Mother of God, save us!

Healing icons Holy Mother of God

Of the many icons of the Mother of God venerated in the Russian Orthodox Church, not one is distributed in as many lists as the Kazan icon.

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is a miraculous icon of the Mother of God that appeared in Kazan in 1579.
People most often turn their attention to her in troubles, illnesses and hardships: “O zealous intercessor, Mother of the Lord Most High, pray for all Thy Son Christ our God... grant to all what is useful and save all, O Virgin Mother of God: for Thou art the Divine protection of Thy servant.” .
The holy image overshadowed Russian soldiers marching to liberate Russia from foreign invaders.
Usually, it is this icon that is used to bless young people for their crown; it is this icon that is hung near children’s cribs, so that the gentle face of the Mother of God looks with love at young Christians. They pray to her for the healing of eye diseases.

New style celebrations:
July 21 and November 4./Which corresponds to the old style:
July 8 and October 22.

ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
"THREE-HANDED"
Associated with the name of an adherent of the veneration of icons of St. John of Damascus, who was slandered before the caliph in Damascus and punished by cutting off his hand. But John begged the Mother of God for the severed hand and, in gratitude for this miracle, added an image of a silver hand to Her icon. This icon was in the 13th century. brought to Serbia by St. Savva, and then was on Athos. In Russia, her list appeared in 1661 and was placed in the Resurrection Monastery (New Jerusalem). An exact list of it also appeared in the men's Beloberezh Desert in the Oryol province. The miraculous image is celebrated twice: June 28 and July 12.

Before the icon of the Mother of God “THREE-HANDED” - they pray for diseases of the hands, feet, mental unrest, and in case of fire.
Memorial Days: June 28 (11) (July 12 (25)

Holy Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”
The holy icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” has become known since 1688, when a miraculous healing took place from it during the reign of Tsars Ivan Alekseevich and Peter Alekseevich sister Patriarch Job, Euphemia, who lived in Moscow on Ordynka and suffered for a long time incurable disease.

How much comfort is contained in the very name of this icon - awakening, strengthening people’s faith in the Mother of God as a wondrous intercessor, Who hurries wherever the groan of human suffering is heard, wipes away the tears of those who cry and in the very grief gives moments of consolation and heavenly joy. They pray to her at common diseases, painful condition. Rejoice forever, O Heavenly Joy of the Sorrowful!
Celebration October 24/November 6

Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God
One of the most revered shrines in Rus'. It is believed that this image was created by the holy evangelist Luke during the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Until the 14th century, the icon was in Constantinople, until in 1383 it unexpectedly disappeared from the Blachernae Church. According to a legend compiled on the basis of local tradition at the end of the 15th century, the icon miraculously appeared in the northern Russian lands, stopping “in the air” above the Tikhvinka River in the Novgorod region, where the Church of the Assumption was built for it. The year of the appearance of the icon, according to legend, is 1383.

They especially resort to this Icon when children are ill.
The celebration takes place on June 26 (old style) / July 9 (new style)

Icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”
The icon became famous for its miracles in 1843 in the St. Nicholas Odrina Monastery. The first to receive healing was a paralyzed boy, whose mother fervently prayed in front of the icon.
In front of the icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners” they pray for deliverance from the epidemic of cholera and plague, paralysis, and seizures.
Celebration (March 7/20; May 29/June 11).

Icon of the Mother of God "Inexhaustible Chalice"
The miraculous appearance of the holy image of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” occurred in 1878. A peasant from the Efremov district of the Tula province, an honored retired soldier, was obsessed with the passion of drunkenness. He reached a beggarly state, lost his health - his legs were paralyzed. One day he dreamed of a holy old man and said: “Go to the city of Serpukhov, to the monastery of the Lady Theotokos. There is an icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”; serve a prayer service before it and you will be healthy in soul and body.”

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Inexhaustible Chalice” they pray for the healing of those possessed by the disease of the passion of drunkenness and binge drinking, drug addiction and tobacco smoking.
Celebration(5/18 May).

ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “QUICK TO HEAR”
Quick to Hear" miraculous icon of the Mother of God - a shrine of the Dokhiar Monastery on Mount Athos. According to Athonite legend, in 1664 the Mother of God punished a monk who showed neglect of Her image written on the wall, and then, after his repentance and prayer, miraculously healed him and ordered him to call this image “Quick to Hear.”

Through Her holy icon, the Mother of God performed and continues to perform many healings: she gives sight to the blind, restores the paralytic, and especially helps with epilepsy and demonic possession. She saved many believers from shipwrecks and freed them from captivity. In front of the image of the “Quick to Hear”, they especially pray for spiritual insight, in confusion and bewilderment, when they do not know how best to act and what to ask for, for children, in a request to give birth to healthy children, as well as those who need quick and emergency help with cancer diseases.
Celebration 9/22 November

Icon of the Mother of God, called "Healer"
The history of painting the icon of the Mother of God the Healer is connected with a miraculous event that occurred in Moscow at the end of XVIII century. One of the clergy, Vikenty Bulveninsky, had the pious habit of kneeling before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos when entering and leaving the church and saying a short prayer: “Rejoice, O Blessed One! The Lord is with you! Blessed is the womb that bore Christ, and the breasts that nourished the Lord God, our Savior!” And then one day Vincent became seriously ill. Once, having recovered from another attack of pain, he read his usual prayer to the Mother of God and immediately saw an angel at his head , who together with him began to offer prayers to the Mother of God, asking Her to heal the sick man. At the end of the angel’s prayer, the Mother of God herself appeared in an unusual light and healed the sick man.

People pray in front of this icon for various bodily ailments, as well as for the birth of healthy children.
Celebration of September 18/October 1

Icon of the Mother of God "The Word became flesh"
The Albazin Icon of the Mother of God “The Word became Flesh” is a great shrine of the Amur region, it received its name from the Russian fortress Albazin (now the village of Albazino) on the Amur, founded in 1650 by the famous Russian explorer Ataman Erofei Khabarov on the site of the town of the Daurian prince Albazy.

Miraculous image reverently revered throughout the Amur region. Women expecting a child usually pray before him. The miraculous image of the Mother of God depicts the womb of the Divine Child, so the custom of praying before him for mothers during their pregnancy and birth illnesses has taken root. There are known cases of the gracious power of the icon “The Word became flesh” in the grave throes of remission from pregnancy.
Celebration (9/22 March).

Icon of the Mother of God “MAMMAL”
This ancient icon is one of the best examples of the Byzantine school and has rich history. It is associated with the name of Saint Sava the Sanctified - the founder of the monastery, once located 18 miles from Jerusalem. Saint Sava departed to the Lord in 532, prophetically bequeathing the icon to a noble pilgrim from Serbia also named Sava. Six centuries later, the monks waited for another Saint Sava - the Archbishop of Serbia. He transferred the “Mammal” to the Hilendar monastery on Mount Athos, to the founding of which he was directly related. In Russia, the “Mammal” is a very rare icon, although in 1860 a copy of it from Mount Athos was sent to the Kursk province and soon acquired miraculous power.

First of all, nursing mothers turn to the icon for help. But this icon is a great support for all of us. Just as the Divine Infant was nourished by the Mother of God with her milk, so all of us, Orthodox Christians, who seek help and consolation from the Lord, are nourished by the Heavenly Queen with grace, help, and intercession and helps us to enter the Kingdom of God without stumbling, to save our souls in joy Lord and Mother of God.
Celebration (January 12/25).

Icon of the Mother of God “Addition of Mind” (“Giver of Mind”)
This icon owes its origin to the deep belief of the Orthodox in the Blessed Virgin as an Intercessor before God and His Son for the granting of spiritual and material benefits to people, among which the illumination of the mind and heart with the Divine Truth occupies the main place.

They pray to the Icon of the Mother of God “Adding Mind” for successful learning, for enlightening the mind in learning. This icon is turned to when “adding mind” is needed to help students and schoolchildren study, as well as for sclerosis, atherosclerosis, lack of intelligence, weak mental development. In addition, you can turn to this icon with a prayer for help (addition of mind or admonition) when scientific work, working on a project, etc.
Celebration (15/28 August)

Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”
The Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” is named in memory of the healing of a certain sinner through the holy icon through the prayers of the Most Pure Mother of God.

The legend of the miracle described by Saint Demetrius of Rostov tells how a certain sinner, spending his life in sins, however, had the habit of bowing before the icon of the Mother of God and bringing her the Archangel greeting: “Rejoice, O Blessed One!” The Mother of God did not reject his prayers. She began to pray to God for mercy on the sinner. And the Lord granted him repentance.

The icon is so called because many who with faith resort to the help of the Most Holy Theotokos receive through this icon the unexpected joy of forgiveness of sins and grace-filled consolation.
They pray to the holy icon when there are difficult problems in life.
Celebration (1/14 May; 9/22 December)

Icon of the Mother of God “Burning Bush”
In church hymns, the Mother of God is often compared to the burning bush (unburnt thorn bush), which Moses saw on Mount Horeb (Exodus, chapter 3, verse 2). The similarity between the burning bush and the Mother of God lies in the fact that just as the Old Testament bush remained unharmed during the fire that engulfed it, so Holy Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ, remained a Virgin before and after Christmas.

In front of the icon they pray for deliverance from fires and death in fire.
Celebration (4/17 September)

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God
The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God (icon of the Mother of God) is considered miraculous and, according to legend, was written by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Holy Family ate.
The icon was brought to Russia from Byzantium at the beginning of the 12th century, as a gift to Yuri Dolgoruky from the Patriarch of Constantinople Luke Chrysoverkh. While passing Vladimir, the horses carrying the miraculous icon stood up and could not move. Replacing the horses with new ones also did not help. The prince saw in this the desire of the Mother of God to remain in Vladimir, where in two years the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary was built.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Vladimir” they pray for deliverance from violence, enmity between relatives, for deliverance from the invasion of foreigners, for guidance in Orthodox faith, about preservation from heresies and schisms, about the pacification of warring parties, about the preservation of Russia.
Celebration (May 21/June 3; June 23/July 6; August 26/September 8)

Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, called “Hodegetria”
One of the three most revered icons in Russia (along with Vladimir and Kazan). According to legend, she became famous as a great protector during Batu’s invasion.

in front of the icon they pray for the granting of a safe road. The Mother of God, through Her holy image, intercedes and strengthens us, guiding us to salvation, and we cry out to Her: “You are the All-Blessed Hodegetria to the faithful people, You are the Praise of Smolensk and all the Russian lands are the affirmation! Rejoice, Hodegetria, salvation for Christians!"
Celebration (July 28/August 10)

Icon of the Mother of God, called “Quench My Sorrows”
The icon of the Mother of God, called “Quench My Sorrows,” was brought to Moscow by the Cossacks in 1640 and placed in the Church of St. Nicholas on Pupyshi in Zamoskvorechye. Due to repeated reconstructions of the temple, the icon ended up in the bell tower. The veneration of the icon as miraculous began after the healing of a paralytic woman from it. The patient, who lived far from Moscow, suffered from a serious illness for many years: all parts of her body ached, especially her legs, so that she could not walk.
One day, when the patient was unconscious, she saw the icon of the Mother of God and heard a voice from her: “Tell me to take you to Moscow. There in Pupyshev, in the Church of St. Nicholas, there is an image “Quench my sorrows”; pray before him and you will receive healing.”

In Moscow, the patient examined all the icons in the church in the name of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, but did not find the one that appeared to her in a vision. Then the priest asked to bring the old icons that were there from the bell tower. When the icon “Quench My Sorrows” was brought in, the patient suddenly cried out: “She! She!" - and crossed herself. After the prayer service, she venerated the icon and rose from her bed completely healthy.

On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted holding with her right hand the Infant Christ, in Whose hands a scroll is unfolded with the words: “Judge righteous judgment, do mercy and generosity to each of your sincere ones; Do not force a widow or an orphan, and do not create malice in your brother’s heart.” Left hand The Mother of God placed it on Her head, slightly tilted to one side, as if she were listening to the prayers of all those who turn to Her in sorrows and sorrows.
Celebration (January 25/February 7)

According to the faith of the Russian Orthodox Church, the icons of the Most Pure Mother of God, in a gracious overshadowing, settled across the face of our Fatherland, forming its protection and Heavenly cover. The image of the Vladimir Mother of God protects and blesses our northern borders. Smolenskaya and Pochaev icons protect the west, and to the east, to the ends of the earth, the influence of the miraculous Kazan image of the Most Pure Mother of God extends.

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.

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 strengthening faith, healing illnesses, and saving the soul.

How many icons of the Mother of God are there?

How much in total different images No one knows for sure what is written by the Mother of God. In the monthly book published by the Moscow Patriarchate, 295 names are mentioned.

But according to iconography, the images of the Mother of God are divided into only three types: Oranta (looks with arms raised up), Hodegetria (the baby blesses the Mother of God), Eleusa (tenderness, clinging 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 significance is to preserve the country under the shadow of the Mother of God.

The most revered image in Rus'. Found in 1579 in Kazan in a fire during the persecution of Christians. They bless married couples, pray for the healing of eye diseases, and to repel foreign invasion.

Icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”

In 1878, one retired soldier suffering from heavy drinking had an apparition 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 famous “Inexhaustible Chalice”.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Theodorovskaya”

Celebrated on March 27 and August 29. They ask her happy marriage and healthy children.

Possibly written by the Apostle Luke. It was located in the 12th century in the city of Gorodets. She miraculously moved to Kostroma: she was seen in the hands of St. the warrior Theodore Stratilates, who walked with her through the city. Hence the name “Feodorovskaya”.

"Sovereign" Mother of God

Celebrated on March 15th. The meaning of the image is that power over Russia passed from the Tsar directly to the Virgin Mary.

Revealed in 1917 in the village of Kolomenskoye, in the Moscow region, on the very day on which Nicholas II abdicated the throne. The Most Holy Theotokos seemed to have received the power from the Tsar.

"Vladimir" icon

Celebrated on June 3, July 6, September 8. The significance of the image for Orthodox Christians in preserving 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 by the image was the salvation of the Tikhvin monastery during the Northern War in 1613.

"Three-handed"

So named after a miracle that happened to St. John of Damascus. His severed hand grew back into place through prayer at the image of the Mother of God. In honor of this event, a silver hand was attached to the frame 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 towards unrepentant sinners, leading them to repentance.

The icon is named in memory of the conversion of one lawless man, who, with the Archangel's greeting, asked for a blessing for his lawless deeds.

"Blessed Womb"

In the 14th century it was located 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 on March 19th. The meaning of the image is that it is in this form that, according to the assumption, 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 Sofia 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 in front of this image.

"Upbringing"

Celebrated on March 18th. The significance of the icon is associated with the upbringing of the younger generation in the Orthodox faith.

This is a Byzantine image known for many miracles. Provides assistance to parents and their children.

"Life-Giving Spring"

Celebrated on the fifth day after Easter. They pray for the preservation of prudence and a sinless life.

The icon is named in memory of the holy source of water near Constantinople. In this place, the Virgin Mary appeared to Leo Marcellus and predicted that he would become emperor.

"Deliverer"

Celebrated on October 30th. In 1841 in Greece, a prayer vigil in front of this image miraculously stopped a locust invasion.

The icon was with its family Alexandra III when their train crashed. It was on this day that the name day of the icon began to be celebrated, in commemoration of the salvation of the emperor.

"Key of Understanding"

They pray for children who have difficulty learning. The icon is locally revered and is located in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Appeared in Russia in the 16th century, related to the image of “Addition of mind”.

"Mammal"

The image was transported to Serbia from Jerusalem by St. Savva in the 6th century.

"Fadeless Color"

Signifies the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"Otrada"

Celebrated on February 3. It means the great mercy of the Mother of God to sinners, despite even her Son.

The image is associated with a miraculous deliverance from the robbers who attacked the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos.

"Assistant in childbirth"

Helps with difficult childbirth.

"Self-Written"

Locally revered on Mount Athos. It miraculously manifested itself in a pious icon painter from the city of Iasi in 1863.

"Quick to Hear"

Athos icon. From her, a miraculous healing of the disobedient monk’s vision occurred.

"Quiet my sorrows"

Celebrated on February 7th. Relieves mental anguish. Many healings came from her.

Brought to Moscow in 1640 by Cossacks. She poured myrrh in 1760.

"Healer"

Meaning: comfort to the sick. Often decorates hospital churches.

Conclusion

Turning to these icons has always helped Orthodox Christians in difficult moments of life. And now, in 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.

Distinctive feature Vladimir icon from other icons of the Tenderness type: the left leg of the Infant Christ is bent in such a way that the sole of the foot, the “heel,” is visible.

TO characteristic features Smolensk Hodegetria include the frontal position of the Baby, 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, carries the main semantic load as a kind of signpost of the Path to salvation.

A distinctive feature of the depiction of the Mother of God of Tikhvin is the slight turn of the mother; the baby is also depicted half-turned with an unusually bent leg and heel turned outward.

A distinctive feature of the Feodorovskaya icon is the naked left leg of the Infant Christ sitting on right hand Our Lady.

A distinctive feature of the “Quiet My Sorrows” icon is the image of the Mother of God with a baby in her arms, with her hand supporting her cheek.

“Quick to Hear” is a traditional image of the Mother of God with the baby Jesus in her arms, but this icon has a characteristic feature: the baby’s right heel is facing the worshipers.
"Pochaev Icon" 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 Child and the image of the Mother of God so that Her hand pointing to the Child is not visible.

A distinctive feature of the Don Icon is the legs of the Infant God, naked to the knees, which are placed on the wrist of the Mother of God’s left hand.

A distinctive feature of the “It is Worthy to Eat” icon is large shaded eyes, a straight nose, and a half-smile on the face.

Kykkos icon. Her main distinctive feature- a complex pose of the Infant Christ sitting in the arms of the Mother of God, whose legs are turned in one direction, and the body and head in the other, the Baby dangles his legs naked to the knees, sitting in the arms of the Mother of God. Christ is dressed in a short tunic, intercepted by a belt; sometimes the sleeves of a white or translucent shirt are visible from under the tunic. In addition, on the Kykkos icon Christ is depicted no longer as a baby, but as a matured youth.

There is no way to write down all the differences between the icons; there are a lot of them. All icons of the Mother of God are divided into five groups. Tenderness (Eleus) (Baby hugging the Virgin Mary) Odihydria(The Infant God indicates the path, the direction with his hand. That is why these icons are also called Guidebooks), Oranta(which means praying). Panahranta(Virgin Mary seated on the throne) , And Agiosoritissa .

From icons like "Tenderness"(or Eleus) most common:

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God,

Don Icon of the Mother of God,

Icon "Baby Leaping"

icon “Recovery of the Dead”,

icon “It is worthy to eat”,

Igor's 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" translated from Greek means “Guide”.

The true path is the path to Christ. On icons like “Hodegetria” this is evidenced by the gesture of the right hand of the Mother of God, which points us to the 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,

Iveron Icon of the Mother of God,

“Three-handed” icon,

Icon "Quick to Hear"

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God,

Kozelytsa Icon of the Mother of God,

Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God,

Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God,

Czestochowa Icon of the Mother of God.

"Oranta" - this is a special type of icon on which the Infant God is depicted not in the arms of the Mother of God, but in the center near the chest. The Mother of God and the Child Christ are open to us and stretch out their hands in prayer for us. Oranta is translated as "Praying One".

The most famous images are:

"The Omen"
"Inexhaustible Chalice"

Icons "Panahranta" . This type is characterized by the image of the Mother of God seated on the throne with the Child Christ on his knees. The throne symbolizes the royal majesty of the Mother of God.

• Cyprus;


• Kiev-Pecherskaya;


• Yaroslavskaya (Pecherskaya);


• Pskov-Pokrovskaya;


• "Sovereign";


• "The Queen of All."

And finally Agiosoritissa . one of the types of images of the Virgin Mary without the Child, usually in a three-quarter turn with a prayerful hand gesture.

The Mother of God is the most revered holy image after the Lord Jesus himself. Orthodox Christians dedicated many icons to her. Their diversity is amazing; experts talk about 700 variations of the holy face. However exact amount still unknown. The life legend about the Mother of God says that her icons, like star bodies in the sky, are known only to the Queen of Heaven. Read on to learn about the most famous miraculous icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary, about their power and help for believers.

Special patronage

The first image of the Virgin Mary on an icon dates back to the 8th century. Its author is considered to be the Evangelist Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul. The saint is credited with the authorship of more than 10 faces of the Mother of the Lord. The first lists that came to Rus' were written in Byzantium. The mosaic “Our Lady of Oranta” is considered the most ancient Russian image. It is located on the asp of the altar of the Kyiv St. Sophia Cathedral. During Christian culture, several hundred faces of the Mother of God appeared in icon painting. All of them proved their miraculous power, healing parishioners, guiding lost souls to the righteous path and resurrecting faith in the Lord.

All the variety of icons of the Virgin Mary and her Child can be divided into four groups. Each of them reveals a certain side of the Queen of Heaven, which Christian believers endowed her with.

1. “Sign” (translated as “praying”). On this group of icons, the Most Holy One reveals the secret of the birth of the Savior; she is represented as an earthly woman expecting a baby. Mary is depicted in the pose of Oranta - praying with her hands raised to the sky; in the area of ​​her chest, as in her womb, there is a sphere with the Savior of Emmanuel. Important point: the figures of the Virgin and Christ are united on the face. Thus, a deep secret is conveyed holy miracle- the birth of the Lord, and the Virgin Mary becomes the Mother of God. The essence is revealed to the believer - the inner Mother of God with the God-Man. The most famous icons: “Our Lady - Unbreakable Wall", Yaroslavl "Oranta".
2. "Guide". In the images of this group, the Mother of God is a guide who, like a bridge, leads the Orthodox to God. This is the path of a true believer - from darkness and sin to truth and salvation. The Most Holy Theotokos is the main helper of a Christian. On the faces, the Guide is depicted as follows: her figure is located frontally, her head is slightly bowed, the Infant Christ sits on her hand, as if on a throne, with her other hand she points to the Child, drawing the attention of the person asking to him. The baby blesses the Mother with his hand, which means everyone who prays. Significant Icons: “Tikhvinskaya”, “Iverskaya”, “Smolenskaya”, “Kazanskaya”.
3. “Tenderness”, or “Merciful”. These characteristics were given to ancient images of the Virgin Mary in Byzantium; in Rus' they began to be called “Sweet Kiss”. These are lyrical and intimate images that demonstrate the love of the Mother of God for her Son. On her face, the Mother of God bows her head to Christ, and he, in turn, puts his arm around her neck. “Tenderness” contains the highest meaning - the Virgin Mary is not only a Mother who shows love for the Child, but a soul turned to the Almighty. This type of face has two varieties - “Leaping” and “Mammal”. In the first version, the Baby is depicted in a free pose, as if playing, his hand touching the Mother’s face. This conceals God’s pious and trusting attitude towards the Orthodox. In the second version, the image contains an intimate moment - the Mother breastfeeds the Divine Infant. This process is evidence of how the Most Holy One saturates the souls of Christians with faith. The “Tenderness” type includes icons: “Vladimirskaya”, “Grebnevskaya”, “Volokolamskaya”.
4. “Akathist” is a collective image that does not carry high semantic load like the previous three. It includes those facets of the Mother of God that cannot be highlighted separately. The image of the Mother of God is created for a specific epithet, and not for a theological text. Also in the images they can use the central face of the Mother and the Infant God, supplementing it with various elements - symbolic figures celestial bodies, pond or font, throne, angels. the main objective icons of this group - illustrate the glorification of the Queen of Heaven. The “Akathist” type is represented by the icons: “The Savior is in Power”, “The Burning Bush”, “The Mother of God - Life-Giving Source”.

The description of the faces is presented in detail in the book about miraculous icons depicting the Most Holy Theotokos.

The most famous icons of the Mother of God

• Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

The face of the Most Holy One was discovered in Kazan after a large fire. She appeared in a dream to a little girl named Matrona. The child's family went to the fire to look for the shrine and found it among the ruins. The Kazan icon looked as if it had just been painted—the colors were striking in their freshness and brightness. The image immediately healed two blind men, Joseph and Nikita, who just touched it. After this, people believed in his healing power. The find was taken to the Assumption Cathedral, and a convent was erected in its place. Unfortunately, in 1904 the icon was stolen by vandals and then allegedly burned. Only copies of it have survived to this day, but their miraculous power is the same as that of the original source.

The Kazan icon has a special image of the Virgin Mary and her Son: the Infant God is to the left of the mother’s hand, his hand is raised up, which means approval and forgiveness. This is how the Lord addresses every Orthodox Christian. On July 21 and November 4, believers celebrate a holiday in honor of the face.

The Kazan icon grants help to everyone who comes to it. People turn to the face when they need to be healed from illnesses - physical and spiritual. She is especially good at treating problems with vision and hearing. Provides support in difficult life situations; gives intercession, blessing, consolation during any sadness; helps to make a decision in a serious choice; keep peace in the family.

• Icon of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The image tells about the Dormition - the death of the Mother of God. According to the canons Orthodox religion, the death of the Virgin Mary is not a departure ordinary person: her soul and body went to Heaven to the Lord, and did not return to earth. The composition of the face is conventionally divided horizontally into two parts that are different in meaning. The lower one depicts the Mother of God lying on her deathbed, surrounded by mourning apostles; at the top stands Christ with the departed soul of the Virgin Mary, he is surrounded by jubilant angels. This is the essence of the universe: below is earthly sorrow, doom and heaviness; and above is the joy of eternal, carefree life that the Lord gives to his righteous. The Icon of the Assumption is “read” from bottom to top in order to interpret what awaits a Christian.

The miraculous icon of the Dormition is intended to help believers overcome the fear of death. She is a vivid example of what life after death will be like if you carefully observe all the laws of righteous and church life. The Most Holy One prays for every person, helping to recover from even the most serious illnesses. The Mother of God guides lost souls on the true path, so that everyone can find themselves in the Kingdom of God after death.

• Tikhvin Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

One of the respected and revered faces of the Virgin Mary. It is believed that he is the same age as the Most Holy One. According to an old legend, it was written by Luke after the image appeared over a lake near Tikhvin. They said that divine power carried him through the air.

In the image, Mother and Son are facing each other. Jesus sits on the hand of the Virgin Mary, in one hand he holds a scroll, and with the other he blesses those who are turning.

It is believed that the icon wards off troubles (allegedly, after it was brought to Moscow by plane, German troops were defeated during the Great Patriotic War), helps in the treatment of infertility, as well as with diseases of the joints, mothers who want to enlighten and guide their children on the holy path pray to her (many call the face the patron saint of babies).

• Iveron Icon of the Mother of God

This is the legendary image of the Virgin Mary, the most significant and revered. It is believed that the icon was painted by Luke during the earthly life of the Most Holy One. It was first mentioned in Byzantine sources, approximately dating back to the 9th century. One is connected with the face incredible story. According to legend, the Iveron Icon stood in the house of a pious and righteous widow. Suddenly, heretics rebelled in the city of Nicaea and were ordered to destroy all reminders of Christ and the Mother of God. The apostates came to the woman’s house, ordering her to give up her face. The widow begged him, promising the heretics a monetary reward. They agreed. Leaving the house, one of the apostates hit the image with a spear on the right cheek, piercing it. Then the unexpected happened - blood began to flow from the icon. To stop the bleeding, the woman dipped the icon in sea ​​water, but she did not fall, but began to float on the sea.

In the image, the Mother of God holds her Son on her left hand; with her free hand she reaches out to him, drawing attention to the Lord. A distinctive feature of the shrine is the oozing blood from the right cheek. The Iveron Icon heals the sick, replenishes supplies for those in need, helps during wars, and averts misfortunes.

• Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

A very famous image, the main one and readable, which Luke wrote, according to legend, on an ordinary board at which the Savior and the Most Pure and Righteous Joseph took food. It was kept in Kyiv for a long time, but then Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky transported it to Vladimir. Because of this, the shrine received its name. In the icon, the Mother of God and Christ cling to each other, which speaks of their close connection.

The Vladimir icon helps all Orthodox Christians who come to it. There are cases when the face relieved chronic diseases, infertility, instructed mothers with children, and contributed to easy childbirth.

• Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful”

Luke wrote it and transferred it to Egypt, where it was kept until the 10th century. Then the shrine was delivered by sea to the Byzantine emperor Alexius Komnenos so that he could protect it from heretics. Soon the Cypriot governor Manuel Vutomit came to see him, who, according to the highest instructions, wanted to take the face in order to build a temple with it. However, Alexy hesitated in transmitting the image. Then his daughter fell ill, and later he himself also fell ill. In a dream, the Mother of God came to Komnenos, saying that he should give her image to Cyprus, leaving behind an exact list. When the emperor assembled the ships, the diseases subsided. Believers ask the “Merciful” icon for healing, the bestowal of benefits, and help in bearing the cross of fate.

When praying in front of icons, people venerate not the object itself, but what it symbolizes: great saints or significant religiously events. The Mother of God is amazing in this regard - the icons, all the images with her are very different. They are so different, as if we are talking not about one Mother of God, but about many, each of whom endlessly loves people and wants to help them, but does it in her own special way.

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

Icon of the Mother of God “Iverskaya”

The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is also called the Goalkeeper or Gatekeeper, since several times in an unknown way it ended up in the icon case above the entrance to the monastery, from where it was never removed. Later, a temple was built at its location, where it is now located.

The icon is easily recognizable because the right cheek of the Mother of God is marked with a bleeding wound. The rest of the plot is more familiar: with her left hand she holds the baby, and right palm at the same time extended towards him in a prayerful gesture.

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

The days of veneration of the Goalkeeper are February 25/12, October 26/13, the second day of Easter week (week).

Icon of the Mother of God “Vladimir”

According to one legend, the author of the icon was the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. Upon completion of the work, he showed the work of his hands to the Mother of God and she herself blessed the icon. The image shows the Virgin Mary holding the baby with her right hand, and her left palm only lightly touches the robe of little Jesus, who hugs his mother's neck. The visible “heel” (foot) of the Savior is considered a “sign” of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

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

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

Icon of the Mother of God “Seven Arrows”

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

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

This image of the icon of the Mother of God is prayed for to cure cholera, get rid of lameness and relaxation, and reconcile enemies. Day of veneration – August 13/26.

Icon of the Mother of God “Sovereign”

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

On the icon, the Mother of God is depicted as the Heavenly Queen: dressed in red robes, sitting majestically on the royal throne, crowned with a crown and halo. An orb and a scepter rest in her palms, and the baby Jesus sits on her lap. Today the icon is located in Kolomenskoye, in the Church of the “Kazan” Icon of the Mother of God.

The main theme of prayers dedicated to the Sovereign Mother of God is truth. She is asked to be honest in words, deeds, love and to save Russia. Day of veneration – March 2/15.

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

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

Tikhvinskaya is prayed for the return of vision, the exorcism of demons, the healing of children and relief from joint laxity in case of paralysis. Day of veneration – June 26/9.

The first mention of the image is associated with the 12th century. The story goes that after Batu’s attack on the Gorodetsky Monastery, everything turned to ashes, but the icon remained absolutely unharmed. Later, Vasily of Kostroma, who saw the appearance of the Mother of God, transported the image to Kostroma, to the Cathedral of Theodore Strastilates. This gave it its now famous name.

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

You need to pray to the Theodore Mother of God for a safe resolution difficult birth. Days of veneration: March 27/14 and August 29/16.

Quick to Hear in some ways resembles Tikhvinskaya Mother of God(she is also an image of the Hodegetria type - Guide). It is considered one of the miraculous icons. The place of creation of the Quick Hearer is the holy Mount Athos, and now she resides within the walls of the Dokhiar monastery.

The story associated with this image tells of a monk who, out of stupid interest, smoked the face of the Virgin Mary. For this he was deprived of his sight. With prolonged prayers, the monk was able to return it, and since then the icon has been “hearing” the requests of all those suffering and helping them.

You need to pray to the Quick Hearer, first of all, for a cure for blindness, lameness and relaxation, as well as for deliverance from captivity and the salvation of people caught in a shipwreck. Day of veneration – November 9/22.