The Mother of God for Orthodox Christians is one of the most revered and main Saints. There are a huge number of icons of the Mother of God. Below is a detailed description and names with photos of the most famous icons of the Mother of God.
The Mother of God for Orthodox Christians is one of the most revered and main Saints.
In the legend about the life of the Mother of God, it is written that the icons with her holy face are “like the stars in the sky.” Their exact number is not known for sure. According to estimates made by experts, the number of icons of the Mother of God reaches approximately 700. It is believed that the first icon of the Virgin Mary was created by the evangelist Luke.
The first icons of the Mother of God came to Russian lands from Byzantium. There are several so-called iconographic types. The origins of all Russian icons of the Mother of God go back to them (photo with the name and description of the meaning of some of them, below).
In the legend about the life of the Mother of God, it is written that the icons with her holy face are “like the stars in the sky”
Kazanskaya
The history of this icon began in the 15th century. The Mother of God appeared to a little girl in a dream and showed her where to find Her image: under the ruins of a burnt house. The child told his parents about this, but they did not attach much importance to the words of a 10-year-old girl.
The Mother of God continued to appear in the child's dreams and each time pointed to the place where the icon lay. Finally, the girl managed to persuade her mother to go to the place indicated by the Mother of God. The mother and child came to the place where they found the icon. A maiden monastery was built on its location.
The icon depicts the Mother of God, on one of Her hands sits a small Jesus Christ
Miracles associated with the "Kazan" icon of the Mother of God began to occur immediately after it was found. While the icon was being transferred from its location to the temple, two blind men participating in the procession saw their sight.
Thus began the first miracles associated with this icon of the Mother of God, which continued throughout the following centuries. Thanks to the miraculous image, the Russian state has won serious historical battles more than once. Moreover, more than once the enemy clearly outnumbered the Russian troops.
The icon depicts the Mother of God, on one of Her hands sits a small Jesus Christ. One of his hands is raised in a gesture of blessing. Both the Mother and the Son look directly at the one who is praying.
"Kazan" icon of the Mother of God pray:
- for the cure of various ailments. First of all, it concerns eye diseases, which is connected with the history of the very first miracle of the insight of two blind men;
- the health and well-being of children;
- from despondency and sadness;
- about happiness in marriage.
Prayer before the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
O Most Holy Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love, falling down before Your honest icon, we pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who resort to You, implore, Merciful Mother, Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, may our country be peaceful, may the Church be established His holy Yes, he will keep it unshakable from unbelief, heresies and schism. Not imams of other help, not imams of other hope, unless you, Most Pure Virgin: You are the All-Powerful Helper and Intercessor of Christians. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from all temptations, sorrows, troubles and from vain death; grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thought, the correction of sinful lives and the remission of sins, so that we all thankfully sing of Your greatness, we will be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and there with all the saints we will glorify the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
"Inexhaustible Cup"
This icon begins its history from the 3rd century AD. The Nicene icon is considered to be its ancestor. The story of the manifestation of the power of the Virgin is connected with it. Since then, the icon has been revered by the Orthodox Church.
In the 18th century, the icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice appeared, which was marked by a miracle of healing. To a peasant, mired in the sin of drunkenness, whose legs gave out, an old man appeared in a dream. He told the drunkard that if he prayed before the icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice, he would be healed of drunkenness and get back on his feet. And so it happened.
This icon begins its history from the 3rd century AD.
Since then, the icon of the Mother of God has been praying for healing from alcoholism. The icon depicts the Mother of God with her hands raised up. In front of her in a bowl is a little Jesus. His two hands are raised in a gesture of blessing.
Prayer of the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon "The Inexhaustible Chalice"
Oh, Most Merciful Lady! Now we resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but graciously hear us: wives, children, mothers and a serious illness of drunkenness obsessed, and for this sake from your mother - the Church of Christ and the salvation of those who fall away, brothers and sisters, and heal our relatives. Oh, Merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and soon restore them from sinful falls, bring them to saving abstinence. Beg your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our sins and not turn away His mercy from His people, but strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers, shedding tears for their children, wives, weeping for their husbands, children, orphans and the poor, left astray, and all of us, falling to Your icon. And may this cry of ours come, by Thy prayers, to the Throne of the Most High. Cover and keep us from crafty trapping and all the machinations of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to go through unswervingly air ordeals, with Your prayers deliver us eternal condemnation, may God's mercy cover us forever and ever. Amen.
"Feodorovskaya"
The miraculous icon of the Mother of God is kept in a monastery in Kostroma. How this icon appeared in Rus' is unknown. The first mentions related to it date back to the 12th century. There are several legends that tell the story of its location. Many miracles are associated with the Fedorovskaya icon. It is known that she was especially revered in the royal family.
On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted with little Jesus in her arms. He clung to his mother, hugging her. One leg of Jesus Christ is bare to the knee.
The miraculous icon of the Mother of God is kept in a monastery in Kostroma
They pray to the Feodorovskaya icon for:
- health and healing from various diseases;
- conception of a child;
- happy family life;
- easy childbirth.
To whom will I call, Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow; to whom I will bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, the Queen of Heaven and earth: who will cast me out of the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, console me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from bitterness and sorrows, and all sorts of ailments and diseases, from enemies visible and invisible, die the enmity of those who torment me, may I be delivered from slander and human malice ; so free me from your own flesh of vile customs. Cover me under the shade of Your mercy, may I find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I entrust myself to your motherly intercession; wake me Mati and hope, cover, and help, and intercession, joy and consolation, and an ambulance in everything Helper. Oh wonderful mistress! Everyone flows to You, without Your almighty help does not depart; for this sake, and I am unworthy of you, I resort to you, so that I will be delivered from sudden and fierce death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I will receive the Kingdom of Heaven and I will be honored with You in the tenderness of the heart of the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, Our zealous Intercessor and Intercessor, forever and ever.
"Sovereign"
This image of the Mother of God appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. The icon was found in the cellars of the church. Interestingly, on the day she was found, Nicholas 2 abdicated the throne. The era of Soviet power began.
It is believed that it was not in vain that this particular icon was found at the turn of the eras. It depicts the Mother of God with little Jesus sitting on her lap. In the hands of the Mother of God are symbols of sovereign power. It is believed that after the fall of royal power, the Mother of God herself became the head of Russia, protecting and saving her people.
This image of the Mother of God appeared at the beginning of the 20th century
The icon is prayed for:
- peace and cessation of hostility;
- health and wellness;
- financial stability;
- peace of mind.
Oh, Intercessor of the world, Mother of the All-Peter! With fear, faith and love, falling down before Your honest Sovereign icon, we fervently pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who run to You, implore, merciful Mother of Light, Your Son and our God, the Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, may we save our country in peace, may it establish our state in prosperity, and deliver us from internecine strife, may it strengthen our Holy Orthodox Church, and keep it unshakable from unbelief, schism and heresies. Not imams of other help, except for You, Blessed Virgin. You are the all-powerful intercessor of Christians before God, softening His righteous anger. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from the calumny of evil people, from hunger, sorrows and illnesses, grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thought, the correction of sinful lives and the remission of our sins; Yes, all of us, gratefully singing Your greatness, let us be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, and there with all the saints we will glorify the most honorable and magnificent name in the Trinity of the glorious God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
"Vladimirskaya"
One of the most revered Shrines on Russian soil. This icon belongs to the type of icons of the Mother of God - "Tenderness". On it, the Mother of God and Jesus Christ clung to each other. The prototype of the icon is the image of the Mother of God, painted by the Evangelist Luke. This icon has repeatedly defended the Russian state from enemy invasions.
One of the most revered Shrines on Russian soil
They pray to the icon for:
- healing from various diseases;
- about peace in the family;
- strengthening faith.
To whom shall we cry, Lady? To whom shall we resort in our sorrow, if not to Thee, Queen of Heaven? Who will receive our weeping and sighing, if not You, Immaculate One, the hope of Christians and the refuge of us sinners? Who is more to You, in mercy? Incline Your ear to us, Lady, Mother of our God, and do not despise those who demand Your help: hear our groaning, strengthen us sinners, enlighten and teach us, Queen of Heaven, and do not depart from us, Your servant, Lady, for our murmuring, but wake us Mother and Intercessor, and entrust us to the merciful cover of Your Son. Arrange for us, whatever your holy will will, and bring us sinners to a quiet and serene life, let us cry over our sins, let us rejoice with you always, now and forever and forever and ever.
"Tikhvinskaya"
This icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with her son Jesus Christ, who holds a sacred list in one hand, and blesses the prayer with the other. The Tikhvinskaya icon is associated with the story of the defeat of the Nazi invaders in one of the most important battles. The enemy was defeated after they flew around the capital with the icon.
This icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with her son Jesus Christ.
Tikhvin Mother of God pray:
- about the cure of infertility;
- about getting rid of various troubles and difficult life circumstances;
- about children's health;
- about the cure for epilepsy and paralysis.
We thank Thee, O Blessed and Most Pure, Most Blessed Virgin, Lady, Mother of Christ our God, about all Your good deeds, I even showed you to the human race, and especially to us, the Russian people of Christ, about them below, even the angelic tongue will be pleased with praise. We thank Thee, as even now Thou hast surprised Thy unspeakable mercy on us, Thy unworthy servants, with the miraculous self-appearance of Thy Most Pure Icon, and with it thou hast enlightened the whole Russian country. The same we sinners, bowing with fear and joy, crying out to You: O Most Holy Virgin, Queen and Mother of God, save and have mercy on Your people, and give them victory over all their enemies, and save the reigning cities, and all the cities and countries of Christianity, and deliver this holy temple from every slander of the enemy, and grant all for the benefit of those who have now come in faith and praying to Your servant, and worshiping Your Most Holy Image, as blessed are You with the Son and God born of You, now and ever and forever and ever . Amen.
"Three-handed"
The history of this icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is connected with the defense of the Orthodox faith and its champions during persecution. John of Damascus was accused of treason, for which his hand was cut off. After fervent prayers to the image of the Mother of God, the Saint's hand remained in its place without a single scratch. This miracle of healing is depicted on the icon as a reminder of true salvation.
On the icon, the Mother of God holds Christ in her arms, pointing at Him with one hand.
On the icon, the Mother of God holds Christ in her arms, pointing at Him with one hand. Below is another hand - this is the severed hand of the Saint. It was to this icon that the royal family prayed before their martyrdom. Before the Three-Handed Icon, they pray in case of severe physical injuries, as well as in any difficult life circumstances.
Oh, Blessed Lady the Lady Theotokos, who showed a great miracle to St. John of Damascus, like true faith - unquestionable hope! Hear us, sinners, before Your miraculous icon, earnestly praying and asking for Your help: do not reject the prayer of this many for the sake of our sins, but, like the Mother of mercy and bounty, deliver us from illnesses, sorrows and sorrows, forgive the sins we have committed, fulfill the joys and the joy of all who honor Your holy icon, let us joyfully sing and glorify Your name with love, as You are chosen and blessed from all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer is different:
Oh, Most Holy and Blessed Virgin, Mother of God Mary! We bow down and worship You before Your holy icon, remembering Your glorious miracle, healing the truncated right hand of the Monk John of Damascus, from this icon revealed, its sign is still visible on it, in the form of a third hand, applied to Your image. We pray to You and ask You, the All-good and All-Generous kind of our Intercessor: hear us praying to You, and like Blessed John, crying out to You in sorrow and illness, you heard, so do not despise us, grieving and sick with wounds of various passions, do not despise who diligently resort to You from the heart of the contrite. You see, Madame All-Merciful, our infirmities, our bitterness, need, I will need Your help, as if they surround us from everywhere, and there is no helper, lower intercessor, if not You have mercy on us, Mistress. She, we pray to You, listen to our painful voice and help us to keep the patristic Orthodox faith until the end of our days immaculately, walk steadily in all the commandments of the Lord, always bring true repentance for our sins to God and be vouchsafed a peaceful Christian death and a good answer at the terrible judgment of the Son Yours and our God. He begged for us with Thy motherly prayer, may he not condemn us according to our iniquities, but may he have mercy on us according to His great and inexpressible mercy. Oh, All-good! Hear us and do not deprive us of Your sovereign help, yes, having received Your salvation, we will sing and glorify Thee on the land of the living and Our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is born from You, glory and power, honor and worship, befits Him, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
"Unexpected Joy"
The very name of this image of the Holy Virgin Mary speaks of the meaning of the icon. Every praying, believing person should strive for the joy experienced in the forgiveness of earthly sins. For this, a person living on earth must constantly pray and seek the salvation of his soul.
The icon depicts a sinner praying before the image of the Mother of God and her son Jesus Christ. A certain person who led a sinful life, but constantly praying, was enlightened by the Mother of God. After that, the sinner repented and began to lead a righteous life.
The very name of this image of the Holy Virgin Mary speaks of the meaning of the icon.
They pray before the icon "Unexpected Joy" about:
- admonishment and guidance on the true path;
- missing;
- easy pregnancy;
- on the peaceful resolution of conflict situations.
Oh, Blessed Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Protector of this city, all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses, faithful to the Intercessor and Intercessor! Receive this prayer singing from us, Thy unworthy servants, lifted up to Thee: and like a sinner of old, praying many times before Your honest icon every day, Thou didst not despise, but Thou didst grant the unexpected joy of repentance, and with His zealous intercession to Your Son for the forgiveness of the sinner thou hast bowed thus, and now do not despise the prayers of us, unworthy thy servants, but implore thy Son and our God, and all of us, with faith and tenderness before the whole-bearing image of thy worshipers, according to whom you need, unexpected joy will grant: yes, all in heaven and on lands lead Thee, as a firm and shameless Representative of the Christian race, and this is leading, they glorify Thee and Thee, Thy Son with His Beginningless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
"Blessed Womb"
The name of this image of the Virgin originates from the words of the Gospel. The icon depicts the Mother of God sitting on a pillow. The Christ child is pressed against her breast. Three lists of this icon have been preserved.
The icon of the Virgin "Blessed Womb" is considered the patroness of all mothers: future and accomplished. They pray to her for the cure of infertility, for help in childbirth and the successful bearing of a healthy child.
The name of this image of the Virgin originates from the words Gospel
O Most Holy Theotokos, our merciful Mother! Reveal on us, in the sorrow of those who are and in the sins of your servants (names), who are always abiding, your mercy and do not despise us, your sinful servants. We resort to You, Most Holy Theotokos, realizing many of our sins and praying: visit our weak souls and ask Your beloved Son and our God to give us, Your servants (names), forgiveness. The One, Most Pure and Blessed, we place all our hope in Thee: Most Merciful Mother of God, keep us under Your protection.
"Annunciation"
The name of the icon means good news. The icon depicts a scene about how an angel informed the Virgin Mary about her imminent conception of a child and his birth. The angel told Mary that she would conceive from the Holy Spirit and give birth to the savior of mankind.
The icon marks liberation. Therefore, they pray to this image of the Virgin for physical and spiritual freedom.
The name of the icon means - good news
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon of the Annunciation
Accept, O All-Mighty, Most Pure Lady Mistress of the Theotokos, this honest gift, the only one applied to You from us, Your unworthy servants, chosen from all generations, the highest being of all creatures of heaven and earth. For the sake of Thee, for the sake of Thee, the Lord of hosts be with us, and by Thee we will know the Son of God, and we will be honored with His Holy Body and His Most Pure Blood. Blessed are you also in the birth of childbirth, God-blessed, the light of the Cherubim and the most honest being of the Seraphim. And now, All-holy Mother of God, do not stop praying for us, Your unworthy servants, to deliver us from every advice of the evil one and from every circumstance, and keep us intact from every poisonous pretense of the devil. But even to the end, by Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if by Your intercession and help we save, glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for the whole in the Trinity to the One God and all the Creator we send, now and ever and forever and ever.
"Blessed Sky"
This icon of the Mother of God is revered not only in the Russian Orthodox land, but also far beyond its borders. It is believed that the Patroness on this icon prays for the whole world. People turn to the Shrine for help in their personal lives, with mental disorders, in order to return to the righteous path.
It is believed that the Patroness on this icon prays for the whole world.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon "Blessed Heaven"
What shall we call Thee, O Blessed Mother of God the Mother of God, Immaculate Mary?
With which hymns shall we glorify Thee, exalted by Heaven and earth, by angels and men? Appear on Thee unheard from the ages on earth and unknown to the Angels in Heaven, more than the mind and the word, the incarnation of God the Word, born from time immemorial from the Beginningless Father without a Mother and embodied in Your womb and with the imperishable seal of Your virginity born.O miracle of all ancient and new miracles! The immutable word of God Samago about the victorious seed of the wife and be fulfilled and perfected in the Unmarried Virgin.
Oh, the immeasurable depth of the wisdom and majesty of God! Kiimi names we will call Thee, O Unbrided Bride? Shall I call Thee, the rising sun in the sky, dawn? But You are Heaven itself, from You the Sun of Truth has risen - Christ our God, the Savior of sinners. Do we call Thee the gates that lead into the paradise lost by the forefathers, abounding in all blessings? But You Yourself are a blessed paradise, which has grown the Color of incorruption, which heals and drives away the stench of sin and the stench of ancestral corruption. Shall we call you the young Immaculate Virgin, who has not known marriage? But even until old age you remained unskilled and virgin before birth, and in the birth, and after the birth of the Son, you remained. Shall we call Thee Pure and Holy Mary, whose purity has surpassed all mothers and foremothers? But You not only gave birth to That Infant Christ, but also carried Him with Your mothers and fed Him with Your mother-virgin milk, Him Who feeds every creature, Heavenly forces are coming to Him with fear and trembling and He is praised by every breath and creature.
Oh, truly you are wonderful in wives, wonderful in virgins, inimitable in mothers! We bow down to You before Your Divine face and before Your holy feet we cast down and lay down all our thoughts, desires, intentions and feelings. Sanctify them with Your Mother of God and lift them up, as a sacrifice of our humble heart, as an invaluable contribution of our spiritual poverty, to the Throne of Your Son, our Savior, so that the message of fate will direct our path to salvation and the inheritance of His Kingdom, which has no end forever and ever. . Amen.
"Grieving Joy of All"
The name of the icon contains all its meaning and significance: the Mother of God comforts those who resort to Her help. The Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Sorrows” depicts the Mother of God surrounded by suffering people: sick, hungry, undressed. Above the Mother of God is Jesus Christ. In one hand He holds the Holy Scripture, and with the other He blesses.
The name of the icon contains all its meaning and significance.
Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Blessed Mother of Christ God our Savior, Joy to all those who grieve, visiting the sick, the weak cover and intercessor, widows and orphans, patroness, sad mothers, the all-reliable comforter, weak fortress babies, and all the helpless always ready help and true refuge! You, O All-Merciful One, have been given grace from the Almighty to intercede and deliver from sorrows and illnesses, for you yourself have endured fierce sorrows and illnesses, looking at the free suffering of Your beloved Son and Him crucified on the cross, seeing, when the weapon of Simeon is Your predicted heart pass. The same, O Mother, loving child, hearken to the voice of our prayer, comfort us in the sorrows of those who are, as if faithful to the joy of the Intercessor: coming to the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, at the right hand of Your Son, Christ our God, you can, if you rise, ask all that is useful to us. For this sake, with heartfelt faith and love from the bottom of our hearts, we fall down to You as the Queen and Lady, and cry out to You in a Psalm way: Hear, Dshi, and see, and incline Your ear, hear our prayer, and deliver us from present troubles and sorrows; For you are the petitions of all the faithful, as if grieving joy, fulfilling, and giving peace and comfort to their souls. Behold, see our misfortune and sorrow: show us Your mercy, send consolation to our wounded sorrow in our hearts, show and surprise us sinners with the wealth of Your mercy, give us tears of repentance to cleanse our sins and satisfy the wrath of God, but with a pure heart, a good conscience and with undoubted hope, we resort to Your intercession and intercession: accept, our all-merciful Lady Theotokos, our fervent prayer offered to You, and do not reject us, unworthy, from Your mercy, but give us deliverance from sorrow and illness, protect us from all slander of the enemy and slander human, be a relentless helper to us all the days of our life, as if under Your maternal protection we will always remain goals and be preserved by Your intercession and prayers to Your Son and God our Savior, and all glory, honor and worship are due to Him, with His Father without beginning and Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
"Upbringing"
The icon depicts the Mother of God with Christ sitting on Her left hand. His right hand is turned towards the face of the Blessed Virgin. The holy image was lost after the advent of Soviet power, due to the destruction of the temple in which it was kept. Now a list from this image of the Virgin is kept in a Moscow church.
The name of this icon speaks for itself: before it they pray for children and ask for help from the Mother of God in their upbringing.
The icon depicts the Mother of God with Christ sitting on Her left hand.
Oh, Blessed Lady Virgin Mother of God, most merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your roof our children [names], and all the youths, maidens, babies and in the wombs of mothers carried. Cover them with Thy robe, keep them in the fear of God and obedience to the parent, implore our Lord and Thy Son, may He grant them all that is useful to salvation. We entrust them to Your Mother's care, as You are the Divine cover of Your servant. Amen.
"Life-Giving Source"
On the icon “The Life-Giving Spring”, the Mother of God is depicted in a bowl, which is placed in a source of miraculous water: all those who drink from it receive healing of their infirmities. The celebration of the day of the miraculous icon is dedicated to the restoration of the temple, which was erected at the source of healing water. The icon is prayed for the healing of various ailments.
On the icon "Life-Giving Spring" the Mother of God is depicted in a bowl
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"
Oh, Blessed Virgin, All-merciful Lady Lady Theotokos, Thy Life-Giving Source, healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world sharpen, Thou hast given us, the same thankful being, we earnestly pray to Thee, the Most Holy Queen, pray for Your Son and our God to give us forgiveness of sins and mercy and consolation to every soul that is grieving and embittered, and liberation from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, Madam, to this temple and to these people protection (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection from misfortunes to our country, let us live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be able to see You our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. To Him be glory and power with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
"Redeemer"
The glorification of the Redeemer icon began in the 18th century, after a miracle occurred that freed one of the Greek provinces from locusts. After that, the icon repeatedly showed its miraculous power. The icon is prayed for deliverance from demon possession, during various disasters, and the healing of various infirmities.
The glorification of the Redeemer icon began in the 18th century
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Redeemer"
Oh, Mother of God, our help and protection, whenever we ask, be our deliverer, we trust in You and always wholeheartedly call on You: have mercy and help, have mercy and deliver, bow Your ear and accept our sorrowful and tearful prayers, and as if you wish, reassure and rejoice us, who love your Beginningless Son and our God. Amen.
"Key of Understanding"
On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted in full growth, and a key is drawn at the bottom. Before the icon, prayers are performed before the start of any teaching. They also pray before her for children who find it difficult to study certain sciences or for those who suffer from poor mental development.
On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted in full growth
Wisdom the Instructor and the giver of meaning, the unwise
Intercessor and the poor Intercessor, Mother of Christ our God, affirm, enlighten my heart, Mistress, and add mind to Christ praying earnestly. You give me the word that gave birth to the Father's Word, have the boldness to ask Your Son for us. Amen.
"Mammal"
On the icon, the Mother of God is breastfeeding the little Jesus Christ. There are several lists of this icon. They are associated with many miracles of healing that occur after prayers before this image of the Mother of God. The icon is the patroness of babies and their mothers. They pray to her:
- about the successful feeding of young children;
- with a lack of milk in the mother;
- with difficult childbirth, etc.
On the icon, the Mother of God breastfeeds the little Jesus Christ
Accept, Lady Mother of God, the tearful prayers of Your servants, who flow to You. We see Thee on the holy icon, carrying and nourishing Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in her arms. If and without pain you gave birth to Him, and even more motherly sorrows, weights and infirmities of the sons and daughters of men, see. The same warmth, clinging to Your wholesome image and tenderly kissing this, we pray to Thee, the All-Merciful Lady: us, sinners, condemned in illness to give birth and in sorrows to nourish our children, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, our babies, who also gave birth to them, from a heavy deliver sickness and bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and nourishment from strength will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, as even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of the infant and the pissing Lord, He will give His praise. Oh Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Thy weak people: soon heal the sicknesses that come upon us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Thy servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow before the icon of Your kneeling and on the day of joy of deliverance, accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Lift up our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may he be merciful to our sin and weakness and give mercy to His leading His Name, as yes, we and our children, glorify Thee, the merciful Intercessor and the faithful hope of our kind, forever and ever . Amen.
"Fadeless Color"
The Mother of God on this icon is depicted with the Divine Infant sitting on one of Her hands. In another, the Mother of God holds a white lily. It is this flower that is a symbol of purity and purity.
The Mother of God on this icon is depicted with the Divine Infant sitting on one of Her hands.
On some lists, instead of a lily, another flower is depicted, but this does not change the meaning of the icon: prayers in front of it help to preserve youth, beauty, purity of soul and body. The icon is considered female, but men can also pray in front of it. Appeal to this image of the Virgin helps to resolve family conflicts and assists in all matters related to marriage and marriage.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon "Fadeless Color"
O Most Holy and Immaculate Mother Devo, the hope of Christians and the refuge of sinners! Protect all those who resort to You in misfortune, hear our groaning, incline Your ear to our prayer, the Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our grumbling. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful cover. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; May we pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our favored and quick Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rise up against us. O Mother of the Lord our Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we can see the ways of the truth of God. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfillment of the commandments, that we may be delivered from all misfortune and misfortune and be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.
"Joy and Consolation"
The history of the icon is one of the most memorable, revealing the deep meaning of the image. This image of the Mother of God helped to avoid the robbery of the monastery. The Mother of God, depicted on this icon, warned the abbot that the robbers were preparing an attack on the monastery.
In addition to the fact that the abbot heard with his own ears a female voice emanating from the image, the very position of the Holy Virgin Mary, who had previously been depicted in the usual prayer pose, changed. The painted figures of the Virgin and Christ miraculously began to move and changed their position.
The history of the icon is one of the most memorable
Now the head of the Blessed Virgin was slightly tilted to the side, and the hand of Jesus blocked the lips of the Mother, forbidding Her to speak. The Lord wanted to punish the monks. But despite the ban, the Mother of God rejected the hand of Christ and warned the abbot about the misfortune. The looting of the monastery was prevented.
This once again showed the mercy of the Mother of God, who always and in everything shows her to people. This is the whole essence and meaning of the icon: Divine punishment is inevitable, but at the same time there is always the possibility of salvation.
Prayers are offered to the icon for deliverance from various hardships, including deliverance from epidemics that affect a large number of people.
Prayer before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Joy and Consolation"
Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, our Joy and Consolation! Look graciously at the people who come with faith and love and bow to Your Most Pure Image, accept our laudatory singing and pour out Your warm prayer for us sinners to the Lord, and despise all our sins, save and have mercy on us, O Precious Lady! Show us Your wonderful mercies, save the pastors of the Church and the entire Christian army. We pray to You tenderly, deliver us all from all sorrow, set us on the path of all virtue and goodness, save temptations, troubles and illnesses and take slander and strife from us, save us from lightning thunder, from flooding of fire, from hail, coward, flood and deadly ulcers, give us Your merciful help on the way, both in the sea and on land.
Behold, the All-Merciful Lady, in the hope of doubtless You, we offer our wretched prayer. Do not reject our tears and sighs, do not forget us all the days of our life, but always stay with us, and by Your intercession and intercession with the Lord, give us joy, comfort, protection and help, let us praise and magnify and please Thee in all generations in ages of ages. Amen.
"Birth Assistant"
This image of the Mother of God is prayed for help in all matters related to the birth of children:
- about the health of the newborn;
- about help in difficult childbirth;
- with a difficult pregnancy.
This image of the Mother of God is prayed for help in all matters related to the birth of children.
On the icon, the Mother of God is depicted with her hair loose and her arms folded across her chest. In the bosom of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ
Accept, Lady Mother of God, the tearful prayers of Your servants, who flow to you. We see you on a holy icon in the womb bearing your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. If and without pain you gave birth to Him, both the mother of grief, weight and weakness of the sons and daughters of men see. The same warmth falling to Your wholesome image, and tenderly kissing this, we pray to You, all-merciful Lady: to give birth to us sinful condemned in illnesses and to nourish our children in sorrows, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, our babies, who also gave birth to them, from a serious illness and deliver bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and nourishment from strength will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, as even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of the infant and the pissing Lord, He will give His praise.
O mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: soon heal the illnesses that come upon 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 before the icon of Your bow, and on the day of joy and deliverance, accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Lift up our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may he be merciful to our sin and weakness and give mercy to His leading His name, as yes, we and our children will glorify Thee, the merciful Intercessor and the faithful Hope of our kind, forever and ever .
"Self-written"
The name of the icon is explained by the history of its origin. The monks commissioned the pious artist to paint an icon of the Mother of God. After part of the icon was painted, the work stopped: the artist could not depict the face of the Virgin in any way.
He began to pray fervently, and when he entered the workshop in the morning, he saw that the icon was completely finished. All the missing parts of the image were present on it. The features of the Mother of God were perfect. Many who prayed before this icon received healing from illnesses.
The name of the icon is explained by the history of its origin.
Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God "Self-written"
“To Your miraculous icon, Blessed Virgin Mary, we reverently bow and pray to You, All-Glorious: grant healing from diseases, send strength to our bodies and souls. We trust in Your mercy and send glory: be glorified, Most Pure, be glorified, Pre-good, forever and ever. Amen".
"Quick listener"
The story that glorified this icon took place in one of the monasteries on Mount Athos. The image of the Mother of God hung over the entrance to the refectory. Passing into it, one of the monks each time carried in his hands a burning torch, from which smoke emanated and soot settled on the icon. Passing once again to the dining room, the monk heard the voice of the Mother of God, who asked him to stop smoking Her image. The monk at first did not believe his ears, thinking that this was a joke of his brethren. But the incident repeated itself, and the monk went blind.
After that, he prayed for a long time at the very icon from which he heard the Mother of God herself calling to him. His prayers were heard: he regained his sight, and the Mother of God informed him that from now on all those who fall to this icon and ask for HER help and intercession will be heard.
The image of the Mother of God hung over the entrance to the refectory
All those who need the speedy resolution of any difficult situations pray to this image of the Mother of God.
Blessed to the Lady, the Ever-Virgin Mother of God, God the Word, more than any word for our salvation, giving birth, and receiving His grace more abundantly than all others, a sea of Divine gifts and miracles, an ever-flowing river, pouring out goodness to all who, with faith, come running to You! Falling down to Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the philanthropic Master: surprise us with Your rich mercy and our petitions, brought to You, the quick-abiding One, hasten to fulfill everything, hedgehog for the benefit of consolation and salvation to whom you arrange. Visit, Blessing, Thy servants of Thy grace, give the ailing healing and perfect health, overwhelmed silence, captivated freedom, and various images of the suffering consolation. Deliver, All-Merciful Lady, every city and country from famine, ulcers, cowards, floods, fire, swords and other temporary and eternal punishments, with Your motherly boldness averting the wrath of God; and spiritual relaxation, overwhelmed by passions and falls, the freedom of Thy servant, as if unstumblingly in all piety lived in this world, and in the future of eternal blessings we will be merciful with the grace and love of mankind of Thy Son and God, He deserves all glory, honor and worship with His Beginning Father and Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
"Assuage my sorrows"
The icon has been venerated since the 18th century. Until that time, she was in oblivion on the bell tower of the temple. The story associated with the icon tells about the miracle of healing from the illness of one woman. The Mother of God appeared to her in a dream, telling her to ask her to take her to the temple and pray for healing in front of the image of the Mother of God “Assuage my sorrows.” The woman fulfilled everything and already left the temple on her own legs, which she could not stand on before.
The icon has been venerated since the 18th century
On the icon, the Mother of God is depicted with Christ in her arms, who holds a paper scroll in his hands. One hand of the Virgin is leaning against her cheek, and her head is slightly tilted. This position of the Virgin Mary indicates that She listens to all the requests of those who pray. Before this image, the Mother of God asks for help in all difficult life situations, for health and getting rid of diseases.
Hope of all the ends of the earth, Most Pure Virgin, Lady Theotokos, my consolation! Do not disdain us sinners, we trust in Your mercy, in us the flame and repentance of watering our hearts withered, cleanse our mind from sinful thoughts, accept prayers, from the soul and heart with a sigh, brought to you. Be an intercessor for us to Your Son and God, and turn away His wrath with Your motherly prayers, heal spiritual and bodily ulcers, Lady Mistress, quench the disease of the soul and body, calm the storm of evil enemy attacks, take away the burden of our sins, and do not leave us to the end perish, and console our sorrowful hearts, let us praise Thee until our last breath. Amen.
"Healer"
This is another image of the Blessed Virgin, to which all believing Orthodox Christians turn in prayers. From the name it becomes clear what the Mother of God depicted on this icon is asking for: for healing from various serious diseases, deliverance from the torment of pain.
A case is known that happened to one of the clergy, suffering from a serious illness. After the constant prayers of the priest, his room once lit up with white light, in which the Mother of God appeared. She touched her wand to the sick, and the priest, by the will of God, was healed of the disease.
From the name it becomes clear what the Mother of God is asked for
Accept, O All-Blessed and Almighty Lady Mistress Virgin Mary, these prayers, with tears now brought to You from us, Your unworthy servants, to Your wholesome image, the singing of those who send with tenderness, as if You yourself are here and listen to our prayer. By any request, do fulfillment, ease sorrows, grant health to the weak, heal the weak and sick, drive away demons from heaven, deliver offended from insults, cleanse lepers and have mercy on small children; moreover, to the Lady Mistress of the Theotokos, you free yourself from bonds and dungeons and heal all kinds of passions: all things are possible through your intercession to your Son, Christ our God. Oh, Mother of God, Mother of God! Do not stop praying for us unworthy Thy servants, glorifying Thee and honoring Thee, and worshiping Thy Most Pure Image with tenderness, and having irrevocable hope and undoubted faith in Thee, the Most Glorious and Immaculate Ever-Virgin, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
"The Omen"
Icons of the Mother of God "The Sign" appeared in the 11th - 13th centuries. They depict the Mother of God, raising her hands in prayer, and Jesus Christ is painted on HER background. The name of these icons comes from the Novgorod icon of the Mother of God, which gave a sign to the inhabitants of the city of the same name in the course of the fight against the enemy. Thanks to this, the Novgorodians won the battle.
Icons of the Mother of God "The Sign" appeared in the 11th - 13th centuries
O Most Holy and Blessed Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We bow down and worship Thee before Thy holy miraculous icon, remembering the wondrous sign of Thy intercession, manifested to the great Newgrad from her in the days of the military invasion of this city. We humbly pray to Thee, the All-Powerful Intercessor of our kind: as if in ancient times Thou hastened to help our fathers, so now we, weak and sinners, are worthy of Your motherly intercession and well-being. Save and save, Mistress, under the protection of Your mercy, the Holy Church, Your city (Your abode), our entire Orthodox country and all of us who fall to You with faith and love, tenderly asking with tears of Your intercession. Hey, Lady All-Merciful! Have mercy on us, overwhelmed by the sins of many, stretch out Your God-receiving hand to Christ the Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking us for forgiveness of our sins, a pious peaceful life, a good Christian death and a good answer at his terrible Judgment, yes, save Your all-powerful to With prayers, we will inherit heavenly bliss and with all the saints we will sing the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Worshipful Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy to us forever and ever. Amen.
"Gracious"
The icon of the Mother of God "Merciful" is one of the many icons painted by the Evangelist Luke. It depicts the Mother of God, imploring mercy on the entire Christian race. Hence its name.
The icon of the Mother of God "Merciful" is one of the many icons
This icon is prayed in case of:
- bleeding;
- infertility;
- headache;
- family troubles.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon "Merciful"
O Most Holy and Blessed Mother of the Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Merciful Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary! Falling down to Your holy and miraculous icon, we humbly pray to You, our Good and Merciful Intercessor: heed the voice of our sinful prayers, do not despise the sighs from the soul, see the sorrows and misfortunes that surround us, and like a truly loving Mother, rush to help us helpless, despondent, into many and grave sins that have fallen and forever angered our Lord and Creator, pray for Him, our Representative, that he will not destroy us with our iniquities, but show us His humane mercy. Ask us, Mistress, from His goodness, bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, good air, good rains and a blessing from above on all our good deeds and undertakings, and as if of old, you have graciously looked at the humble doxology of the novice of Athos who sang to Thee a song of praise before Your most pure icon, and sent the Archangel Gabriel to him to teach him to sing a song from heaven, with which the angels of the mountain praise Thee, accept graciously and our prayers now diligently offered to You, and bring it to Your Son and God, but be merciful He will be a sinner to us, and He will grant His mercy to all who honor You and worship Your holy image with faith. O All-Merciful Queen, Mother of God, All-good, stretch out Your God-bearing hands to Him, in His image, as if You carried a baby, and beg Him to save us all and deliver us from eternal perdition. Reveal to us, Lady, Your bounty: heal the sick, comfort the grieving, help the needy, make it easy for all of us to wear the yoke of Christ in patience and humility, make us piously end this earthly life, receive a Christian shameless death, and inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, by Your motherly intercession to to Christ our God, who was born of Thee, Himself with His Beginningless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory, honor and worship, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.
All icons of the Mother of God with such different names, photos and descriptions of their origin are able to heal from any disease. This applies to both body and soul. The main thing is that all prayer requests addressed to the icons of the Virgin, photos with names and descriptions of which were presented above, are pronounced with sincere faith and repentance.
A distinctive feature of the Vladimir icon from other icons of the Tenderness type: the left leg of the Christ Child is bent in such a way that the sole of the foot, the “heel”, is visible.
The characteristic features of the Smolensk Hodegetria include the frontal position of the Infant, a very slight turn of the Mother of God towards the Son. Only the hand of the Mother of God, clearly readable against the background of her dark clothes, bears the main semantic load as a kind of indicator of the Path to salvation..
A distinctive feature of the version of the Mother of God of Tikhvin is a slight turn of the mother, the baby is also depicted half-turned with an unusually bent leg and a heel turned outward.
A distinctive feature of the Feodorovskaya Icon is the naked left leg of the Christ Child sitting on the right hand of the Mother of God.
A distinctive feature of the icon "Assuage My Sorrows" is the image of the Mother of God with a baby in her arms, with a hand propping up her cheek.
The “quick-nosed woman” is a traditional image of the Mother of God with the baby Jesus in her arms, however, this icon is characterized by a peculiarity: the right heel of the baby is facing the worshipers.
"Pochaev icon" A distinctive feature of this icon is a handkerchief in the left hand of the Mother of God. And also a "stack" on a stone (but not always).
Distinctive features of Kazan iconography are the frontal position of the blessing Infant and the image of the Mother of God so that Her hand pointing at the Infant is not visible.
A distinctive feature of the Don Icon is the legs of the God-Child bare to the knees, which are placed on the wrist of the left hand of the Mother of God.
A distinctive feature of the icon "It is worthy to eat" - large shaded eyes, a straight nose, a half-smile on the face.
Kikk icon. Its main distinguishing feature is the complex pose of the Infant Christ sitting in the arms of the Mother of God, whose legs are turned to one side, and the body and head to the other. The Infant dangles legs bare to the knees, sitting in the arms of the Mother of God. Christ is dressed in a short chiton, intercepted by a belt, sometimes the sleeves of a white or translucent shirt are visible from under the chiton. In addition, on the Kykk icon, Christ is no longer depicted as a baby, but as a grown-up lad.
There is no way to write all the differences of the icons, there are a lot of them. All icons of the Virgin are divided into five groups. Tenderness (Eleus) (Baby embracing the Mother of God), Odigidria(The Divine Infant with his hand indicates the path, the direction. Therefore, these icons are also called Guidebooks), Oranta(which means praying). Panahranta(Virgin Mary seated on a throne) , And Agiosoritissa .
From icons type "Tenderness"(or Eleus) most common:
Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God
Don Icon of the Mother of God
icon "Jumping baby",
icon "Recovery of the dead",
icon "It is worthy to eat",
Igor Icon of the Mother of God
Kasperovskaya Icon of the Mother of God,
Korsun Icon of the Mother of God
Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God
Tolga Icon of the Mother of God
Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God
Yaroslavl Icon of the Mother of God.
"Hodegetria" in Greek means "guide".
The true path is the path to Christ. On the icons of the “Hodegetria” type, this is evidenced by the gesture of the right hand of the Virgin, which points us to the Divine Infant Christ.
Among the miraculous icons of this type, the most famous are:
Blachernae Icon of the Mother of God
Georgian icon of the Mother of God
Iberian Icon of the Mother of God
icon "Three-handed",
icon "Quick to Hearing",
Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
Kozelytsyanskaya Icon of the Mother of God,
Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God
Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God
Częstochowa Icon of the Mother of God.
"Oranta" - This is a special type of icon, in which the Infant of God is depicted not in the hands of the Virgin, but in the center at the chest. The Mother of God and the Christ Child are open to us and stretch out their hands in prayer for us. Oranta is translated as "Prayer".
The most famous images are:
"The Omen"
"Inexhaustible Cup"
Panahranta icons
. This type is characterized by the image of the Mother of God, seated on the throne with the Christ Child on her knees. The throne symbolizes the royal majesty of the Mother of God.
- Cypriot;
- Kiev-Pechersk;
- Yaroslavskaya (Pecherskaya);
- Pskov-Pokrovskaya;
- "Sovereign";
- "The All-Queen".
And finally Agiosoritissa
. one of the types of images of the Virgin without the Child, usually in a three-quarter turn with a prayerful hand gesture.
Orthodox converts to the faith are lost among the variety of images of the Mother of God. To what image should one pray and what to ask for? In this article I will tell about everything and show the icons of the Mother of God, photos and descriptions for them.
Having become acquainted with the various icons of the Mother of God, you will no longer stand bewildered near the iconostasis and wonder which image to turn to. It was in this position that my newly converted friend found herself, who put a candle in front of the first icon she saw in the church. She was so excited that she almost burst into tears from despair. This awkward situation can be prevented by knowledge.
Four types of images of the Mother of God
If you look at the Orthodox calendar, you can see many dates for the veneration of the Mother of God icons. Over the millennia, the Orthodox Church has been replenished with new traditions and has seen many miracles performed by the Holy Spirit. The accumulated experience turned out to be so much that today it is quite difficult for believers to navigate in all the variety of traditions and holidays. Let's figure out what images of the Virgin exist.
Images of the Virgin:
- hodegetria;
- eleusa;
- oranta;
- akathist.
The type of images "hodegetria" is distinguished by the fact that the Mother of God points to the Divine Infant with her hand. Translated from the Greek "hodegetria" means "guide". Widespread images of Hodegetria are Smolensk, Georgian, Kazan.
On the images of the Eleus style, the Mother of God gently embraces the Divine Infant, doves him. These are very soulful images of the Mother of God, which leave no one indifferent. Eleusa in Greek means merciful. Widely known images of Eleus are Donskaya and Vladimirskaya.
The type of images of Orant is distinguished by the hands of the Mother of God raised in a prayerful outburst. The most revered image of this style is the Inexhaustible Chalice. Translated from the Greek word "oranta" means "sign". The Mother of God intercedes for the human race, pleads for the sins of people before the Lord. The Divine Infant has not yet been born, he is still in the womb of the Mother. The image of the "Yaroslavl orant" also belongs to this style of iconography.
The akathist type of images is inspired by the gospel texts. On these icons, the Mother of God participates in the life of her Son. Widespread images of this type are Unexpected Joy, Burning Bush.
Description of icons
Icons of the Mother of God have a strong impact on believers and even atheists. The image of a woman who gave her only son to torment for the salvation of mankind cannot leave anyone indifferent. The Mother of God is revered as the intercessor of the entire human race, they turn to her in the most difficult and joyful moments in life. The news of the miracles that her images create has long reached the most remote corners of the planet.
Looking at the image of the Mother of God, every believer feels her warm love, mercy and forgiveness of sins. This meek woman was honored to be the mother of Jesus Christ himself. This means that the beauty of her soul and holiness were marked by the Creator of the universe.
Recovery of the dead
Before this image, they pray for deliverance from severe mental / bodily ailments, for deliverance from addiction to wine and gluttony, for deliverance from gambling and various addictions, for the affirmation of faith and apostates from Orthodoxy. You can also ask the Mother of God to strengthen the marriage if it begins to break up.
Feodorovskaya
The image belongs to the type of Eleus, the Divine Infant gently clung to the Mother, and she gently presses him to her body. The Mother of God is prayed for help in the birth of a child.
Tikhvinskaya
According to legend, this Face was written by the Evangelist, even before the Assumption of the Virgin. It is easy to recognize the icon by the scroll in the hand of the Divine Infant. The icon is prayed for the health of children, the restoration of vision and joint mobility. It is also used to cast out demons.
Vladimirskaya
This icon can be immediately recognized by one sign - the visible heel of little Jesus. The icon is considered the patroness of Rus', the main national shrine. The icon of Vladimir is offered prayers for enemies, reconciliation of enemies, protection from heresy.
Quick Hearer
This icon belongs to the Hodegetria style and is somewhat reminiscent of the Tikhvin icon. This image is revered as miraculous, and its feature is considered to be a quick response to the requests of the afflicted. Prayers are offered to the icon for the healing of vision, relaxation and lameness. Also, the image helps to free oneself from captivity, from any addiction. In former times, prayers were offered to the icon for people who were shipwrecked.
Seven-strelnaya
This image is highly revered among Orthodox believers. 7 arrows are stuck in the chest of the Virgin, which cause her pain. There are a lot of Seven-shot lists, some of them are called "Softener of Evil Hearts." Prayers are offered to the icon for the reconciliation of the warring, deliverance from enemies and terrible ailments.
- Ostrabramsky icon - protects the bonds of marriage.
- Burning bush - protects property from fire.
- The Sign of the Most Holy Theotokos - protects from troubles, protects children and gives them happiness.
- The Donskoy icon is prayed for peace, protection from enemies, healing from wounds and ailments.
- Prayers are offered to the image of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos for deliverance from the fear of death, healing, for affirming faith and gaining humility.
- The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos pray for deliverance from prison, for the successful completion of affairs, for receiving favorable news, for freedom from mental / bodily ailments.
- The image of the Iberian Mother of God is also called the "Goalkeeper". The icon is prayed for liberation from diseases, protection from enemies, protection from heresy, to strengthen faith, protection from natural disasters and accidents.
- The icon of Tenderness was a favorite image of St. Seraphim of Sarov. The icon is miraculous, and even lists from it have incredible spiritual power. The icon is prayed for childbirth, protection from ill-wishers, reconciliation of those who quarrel, strengthening marriage and many other problems.
- The icon of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary settles family problems, the birth of babies, affirms faith, bestows long-suffering and humility.
Meaning of icons
Mother of God icons symbolize the unity of divine and human nature. An earthly woman was honored to give birth to the Divine Infant, who granted salvation to all mortals. The image of the Mother of God is intuitive to every person, because she symbolizes the mother. Everyone understands that only a mother can accept and forgive a child. No matter how naughty a child is, no matter how guilty, he will always find solace on his mother's chest.
The image of the Mother of God must be approached with a sincere contrite heart, not allowing indifference or unbelief. Only a sincere heart will be able to hear the Most Pure Virgin, and will certainly console the suffering, calm the restless and mourning. The miraculous image of the Mother of God teaches humility, fear of God, obedience and virtue. It is important in all situations to remain a man and adhere to the commandment given by Christ: "Yes, love one another."
All icons of the Mother of God can be divided into 6 types. Five differ in the way the Mother of God holds the Child, the sixth type is the icons of the Holidays.
Prayer, Oranta
The icon of the Mother of God Oranta is translated from Latin as “praying”. This icon is so called because the Mother of God is depicted on it in prayer with her hands raised to heaven. The image of the Virgin can be waist-deep, as well as full-length.
Story
The image of the Mother of God, with her hands raised to heaven in prayer, has been known since ancient times. It is found in the paintings of the catacombs of ancient Christians, in the decoration of Byzantine churches and in medieval Russian icon painting. The very image of hands raised to heaven has its origin from the Old Testament prayers, which also corresponds to the name of this image of the Mother of God Praying. In the Russian Orthodox tradition, the image of Orant, Praying, includes such icons as the Sign, the Kursk, the Indestructible Wall, the Inexhaustible Chalice, the Life-Giving Spring. Among the iconography of the Sign, Kursk-Root is widely known. The Kursk icon has always been highly revered in Rus'.
Miracles
The icon of Orant, Praying, has long been known for its miracles. In Rus', this image is called "The Sign". There is such a miracle associated with it. On November 27, 1169, when Andrei Bogolyubsky's squad stormed Novgorod, the Novgorodians carried the icon onto the city wall, and then one of the arrows hit this image. And suddenly everyone saw that the Mother of God turned her face to the city and began to cry. Her tears fell on the priestly robe of Bishop John of Novgorod, who exclaimed: “Oh, wonderful miracle! How can it be that tears flow from a dry icon tree? It is You, the Mother of God, who gives us Your sign that you pray for us before Your Son for the deliverance of Novgorod-grad. And then, inspired by the Novgorodians, they repulsed the Suzdal regiments ...
This image, through the prayer of believers, protects them from misfortunes and troubles, from enemies and ill-wishers. Miraculous cases and healings tell us that the Mother of God listens to our prayers, uttered before the icon of Orant. At the same time, a different type of iconography helps with various requests for help.
What helps, days of celebration
For our readers: a list of icons of the mother of God with a detailed description from various sources.
The search engine is a powerful tool that provides far more results than manually browsing through a list of all icons. The search system searches not only for the main names, but also for rare and little-used icon names. For example, looking through the list, you will not find the “Khilendar” icon, while the search system will not leave you without results, since the Hilendar is a rarely used name for the Akathist icon.
List of all icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This list shows only the names of the icons mentioned in the calendar, as well as locally venerated icons for which photographs were found. The names of icons for which there is not a single image are listed in the list of rare icons of the Virgin.
Icon statuses are explained here.
Miscellaneous (Virgin Mary)
Icons of the Mother of God evoke a special feeling among Orthodox Christians. Photos with the names of the most famous images in Russia are presented on this page.
Through icons, believers turn to the Mother of God with prayers for the strengthening of faith, the healing of diseases, and the salvation of the soul.
How many icons of the Mother of God exist
No one knows exactly how many different images of the Mother of God are written. In the calendar published by the Moscow Patriarchate, 295 names are mentioned.
But according to iconography, the images of the Virgin are divided into only three types: Oranta (looks with arms raised up), Hodegetria (the baby blesses the Virgin), Eleusa (tenderness, clung to each other).
Icons of the Mother of God with photos and descriptions
Below is a list of Holy Faces, the most popular or, on the contrary, little known, whose history or description is very interesting.
"Kazan" Icon of the Mother of God
Celebrated on July 21 and November 4. The miraculous image saved the country in times of unrest, disasters and wars. Its meaning is in the preservation of the country under the shadow of the Virgin.
The most revered image in Rus'. Found in 1579 in Kazan on fire during the persecution of Christians. Married couples bless them, they pray for the healing of eye diseases, for the reflection of a foreign invasion.
Icon of the Mother of God "Inexhaustible Chalice"
In 1878, a retired soldier suffering from hard drinking had a vision of St. Varlaam to go to the city of Serpukhov and pray there in front of a certain image. This icon turned out to be the now known "Inexhaustible Chalice".
Icon of the Blessed Virgin "Feodorovskaya"
It is celebrated on March 27, and also on August 29. She is asked for a happy marriage and healthy children.
Possibly written by the apostle Luke. It was located in the XII century in the city of Gorodets. She miraculously moved to Kostroma: she was seen in the hands of St. warrior Theodore Stratilates, who walked with her through the city. Hence the name "Feodorovskaya".
"Sovereign" Mother of God
Celebrated March 15th. The meaning of the image lies in the fact that power over Russia passed from the king directly to the Virgin Mary.
Appeared in 1917 in the village of Kolomenskoye, in the Moscow region, on the very day on which Nicholas II abdicated. The Mother of God, as it were, received the state from the tsar.
"Vladimir" icon
Celebrated on June 3, July 6, September 8. The meaning of the image for Orthodox Christians is in the preservation of Russia from foreign warriors.
Written by the Apostle Luke on the tabletop of the Holy Family. Saved Moscow from the invasion of Tamerlane. Under Soviet rule, she exhibited at the Tretyakov Gallery.
"Tikhvin" Mother of God
This image, according to legend, was written by the evangelist and apostle Luke. He miraculously appeared near the city of Tikhvin. Particularly remarkable among the many miracles revealed in the image was the salvation of the Tikhvin Monastery during the Great Northern War in 1613.
"Three-handed"
It is named after the miracle that happened to St. John of Damascus. His severed hand was rooted in place by prayer at the image of the Mother of God. In honor of this event, a silver hand was attached to the salary of the image.
"Unexpected Joy"
Celebrated on May 14 and December 22. The meaning of the image lies in the mercy of the Mother of God even to unrepentant sinners, leading them to repentance.
The icon is named in memory of the conversion of one lawless person who, with an Archangel greeting, asked for a blessing for his lawless deeds.
"Blessed Womb"
In the 14th century it was in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kremlin. Glorified by many miracles.
"Annunciation"
The image is dedicated to the twelfth holiday of the same name.
"Blessed Sky"
Celebrated March 19th. The meaning of the image is that it is in this guise, according to the assumption, that the Blessed Virgin Mary will descend to earth, preparing people for the second coming of Christ.
The image was brought to Moscow by the Lithuanian princess Sofya Vitovtovna at the beginning of the 15th century.
"Joy of All Who Sorrow"
In 1688, the sick Euphemia, a relative of the patriarch, suffering from an incurable disease, was miraculously healed before this image.
"Upbringing"
Celebrated March 18th. The significance of the icon is associated with the education of the young generation in the Orthodox faith.
This is a Byzantine image known for many miracles. Helps parents and their children.
"Life-Giving Source"
It is celebrated on the fifth day after Easter. Pray for the preservation of prudence and a sinless life.
The icon is named in memory of the holy spring of water near Constantinople. In this place, the Virgin Mary appeared to Leo Marcellus and predicted that he would become emperor.
"Redeemer"
Celebrated October 30th. In 1841, in Greece, after a prayerful vigil in front of this image, the invasion of locusts was miraculously stopped.
The icon was with the family of Alexander III when their train was wrecked. It was on this day that they began to celebrate the name day of the icon, in commemoration of the salvation of the emperor.
"Key of Intelligence"
Pray for children who have difficulty learning. The icon is locally venerated, located in the Nizhny Novgorod region.
Appeared in Russia in the 16th century, akin to the image "Addition of the mind."
"Mammal"
The icon was brought to Serbia from Jerusalem by St. Savva in the 6th century.
"Unfading Color"
Means the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"Joy"
Celebrated on February 3rd. It means the great mercy of the Mother of God to sinners, despite even her Son.
The miraculous deliverance from the robbers who attacked the Vatopedi Monastery on Athos is connected with the image.
"Birth Assistant"
Helps with difficult childbirth.
"Self-written"
Locally venerated on Athos. It miraculously manifested itself with a pious icon painter from the city of Iasi in 1863.
"Quick listener"
Athos icon. From her came a miraculous healing of the sight of a disobedient monk.
"Assuage my sorrows"
Celebrated on February 7th. Relieves mental anguish. Many healings have come from her.
Brought to Moscow in 1640 by the Cossacks. She streamed myrrh in 1760.
"Healer"
The meaning is the comfort of the sick. Often decorates hospital temples.
Conclusion
Turning to these icons has always helped Orthodox Christians in difficult moments of life. And now, in the modern world, healings and miracles continue. New miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary appear.
The intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos will continue until the end of the history of the human race.
See also: Catholic iconography of the Virgin Orthodox iconography of the Mother of God- a set of types of images of the Virgin in icon painting and a system for studying them.
The appearance of the Mother of God, in addition to the most ancient images, is known from the descriptions of church historians, for example, Nicephorus Callistus, the monk Epiphanius, etc. The Mother of God is traditionally depicted in certain clothes: a purple maphoria (veil of a married woman covering her head and shoulders), and a blue tunic (long dress) . Maforium is decorated with three stars - on the head and shoulders. The inscription on the icon is traditionally given in the Greek abbreviation ΜΗΡ ΘΥ or ΜΡ ΘΥ (Mother of God).
Icons of the Mother of God are called upon to reveal the entire Mother of God dogmatics of Christianity. Tradition attributes the first icons of the Mother of God to the Evangelist Luke. The oldest images of the Virgin Mary that have come down to us were found in the Roman catacombs and belong to the researchers to the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Mary is most often represented sitting with the Christ Child in her arms (usually in scenes veneration of the magi), or in a pose Orants.
The image of the Mother of God sitting on a throne, with the Child in her arms, is often found in Byzantium, in Russian iconography it is known from the ancient Svenska (Pechersk) icon, attributed to the first Russian icon painter Alipiy, and the new Derzhavnaya, which appeared in 1917. It is to the iconography of the Virgin on the throne that some researchers erect one of the most common types of images - Hodegetria.
Icons of the Mother of God of another common iconographic type - Eleusy (tenderness), are probably not found before the 10th century, but become especially popular in late Byzantine and Old Russian icon painting. The scheme of the Mother of God Oranta has found development in the church painting system, and in icon painting it is known in independent icons under the name The Omen or in complex multi-figured compositions.
Along with Hodegetria, a similar type of icons of the Virgin is distinguished Panahranta which means "All-Merciful". This type is characterized by the image of the Mother of God on the throne with the Divine Infant on her knees. The throne symbolizes the royal majesty of the Mother of God.
Another type of image of the Mother of God is used even less often on its own: this is the so-called " Deesis»an icon depicting the Mother of God without a Child in a prayerful pose and is part of the deesis compositions. Single icons of the Mother of God of this type (as well as the type itself by some researchers) are called Agiosoritissa. In addition, there are many compositions based on liturgical texts and chants, sometimes combined under the general name "akathist icons". In addition to the icons of the Mother of God, Her iconography includes icons of the Mother of God holidays.
Iconographic type of Orant. Icon of the Great Panagia. Yaroslavl, around 1218
The calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church mentions about 260 revered and miraculous icons of the Mother of God, in general, more than 860 names of Her icons can be counted. For most icons, separate days of celebration are set; prayers, troparia, kontakia, and sometimes akathists are written to them.
Revered Icons of the Mother of God
- Abalakskaya (Abalatskaya, "Sign" Abalatskaya)
- Augustovskaya
- Agiosoritissa
- Azov
- Akathist Zografskaya
- Akathist Hilandarskaya
- Albazinskaya (The Word was flesh), Albazinskaya ("The Sign")
- Alexandria
- Altar (Ktitorskaya, Vimatarissa)
- Andronikovskaya
- Arapetskaya (Arabian)
- Armati
- Akhtyrskaya
- Atskurskaya
- Balykinskaya
- Barlovskaya (Blessed womb)
- Barskaya
- Bugabashskaya
- Bakhchisarai
- Belynichskaya
- Besednaya
- Annunciation (Kiev)
- Annunciation (Moscow)
- Annunciation (Ustyug)
- Blessed Sky
- Bogolyubskaya
- Bogorodsko-Ufimskaya
- Borkolabovskaya
- In sorrows and sorrows Consolation
- Valaamskaya
- Valanasian
- Vatopedskaya
- Vertograd prisoner
- Jumping Baby
- Recovery of the dead
- Byzantine
- vilenskaya
- Bethlehem
- Vladimirskaya
- Blachernae (Vlachernetissa)
- Volokolamsk
- Who enlightened the ecclesiarch
- All Who Sorrow Joy
- All those who mourn Joy with pennies
- All-Tsaritsa
- Wutivanskaya
- Galichskaya
- Gerbovetskaya
- Gerontissa
- Mountain Unhandled
- Grebnevskaya
- Greek Andronikova
- Georgian
- Damascus
- Devpeteruvskaya
- Degtyarevskaya
- Dalmatian
- Derzhavnaya
- Dolinskaya
- Donskaya
- Worthy to eat
- Dubenskaya Krasnogorskaya
- Yeletskaya
- Eleusa
- Life-Giving Source
- Zhirovitskaya
- intercessor
- The Omen
- Iverskaya
- Igorevskaya
- Jerusalem
- Deliverance from the suffering of the afflicted
- Kazanskaya
- Kaluga
- Kasperovskaya
- Kozelshchanskaya
- Kolochskaya
- Konevskaya
- Korsunskaya
- Kupyatitskaya
- Kursk-Root
- Lydda
- Maksimovskaya
- Gracious
- mammal
- Moldavian
- Moldavian
- Monevmasiyskaya
- Molchenskaya
- Montreal Iberian
- Muromskaya
- Burning bush
- Unbreakable Wall
- Fadeless Color (Fragrant Color)
- Inexhaustible Chalice
- Relentless Help
- Unexpected Joy
- Nicopeia
- rejoices in you
- firelike
- Hodegetria
- Ozeryanskaya
- Oranta
- Ostrobramskaya
- Paraclesis
- Peschanskaya
- Petrovskaya
- Pecherskaya-Svenskaya
- Pimenovskaya
- Pisidian (Pisian)
- Podkubenskaya
- Assistance to childbirth
- Port Arthur
- Pochaevskaya
- Mind addition
- Look for humility
- Psychosostriya (Psychosostra)
- Ravensbrück
- Saydanaiskaya
- Svenskaya
- Svyatogorskaya
- Holy Cross
- Holy Mother
- Sedmiezernaya
- Seven-strelnaya
- Quick Hearer
- Smolensk
- Bread Tender
- The guarantor of sinners
- Starorusskaya
- Passionate
- Tabynskaya
- Tervenicheskaya
- Tikhvinskaya
- Tolgskaya
- Toropetskaya
- three-handed
- Fat Mountain
- tenderness
- "Tenderness" Pskov-Pechersk
- Softening evil hearts
- Ural
- "Assumption" Kiev-Pechersk
- "Assumption" Pskov-Pechersk
- "Assuage My Sorrows"
- Feodorovskaya
- Filermskaya
- Chalkopratian
- Kholmskaya
- healer
- Czestochowa
- Chirskaya (Pskovskaya)
- Economist
- Yaroslavskaya
- Yaroslavskaya (Pecherskaya)
- Yakhromskaya
see also
- Iconography of the Savior
- Iconography of the Holy Trinity
- Iconography of the Life of the Virgin
Links
- Wikimedia Commons has media related to Orthodox Iconography of the Mother of God
- List of names of the icons of the Virgin (incomplete)
- From Abalakskaya to Yakhromskaya - lists of all known images of the Mother of God on cirota.ru
- Kondakov N.P. Iconography of Our Lady
- List of miraculous and venerated icons of the Mother of God with dates of celebration
- Collection of icons of the Virgin with a brief description and prayers
- Icons of the Holy Mother of God
Orthodox icons
» Icons of the Mother of God
Yakhromskaya (Akhrenskaya)
Yaskinskaya
Yaroslavskaya (Pecherskaya)
Yaroslavskaya
Yanoborskaya
Jacobstadt
The Appearance of the Yuga Icon of the Mother of God to the Monk Dorotheus
Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. equal to the apostles Nina
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to St. Sergius of Radonezh
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to St. Seraphim of Sarov
The Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to St. Cyril of Belozersky in the Simonovsky Monastery
The Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to the Monk Dositheus
The Appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Pochaev Hill
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Cornelius of Komel
The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Arkhangelsk city in 1919
Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Athanasius of Athos
The Appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to the Apostle Andrew on the Kyiv Mountains (Vision to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called Mother of God on the Pechersk Mountains)
Appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Alexander Svirsky
Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God to fishermen on the lake
Yurovichskaya Merciful
Economist (House builder)
Shestokovskaya (Sheltomezhskaya)
Cholnskaya (Chelnskaya)
Chislenskaya
Chirskaya (Pskovskaya)
Most Honorable Cherubim And Most Glorious Seraphim
Chernihiv Ilyinskaya
Chernihiv Gethsemane
Czestochowa Tyvrivska
Icon of the Mother of God of Czestochowa, meaning and photo
Che Tya Narechem
Chaynichskaya (Chaynichka Krasnitsa)
Four-part Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
Tsilkanskaya (Tsiklanskaya)
Tsesarskaya Borovskaya
Caesar's (Caesar's)
Icon of the Mother of God Healer, meaning and photo
Tsaregradskaya
Tsarevokokshayskaya (Mironositskaya)
Chrysaphitissa
Kholmskaya
Khlynovskaya
Khakhulskaya
Chalkopratian (Agiosoritissa)
Filermskaya
Feodotievskaya
Feodorovskaya (Syzran)
Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God, meaning and photo
Faneromeni (Appeared)
