is the cave in Bethlehem, in which Christ was born, the Mother of God and the Baby Jesus, located in a manger.

This image is larger than the others. Since the Child Christ is the only One who should be worshiped, He cannot but be on the board. It was His birth that made the Virgin Mary the Mother of God. That is why the picture of His birth is presented in the center - this is the most important event for humanity. Under the painting of the birth is the image of the “Sweet Kiss” as a symbol of the special love and connection between the Mother of God and Jesus Christ. And on the sides of the birth picture there are seven famous icons of the Mother of God, which are considered miraculous by the Orthodox world. Decorated tree

large roses

and leaves as a symbol of life, which comes from the Lord God.

Compound

Each of the 14 images is made in a classic manner: the shape of an elongated oval, which is enclosed in a kind of medallion. The main difference between these images and canonical icon painting is that the Virgin Mary is depicted smiling in each image.

For reference! The only icon in which the Virgin Mary smiles is the “Bethlehem” one, but the author did not depict it on the “Tree”.

There is no analogue of this icon in Orthodox icon painting. Images of a tree, in principle, are quite often found in various images, but here the image of a tree is supplemented with fruits - separate paintings with the Virgin, and this method was no longer used by artists.

  • Immediately below the painting depicting the birth of Christ is the image of the “Sweet Kiss”. The image is made according to the type of Eleus - one of the main types of icons, with the Queen of Heaven drawn. This type is often used by Russian artists, since the gestures of the characters depicted are simple and understandable - this is a loving Mother and Son.
  • The distinctive features of the image are:
  • Baby and Mother touch cheeks;

they hug tightly;

Christ is depicted with a desire to hug the Mother’s neck with one hand.

Icon of the Mother of God “Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

The meaning of the face

main idea this image is that the Virgin Mary is one and only Mother of Christ, but her personality is multifaceted and each of them is represented separately in different images by icon painters. All Her personality is like a big tree

, whose branches are connected by a single trunk - the Birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Each image is the fruit of a given tree. The icon appeared at the beginning of the 21st century during a period of serious economic crisis in the country and therefore it is especially important and has a deep meaning for Orthodox man

. At a time when people are losing their jobs, money, and the world is being shaken by wars and natural disasters, the Lord is still close to people. He also calls them to Himself and helps them. The Church is still waiting for people to come and worship their Lord.

Important! This board is designed to remind people that they are all brothers, that they should help each other in difficult moments of life. The main idea of ​​the board is that all life is from the Lord.

Everything was created through Him and by Him, therefore forgetting about Him is tantamount to blasphemy. He does not tolerate such an attitude towards Himself, as it is written in Scripture. Since several completely different Mother of God are presented on the board, each of which is prayed to completely different people

, then its meaning is to unite all of them together.

Who can pray to the image and how does it help?

Since the “Tree” has collected many icons, parishioners in the church have a fair question: “Which of them is praying and for what?” Let's try to answer it.

Read about Orthodox prayer: It is thanks to its ambiguity that the image is perfect for prayers at home.

There is no need to fill the wall with many icons - just hang the “Tree of the Most Holy Theotokos” and the house will immediately have icons of the Mother of God, Jesus Christ and the Trinity. Advice! It is best to place the board in a quiet, private place where no one can disturb quiet personal prayer. Wonderful suitable for bedroom

or office. It should be a place where you can pray morning and evening to sanctify the coming day and give thanks for the past.

This board is capable of helping anyone who comes to it with a sincere request and is concerned about the issue of the purity of their own heart.

  • Everyone who:
  • needs consolation from sorrows and sorrows;
  • requires protection from enemies and their evil intentions;
  • needs physical and mental healing;
  • wishes to receive help in overcoming worldly difficulties and strengthening his spirit and faith;
  • wants to protect his family from scandals and difficulties;
strives to protect her children from adversity and loss.

Important! Any sincere prayer will be heard by the Lord and will certainly be answered. The answer that a person expects may not be the same, but everything that comes from the Lord is good. The “Tree of the Virgin Mary” icon was first of all created with the purpose of reminding a person that his life is from the Lord and that he should not be forgotten.

Watch a video about the icon *Tree of the Virgin Mary*

15 MIRACLE-WORKING ICONS OF THE HOLY VIRGIN, PICTURED ON THE ICON “THE TREE OF THE HOLY VIRGIN”. The icon of the Mother of God “Tree of the Most Holy Theotokos” depicts 15 main miraculous icons (images) of the Most Holy Theotokos with the Infant Jesus Christ, located on a branchy tree. In the center of the tree is the Bethlehem Cave and the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus reclining in a manger. This Nativity of the Lord gave rise to the depiction of the Ever-Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. That is why the Nativity icon is placed on the trunk of a symbolic tree and is highlighted in a larger size compared to other icons. The meaning of this icon is that it reflects the connection of all the icons of the Mother of God, like branches of one tree that grew in the sacrament of the Nativity of the God-Man Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. You can pray in front of this icon to the Blessed Virgin and the Infant God. Since this icon is composite, i.e. consists of images of 15 icons of the Mother of God, then praying to her as one image is not suitable. You can pray to each icon depicted, or simply to the Mother of God Herself.

Celebration in honor of the icon: February 12/25, October 13/26 and continuing on Tuesday of Bright Week. According to legend, this image was miraculously found on Athos, where he himself sailed, having been thrown into the sea during the persecution of icons. In the Iveron Athos monastery it was placed above the gates, which is why it received the name “Goalkeeper”. More than once the Mother of God gave Her miraculous help through her during the attack of the Persians, during the years of famine. In 1656, the copy from the icon was transferred to Russia, and since then it has been providing abundant favors and is revered by the Orthodox people. Read more here: PRAYER: O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of Christ our God, Queen of Heaven and earth! Listen to the much-painful sighing of our souls, look down from Thy holy height upon us, who with faith and love worship Thy most pure and miraculous image. Behold, immersed in sins and overwhelmed by sorrows, looking at Your image, as if You were alive and living with us, we offer our humble prayers. The imams have no other help, no other intercession, no consolation, except You, O Mother of all who grieve and are burdened! Help us the weak, assuage our sorrows, guide us astray on the right path, heal our painful hearts and save the hopeless, grant us the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, grant us a Christian death and at the Last Judgment of Your Son a merciful intercessor will appear to us, yes We always sing, magnify and glorify Thee, as the good Intercessor of the Christian race, with all those who have pleased God, forever and ever. 2. KAZAN ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

Celebrations in honor of the icon on October 22/November 4 and July 8/21 Appeared in 1579 in Kazan on the ashes after a fire. The list from it was sent to Prince Pozharsky, who soon liberated Moscow. Provided assistance to the Russian army during the Napoleonic invasion and in the Great Patriotic War. Before her they pray for the intercession of Russia in various ailments, especially in eye diseases. PRAYER: Oh, Most Holy Lady, Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love before Thy honest and miraculous icon, we pray to Thee: do not turn Thy face away from those who come running to You: pray, merciful Mother, Thy Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, to keep our country peaceful and His Church May he preserve the unshakable saint and deliver him from unbelief, heresies and schism. There are no other imams of help, no other imams of hope, except You, Most Pure Virgin: You are the all-powerful helper and intercessor of Christians: deliver all those who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from slander evil people, from all temptations, sorrows, illnesses, misfortunes and from sudden death: grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of sinful life and remission of sins, so that we may all be worthy of praising Thy greatness and mercy shown over us here on earth. and the Kingdom of Heaven, and there with all the saints let us glorify the most honorable and magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. 3. QUICK TO HEAR

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” is one of the most ancient icons of the Mother of God. The prototype of the icon is located on Holy Mount Athos, in the Dochiar monastery. The history of this icon goes back more than a thousand years. Legend about the icon. In the middle of the 17th century, the monk Nil labored in the Dochiar monastery, fulfilling the obedience of the refector. Each time, entering the refectory, he inadvertently smoked the image of the Mother of God, which hung at the entrance to the refectory, with a torch. One day, as usual, passing by the icon with a flaming torch, the monk Neil heard the words: “In the future, do not approach here with a lighted torch and do not smoke My image.” Neil was at first frightened by the human voice, but decided that it was one of the brethren who said it and did not pay attention to the words. He continued to walk past the icon with a lit torch. After some time, the monk Neil again heard the words from the icon: “Monk, unworthy of this name! How long have you been so carelessly and so shamelessly smoldering My image?” At these words, the refector suddenly lost his sight. Deep repentance gripped his soul, and he sincerely confessed his sin of irreverent treatment of the image of the Mother of God, recognizing himself as worthy of such punishment. Neil decided not to leave the icon until he received forgiveness of his sins and healing from blindness. In the morning, the brethren found him lying on his back in front of the holy image. After the monk told him about what happened to him, the monks lit an unquenchable lamp in front of the icon. The offender himself prayed and cried day and night, turning to the Mother of God, so that soon his fervent prayer was heard. A familiar voice said to him: “Neil! Your prayer is heard, you are forgiven, and sight is restored to your eyes. Proclaim to all the brethren that I am the cover, providence and protection of their monastery, dedicated to the Archangels. Let them and Orthodox Christians turn to Me in their needs, and I will not leave anyone unheard: I will intercede for all who come running to Me with reverence, and the prayers of all will be fulfilled by the Son and My God for the sake of My intercession before Him. From now on, this icon of mine will be called “Quick to Hear” because I will quickly show mercy to all those who come to it and will soon heed their petitions.” Following these joyful words, Monk Neil’s sight returned. This happened on November 9, 1664. The rumor about the miracle that happened before the icon quickly spread throughout Athos, attracting many monks to worship the shrine. The brethren of the Dochiar monastery blocked the entrance to the refectory in order to thus protect the place where the icon was located. WITH right side a temple was built, consecrated in honor of the image of the “Quick to Hear”. At the same time, a particularly reverent hieromonk (prosmonary) was chosen to constantly remain at the icon and perform prayers in front of it. This obedience is still being fulfilled today. Also, on the evening of every Tuesday and Thursday, the entire brethren of the monastery sings the touching canon of the Mother of God (in Greek “paraklis”) in front of the icon, the priest commemorates all Orthodox Christians in the litany and prays for the peace of the whole world. They pray in front of the icon 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. PRAYER: Most Blessed Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to God the Word more than any word for our salvation, and received His grace more abundantly than all others, a sea of ​​Divine gifts and miracles, an ever-flowing river, pouring out goodness to all who come running to You with faith! To Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the Humanity-loving Lord: surprise us with Your rich mercies, and speed up the fulfillment of our petitions brought to You, Quick to Hear, all that are arranged for the benefit of consolation and salvation for everyone. Visit, O Blessing Thy servants, with Thy grace, grant to those who are ailing, healing and perfect health, to those overwhelmed by silence, to those in captivity, freedom and various images of the afflicted to console, deliver, O all-merciful Lady, every city and country from famine, plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and other temporary and eternal punishments, by Your maternal boldness turning away the wrath of God: and from mental relaxation, overwhelming passions and falls, free Your servants, so that without stumbling in all piety, having lived in this world, and in the future, eternal blessings, we will be honored with the grace and love of mankind of Your Son and God, Him. befits all glory, honor and worship, with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. 4. INEXHAUSTABLE CHALICE.

Celebration in honor of the icon on May 5/18. The Mother of God prays for all sinners and calls for an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation, proclaiming that an inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for all who ask in faith. It brings prosperity to the home, and also helps to heal from bad habits, drunkenness, drug addiction, and gambling. PRAYER: Oh, most merciful Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but graciously hear us - wives, children, mothers and those who are obsessed with the serious illness of drunkenness and for the sake of our mother - the Church of Christ and the salvation of those who fall away, heal our brothers and sisters and relatives. Oh, merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and quickly raise them from the falls of sin, bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our sins and not to turn His mercy away from His people, but to strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, O Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children; wives weeping for their husbands; children, the orphaned and the wretched, those left astray, and all of us who fall before Your icon. And may this cry of ours, through Your prayers, come to the throne of the Most High. Cover and protect us from the evil trap and all the snares of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, with Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, may God’s mercy cover us for endless ages of ages. Amen. 5. VLADIMIR ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

Celebration in honor of the icon May 21/June 3, June 23/July 6, August 26/September 8 According to legend, it dates back to the Evangelist Luke, the first icon painter. At the beginning of the 12th century. arrived in Kyiv, and then Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky moved her to Vladimir. The most famous miracles revealed from this image are associated with the deliverance of Moscow from the hordes of Tamerlane, Edigei and Makhmet-Girey, as well as assistance in Time of Troubles. During the fire in the Moscow Kremlin in 1547, the Assumption Cathedral was preserved unharmed, which is also associated with the intercession of the Most Pure One, given through Her miraculous image. Before “Vladimirskaya” they especially pray for the preservation of the Fatherland from foreign invasion. Read more about the icon here: PRAYER: To whom shall we cry, O Lady? To whom shall we resort in our sorrow, if not to You, Queen of Heaven? Who will accept our crying and sighing, if not You, most immaculate, the hope of Christians and refuge for us sinners? Who is more in Your favor? Incline Your ear to us, Lady, Mother of Our God, and do not despise those who require Your help: hear our groaning, strengthen us sinners, enlighten and teach us, O Queen of Heaven, and do not depart from us Your servant, Lady, for our grumbling, but wake up Mother and Intercessor to us, and entrust us to the merciful protection of Your Son: arrange for us whatever Your holy will pleases, and lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life, may we cry over our sins, may we rejoice with You always, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen. 6. ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN OF THE SIGN.

Celebration in honor of the icon on November 27/December 10. This icon began to be revered as miraculous from the 12th century, when internecine strife flared up between the Novgorod and Vladimir-Suzdal princes. Novgorod was besieged by a huge army, however, when the icon was carried around the city walls, the attackers were seized with horror and they hastily left. Subsequently, the icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” also became famous for stopping a large fire that threatened to destroy all of Novgorod. Many signs of miraculous power are performed from this blessed shrine. The Merciful Lady reveals through this shrine the signs of Her protection and intercession both in national disasters and in the lives of ordinary people. Christian mothers who come to the realization of their powerlessness to give happiness to their children, to protect them from the always close and inevitable danger, turn their gaze to this image and find support and help. In front of the “Sign” icon they pray for the pacification of the Fatherland, for deliverance from internecine warfare, for deliverance from the fire. PRAYER: Oh, most holy and most blessed Mother of our sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We fall down and bow to You before Your holy, miraculous icon, remembering the wondrous sign of Your intercession, which was revealed to the great Novograd during the days of the military invasion. We humbly pray to Thee, the omnipotent intercessor of our family: just as in ancient times you hastened our father to help, so now we, weak and sinners, have been vouchsafed Your maternal intercession and care. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the roof of Thy mercy, the Holy Church, Thy city, (Thy abode) and our entire Orthodox country and all of us who fall to You with faith and love and tenderly ask with tears for Your intercession, have mercy and save. Hey, Lady All-Merciful! Have mercy on us, overwhelmed by many sins, stretch out Thy God-receiving hands to Christ the Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking us forgiveness of our sins, a pious peaceful life, a good Christian death and a good answer at His terrible judgment: may we be saved by Thy almighty to Him Through prayers, we will inherit the bliss of paradise, and with all the saints we will sing the most honorable and magnificent name of the venerable Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy to us forever and ever. Amen. 7. MAMMAL

Celebration in honor of the icon January 12/25 Located on Mount Athos, where she arrived from the Holy Land from the Lavra of Savva the Sanctified according to the will of the saint himself. Savva. The Mother of God is depicted nursing the Infant God. The copy from the Athos image was sent to Russia in 1860. Nursing mothers especially pray before the “Mammal” in the cares of motherhood and during childbirth. PRAYER: Accept, O Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We look at you holy icon in her arms carrying and feeding with milk Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though you gave birth to Him painlessly, yet the mother of the sorrows and infirmities of the sons and daughters of men is born. Falling with the same warmth towards Your whole-bearing image and tenderly kissing this, we pray to You, All-Merciful Lady: we sinners, condemned to give birth to illnesses and to nourish our children in sorrows, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from a serious illness and deliver from bitter sorrow. Grant us health and well-being, and nourishment from strength will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouths of babes and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy and deliverance receive the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, so that we and our children will glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the true hope of our race forever and ever, amen . 8. DON ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

The Don Icon was painted by Theophan the Greek, the teacher of St. Andrei Rublev. Characteristic feature This image shows the feet of the Infant God placed on the left hand of the Mother of God. In the same hand, the Blessed Virgin holds a cloth that dries up tears and comforts those who cry. In front of this image they pray in difficult times for Russia, for help to the Russian army, for deliverance from the enemy. According to legend, the Cossacks found the icon floating on the waves of the Don. A prayer service was served at the site where the icon was found, and then it was transferred to the temple. Soon the image of the icon became the regimental banner of the Don Cossacks. Under Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy Russian army fought with a superior horde of Mongol-Tatars. The Grand Duke was a zealous Christian - only after asking for favor in front of the icon of the Blessed Virgin, the prince ordered to gather an army in defense. Having learned that the prince was heading to the battlefield, the residents of the Don presented him with their main shrine - the icon of the Mother of God. Prayers before the miraculous image were offered throughout the night. And during the battle, the icon was constantly in the camp of Russian soldiers. The historical battle on the Kulikovo field, which lasted a whole day and claimed, according to the chronicles, two hundred thousand human lives, is a clear miracle of the special intercession of the Mother of God. The Tatars fled, frightened by an amazing vision: in the midst of the battle, surrounded by flames and throwing arrows, the solar regiment was coming at them under the leadership of the Heavenly Warrior. In 1591, for the victory granted and the mercy shown through the Don Icon at the behest of Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich (at that time Russia was attacked from two sides at once - the Swedes went to Novgorod, the Crimean Tatars - to Moscow), the Donskoy Monastery was erected, where a list with miraculous icon. PRAYER: Oh, Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mary, our good and speedy Intercessor. We sing thanksgiving for Your wonderful deeds, let us sing songs of praise from ancient times to Your everlasting intercession for the city of Moscow and our country. The alien regiments take flight, cities and towns remain unharmed from the fire, and people are delivered from cruel death. The teary eyes are dried up, the lamentations of the faithful are silenced. Sadness is transformed into universal joy. Bring us consolation in adversity, a revival of hope, an image of courage, a source of mercy, and grant us inexhaustible patience in sorrowful circumstances. Give to each one according to his request and his need. Raise babies, teach chastity and fear of God to young ones, encourage the sad and support weak old age. Soften evil hearts, fill us all with peace and love. Destroy the vices, so that our sins do not rise before the Judge of all, so that the righteous wrath of God does not befall us. With your protection, protect us from the invasion of enemies, from famine, sword, fire and all other suffering. We hope through Your prayers to receive forgiveness of sins from the judge God and, after our death, to the right hand of the throne of glory, where You stand before the Holy Trinity in eternal glory. Oh, all-sung Virgin, deign us, with the face of angels and saints, to praise the most honorable Name of Your Son with the Beginningless Father and the Life-giving Spirit forever and ever. Amen. 9. ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN IS WORTHY TO EAT (MERCIFUL)

Celebration day: June 11 (23). The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “It is worthy to eat” is located in the capital of Athos, the city of Kareya, on the high place of the altar cathedral church. The time of her appearance is determined in 980, her glorification - in 1864. This icon is especially revered due to the following incident. At the end of the 10th century, not far from the Athos Kareya Monastery, an old hermit lived in a cell with his novice. One day the elder went to all-night vigil to the temple, and the novice remained in his cell to read prayer rule . As night fell, he suddenly heard a knock on the door. Opening it, the young man saw in front of him an unfamiliar monk who asked permission to enter. The novice let him in, and together they began chanting prayers. So their night service proceeded in its own order, until the time came to glorify the Most Holy Theotokos. Standing in front of Her icon WORTHY IS “Merciful,” the novice began to sing the generally accepted prayer: “The most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim...”, but the guest stopped him and said: “We don’t call the Mother of God that way” - and sang a different beginning : “It is worthy, as truly, to bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate, and the Mother of our God.” And then he added to this “The most honorable Cherub...”. The monk ordered the novice to always sing in this place of worship the song he had just heard in honor of the Mother of God. Not hoping that he would remember such wonderful words of the prayer he heard, the novice asked the guest to write them. But there was no paper or ink in the cell, and then the stranger wrote the words of the prayer with his finger on the stone, which suddenly became soft as wax. Then he suddenly disappeared, and the monk only had time to ask the stranger his name, to which he replied: “Gabriel.” The elder who returned from the temple was surprised to hear the words of a new prayer from the novice. Having listened to his story about the wonderful guest and seeing the wonderfully inscribed letters of the song, the elder realized that the celestial being who had appeared was the Archangel Gabriel. The news of the miraculous visit of the Archangel Gabriel quickly spread throughout Athos and reached Constantinople. The Athonite monks sent a stone slab with a hymn to the Mother of God inscribed on it to Constantinople as proof of the truth of the news they conveyed. Since then, the prayer “It is worthy to eat” has become an integral part of Orthodox services. And the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful”, together with its previous name, is also called “It is Worthy to Eat”. Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Merciful” or “It is worthy to eat” they pray during mental and physical illnesses, at the end of any business, during epidemics, for happiness in marriage, during accidents. PRAYER: O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lady Theotokos! Falling before Your holy icon, we humbly pray to You, listen to the voice of our prayer, see our sorrow, see our misfortunes and, like a loving Mother, trying to help us helpless, beg Your Son and our God: may He not destroy us for our iniquities, but show to us philanthropy your mercy. Ask us, Lady, from His goodness for bodily health and spiritual salvation, and a peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, and a blessing from above for all our good deeds and undertakings. .. And as of old, You mercifully looked upon the humble praise of the novice of Athonite, who sang Thee before Thy most pure icon, and You sent an Angel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the Angels praise Thee; So now accept our fervent prayer offered to You. About the All-Singing Queen! Extend your God-bearing hand to the Lord, in the image of the Infant Jesus Christ you bore, and beg Him to deliver us from all evil. Show, O Lady, Your mercy to us: heal the sick, comfort the afflicted, help the needy, and grant us the honor to complete this earthly life in a pious manner, to receive a Christian shameless death and to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through Your maternal intercession to Christ our God, Who was born of You, Who is with His Beginning Father and to the Most Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. 10. POCHAYEV ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

The celebration in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God on August 5 (July 23, old style) was established in memory of the deliverance of the Dormition Pochaev Lavra from the Turkish siege in 1675. The history of this miraculous icon of the Mother of God is inextricably linked with the Pochaev Monastery in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ukraine). On the mountain where the Assumption Pochaev Lavra is now located, two monks settled in 1340. One day, after prayer, one of them went to the top of the mountain and suddenly saw the Mother of God standing on a stone, as if engulfed in flames. He called another monk, who was also honored to contemplate the miraculous phenomenon. The third witness to the vision was the shepherd John Bosoy. Seeing an unusual light on the mountain, he climbed it and, together with the monks, began to glorify God and His Most Pure Mother. After the phenomenon disappeared, the imprint of Her right foot remained on the stone where the Mother of God stood. This imprint has been preserved to this day and is always filled with water, which the stone miraculously exudes. The water in the foot does not become scarce, despite the fact that numerous pilgrims constantly fill their vessels with it to heal from ailments. The Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God itself appeared in the monastery in the following way. In 1559, Metropolitan Neophytos from Constantinople, passing through Volyn, visited the noblewoman Anna Goyskaya, who lived on the Orlya estate, not far from Pochaev. As a blessing, he left her an icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople. Soon they began to notice that a radiance emanated from the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. When Anna’s brother Philip was healed in front of the icon in 1597, she gave the image to the monks who settled on Pochaevskaya Mountain. After some time, a church was built on the rock in honor of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which became part of the monastery complex. During its history, the Pochaev Monastery suffered many disasters: it was oppressed by Lutherans, attacked by the Turks, fell into the hands of the Uniates, but thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God, all adversities were overcome. When turning to the Mother of God "Pochaevskaya" they pray for protection from internecine hostility, from enemy invasion, for healing from blindness, both physical and spiritual, for liberation from captivity. The Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered shrines of the Russian Church. PRAYER: O All-Merciful Lady, Queen and Lady, chosen from all generations, and blessed by all generations, heavenly and earthly! Look mercifully at this people standing before Thy holy icon and fervently praying to You, and make Your intercession and intercession with Thy Son and our God, so that no one will come from here empty-handed and put to shame in his hope, but may everyone receive everything from You, according to the good will of your heart and according to your need and desire, for the salvation of the soul and the health of the body. Look with mercy, O All-Sung Theotokos, and upon this monastery, which bears Your name, You have loved it since ancient times, having chosen it as your property, and endlessly flowing currents of healing from Your miraculous icon and from the ever-flowing source, in the footprint of Your foot, revealed to us, and preserve it from every excuse and slander of the enemy, just as in ancient times you preserved it, by Your appearance, intact and undamaged from the fierce invasion of the Hagarians, so that the Most Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your glorious Dormition, will be sung and glorified in it forever and ever. Amen. 11. THEODOROVSKAYA ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

Celebration in honor of the icon on March 14/27 and August 16/29. Named after the Fedorov Gorodetsky Monastery, where it was originally located. In the 13th century it was moved to Kostroma and helped defend the principality from the Tatars. “Fedorovskaya” is a generic image of the royal house of the Romanovs, with which many Sovereigns were blessed for the kingdom. She is revered as the patroness of Christian families, an assistant in childbirth and in raising children. PRAYER: To whom will I call, O Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow; to whom will I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and earth: who will pluck me from the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from anger and sorrow and all sorts of ailments and illnesses, from visible and invisible enemies, pacify the enmity of those who suffer me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice; Likewise, free me from your flesh’s vile customs. Cover me under the canopy of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I commend myself to your Motherly intercession; Wake me to Mother and hope, protection and help and intercession, joy and consolation and quick helper in everything. O wonderful Lady! Everyone who comes to You does not leave without Your all-powerful help: for this reason, even though I am unworthy, I come running to You, so that I will be delivered from sudden and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I am worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to You in the tenderness of my heart the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever. Amen. 12. ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN, QUEEN MY SORROWS.

Celebration day: February 7 (January 25, old style) The Icon of the Mother of God “Quench My Sorrows” was brought to Moscow by the Cossacks in 1640 under Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich and was located in the Church of St. Nicholas, on Pupyshi in Sadovniki. This church kept records of many miracles that occurred from the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, but in the fire of 1771 all documentary evidence was destroyed. Tradition, however, has preserved the memory of many miraculous events, the most famous of which is the following incident, which marked the beginning of the veneration of the icon as miraculous. One woman of noble origin, who lived far from Moscow, for a long time was bedridden, suffering from a debilitating illness. Doctors no longer hoped for her recovery, and the woman expected death. But one day in a dream, the sick woman saw the Mother of God, who told her: “Tell yourself to be taken to Moscow. There, on Pupyshev, in the Church of St. Nicholas, there is My image with the inscription: “Quench my sorrows,” pray before it and you will receive healing.” The woman shared what she had seen with her relatives, and with deep faith everyone set off on a difficult journey for the sick woman and, upon arrival in Moscow, found the indicated temple. However, having examined the entire church, the arrivals did not find the image that appeared to the woman in a dream. Then the priest, to whom the sick woman turned for advice, ordered the clerks to bring all the icons of the Mother of God from the bell tower. Among the dilapidated and dusty icons brought, they found an icon of the Mother of God with the inscription: “Quench my sorrows.” Seeing him, the patient exclaimed: “She! She!" - and, who had not previously had the opportunity to even move her hand, to the surprise of everyone, she crossed herself. After the prayer service, the woman venerated the icon and stood up completely healthy. This healing took place on January 25, 1760. A distinctive feature of the icon of QUEENH MY SORRY is that the Infant of God holds an unfolded scroll in his hands, the Mother of God rests her cheek with one hand. PRAYER: Virgin, Lady, Mother of God, who, more than nature and word, gave birth to the Only Begotten Word of God, the Creator and Ruler of all visible and invisible creation, the One of the Trinity of God, God and Man, who became the abode of the Divine, the receptacle of all holiness and grace, in which, by good will God and the Father, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, physically dwelt the Fullness of the Divinity, incomparably exalted in divine dignity and superior to every creature, Glory and Consolation, and the ineffable joy of the Angels, the royal crown of the apostles and prophets, the supernatural and wonderful courage of the martyrs, the Champion in exploits and the Giver victory, preparing for the ascetics crowns and eternal and divine rewards, exceeding all honor, the honor and glory of the saints, the infallible Guide and Teacher of silence, the door of revelations and spiritual mysteries, the Source of Light, the gate, an inexhaustible river of mercy, an inexhaustible sea of ​​all divine gifts and miracles. We ask You and we beg You, most compassionate Mother of the humane-loving Master, be merciful to us, Your humble and unworthy servants, look compassionately on our captivity and humility, heal the contrition of our souls and bodies, scatter visible and invisible enemies, be for us, unworthy, before in the face of our enemies, with a strong pillar, with weapons of war, with a strong militia, as a Voivode and an irresistible Champion, show us now Your ancient and wonderful mercies, so that our lawless enemies may know that Your Son and God alone is King and Lord, that You are truly the Mother of God, who gave birth to according to the flesh of the true God, that everything is possible for You, and whatever You desire, O Lady, You have the power to accomplish all this in Heaven and on earth, and for every request to grant what is useful to anyone: health to the sick, peace to those at sea and good navigation. Travel and protect those who travel, save captives from bitter slavery, comfort the sad, alleviate poverty and any other bodily suffering: free everyone from mental ailments and passions, through Thy invisible intercessions and suggestions, so that, having completed the path of this temporary life well and without stumbling, we may improve through You and these eternal blessings in the Kingdom of Heaven. Strengthen the faithful, honored by the terrible name of Your Only Begotten Son, who trust in Your intercession and in Your mercy and in everything who have You as their Intercessor and Champion, invisibly against the surrounding enemies, dispel the cloud of despondency that envelops their souls, deliver them from mental distress and give them light complacency and joy, restoring peace and serenity in their hearts. With Your prayers, Lady, save this flock primarily dedicated to You, the entire city and country, from famine, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners, internecine warfare, and turn back every righteous wrath against us, according to the good will and grace of the Only Begotten Son and Thy God, to Him is due all glory, honor and worship, with His Originless Father, with His co-eternal and life-giving Spirit, now and always, and unto the ages of ages! Amen. 13. TIKHVIN ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

Celebration in honor of the icon June 26/July 9 The first mention of it dates back to the 5th century. Within Russia, it was miraculously revealed in 1383, during the reign of Demetrius Donskoy, to fishermen fishing on Ladoga. Glorified by great miracles: the sight of the blind, the healing of the possessed. Among the memorable signs is the protection of the Tikhvin monastery from the Swedes. They especially resort to this icon when children are ill. PRAYER: We thank You, O most blessed and most pure, most blessed Virgin Lady, Mother of Christ our God, for all Your good deeds, which You have shown to the human race, especially to us, the people of Russia named after Christ, about whom the most angelic language will be pleased with praise: we thank Thou, as even now, Thou hast surprised Thy ineffable mercy upon us, Thy unworthy servants, by the supernatural self-coming of Thy most pure icon, and with it Thou hast enlightened the entire Russian state. Likewise, we sinners, bowing with fear and joy, cry out to Thee: O Most Holy Virgin, Queen and Mother of God, save and have mercy on His Holiness Patriarch Alexy, the bishops and all the people, and grant them victory over all their enemies, and save all cities and countries Christian and this holy temple, and deliver from every slander of the enemy, and grant everything for the benefit of everyone, who now come with faith and pray to Your servant and worship Your most holy image: for blessed are You with the Son and God born of You, now and ever and ever forever and ever. 14. CHERNIGOV ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN.

Celebration of the icon on April 29 (April 6, old style) The icon of the Mother of God of Chernigov Ilyinskaya became famous in 1662 in the Trinity Ilyinsky Monastery near Chernigov. Through prayers to the Mother of God in front of Her miraculous image, the monastery was saved from the Tatars who attacked the monastery. From April 16 to April 24, almost all residents of Chernigov witnessed how tears flowed from this icon of the Mother of God. Soon after this, the Tatars raided Chernigov and ravaged its surroundings. The monks of the Elias Monastery, having prayed to the Heavenly Intercessor in front of Her icon, took refuge in a cave. No matter how hard the Tatars who broke into the monastery tried to take possession of the jewelry adorning miraculous icon Mother of God, an invisible force did not allow them to touch the shrine. The same invisible force repelled the Tatars every time they tried to enter the cave where the monks hid. Frightened by the incomprehensible phenomenon, the Tatars fled. The miraculous copy (copy) of the Elias-Chernigov icon of the Mother of God, glorified in the Gethsemane monastery near the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, began to be called the GETHSIMANE CHERNIGOV icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Currently, the authentic Elias-Chernigov icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the Chernigov Dormition Yelets Monastery. PRAYER: Oh, Most Holy Lady, my Lady Theotokos, heavenly Queen, save and have mercy on me, your sinful servant, from vain slander, from all misfortunes and misfortunes and sudden death. Have mercy on me in the hours of the day, and in the morning, and in the evening, and at all times preserve me: protect me standing and sitting, and provide for me walking on every path, and provide for me sleeping in the night hours, cover and intercede. Protect me, Lady Theotokos, from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and from every evil situation. In every place and at every time, be the Mother of God, an insurmountable wall and a strong intercession. Oh, Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, accept my unworthy prayer and save me from a vain death, and grant me repentance before the end. Most Holy Theotokos, save us. You appear to me as the guardian of all life, Most Pure One! Deliver me from demons at the hour of death! May you rest in peace even after death! We resort to your mercy, Virgin Mary, do not despise our prayers in sorrows, but deliver us from troubles, O pure and blessed one. Most Holy Theotokos, save us. Amen. 15. ICON OF THE HOLY VIRGIN OF SMOLENSK (HODEGETRIA).

Celebration in honor of the icon July 28 August 1/10 Its origin, like the “Vladimir” one, is associated with the Evangelist Luke. The image was transferred to the Russian land in the 11th century, when the Byzantine Emperor Constantine blessed his daughter Anna, who was married to the Chernigov prince Vsevolod, with it. Hence the icon received another name "Hodegetria" ("Guide"). Through the intercession of the Mother of God, revealed through this icon, Smolensk was delivered from Batu, and in 1812 during Patriotic War she was carried out in front of the troops on the Borodino field. In front of the Smolensk icon they pray for the preservation of the Fatherland from foreign invasion, for those traveling at a loss as to what to do. PRAYER: Oh, most wonderful and above all creatures, Queen Theotokos, heavenly King Christ our God Mother, most holy Hodegetria Mary! Hear us, sinners and unworthy, at this hour, falling before Your most pure image, and tenderly saying: lead us out of the pit of passions, good Hodegetria, deliver us from all sorrow and sorrow, protect us from all misfortune and evil slander and from the unrighteous slander of the enemy : You can, O our gracious Mother, not only save Your people from all evil, but also provide and save with all good deeds: unless You have other intercessors in troubles and situations and warm intercessors for us sinners to Your Son, Christ our God, Imams: Pray to Him, Lady, to save us and grant us the Kingdom of Heaven, so that through Your salvation we glorify You in the future, as the author of our salvation, and we exalt the all-holy and magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity glorified and worshiped God, in forever and ever. Amen. HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, OUR MOTHER, DEDIOUS INTERCESS OF THE CHRISTIAN KIND, SAVE US SINNERS!!! #OrthodoxPrayers

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