People have long been delimiting the “responsibilities” of certain saints. The same is with the images of the Faces of the Mother of God. Each icon of the Mother of God meets the aspirations of those praying.

Faces of the Virgin Mary

I'll tell you about those miraculous icons ah, with whom I personally had to meet and whose power I knew for myself.

As a child, my grandfather told me that the Lord has many helpers - saints and righteous elders, prophets and ethereal powers. But people receive the greatest help from the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary. We talked with him for a long time about how this world works. Grandfather Nikolai said that everything that surrounds us was created by the Lord, and we need to thank Him for it.

Grandfather himself knew how to do wonderful things. He restored musical instruments and paintings. It was funny to see how they brought a broken violin to him, and he revived it, breathed life into it, and after a while she again sang wonderful melodies, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, and her soul became warm and peaceful. And everyone always thanked him!

One day they brought a wonderful picture on the board. A beautiful woman with a child - as if someone had swaddled them together in beautiful red clothes. I really wanted to take a closer look at it, and, placing a stool, I climbed onto the bookcase after it. I had to land on the floor along with the books, one of which hit my knee painfully.

The grandfather who came in grinned into his beard and said: “You need to ask the Mother of God to make you smarter.”

This is how I first became acquainted with the revered, today rare image of “The Addition of Mind” or “The Giver of Mind.”

This is an amazing image with amazing story and mysterious iconography, attracting everyone who has ever seen it. Appearing in Rus' back in the 16th century, this icon has its ancient prototype. Helper, Apostle Luke was not only an evangelist, but also painted icons. According to legend, he also created the sculpture of the Loretsk Icon of the Mother of God, which later became the prototype of the “Addition of Mind” icon. Despite the fact that it was later established that the author of the statue was not the Apostle Luke, nevertheless, his creation of the image is still undeniable: “Bless the Apostle Luke, the evangelist of the Gospel mysteries, to paint an image of Your most pure face.”

In Rus', the first lists of the Loretskaya Icon of the Mother of God appeared after the return of the ambassadors of Prince Vasily from Pope Clement VII, who sought to extend his influence to the Russian principalities. And already here a new image was painted, which people began to call “Adding the Mind.”

They say that a certain unknown artist became interested in the revised books of Patriarch Nikon, as a result of which he became insane. When the illness subsided, he prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos for forgiveness and asked to send him healing. They also say that the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to the artist several times, and he created Her image, after which the illness receded, reason and health returned.

The icon was painted in a manner unusual at that time. The Most Holy Theotokos and Jesus Christ are depicted shrouded in purple liturgical vestments. There are crowns on their heads, lamps in the upper corners of the icon, and a starry sky under the arch. It is the vestments that hide the figures Holy Mother of God and the Infant Christ, the icon resembles its prototype - the statue of Our Lady of Loreto. Architectural details in the form of an arch at the top of the image and lamps are an image of a richly decorated niche in which the sculptural image of Our Lady of Loreto is placed. Under the feet of the Mother of God and above Her head are depicted cherubs with outstretched wings.

Whether this was so or just a folk fiction is not known for certain, but there is more than enough evidence that many received help and admonition from this icon.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Increasing the mind” is asked for the admonition of the foolish, for successful studies, exams, calming the crazy, and healing ailments associated with the brain.

Personally, I believe that it was thanks to prayer at this icon that I entered art school and connected myself with art for the rest of my life.

This icon is rare. In Kyiv, I know of only one church where the copy of the image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Addition of Mind” is located - in the Church of the Nativity in Obolon.

Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation or Consolation”

Many people received healing from the Vatopedi miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Consolation or Consolation”. Miracles are happening even now - through prayers from exact copies of this image.

The history of the icon is as follows: the image of the Mother of God was originally painted in the form of a fresco. There was a custom when monks leaving the cathedral after prayer venerated the icon, after which the abbot handed the keys to the monastery to the gatekeeper so that he would open the gates of the monastery.

One day the abbot heard a warning from the icon not to open the gates, but to stay in the monastery and defend against pirates. The elder looked at the icon and saw how the baby Jesus stretched out his hand to block the lips of the Most Holy Theotokos, but She, taking Christ’s hand, repeated the same words. The monks did not dare to disobey the order of the Mother of God, as a result the monastery was saved from the invasion of pirates.

Since then, the monks of Vatopedi have kept an unquenchable lamp in front of this miraculous icon. We see such a plot in the iconography of the image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Consolation or Consolation”. The face of the Mother of God is filled with compassionate love and maternal tenderness, while the face of little Christ, on the contrary, is stern and menacing.

Many testify that they cannot get enough of this marvelous, truly miraculous image created by God, which gives peace and tranquility.

In front of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Consolation or Consolation” they pray and ask for help in disasters, during attacks by enemies, for deliverance from illnesses and misfortunes, as well as for the establishment of peace in conflict situations and in all matters of life.

The Most Holy Theotokos is asked to intercede before our Lord Jesus Christ and forgive human sins and save us from troubles. People turn to Her when they have been innocently slandered, dragged into a scandalous situation, asked to strengthen the spirit and will, to help cope with difficulties, to survive and overcome a crisis.

Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation or Consolation” - a list kept in the convent of the same name

An exact copy of the Vatopedi miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Consolation or Consolation”, painted on Mount Athos, was donated to the convent of the same name in the Kiev region.

Icon of the Mother of God “Three Hands”

In the Ioninsky Monastery in Kyiv there is a miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Three-handed”. This image was painted in the middle of the 19th century by order of the Monk Jonah and was in his cell. The icon was with Elder Jonah both in the Nikolsky Monastery and then in the Vydubetsky Monastery, and when the Ioninsky Monastery was built, it took its place on the right column of the temple.

Icon of the Mother of God “Three-Handed” - favorite image of St. Jonah of Kyiv

The image became famous for many cases of healings and miracles; it was especially revered by Elder Jonah.

Here is one of the impressive cases. In 1918, when Kyiv changed hands several times between different political revolutionary forces, at a time when the government of Hetman Skoropadsky was in power, a terrible explosion occurred in the weapons warehouses at the Menagerie, located in close proximity to the monastery. Ammunition depots of the entire Southwestern Front exploded.

It is now impossible to establish whether it was sabotage or simply careless storage of deadly materials. But during the explosion many people were injured, a huge number of houses and buildings were destroyed. And the “Three-Handed” icon warned the people of Kiev about the upcoming tragic event. On the eve of the explosion, during the evening service, both the brethren of the monastery and numerous parishioners saw the icon crying. And only the next day, after the explosion, did people understand what the Most Holy Theotokos was grieving about.

And today the brethren of the monastery and parishioners hope that the Mother of God, Who loves everyone, Who prays for those who need Her help, will have mercy on Kiev, the mother of Russian cities, and Ukraine, and will protect people faithful to the Lord from sorrows and those most difficult trials that befell him will happily cease.

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Three Hands” was painted in the characteristic style of Ukrainian icon painting mid-19th century. If we look at it carefully, we will see that so-called stamps with images are written in the margins heavenly patrons Saint Jonah and his parents. They are written very carefully, professionally and with love. This indicates that the icon was painted in one of the monastery icon-painting workshops in Kyiv. You can see the icon and venerate it in the same place where St. Jonah placed it a hundred years ago.

At the “Three-Handed” in the Kiev Trinity Ionin Monastery

In general, the “Three-Handed” is one of the most famous and widely revered Mother of God of the Hodegetria type in the Orthodox world. This is a shrine of the Serbian monastery of Hilandar on Mount Athos. It differs from other similar icons in the left-sided image of the Infant Christ (sitting on the right hand of the Mother of God).

Several legends are associated with this image, telling about where the third hand appeared in the image of the Mother of God, and about how the icon ended up on the Holy Mountain.

According to one legend, thanks to prayer at this image, defender and hymnographer John of Damascus healed his hand, which had been cut off by the slander of his enemies. In gratitude, he donated a silver statue of a healed hand to the miraculous icon, which was hung on the icon, for which it received the name “Three-Handed”.

According to another legend, the icon painter erased the image of the third hand from it twice, and it appeared again and again on the board. And only then the Most Holy Theotokos appeared in a dream and commanded that the image be left unchanged, “for the sake of miracles, and not by nature.”

Despite the contradictions in the emergence of the image of the Mother of God of the Three Hands, the meaning of the unusual iconography is revealed when referring to the text of the troparion in honor of the icon. It says that with two hands the Mother of God holds the Divine Infant, and another hand symbolizes the cover and protection that She bestows on those praying: “For the image of the Holy Trinity is revealed in three hands: for two you bear His Son, Christ our God, with the third of You faithfully deliver misfortunes and troubles from those who come running to You.”

The “Three-Handed” Icon of the Mother of God will protect from enemies who threaten the well-being of the house and everyone living in it. Before her they pray for the healing and health of loved ones, for the cure of diseases of the hands, feet, eyes.

Through prayer, melancholy and sorrowful thoughts recede before the “Three-Handed One”. Also, this image of the Mother of God is especially revered by those who engage in crafts.

Icon “Don’t cry for Me, Mother”

Soon we will all worship another wondrous icon. The Mother of God is depicted weeping over the Savior laid in the tomb. Sometimes the image is called in Greek - “Pieta”, but it is better known under the name “Do not cry for Me, Mati”.

The icon belongs to the passionate and participates in worship only once a year. On, most often on Friday, it is laid out on a lectern.

The title is taken from the irmos of the ninth song of the canon for Holy Saturday: “Do not weep for Me, Mother, seeing in the tomb, You conceived Him in your womb without seed, a Son, for I will arise and be glorified, and will exalt you with glory unceasingly, like God, with faith and love for You majestic." So Christ Himself consoles the Mother, telling Her about the coming Resurrection; through the sorrow the news of...

Icon “Don’t cry for Me, Mother” in St. Nicholas Church

I recently came across a marvelous list of this particular iconographic plot in the St. Nicholas Church in the city of Vasilkov in the Kiev region. It was written back in the 1870s with the blessing of Abbot Nikon, who served in this church, and was donated to the temple by the parishioners.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Do not weep for Me, Mother,” they pray for the suffering, as well as for close relatives and children.

There are icons in the Orthodox world, the number of which is very small. And among them is the icon of the Mother of God “Augustovskaya”.

Written in memory of the appearance of the Mother of God in 1914 to Russian soldiers before the Warsaw-Ivangorod operation (September 15 - October 26, 1914), the battle near the city of Augustow, Suwalki province Russian Empire(now the territory of Eastern Poland).

According to the soldiers' stories, on the night of September 7-8, they saw the Mother of God with the baby Jesus Christ in the sky. The Mother of God pointed to the west with her hand. And the subsequent big battle near Augustovo was marked by complete victory. Moreover, in this battle, not one of the witnesses to the phenomenon died. A message about this was published in the church and secular press and caused enthusiasm among the troops.

Since 1915, the first iconographic images of this event appear. Holy Synod considered the issue of the appearance of the Mother of God for about a year and a half and on March 31, 1916 made the decision: “The Holy Synod, having given praise and thanksgiving to the Lord God, who wonderfully provides through the prayers of His Most Pure Mother for all who turn to Him with zealous and sincere prayer, recognizes the need to record this the event of the appearance of the Mother of God in the memory of subsequent generations of the Russian people and therefore determines: to bless the celebration in the churches of God and the houses of believers of icons depicting the said appearance of the Mother of God to Russian soldiers ... "

Almost every icon is unique and, without exaggeration, it can be said to have enormous historical value, since, as a rule, it is associated with certain historical events. This image of the Mother of God is akin to popular popular prints and amateur primitives, which, by the way, never died in icon painting practice, and only at the beginning of the 20th century was recognized as a unique form of art. The result was a rare, optimistic combination of high iconographic form and simple folk art.

I met this unique icon not far from Kyiv, in a pure white rural church. Everything there is simple, homely, without fuss and pretentiousness. The local abbot, Father Gury, always welcomes everyone with joy - regardless of social origin and material well-being, and warm memories of these meetings live in the memory for a long time.

At the “August” icon

So this time, the gray-haired veterans received a charge of vigor and hope and returned to the capital with jokes and smiles on their faces, which contrasted strongly among the gray mass of the capital’s people. More than once or twice, the Mother of God settled disputes and showed miraculous power. So veterans scorched by the war come to her to ask for help and intercession from the Lord for their relatives and friends, for the people, for the end of the civil confrontation and the miraculous salvation of our sons.

Those who have problems in their family relationships, who cannot find a way out of seemingly dead-end life situations, ask the Mother of God for admonition.

Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”

The history of this icon is connected with one of the Athonite monasteries, namely Dokhiar, where the grace-filled power of this miraculous image was revealed. It is believed that the fresco, which served as the prototype of the icon, was painted back in the 10th century under the founder of the Dochiar monastery, Venerable Neophytos. It was located in a niche in the outer wall, in front of the entrance to the monastery refectory.

In 1664, the refector Nil, walking into the refectory at night with a burning torch, heard a voice from the icon: “In the future, do not come here with a lit torch and do not smoke My image.” The monk was frightened at first, but then, deciding that this was a joke from one of the brethren, he soon forgot about this incident. Some time later, when Neil passed by the icon in the evening, the same voice was heard: “Monk, unworthy of this name! How long have you been so carelessly and so shamelessly smoldering My image?!” After these words, Monk Nil was struck by blindness and relaxation of the body. The repentant monk fell to his knees in front of the icon and all night, until the arrival of the brethren, he prayed to the Most Holy Virgin for forgiveness. When the monks learned about the miracle that had occurred, they immediately lit the unquenchable lamp and fell in reverence before the miraculous icon.

Neil, in the hope of the great mercy of the Mother of God, remained near the icon and decided not to leave it until he received it. After some time, kneeling in front of the icon, he again heard a familiar voice: “Nile! your prayer is heard, you are forgiven, and sight is restored to your eyes. When you receive this mercy from Me, proclaim to the brethren that I am their cover, providence and protection of their monastery, dedicated to the Archangels. Let them and all Orthodox Christians turn to Me in their needs, and I will not leave anyone; I will intercede for all who come running to Me with reverence, and the prayers of all will be fulfilled by the Son and My God, for the sake of My intercession before Him, so that from now on this My icon will be called Quick to Hear, because I will quickly show mercy and fulfillment of petitions to all who come to it "

In Rus', copies of the miraculous Athonite icon “Quick to Hear” have always been used great love. Many of them became famous for their miracles.

As a sign of unity in Christ and prayerful communication of the Dohiarsky Archangel Monastery and the reviving Archangel Michael Monastery, an exact copy of this ancient miraculous icon was painted on the Zverinetsky Caves in Kyiv.

At the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in the Archangel-Mikhailovsky Zverinetsky Monastery

First of all, in front of the “Quick to Hear” icon of the Mother of God, they pray for spiritual insight, when a person is at a loss and does not know what to do, as well as in all cases when especially quick and effective help is needed.

The Most Holy Theotokos, through Her icon “Quick to Hear,” grants help in curing various diseases, even cancer. Before Her holy image they offer prayer for children and for help in childbirth - for the birth of a healthy child, before various operations and for the performance of especially important matters.

More than once or twice I had to experience the miraculous help of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Once they asked to photograph the interiors of the Church of the Archangel Michael’s Zverinetsky Monastery, where the exact copy of the Athonite icon “Quick to Hear” is located. The temple itself is small, intimate; The shooting conditions are such that you need to shoot with short focal length lenses and without additional lighting. No one tried it, but no one succeeded at that time. They contacted me. And I just had an exacerbation of a spinal disease - an old injury was making itself felt after a serious accident. Yes, it was inconvenient for Vladika Jonah to refuse, and I, overcoming the pain, went.

But here’s the thing: not a single lens captured the ceiling. Then I lay down on the floor and began taking photographs, lying on my back. It’s winter outside, frosty, there’s no heat in the church, but I’m lying on the concrete floor in just a sweater and I don’t feel the cold at all...

“Quick to Hear” in the Kiev Archangel-Mikhailovsky Zverinetsky Monastery

It took an hour and a half to shoot, and the photos turned out great! Satisfied with the work, I returned home and only then did I feel that the back pain that had been tormenting me for several months had gone away. Apparently, it was not in vain that the Most Pure Mother of God called me to Herself!

Glory to our God Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother, who cares for the entire human race, for your vigilant care for us sinners. Hallowed be Her name now and ever and unto ages of ages!

Many parishioners, when they cross the threshold of the temple, purposefully approach the desired icon and pray to the holy image. Do you know what these famous icons are, what they look like, who is depicted on them and what their meaning is?

And also - what prayers are associated with them? Before going to church, you need to study the rules of conduct, and at least know about the holy faces.

How to pray in front of an icon

Most people are of the opinion that it does not matter which saint to pray to, the main thing is that faith comes from a pure heart.

After all, a person offers prayer words not to the icon, but to the one who is depicted on it. There are certain rules associated with the prayer process:

1. To attract God's blessing, you need to stand in front of the shrine. You need to stand as straight as possible.
2. After prayer you need to kiss the image. In this way a person expresses respect to God.
3. Then you must cross yourself three times. Well, it is possible to put candles - if desired.

When you ask the Lord for help, your thoughts should be bright. Forgive all the people who have offended you.

Semistrelnaya

There are a lot of icons in the spiritual world, and each of them is associated with a specific prayer. Let's pay attention to the meaning of the most famous shrines: “Seven Arrows” is one of the most powerful icons.

You should know about it:

1. During her lifetime, the Most Holy Theotokos experienced many torments and sufferings, symbolized by the seven arrows. If a person feels unwell, then he comes to this icon to ask for protection and help.
2. The image of the Mother of God protects from envious people, from damage, the evil eye and curses of everyone who wears a chain with her image. To reconcile warring parties, as well as for family understanding, peace and quiet in the home, it is necessary to pray to this relic.

When a person needs to perform an important task, the image of the Virgin Mary will support him.

In a house, it is recommended to place such an icon opposite the door, so that it can “see” the eyes of all people entering the room. Before installing the holy relic above half the wall, it is necessary to read a prayer service. After some time, you can notice that the person who has evil thoughts has stopped coming to the house.

Our Lady is a protector from the criminal world. A family who prays to such a holy face can be sure that they are protected from bad people. If you have problems with your superiors, then the icon of the Virgin Mary, which you take with you to work, can protect you from quarrels in the team.

Inexhaustible Chalice

The “Inexhaustible Chalice” is an icon of the Mother of God, which is associated with the spiritual source of joy, faith and forgiveness. The Mother of God will console everyone who has stumbled on their path in life.

If you approach with pure thoughts and faith, then the inexhaustible cup will definitely help, protect and guide you to the true path. It will help you recover from drug addiction and drunkenness.

An icon with the image of the Mother of God should be placed at the head of a person who abuses alcoholic beverages or is fond of gambling. There are known cases where a relic helped speed up the process of buying and selling a home. Parents whose children have grown up pray to Our Lady.

Healer

“Healer” is an icon of the Mother of God, who protects a person from mental as well as physical illnesses. On this relic, the Virgin Mary is depicted near the bed of an unhealthy person.

Unexpected Joy

Those who need spiritual strength turn to the “Unexpected Joy” icon. Also, prayer from this shrine helps pregnant women to bear and give birth to a healthy child, to preserve marriage and family harmony. Our Lady supports parents whose children have taken the wrong path.

People who have hearing-related diseases pray to this saint.

Three-handed

The “Three-Handed” relic helps to heal from diseases associated with the hands. Prayers addressed to the Mother of God help protect against grief, fire, and various ailments.

Quick to Hear

The painting of the face of the “Quick to Hear” dates back to the 10th century. People who need emergency help are recommended to pray to this shrine. It also helps to heal from diseases such as:

• cancerous tumors;
• blindness;
• immobilization of limbs.

Pregnant women pray to this image for the birth of a healthy baby.

Seraphim of Sarov

“Seraphim of Sarov” is highly revered in Russia. A prayer said at this shrine helps with diseases of the spine and legs.

St. George the Victorious

"St. George the Victorious" is a relic that protects everyone involved in dangerous work.

Nikolai Ugodnik the Wonderworker

The shrine of “St. Nicholas the Wonderworker” helps sailors, drivers, and all travelers. In almost every home it is possible to see the face of this saint.

He cares about family wealth and well-being.

Our Lady of Vladimir

The holy power of Rus' “Our Lady of Vladimir” is an icon depicting the Most Holy Theotokos. Before the named relic, kings were crowned, and high priests were also elected. Prayers to this shrine will help:

• reconcile the warring;
• heal a sinner from mental or physical illness;
• cast out a demon;
• instill kindness into evil hearts.

Burning bush

The "Burning Bush" is an icon of St. Mary. People turn to the shrine for help and ask for protection from fires, for cleansing from sins.

Prayers help doctors and pilots.

The Iveron Icon of St. Mary heals the sick, delivers from enemies and replenishes lost energy.

Everlasting color

The unfading color is considered a relic that carries the personification of purity and chastity, so it protects innocent girls.

Unmarried people pray near this icon and ask to marry for love.

Tenderness

Tenderness is a miraculous face that protects and helps a woman maintain good character, self-control and purity.

The Virgin Mary helps girls find a good companion, and for women who have gone through difficult life trials, life will improve after prayers.

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is considered an intercessor. If a person has problems at work or in his personal life, then he simply needs to pray to this image.

If the person asking for help makes a pure request, then the guidebook will help him. A person with negative thoughts may not expect help. "Kazanskaya" blesses the newlyweds.

We ask for help in our home

If you are used to praying at home, and not in church, then you need to read the prayer in the morning:

• 1. Wash yourself. Then cross your arms.
  2. Try to free yourself from thoughts that depress and irritate you. It is important.
  3. Light the candles, bow before the holy images, kneeling. Maybe on a towel.
  4. Read the prayer service. You can use the Bible.
  5. Say your request in words that come from your heart. Thoughts must be sincere.

Ostrobramskaya

The Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Virgin Mary helps married couples find love and happiness. Prayers near this icon will help protect the house from evil spirits and evil ill-wishers.

A person will be able to get rid of depression.

If you place the relic at the entrance to your home, then all enemies will stop visiting you. Then peace and prosperity will reign in your home.

Most people claim that Ostrobramskaya helped them solve many problems.

Unbreakable Wall

“The Unbreakable Wall” is an icon named in honor of the strength and fortitude associated with the image of the Mother of God that has survived wars and disasters.

The Virgin Mary will protect a person from fire, illness, bad people, and will also help strengthen family relationships. The most best place for the icon there will be a wall opposite the doors through which guests enter.

Mourning

The Icon of Our Lady of Sorrows provides assistance to people who need it, brings consolation to the grieving, and supports difficult situation, and also heals from physical or mental illness.

Merchants pray to the holy image before setting off on a long journey.

Parishioners who are not going well at work or in their family pray to the named face.

The joy of all joys

“The Joy of All Joys” will support everyone who asks without anger or any fuss. The holy image is prayed for:

• assistance to soldiers and employees;
• protection when traveling abroad;
• return of valuable lost valuables;
• release of a prisoner;
• positive answer in court.

The Holy Trinity

The Trinity icon is a shrine to which people turn for help. She helps those who cannot cope with difficult trials on their own to find the right path in life.

It is important to know

This information should have helped you find out about the most famous icons, tell you which saint and what request you should make to get rid of problems.

Prayers will help you find peace, happiness and health. Thank the saints for your life and then you will gain peace of mind, you will be successful.

For Orthodox Christians, the Mother of God 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.

For Orthodox Christians, the Mother of God is one of the most revered and main Saints

In the legend about the life of the Mother of God it is written that icons with her holy face are “like the stars in the sky.” Their exact number is not known with certainty. According to calculations carried out by experts, the number of icons of the Virgin Mary 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 (photos 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 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 nunnery was built at its location.

The icon depicts the Mother of God, with little Jesus Christ sitting on one of Her hands.

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 regained their sight.

Thus began the first miracles associated with this icon of the Mother of God, which continued over the next centuries. Thanks to miraculous image Russian state 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, with little Jesus Christ sitting on one of Her hands. One of his hands is raised in a blessing gesture. Both Mother and Son look directly at the person praying.

They pray to the “Kazan” icon of the Mother of God:

• about healing various ailments. First of all, this concerns eye diseases, which is connected with the story of the very first miracle of sight of two blind men;
• about 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 Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love, falling before Thy honorable icon, we pray to Thee: do not turn Thy face away from those who come running to You, beg, O Merciful Mother, Thy Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, to keep our country peaceful, and to establish His holy church May he preserve the unshakable from unbelief, heresies and schism. There are no imams of any other help, no imams of other hope, except You, Most Pure Virgin: You are the All-Powerful Helper and Intercessor of Christians. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from 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 thoughts, correction of sinful lives and the remission of sins, so that we all praise Thy greatness with gratitude, let us be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom 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 Chalice"

This icon begins its history in the 3rd century AD. The Nicene icon is considered its ancestor. The story of the manifestation of the power of the Mother of God is connected with it. Since then, the icon has become revered by the Orthodox Church.

In the 18th century, the icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice” appeared, which was marked by a miracle of healing. An old man appeared in a dream to a peasant, mired in the sin of drunkenness and whose legs gave out. He told the drunkard that if he prayed in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon, he would be healed of drunkenness and get back on his feet. And so it happened.

This icon begins its history in the 3rd century AD.

Since then, people have been praying to the icon of the Mother of God for healing from alcoholism. The icon depicts the Mother of God with her hands raised up. In front of her stands little Jesus in a bowl. His two hands are raised in a blessing gesture.

Prayer of the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”

Oh, Most Merciful Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but mercifully hear us: wives, children, mothers and those obsessed with the serious illness of drunkenness, and for this, for the sake of our 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 quickly raise them from the falls of sin, bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our sins and not to turn His mercy away from His people, but to strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, O Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children, of wives who weep for their husbands, of children, the orphaned and the poor, abandoned as lost, and of all of us who fall before Your icon. And may this cry of ours, through Your prayers, come to the Throne of the Most High. Cover and protect us from the evil trap and all the snares of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, with Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, may God’s mercy cover us for the endless ages of ages. Amen.

"Feodorovskaya"

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God is kept in the monastery in Kostroma. How this icon appeared in Rus' is unknown. The first mentions associated with it date back to the 12th century. There are several legends telling the story of its discovery. Many miracles are associated with the Feodorovskaya icon. It is known that she was especially revered in the royal family.

In 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 the monastery in Kostroma

They pray to the Feodorovskaya icon about:

• health and healing from various diseases;
• conceiving a child;
• happy family life;
• easy birth.

To whom will I call, Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow; to whom will I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and earth: who will pluck me from the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from anger and sorrow, and all sorts of ailments and illnesses, from visible and invisible enemies, pacify the enmity of those who suffer me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice ; Likewise, free me from your flesh’s vile customs. Cover me under the canopy of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I commend myself to your Motherly intercession; give me Mother and hope, protection, and help, and intercession, joy and consolation, and a quick Helper in everything. Oh, wonderful Lady! Everyone flows to You, without Your all-powerful help does not leave; For this reason, even though I am unworthy, I come running to You, so that I may be delivered from sudden and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I am worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to You in the tenderness of my heart the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever.

"Sovereign"

This image of the Mother of God appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. The icon was discovered in the basement 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 era. It depicts the Virgin Mary 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 tsarist power, the Mother of God herself became the head of Russia, protecting and saving its people.

This image of the Mother of God appeared at the beginning of the 20th century

They pray to the icon for:

• peace and cessation of hostility;
• health and wellbeing;
• financial stability;
• peace of mind.

Oh, peace to the Intercessor, Mother of All Singing! With fear, faith and love, falling before Your honorable Sovereign icon, we earnestly pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who come running to You, beg, O merciful Mother of Light, Your Son and our God, the Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, to preserve our country in peace, may he establish our state in prosperity, and deliver us from internecine warfare, may he strengthen our Holy Orthodox Church, and preserve her unshakable from unbelief, schism and heresies. The imams have no other help than You, Most Pure Virgin. You are the all-powerful intercessor of Christians before God, softening His righteous anger. Deliver all who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from hunger, sorrows and illnesses, grant us a spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of sinful lives and the forgiveness of our sins; May we all, praising Thy greatness with gratitude, be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom, and there, with all the saints, let us glorify the most honorable and magnificent name in the Trinity of the glorified 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 icon of the Mother of God - “Tenderness”. On it, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ clung to each other. The prototype of the icon is considered to be 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 You, Queen of Heaven? Who will receive our crying and sighing, if not You, Most Immaculate, the hope of Christians and refuge for us sinners? Who is in mercy more than You? Incline Your ear to us, Lady, Mother of our God, and do not despise those who require Your help: hear our groaning, strengthen us sinners, enlighten and teach us, O Queen of Heaven, and do not depart from us, Thy servant, Lady, for our grumbling, but Be our Mother and Intercessor, and entrust us to the merciful protection of Your Son. Arrange for us whatever Your holy will pleases, and lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life, may we weep for our sins, may we rejoice with You always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

"Tikhvinskaya"

This icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with her son Jesus Christ, who holds the sacred list in one hand, and blesses the praying person with the other. The story of the defeat of the fascist invaders in one of the most important battles is connected with the Tikhvin icon. The enemy was defeated after the icon was flown on an airplane around the capital.

This icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with her son Jesus Christ

They pray to Our Lady of Tikhvin:

• about curing infertility;
• about deliverance from various troubles and difficult life circumstances;
• about children's health;
• about the cure for epilepsy and paralysis.

We thank Thee, O Most Blessed and Most Pure, Most Blessed Virgin, Lady, Mother of Christ our God, for all Thy good deeds, which Thou hast shown to the human race, especially to us, the people of Russia named after Christ, about whom the most angelic tongue will be pleased with praise. We thank Thee, as even now Thou hast surprised Thy ineffable mercy upon us, Thy unworthy servants, with the supernatural self-coming of Thy Most Pure Icon, and with it Thou hast enlightened all Russian country. Likewise, we, sinners, worshiping with fear and joy, cry out to Thee: O Most Holy Virgin, Queen and Mother of God, save and have mercy on Thy people, and grant them victory over all their enemies, and preserve the reigning cities, and all Christian cities and countries, and deliver this holy temple from every slander of the enemy, and grant everything for the benefit of all, who now come with faith and pray to Your servant, and who worship Your Most Holy Image, for blessed are You with the Son and God born of You, now and ever and unto the ages of ages . 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 captured on the icon as a reminder of true salvation.

In the icon, the Mother of God holds Christ in her arms, pointing at Him with one hand

In 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. They pray in front of the Three-Handed icon in case of severe physical injuries, as well as in any difficult life circumstances.

Oh, Most Holy Lady and Lady Theotokos, who showed a great miracle to Saint John of Damascus, as if he showed true faith - undoubted hope! Hear us, sinners, before Your miraculous icon, fervently praying and asking for Your help: do not reject this prayer of many for the sake of our sins, but, as the Mother of mercy and generosity, deliver us from illnesses, sorrows and sorrows, forgive the sins we have committed, fill us with joy and joy to all who honor Your holy icon, may we joyfully sing and glorify Your name with love, for You are chosen and blessed from all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Another prayer:

Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin, Mother of God Mary! We fall down and worship You before Your holy icon, remembering Your glorious miracle, the healing of the truncated right hand of the Venerable John of Damascus, which was revealed from this icon, whose sign is still visible on it, in the form of a third hand, attached to Your image. We pray to You and ask You, the All-merciful and All-generous Intercessor of our race: hear us, praying to You, and like blessed John, who cried out to You in sorrow and illness, you heard us, so do not despise us, those who grieve and suffer from the wounds of many different passions, do not despise , those who diligently come running to You from a contrite soul. You see, O All-Merciful Lady, our infirmities, our embitterment, our need, I will need Your help, as enemies surround us from everywhere, and there is no one who helps, less than one who intercedes, unless You have mercy on us, the Lady. To her, we pray to You, listen to our painful voice and help us the patristic Orthodox faith to preserve our integrity until the end of our days, to walk unswervingly in all the commandments of the Lord, to always bring true repentance for our sins to God and to be honored with a peaceful Christian death and a good answer at the terrible judgment of Your Son and our God. Beseech Him for us with Thy motherly prayer, that He may not condemn us according to our iniquity, but may He have mercy on us according to His great and ineffable mercy. O All-Good One! Hear us and do not deprive us of Your sovereign help, yes, having received salvation through You, let us sing and glorify You on the land of the living and our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was born of You, to Him belong glory and power, honor and worship, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit , always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"Unexpected Joy"

The very name of this image of the Holy Virgin Mary speaks about the meaning of the icon. Every praying and believing person should strive for the joy experienced at the forgiveness of earthly sins. To do 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 prayed, was brought to his senses by the Mother of God. After this, the sinner repented and began to lead a righteous life.

The very name of this image of the Holy Virgin Mary speaks about the meaning of the icon

They pray in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon about:

• admonition and guidance on the true path;
• missing persons;
• easy pregnancy;
• on peaceful resolution of conflict situations.

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You: and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon every day, You did not despise, but You granted the unexpected joy of repentance, and through Your zealous intercession with Your Son for the forgiveness of the sinner Thou hast bowed thus, and now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, and to all of us, with faith and tenderness before Thy celibate image, who, according to each need, grant unexpected joy: may all in heaven and on the lands lead You as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and this leading, they glorify You and Your Son with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

"Blessed Womb"

The name of this image of the Virgin Mary originates from the words Gospel. The icon depicts the Mother of God sitting on a pillow. The Christ Child is pressed to Her breast. Three copies of this icon have survived.

The icon of the Mother of God “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 for the successful bearing of a healthy child.

The name of this image of the Virgin Mary originates from the words Gospel

O Most Holy Theotokos, our merciful Mother! Show Thy mercy to us, Thy servants (names), who are in sorrow and who are always in sin, and do not despise us, Thy many-sinful servants. We resort to You, Most Holy Theotokos, aware of our many sins and pray: visit our weak souls and ask Your beloved Son and our God to grant us, Your servants (names), forgiveness. One Most Pure and Blessed One, we place all our hope in You: 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 Mother of God 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-merciful, Most Pure Lady Theotokos, these honorable gifts, the only one bestowed upon You from us, Thy unworthy servants, chosen from all generations, the highest appearing of all creatures of heaven and earth. Because for Your sake the Lord of hosts was with us, and through You we knew the Son of God, and became worthy of His Holy Body and His Most Pure Blood. Blessed are you, too, in the birth of births, God-blessed One, the most luminous of the Cherubim and the most honorable of the Seraphim. And now, All-Singing Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil advice and from every situation, and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil. But even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if through Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the One God and the Creator of all, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

"Blessed Sky"

This icon of the Mother of God is revered not only on Russian Orthodox soil, 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 “Gracious Heaven”

What shall we call You, O Blessed Mother of God, Immaculate Mary?
With what hymns shall we exalt Thee, exalted by Heaven and earth, Angels and men? For there appeared upon You a mystery unheard of for centuries on earth and unknown to the Angels in Heaven, more than mind and word, the incarnation of God the Word, born from the beginning from the Beginning Father without a Mother and incarnated in Your womb and born with the imperishable seal of Your virginity.

Oh, the miracle of all ancient and new miracles! The immutable word of God Himself about the victorious seed of the woman will be fulfilled and perfected in the Husbandless Virgin.

Oh, the immeasurable depth of the wisdom and greatness of God! What names shall we call Thee, O Unbrideless Bride? Shall we call Thee the dawn of the sun rising in the sky? But You are Heaven itself, from You the Sun of Truth has risen - Christ our God, the Savior of sinners. Do we call You the gate leading into the paradise lost by our ancestors, abounding in all blessings? But You Yourself are a blessed paradise, having grown the Flower of incorruption, healing and driving away the stink of sin and the stench of ancestral corruption. Shall we call you the young Immaculate Virgin who has not known marriage? But even to your old age you remained undisguised and virgin until birth, and in the birth, and after the birth of the Son, you remained. Shall we call Thee Pure and Holy Mary, who with Her purity surpassed all mothers and foremothers? But You not only gave birth to That Child Christ, but You also carried Him with Your breasts and nourished Him with Your mother’s virgin milk, the One Who nourishes every creature, Whom the Heavenly powers stand before with fear and trembling, and Whom every breath and creature praises.
Oh, truly You are wonderful in wives, wonderful in virgins, inimitable in mothers! We fall before 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 charity and lift them up, like the sacrifice of our humble heart, like a little-valued mite of our spiritual poverty, to the Throne of Your Son, our Savior, so that the message of destinies will guide our path to salvation and the inheritance of His Kingdom, which has no end forever and ever. . Amen.

"The Sorrowful Joy of All"

The name of the icon contains its entire meaning and significance: the Mother of God consoles those who resort to Her help. The Icon of the Mother of God “The Sorrowful Joy of All” depicts the Mother of God surrounded by suffering people: sick, hungry, naked. On top of the Mother of God is Jesus Christ. In one hand He holds Holy Bible, and the other blesses.

The name of the icon contains its entire meaning and significance.

Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Most Blessed Mother of Christ God our Savior, Joy to all the sorrowing, visiting the sick, protection and intercessor of the weak, widows and orphans, patroness of the sad, all-reliable comforter of sad mothers, strength of weak infants, and always ready help and faithful refuge for all the helpless! You, O All-Merciful One, have been given grace from the Almighty to intercede for everyone and deliver them from sorrow and illness, for you yourself have endured fierce sorrow and illness, looking at the free suffering of Your beloved Son and Him crucified on the cross in sight, when Simeon’s weapon was predicted by Your heart let's pass. Moreover, O beloved Mother of children, heed the voice of our prayer, comfort us in the sorrow of those who exist, as a faithful intercessor of joy: standing before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, at the right hand of Your Son, Christ our God, you can, if you wish, ask for everything useful to us. For this reason, with heartfelt faith and love from the soul, we fall to You as the Queen and Lady and we dare to cry out to You in psalms: hearing, Daughters, and see, and incline Your ear, hear our prayer, and deliver us from current troubles and sorrows; You fulfill the requests of all the faithful, as if they were joyful, and you have given peace and consolation to their souls. Behold our misfortune and sorrow: show us Thy mercy, send comfort to our hearts wounded by sorrow, show and surprise us sinners with the riches of Thy mercy, give us tears of repentance to cleanse our sins and quench the wrath of God, and with a pure heart, good conscience and With undoubted hope we resort to Your intercession and intercession: accept, our all-merciful Lady Theotokos, our earnest prayer offered to You, and do not reject us, unworthy, from Your mercy, but grant us deliverance from sorrow and illness, protect us from all slander of the enemy and slander human, be our constant helper all the days of our life, so that under Your maternal protection we will always achieve our goals and be preserved by Your intercession and prayers to Your Son and God our Savior, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His beginningless Father and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. 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 copy of this image of the Mother of God is kept in a Moscow church.

The name of this icon speaks for itself: in front of it they pray for children and ask the Mother of God for help in raising them.

The icon depicts the Mother of God with Christ sitting on Her left hand

Oh, Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, most merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your roof our children [names], and all the youths, young women, infants and mothers born in their wombs. Cover them with Your robe, keep them in the fear of God and obedience to their parents, beg our Lord and Your Son to grant them everything that is useful for salvation. We entrust them to Your maternal supervision, for You are the Divine cover of Your servant. Amen.

"Life-Giving Spring"

On the icon “Life-Giving Spring” the Mother of God is depicted in a bowl, which is placed in a source of miraculous water: all 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 near a source with healing water. They pray to the icon 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 “Life-Giving Spring”

O Most Holy Virgin, All-Merciful Lady Theotokos, Life-Giving Source You have given us Your healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world, and with the same gratitude we sincerely pray to You, Most Holy Queen, pray to Your Son and our God to grant us remission of sins and to every grieving and embittered soul mercy and consolation, and liberation from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, O Lady, protection to this temple and these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection of our country from misfortunes, so that we may live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be honored to see You as 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 Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

"Deliverer"

The glorification of the “Deliverer” icon began in the 18th century, after a miracle occurred that freed one of the Greek provinces from locusts. After this, the icon repeatedly demonstrated its miraculous power. They pray to the icon for deliverance from demonic possession during various disasters, and for the healing of various infirmities.

The glorification of the “Deliverer” icon began in the 18th century

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Deliverer”

Oh, Mother of God, our help and protection, whenever we ask, be our deliverer, we trust in You and always call upon You with all our souls: have mercy and help, have pity and deliver, incline Your ear and accept our sorrowful and tearful prayers, and as you wish, calm and rejoice us, who love your Beginning Son and our God. Amen.

"Key of Understanding"

On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted in full height, and a key is drawn at the bottom. Prayers are performed in front of the icon before the start of any teaching. They also pray before her for children who have difficulty in some sciences or for those who suffer from poor mental development.

In this icon the Mother of God is depicted in full height

Wisdom, the Teacher and the Giver of meaning, the unwise
To the Instructor and Intercessor of the poor, Mother of Christ our God, strengthen and enlighten my heart, O Lady, and add my mind to Christ with fervent supplication. Give me the word, having given birth to the Father's Word, so that I may boldly ask Your Son for us. Amen.

"Mammal"

In the icon, the Mother of God is breastfeeding little Jesus Christ. There are several lists of this icon. Many miracles of healing are associated with them, occurring after prayers in front of this image of the Mother of God. The icon is the patroness of babies and their mothers. They pray to her:

• about successful feeding of young children;
• with a lack of milk in the mother;
• during difficult childbirth, etc.

In the icon, the Mother of God breastfeeds little Jesus Christ

Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We look at you holy icon who carries in her arms and nourishes with milk Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, and even more so, you weighed the maternal sorrows and infirmities of the sons and daughters of human beings. With the same warmth falling upon Thy whole-bearing image and tenderly kissing this, we pray to Thee, All-Merciful Lady: we, sinners, condemned to give birth to sickness and nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from the grave deliver from illness and bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy of deliverance, accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His Name, as we and our children glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the true hope of our race, forever and ever. . Amen.

"Eternal Color"

The Mother of God in this icon is depicted with the Infant of God sitting on one of Her hands. In another, the Virgin Mary holds a white lily. This flower is a symbol of purity and innocence.

The Mother of God in this icon is depicted with the Infant of God 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 preserve youth, beauty, purity of soul and body. The icon is considered female, but men can also pray in front of it. Turning to this image of the Mother of God helps resolve family conflicts and assists in all matters related to marriage.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon “Fadeless Color”

O Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften hearts evil people, rising up against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower 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 may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

"Consolation 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 in 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 Mary 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 covered the Mother’s lips, 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 of trouble. The plunder of the monastery was prevented.

This once again showed the mercy of the Mother of God, who always shows it to people in everything. 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 adversities, including deliverance from epidemics that strike large quantities of people.

Prayer before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Consolation and Consolation”

Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, our Joy and Consolation! Look mercifully at the people who stand with faith and love and worship Your Most Pure Image, accept our singing of praise and pour out Your warm prayer for us sinners to the Lord, so that, despising all our sins, He will save and have mercy on us, O Most Precious Lady! Show us Your wonderful mercies, save the shepherds of the Church and the entire Christian army. We pray to You with tenderness, deliver us all from all sorrow, guide us on the path of all virtues and goodness, save us from temptations, troubles and illnesses and take away slander and quarrels from us, save us from lightning thunder, from the flood of fire, from hail, cowardice, flood and deadly plagues, grant us Your merciful help on the way, and at sea and on land.
Behold, O All-Merciful Lady, in undoubted hope we offer to You our wretched prayer. Do not reject our tears and sighs, do not forget us all the days of our life, but always remain with us, and through Your intercession and intercession with the Lord, give us joy, consolation, protection and help, so that we glorify and magnify and please You throughout all generations. forever and ever. Amen.

"Assistant in childbirth"

They pray to this image of the Mother of God for help in all matters related to the birth of children:

• about the health of the newborn;
• about help in difficult childbirth;
• during a difficult pregnancy.

They pray to this image of the Mother of God for help in all matters related to the birth of children.

In the icon, the Mother of God is depicted with her hair flowing and her hands folded on her chest. Jesus Christ in the bosom of the Virgin Mary

Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We see you in the holy icon, carrying Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in your womb. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, even though the mother weighed the sorrow and infirmity of the sons and daughters of human beings. With the same warmth falling upon Thy whole-bearing image, and kissing this tenderly, we pray to Thee, all-merciful Lady: to give birth to us sinners condemned in illness and to nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from a serious illness and deliver from bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise.

O mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy and deliverance receive the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, as we and our children will glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the faithful Hope of our race, 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 Mary.

He began to pray earnestly, 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 in front of 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-Writing”

“We reverently bow to Your miraculous icon, Most Holy Virgin Mary, and pray to You, O All-Glorious One: grant healing from illnesses, bestow strength on our bodies and souls. We trust in Your mercy and send up glory: glory, Most Pure One, glory, Most Blessed One, forever and ever. Amen".

"Quick to Hear"

The story that glorified this icon took place in one of the monasteries on Holy Mount Athos. The image of the Mother of God hung above the entrance to the refectory. Each time one of the monks passed into it, he carried a burning splinter in his hands, from which smoke emanated and soot settled on the icon. Passing in Once again in the dining room, the monk heard the voice of the Mother of God, who asked him to stop smoking Her image. At first the monk could not believe his ears, thinking that this was a joke of his brothers. But the incident repeated itself, and the monk became blind.

After this, he prayed for a long time at the very icon from which he heard the Virgin Mary herself call to him. His prayers were heard: he regained his sight, and the Mother of God informed him that from now on everyone who falls to this icon and asks for HER help and intercession will be heard.

The image of the Mother of God hung above the entrance to the refectory

All those who need a speedy resolution of any difficult situations pray to this image of the Mother of God.

Most blessed Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to God the Word more than any word for our salvation, and who received His grace more abundantly than all others, who appeared as a sea of ​​Divine gifts and miracles, an ever-flowing river, pouring out goodness to all who come running to You with faith! To Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the humane-loving Lord: surprise us with Your rich mercies and our petitions brought to You, Quick to Hear, speed up the fulfillment of everything that is arranged for the benefit of consolation and salvation for everyone. Visit, O Blessing Thy servants, with Thy grace, grant to the sick healing and perfect health, to those overwhelmed by silence, to those captivated by freedom, and to the afflicted by various images of comfort. Deliver, O All-Merciful Lady, every city and country from famine, plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and other temporary and eternal punishments, by Your maternal boldness turning away the wrath of God; and spiritual relaxation, overwhelm by passions and falls, free Thy servant, as if, without stumbling in all piety, having lived in this world, and in the future of eternal blessings, we may be made worthy of the grace and love for mankind of Thy Son and God, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with His Beginning Father and By the Most Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

"Quiet my sorrows"

The icon has been revered since the 18th century. Until this time, it was in oblivion in the bell tower of the temple. The story associated with the icon tells about the miracle of healing of one woman from an illness. The Mother of God appeared to her in a dream, telling her to ask to be taken to the temple and pray for healing before the image of the Mother of God “Quench my sorrows.” The woman did everything and left the temple on her own legs, which she could not stand on before.

The icon has been revered since the 18th century

In 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 Mary is leaning against her cheek, and her head is slightly tilted. This position of the Virgin Mary suggests that She listens to all the requests of those praying. In front of this image, the Mother of God asks for help in all difficult life situations, about health and getting rid of diseases.

Hope of all ends of the earth, Most Pure Virgin, Lady Theotokos, my consolation! Do not disdain us sinners, for we trust in Your mercy, there is a flame in us and water our withered hearts with repentance, cleanse our minds from sinful thoughts, accept the prayers offered to You with sighs from the soul and heart. Be an intercessor for us to Your Son and God, and turn away His anger with Your motherly prayers, heal mental and physical ulcers, Lady Lady, quench the illness of the soul and body, calm the storm of evil attacks of the enemy, take away the burden of our sins, and do not abandon us to the end perish, and comfort our broken hearts with sorrow, may we glorify Thee until our last breath. Amen.

"Healer"

This is another image Holy Virgin, to which all believing Orthodox Christians turn in prayer. From the title it becomes clear what the Mother of God depicted in this icon is asked for: healing from various serious illnesses, deliverance from the torments of pain.

There is a known case that occurred with one of the clergy suffering from a serious illness. After the priest’s constant prayers, his room was once illuminated with white light, in which the Virgin Mary appeared. She touched the sick person with her staff, and the priest, by the will of God, was healed of his illness.

From the name it becomes clear what the Mother of God is asked for

Accept, O All-Blessed and All-Powerful Lady Theotokos the Virgin, these prayers, now offered to You with tears from us, Your unworthy servants, who send up the singing of Your celibate image with tenderness, as if You yourself are here and heed our prayer. For every request you fulfill, you alleviate sorrows, you grant health to the weak, you heal the weakened and sick, you drive away demons from demons, you deliver the offended from insults, you cleanse lepers and you are kind to little children; Moreover, O Lady, Lady Theotokos, you free us from bonds and prisons and heal all manifold passions: for all things are possible through Your intercession to Your Son, Christ our God. Oh, All-Singing Mother, Most Holy Theotokos! Do not cease to pray for us, Your unworthy servants, who glorify You and honor You, and who worship Your Most Pure Image with tenderness, and who have irrevocable hope and undoubted faith in You, the Ever-Virgin, Most Glorious and Immaculate, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. 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 up in prayer, and Jesus Christ is drawn against HER background. The name of these icons comes from Novgorod icon The Mother of God, who gave a sign to the inhabitants of the city of the same name during 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 Most Blessed Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We fall down and worship You before Your holy, miraculous icon, remembering the wondrous sign of Your intercession, which was revealed to the great Novegrad during the days of the military invasion of this city. We humbly pray to You, O All-Powerful Intercessor of our family: just as in ancient times You hastened to help our fathers, so now we, weak and sinners, have been made worthy of Your maternal intercession and care. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the cover 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 for Your intercession. Hey, Madam All-Merciful! Have mercy on us, overwhelmed by many sins, stretch out Thy God-receiving hand to Christ the Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking us forgiveness of our sins, a pious peaceful life, a good Christian death and a good answer at His terrible Judgment, yes, we are saved by Thy almighty to Through His prayers, we will inherit the bliss of heaven and with all the saints we will sing the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Most Worshipful Trinity, Father and Son and 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 begging for 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 to in the following cases:

• bleeding;
• infertility;
• headache;
• family troubles.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her “Merciful” Icon

O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Merciful Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary! Falling before Your holy and miraculous icon, we humbly pray to You, our Good and Merciful Intercessor: listen to the voice of our sinful prayers, do not despise the sighs from the soul, seeing the sorrows and misfortunes that have befallen us, and like a truly loving Mother, striving to help us helpless, sad, Those who have fallen into many and grave sins and continually anger our Lord and Creator, pray to Him, our Representative, not to destroy us with our iniquities, but to show us His philanthropic mercy. Ask us, O Lady, from His goodness, bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, well-timed rains and a blessing from above for all our good deeds and undertakings, and as of old you mercifully looked upon the humble praise of the novice of Athonite. , who sang a song of praise to You before Your most pure icon, and You sent Archangel Gabriel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the angels of the mountain glorify You, graciously accept our prayer now fervently offered to You, and bring it to Your Son and God, may He be merciful He will be a sinner for us, and He will add His mercy to all who honor Thee and worship Thy holy image with faith. O All-Merciful Queen, All-merciful Mother of God, stretch out Your God-bearing hands to Him, in His image, as if You were carrying a baby, and beg Him to save us all and deliver us from eternal destruction. Show us, O Lady, Your generosity: heal the sick, comfort the afflicted, help the needy, make us all prosperous to bear the yoke of Christ in patience and humility, grant us a pious end to this earthly life, receive a Christian shameless death, and inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, through Your maternal intercession to To Christ our God, who was born of You, and to Him with His Originless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

All icons of the Mother of God with such different names, photos and descriptions of their origin, can 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 Mother of God, photos with names and descriptions of which were presented above, are pronounced with sincere faith and repentance.

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. "Omen" Vladimir icon The visible “heel” (foot) of the Savior is considered 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.

The Quick Hearer in some ways resembles the Tikhvin 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.