Most of us look to the future with hope, fear and anxiety, seeing no way out of the current situation. difficult situation. But there is always a way out, although not for everyone, but only for those who remember that the Most Pure Virgin Mary looks at us from Heaven every second. She knows our thoughts, sees souls and hearts, knows about troubles. The Icon of the Unbreakable Wall and a fiery prayer to it in front of the face of the Mother of God truly works miracles.
The icon received this name due to the fact that for almost 10 centuries it remained unharmed, despite the fact that both the cathedral where it rested and the city itself were destroyed more than once.
The story of a wonderful image
The Icon of the Unbreakable Wall appeared in a dream vision to Elder Gabriel, who labored in the Eleazar Hermitage. A wonderful city was revealed to him, the road to which was wide and convenient. People walked along it, not noticing the terrible giant, the enemy of all people, who throws a chain on them and drags them into slavery.
"The Unbreakable Wall"
The old man was overwhelmed with thoughts of how to save himself and not fall into the monster’s snare. To the side, he noticed a steep path along the wall that enclosed the city. People also walked along it, but the giant could not throw chains on them. The elder instantly remembered the akathist to the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall” and walked along the path, reading it. The enemy was unable to carry out his plan and Gabriel freely reached the city, where he saw the beauty of flowering gardens, joy and reverence. Thus, he was protected from the enemy’s terrible intentions by the Unbreakable Wall.
- Miraculously, cancer patients were cured of cancer;
- Help from Above was sent during the most difficult times surgical operations, the outcome of which, according to the experience of doctors, was initially hopeless;
- Their son, whom they had been searching for for 12 long years without success, returned to their grief-stricken parents;
- Many married couples who were on the verge of divorce have been reconciled;
- On the battlefields during the Great Patriotic War, in the hottest places of battle, many soldiers saw a woman standing facing towards the enemies, while her hands were raised to the sky (front-line soldier, Orthodox writer N. Agafonov in his book talked about the miracle of his salvation, and then he entered the temple in order to light a candle and pray for the repose of his comrade in arms, in the face of the “Unbreakable Wall” he recognized the very woman who saved him in battle - it was the Most Holy Mother of God herself).
TO miraculous icon The Orthodox people have long been drawn from all corners of the Russian land. Grateful pilgrims decorate the image with beautiful crowns and leave rich gifts as a sign of gratitude. A lamp is constantly glowing near the icon, and oil from it is distributed to those praying.
Icon of the Mother of God “Unbreakable Wall”
Amazing power emanates from the “Unbreakable Wall” icon. The Most Pure Virgin is depicted in full height, standing against the background of the celestial sphere on a quadrangular stone. Her hands are raised to Heaven and the Virgin prays for all humanity, begging Her Son Jesus Christ to extend time so that Orthodox people have time to repent before His Coming to Earth.
Prayers before the icon
The Mother of God is our intercessor and helper. Prayer requests before Her Most Pure Face are heard all over the world. The Unbreakable Wall prayer will help fulfill the request.
More prayers to the Mother of God:
If it is difficult to learn the text by heart, then you can read it from the prayer book or state the request in your own words.
Prayer 1
To my Queen, my hope, to the Mother of God, friend of the orphans and the strange, to the Representative, to the sorrowing, to the Joy of the offended, to the Patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow; help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as if by will: for I have no other help except You, no other intercessor, no good comforter, except You, O Mother of God, for you will preserve me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer 2
Oh, our gracious Lady Theotokos, Ever-Virgin, accept from us this song of gratitude and offer up to our Creator and Creator your warm prayers for us unworthy, may He, the Merciful, forgive us all our sins, evil and unclean thoughts, nasty deeds. Oh, Most Holy Lady, have mercy and send down a gift according to each need: heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing, bring the lost to reason, protect the infants, raise and teach the young, encourage and instruct men and wives, support and warm the old, be with us both here and in life eternal Wall, Indestructible, deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes and from eternal torment, and always singing Your Motherly love, we praise with all our hearts Your Son, with His Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Let us now diligently approach the Mother of God, sinners and humility, and let us fall down in repentance calling from the depths of our souls: Lady, help us, having had mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away your slaves, for you are the only hope of the imams.
Greatness
We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your holy image, through which you bring healing to all who come with faith.
Video about the icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall”.
In the Kiev St. Sophia Cathedral there is an amazing icon, which is made in the form of a mosaic. It's called "The Unbreakable Wall". It depicts the Virgin Mary with her hands raised to the sky. The image is made on a gold background. Why is this icon called “ An unbreakable wall"? Over the course of nine centuries of world history, events occurred in the city and the cathedral that could lead to the destruction of the icon. It has survived all the most difficult times for Christianity, and St. Sophia Cathedral is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
To this day, the ancient description of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon: “The growth of the Mother of God is gigantic, like all Her deeds in Russia. She stands on a golden stone, the unshakable foundation of all those who flow to Her protection. Her tunic and scarlet belt are of heavenly color, and on it hangs a lention, with which She wipes away so many tears. Azure arms on hands raised to the sky. The golden veil falls from Her head and hangs in the form of an omophorion on her left shoulder, as a sign of Her cover, a broad cloud, according to the voice of church songs. A bright star burns on the forehead of the Mother of God and two stars on her shoulders: for She Herself, the Mother of the Unsetting Light, was for us the dawn of the Unsetting Sun.”
There is also a legend according to which the capital city will not perish as long as it is protected by the “Unbreakable Wall”. On the arch of the semi-vault there is a black mosaic with Greek letters. The inscription next to the icon reads “God is in the midst of her and does not move: God will help her in the morning”(Ps. 45:6).
It is believed that the icon “The Unbreakable Wall” owes its appearance to Elder Gabriel’s vision of the Spaso-Eleazar Hermitage. The old man saw a beautiful shining city standing on a hill, which could be reached along a wide road. People went to this city, not noticing that a giant was hunting them. Then the elder took a different path, a small path, but even there danger awaited him in the form of a giant’s net. And yet, on the small path, the nets could not capture a single person. Then the words from the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos came to the elder’s mind: “Rejoice, Indestructible Wall of the Kingdom...” He immediately realized who was keeping people on the narrow path, and along it he reached the shining city, where the Throne of the Lord itself was located.
Where is the icon
The icon located in the St. Sophia Cathedral became famous for numerous miracles through prayer before it. There are other miraculous lists:
- in the Moscow Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul;
- in the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary;
- in the chapel of the Kaliningrad Cathedral;
- in the Monastery of the Icon of the Mother of God, Krasnodar Territory;
- in the Essentuki Church of the Stavropol Territory.
How does the “Unbreakable Wall” icon help?
- Before the icon “The Unbreakable Wall” they pray:
- On the protection and intercession of the Mother of God;
- About dedication to strength in the fight for a just cause;
- About healing;
- About help in any matter.
Prayers to the image “Unbreakable Wall”
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the “Unbreakable Wall” icon
Kontakion 1
Chosen from all generations to the Mother of God and the Queen, before Her most pure image, the Indestructible Wall called, we offer thanksgiving songs of praise to You, O Blessed One. You, who have incomprehensible power and unspeakable love, save us from all troubles and sorrows, and let us call to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Ikos 1
Icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall” in the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Lefortovo Source: http://hram-troicy.prihod.ru
A representative angel was quickly sent from God to You, Most Pure One, to bring You worldwide joy, as You conceived God the Word, the Savior of the world, from the Holy Spirit in Your womb. We, leading the fulfillment of this annunciation, believe that the Lord, Most Blessed One, has shown You with an Indestructible Wall and protected us from all sin, troubles and misfortunes. For this sake, we please Thee, Mother of God, and joyfully cry out: Rejoice, for the Lord is with Thee and Thee with us; Rejoice, for in Cana of Galilee you appeared as a representative to Your Son for the people. Rejoice, for with Your omophorion you cover the faithful wider than the clouds; Rejoice, for with Your grace you wipe away the tears of the afflicted. Rejoice, for You lift up Your hands to protect us from all defilement; Rejoice, for according to Your word you are now and ever blessed. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 2
The visionary prophets, with their clever minds, combed through Your grace-filled appearance, proclaimed the Nativity in the flesh from You of the Son of God, and having known all the fulfillment of the prophetic prophecies, they reverently cried out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Having a blessed mind, Jacob, Moses, David and many others depicted Your wonderful Nativity and the mystery of Your Ever-Virginity in words, visions, and dreams. We, unable to comprehend the full power of prophetic broadcasts, from the depths of our believing hearts sing to You with love: Rejoice, high Ladder, joining earth with Heaven; Rejoice, O God, who appeared on earth, who bore in Your womb and, like the Burning Bush, remains incorruptible. Rejoice, luminous Cloud, from Him the Lord of all, like rain on the fleece, descending to the earth; rejoice, for Life-Giving Spring, warming the hunger and thirst for eternal truth in people. Rejoice, Christ, who has contained the manna of life in His womb and saturates our souls with the bread of immortality; Rejoice, wonderful Rod, adorning the flowers of the faithful virtues. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High autumn of Thee, the Most Pure One, having made Thee the Mother of the Lord, and after Thy Nativity abides abundantly in Thee, Mother of God. Rejoicing at such God's good will towards You, all, praising the Savior of the world, cry out to Him joyfully: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having in Yourself abundantly the grace of God, You, Most Immaculate One, have given Your entire life to good cares for Your Son and the Lord, keeping all His words in Your heart. We, sinners, remembering Your sorrowful life on earth, say the following praises to You: Rejoice, Thou who gave birth to the Lord of the universe in a wretched den; Rejoice, you who fled to Egypt from the lawless Herod with Your Son. Rejoice, you who sought Your Son with great sorrow in Jerusalem during the days of Easter; Rejoice, having contemplated hatred and envy of Your Son from His enemies with a sorrowful heart. Rejoice, you who crucified Him with your Mother’s heart, when you contemplated His suffering and death on the Cross; Rejoice, having found your son in John the Theologian, according to the word Jesus. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 4
Our Russian country has been repeatedly tested by the storm of invasion of foreigners, and in severe trials our fathers cried out for help Holy Virgin Mother of God. That, like the Indestructible Wall, by His intercession at the Throne of His Son and God, graciously sends down His power, and with the hope of the Mother of God’s help, the people of Russia drive out the hordes of the enemy from the Russian borders. For this reason, praising the Mother of God, we joyfully sing to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The whole world hears and knows how the Most Holy Theotokos kindles courage in the hearts of the Russian people, and gives strength for exploits and defense of the fatherland, fights against foreigners, and sends Her gracious help to the entire Russian army. Confessing our faith and the miraculous intercession of the Queen of Heaven in the days of the military invasions of our land, we thus sing to the Most Gracious One: Rejoice, help to the Russian people against their enemies; Rejoice, blessed reinforcement from our land for the expulsion of foreigners. Rejoice, secret admonition and wisdom for the leaders of the Russian army; Rejoice, shame on the haters of the human race. Rejoice, terrible Punisher who kindled the flame of enmity; Rejoice, invincible Helper of all who care for the peace of the whole world. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 5
Thou art the God-bearing star, O Ever-Blessed One, who has appeared to all those wandering in the darkness of passions and vices, for through Thy admonition many grave sinners turn away from lawless deeds and resort to God with repentance, crying out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the death of many souls into the power of sin and defilement by Satan, the Most Merciful Lady, out of indescribable love for the human race, advances them to help, turns them away from the disastrous path and instructs them on the path of salvation. Rejoicing at the wondrous mercy of the Queen of Heaven, all the faithful say this: Rejoice, you who show us all the path of salvation; Rejoice, forbidding pride and anger to rule our hearts. Rejoice, strict admonition to gluttons and drunkards; Rejoice, strong motivation for the lazy and weak-willed. Rejoice, you who lead those who live in fornication to repentance; Rejoice, sinners who come running to You with faith, speedy correction. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 6
Preachers of miracles revealed by Your icons, our pious fathers, saved by You, Mother of God, and delivered from troubles and misfortunes. In the same way, thanking God, who has bestowed such a good Intercessor on the human race, all silent lips sing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The light of Your ineffable goodness, O Blessed One, shines forth to all those who grieve, weep, to all of us in temptation, for through our tearful prayers You, the Mother of God, grant us miraculous deliverance from troubles. Otherwise, not having words worthy of praising Thee for Thy mercy towards all, with sinful lips we exclaim to Thee in tenderness: Rejoice, thou who transformest our sorrows and tears into joy; Rejoice, O Merciful Helper of those who suffer from temptation. Rejoice, saving our houses from fire and other destruction; rejoice, from aunts and evil people faithful protector. Rejoice, destroyer of the slander and intrigues of our enemies; Rejoice, conquering the fear of death and sudden death in our souls. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 7
Although the All-Merciful Lord showed His Divine love for us unworthy, giving us Your Mother of God icon, called the Indestructible Wall, and seeing miracles from the holy icon, all people with faith and hope for Your miraculous help with tenderness cry out to the Source of miracles, the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new testimony that is always inherent in You, Most Pure One, of the grace and miraculous powers the Creator showed to us, always Your wondrous image, depicted on the altar wall of the ancient St. Sophia Cathedral in the city of Kiev, was preserved intact for nine centuries, for the hordes of filthy enemies of the Orthodox faith did not dare to damage this gracious image, protected by Your power. Truly, for us, sinners and mourners, this holy icon is an unbreakable wall, inspiring all the faithful to proclaim to You: Rejoice, clothed in a tunic, shining with heavenly light; Rejoice, by the lifting of Your most pure hands unceasing prayer revealing about the whole world. Rejoice, for you have not damaged Your honorable image and the length of centuries; Rejoice, for this image remains in all its glory even after the invasion of the forces of the enemy. Rejoice, for in this way the hearts of those praying are reverently touched; Rejoice, for the grace-filled power inherent in this image of Yours frightens the demons. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
Kontakion 8
It is strange for non-believers to hear that You, Mother of God, have special care for babies. We, remembering the words of our Lord, said: leave the children to come to Me, for such is the Kingdom of God, we confess with firm faith that You, Most Holy Virgin, protect babies and their mothers with Your love, and we cry to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
With all your heart, Queen of the world, offer up prayers for all of God’s creatures to Your Son, as the Mother according to the flesh of the Son of God, You comfortably accommodate in Your soul the sorrows and labors of mothers. For this reason, as the Mother of the Infant Jesus, we sing to You: Rejoice, faithful Helper and refuge of childbearing mothers; Rejoice, protection and strength of infants. Rejoice, quenching maternal sorrows; Rejoice, preserving every age of infancy. Rejoice, good Teacher of pious mothers in raising children; Rejoice, O children helpless in illness to the Healer. Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and consolation.
June 13 at Orthodox Church celebrate the day of remembrance of the beloved and revered image of the Mother of God, which is called the “Unbreakable Wall”. Christians from all over the world understand that a person is a creature that cannot do without spiritual support, consolation from others, and also without a sense of security.
For this reason, more than a thousand years after the Baptism of Rus', believers became accustomed to believing in the images of saints and asking them for help. This is true, because everyone knows a large number of recorded miraculous cases, which were often performed with the help of the shrine of the Mother of God. One of these images is the icon Holy Mother of God"The Unbreakable Wall" As the legend says, the root cause of the worldwide fame of the shrine was the miraculous vision of one monk who spent his life on the territory of the Spaso-Eleazar Hermitage. He dreamed of a magnificent city, and the path to it could be chosen twice. One path was very wide, smooth and beautiful, while the other was winding, inconspicuous and difficult. Of course, most people climbed to the city along a wide, comfortable road, but at the finish line a huge giant was waiting for them, who captured everyone walking with a net. A small path led around the trap, and those rare travelers who followed it remained safe and sound. The net simply did not reach the narrow path, and immediately bounced off the wall that protected the few people, which was created by the Mother of God. Having walked along this road, the monk himself found himself in an ideal world - in a magical town.
The image today can be found in Kyiv, within the walls of St. Sophia Cathedral. Looking at the mosaic shrine, you will be impressed by its grandeur and, of course, its size. The fact is that the icon is six meters high, and it is located in the upper part of the dome. For 900 years, the image appeared intact to Christians, but it is noteworthy that the cities where the shrine was seen repeatedly succumbed to destruction. For this reason, the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Unbreakable Wall” has such a name, because she protects the walls of her monastery, as well as all the people who surround her. Most parishioners believe that the image is also capable of protecting all worshipers from possible negative events. But, given the historical past, many people ask for a peaceful sky above their heads, protection from various invasions or the aggressive attitude of other states. If a person has a home shrine to the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall,” then it will also be useful in the life of a Christian. After all, in front of the image, the person praying usually asks that he and his family be treated only with good intentions. When protecting your own monastery, you can pray for protection from fire, possible theft, evil tongues, flooding and so on. With all this, it is very important to have some understanding of how to properly hang the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary “The Unbreakable Wall” in the house. The most common and correct place to place it is opposite front door. In other words, the Mother of God can look at all the people who enter and leave the house. It is believed that if a person comes to visit the owner of the image with bad thoughts, he will not be able to stay in such a monastery for long. He will rush to leave it as quickly as possible, as he will feel the absence peace of mind and loss of self-control. Every year, on June 13, parishioners have the opportunity to visit the church to thank the shrine and the Most Holy Theotokos for their tireless patronage and protection.
An Orthodox person constantly needs spiritual support, consolation, and a sense of security. That is why, for more than a thousand years since the Baptism of Rus', Orthodox Christians have placed great hopes on miraculous images and the faces of Orthodox saints, especially the image of the Most Holy Theotokos - a highly revered and important shrine of the Orthodox world.
Tradition of the Russian land about the Orthodox shrine
One of the most revered images among believers is the icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall”. The existing narrative about the glorification of the shrine among believers says that the root cause of its popularity was the vision of a monk living in the Eleazar Hermitage. The elder saw in a dream a beautiful city, to which two paths led: one wide and easy, the second winding and almost imperceptible from the side. The bulk of those wishing to get to the city climbed the wide road, where they were immediately captured by a huge giant in his net. The road, small and complicated in appearance, also climbed a steep wall around the magical city. However, having looked more closely, the elder realized that it was along this path that rare travelers pass into the city and remain unharmed. The giant’s net could not reach them, but with a whistle it bounced off the wall erected by the Most Holy Theotokos. Having passed this road, the monk found himself in a wonderful and fragrant city.
The legend of the land of Kyiv about the miraculous protectress
The “Unbreakable Wall” icon is called that way in the world of Orthodoxy for a reason. A Christian can see it in the city of Kyiv by visiting St. Sophia Cathedral. The mosaic icon is impressive in its size: it is a six-meter image located on the inner surface of the dome. For nine hundred years, the shrine appeared to the world unharmed, while Kyiv was repeatedly destroyed during this time, along with the cathedral itself. That is why the name “Unbreakable Wall” became relevant for such a shrine. The icon shows the parishioners the Mother of God standing at her full height, praying. The legend of the city of Kyiv says that the city will be unharmed as long as the Mother of God prays over it.
New birth of a miraculous image
“The Unbreakable Wall” is an icon painted from another image of the Mother of God located in Constantinople. The image in Kyiv, in turn, also became the source for the icon painted for the Resurrection-Myrrh-Bearing Monastery. For a long time this list was unknown; it appeared to the world only in the 60s of the twentieth century in the village of Nikolskoye. Since the beginning of the new millennium, the “Unbreakable Wall” icon again began to show believers its miraculous powers.
Archival data indicate that this icon was consecrated by the All-Russian prayer book John of Kronstadt. This event happened at the beginning of the twentieth century, at the time the icon was in the holy monastery. Then, after the plunder and desecration of the monastery in the era of atheism, the image was in the house of a pious parishioner, who transferred it to the temple. Over the past fifteen years, the icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall” has shown the world many miracles and inexplicable phenomena. Several other lists from the “Unbreakable Wall” are known; you can see them in Moscow churches. The “Unbreakable Wall” also became one of the famous shrines of the city of Kaliningrad. The shrine welcomes parishioners in Cathedral. A large number of people asking are constantly flocking to her, since it is believed that a prayer said in front of this image of the Mother of God will certainly be heard and given to the one who prays.
"Salvation from troubles with a holy prayer book"
Unearthly strength of the strong Orthodox shrine The “unbreakable wall” was described by eyewitnesses and witnesses already in the last century. Thus, when defending Russian land from the Nazi invaders during the Great Patriotic War, many times soldiers testified that they saw a woman not far from places characterized by particularly bloody battles. She stood facing the German dispositions, raising her hands to the sky.
Orthodox writer Nikolai Agafonov described a case of recognizing this woman as an image from the “Unbreakable Wall” icon. A front-line soldier, having gone through bloody battles in the war and having seen this woman praying more than once, went into the temple at the end of the war in order to light a candle for the repose of his fallen comrades and saw the icon “The Unbreakable Wall”, immediately recognized the face of the Mother of God depicted on it and understood who was praying for Russian soldiers.
Protective power icon
It is generally accepted that the “Unbreakable Wall” is an icon whose meaning for believers is primarily its protective power. It is known that the image of the Holy Mother of God on this icon is intended, according to the prayers of the Orthodox, to protect from negative events. First of all, taking into account the history of miracles shown to the world, in front of the icon they ask for peace on Russian land, for protection from invasions and aggression. Many Orthodox Christians prefer to have a list of the “Unbreakable Wall” image at home. In front of a home icon, it is customary to ask for the good intentions of everyone visiting the house, for the protection of those living in it from fires, thieves, and unkind people. At the same time, it is necessary to have the correct information about where to hang the “Unbreakable Wall” icon in your home. It is believed that the place of this icon is opposite the front door. Thus, the Holy Virgin looks at everyone who enters the house. It is generally accepted that those who come with bad intentions will not be able to for a long time to be in the house under the all-seeing gaze of the intercessor, and will hasten to leave it.
"And prayers will be rewarded"
There are quite a few contemporary evidence that the “Unbreakable Wall” is an icon that not only gives people protection, but also heals them from serious illnesses. The first miraculous healing of the twenty-first century was the healing of a believing parishioner by prayer in front of the icon of future blindness. Since then, prayers for healing and recovery have increasingly turned to heavenly patroness, whose image helps and protects. In the breviary, a Christian believer will find prayers that must be said before this holy image.
You should pray in front of the “Unbreakable Wall” every day in those houses where there is such a home icon. There are two prayers, quite simple to pronounce, small in text, but quite deep in content. Do not forget to also recite the Troparion, Tone 4, and the Other Troparion, Tone 4. Before leaving home, you should pray especially carefully, understanding and accepting with your soul the fact that the “Unbreakable Wall” icon will protect and guard the house in the absence of the owners. The prayer, which is said before leaving the home, is taken from the missal, one of two proposed. At the end of the prayer, you should ask the intercessor in your own words to take the home under protection.
The meaning of the icon for a modern Christian
“The Unbreakable Wall” is an icon whose significance for modern man cannot be overestimated, and it is becoming increasingly important. In the era of the revival of spirituality, Orthodox Christians are increasingly turning to Heaven for help and advice. The difficult times of fratricidal conflicts taking place on Russian soil - the cradle of Orthodoxy - cannot be resolved without turning to the main intercessor of the Russian land - the Mother of God, who stands up to protect her children with an unbreakable wall.
Among the lists of Mother of God icons there are very rare images. The Icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall” is one of these. Each displayed icon of the Most Holy Theotokos brings people hope, helps people gain firm faith, teaches us mercy and love, therefore the meaning and how the “Unbreakable Wall” icon helps is necessary information for a believer.
Among the lists of Mother of God icons there are very rare images
The name of the image suggests what this icon is praying for, what the “Unbreakable Wall” icon of the Mother of God protects from. We are not talking about construction work, although spiritual life is also a kind of construction.
The consequences of unstable walls during the construction of houses are known, and this saddens us. And if you imagine that when we pray, we also build, only the spiritual walls of our inner temple, then the meaning of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon becomes obvious.
O our Gracious Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, accept from us this song of gratitude and offer up to our Creator and Creator your warm prayers for us unworthy, may He, the Merciful, forgive us all our sins, evil and unclean thoughts, nasty deeds. O Most Holy Lady, have mercy on us and send down a gift according to our needs: heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing, bring the lost to reason, protect the infants, raise and teach the young, encourage and instruct men and wives, support and warm the old, be with us both here and in eternal life, Unbreakable Wall, deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes and from eternal torment, and always singing Your maternal love, we praise with all our hearts Your Son, with His Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
History and description of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon
The history of the icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall” is about 1000 years old. One of the images is laid out in mosaics on the wall of the Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral. Today's events in Orthodoxy related to the schism of the Church were held within the walls of this spiritual monastery.
It would seem that such an image should stand as a wall against schismatics, but the fact of desecration of shrines only confirms how low we have fallen and how deeply we are drowning in unrepentant sins, and the Lord allows difficult spiritual trials.
One of the images is laid out in mosaics on the wall of the Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral
The Mother of God is depicted in full height with her hands raised in prayer, as if creating an invisible protective wall from the invisible militia of lower spirits. There is an inscription around the Virgin Mary. The words of Psalm 45: God is in Her midst and does not move: the morning will help Her. These words are translated as a prophecy about the Mother of God - She, sanctified by God himself, is unshakable in her highest destiny and the help of the Almighty will be with Her constantly.
It got its name because for 900 years the image remained safe and sound during numerous enemy attacks.
One of them is located in the Lefortovo Church of Peter and Paul
In which church the “Unbreakable Wall” icon in Moscow has a miraculous list, the media suggest. There are only three such lists in the world. One of them is located in the Lefortovo Church of Peter and Paul. Our Lady of the “Unbreakable Wall” is highly revered in Kaliningrad; the central cathedral also has this image.
Based on archival records and old photographs, it was possible to restore that the image that was located in the village. Nikolskoye Arkhangelsk region Saint John of Kronstadt personally consecrated it in the monastery.
During the years of fighting against God, the meaning of the “Indestructible Wall” icon was preserved by the pious woman Maria Anshakova. The icon was in her home iconostasis. Afterwards the icon returned to its native monastery.
The meaning of the icon of the Mother of God “The Unbreakable Wall”
The meaning of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon is evidenced by numerous stories about the help of the Most Holy Theotokos. Several times She appeared in subtle dreams to people in need of healing. And she pointed out exactly where to look for Her image.
One woman literally forced the priest to find this icon, because even he did not know that there was such an image of the Mother of God in the temple. And the Mother of God gave instructions to the woman on how to receive healing: to touch the “Unbreakable Wall” icon.
The Mother of God gave instructions on how to receive healing
Where to hang the “Unbreakable Wall” icon, in the home iconostasis or in another place, is decided depending on the living conditions.
Where in the house is it better to place the icon?
The icon can be placed not only in the home iconostasis, the main thing is that access to it is free. And you could pray in front of the image at any time. The “Unbreakable Wall” icon, its meaning and correct placement in the house is suggested by the very name of the image.
The icon can be placed not only in the home iconostasis
For example, it would be logical to place the icon in front of the entrance to a house or apartment. Where hanging the “Unbreakable Wall” icon in the house is not a significant moment for performing prayer. This does not in any way affect spiritual improvement and the salvation of the soul, this is confirmed by the following story.
Miracles through the prayers of parishioners in front of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon
The meaning and how the “Unbreakable Wall” icon helps, where the image traveled, what miracles were performed through prayers, says the nun Samuila, who accompanied the icon on a trip to different cities.
“Since the miraculous temple icon “The Unbreakable Wall” is difficult to transport over long distances, it is 100 years old, so we made a copy of it. When we arrived in Chernigov, it began to smell fragrant and began to flow myrrh. The priests, with tears in their eyes, served a thanksgiving prayer service before her. We continued our journey further, and it was December, the road was snowy, difficult, at some point the car skidded and we began to spin at 3600. The driver could not control the controls. On this section of the road there was not just a ditch, but a large deep ravine, into which we would have flown a little more. I raised the icon as high as possible in the car and began to cry out: “Mother of God, save me!” No one understood how the car ended up on the asphalt. There were already three kilometers left, we drove carefully, but the demon did not calm down, we were thrown into the ditch again. Again I prayed to Our Lady of the “Unbreakable Wall”, and again the car was miraculously returned to the road. The glass on the icon cracked, but the clergy did not allow it to be replaced, because apparently it is the Mother of God’s will that they ask about this miraculous salvation, and we testify to the mercy and power of the Most Holy Theotokos.”
This living testimony says that the meaning of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon will be determined by each believer independently.
Download the text of the prayer in front of the “Unbreakable Wall” icon
