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Hello, dear readers. When you come to the temple, it is important to know the icons and their meaning in order to immediately approach the image you need.

Many people think that it doesn’t matter which icon to pray in front of, because prayer comes from pure heart. But we offer a prayer not to the icon itself, but to the one whose image is conveyed on it, because all saints have their own strengths.

Stand in front of the shrine and cross yourself to attract God's blessing.
After you have asked for help, that is, prayed, kiss the image. By doing this you will express your respect to the Lord.
After finishing the prayer service, you must cross yourself three times.

Pray with bright thoughts, forgiving everyone who offended you.

The meaning of the icons

This is one of the most powerful icons. The Most Holy Theotokos had to endure many torments, which are symbolized by seven arrows. When a person feels bad, he goes precisely to this image. “Semistrelnaya” will help in protecting your home, protect you from troubles, envious people, evil people, from curses, damage, the evil eye of the person who wears her icon on his chest.

If you need to reconcile the warring parties, bring peace and tranquility to your home, then you need to kneel before this relic and prayerfully ask for help. They take it with them when they go on important matters.

At home they put it opposite front door, higher than half the wall, so that she could “see” the eyes of the person entering. Before installing the relic, it is necessary to read a prayer service. You may notice: a person with unkind thoughts will stop crossing the threshold of your home.

The Most Holy Theotokos will become a protector from criminals, thieves and any unkind people. Those living in this house can be sure that their family is reliably protected.

Place it on your desktop, it will protect you from quarrels with your boss and work colleagues. If a person’s soul is embittered, then he can approach the face, the Most Holy Theotokos will help him return to good thoughts again.

2. “INEXHAUSTABLE CHALICE”

Icon of the Mother of God. The Mother of God consoles, prays for everyone who has stumbled, and calls upon them to touch the inexhaustible spring of spiritual joy. The purpose of this holy power is difficult to overestimate.

The inexhaustible cup will help everyone who turns to it with faith. She proclaims that heavenly help and mercy are destined for all who ask. It will help cure those who are addicted to gambling from drunkenness, drug addiction. The image of the Mother of God should be installed at the head of the bed of a patient with alcoholism or drug addiction and prayed every day.

There are many known cases of healing from drunkenness and other addictions. There is evidence that the relic helped solve housing issues, facilitate the conclusion of transactions for the purchase and sale of apartments and houses. Parents who send their children into adulthood are obliged to ask for help by saying prayers in front of the shrine every day.

3. Icon of the Mother of God “HEALER”

It will help heal a person not only from physical illnesses, but also mental ones. The relic can be recognized by the image of the Mother of God standing at the bedside of a sick person.

4. “UNEXPECTED JOY”

Our whole life consists of small joys that we often do not notice in pursuit of an ephemeral dream, forgetting about our loved ones, about words of gratitude. Therefore, many dreams, becoming obsessive, do not allow you to enjoy the new day, and therefore are not heard.

What to pray for from the face of Unexpected Joy

Prayer at the shrine grants:

Gain spiritual power;
Get what you always dreamed of, but no longer believed in getting it. It could be someone's forgiveness, repentance;
Grants healing of ailments, especially with hearing loss and ear diseases;
Our Lady will help find and return missing people;
It will help a pregnant woman to bear and give birth to a healthy child;
For parents whose children have taken the wrong path, the Mother of God will give them the opportunity to bring them to their senses;
Resolves conflicts, helps to come to a happy solution;
People pray at the relic for the preservation of marriage, love and harmony.

5. “THREE-HANDED”

The miraculous image of the Mother of God grants healing from hand diseases. Prayer services protect against fire, various diseases, sadness and grief.

6. “QUICK TO HEAR”

The painting of the image dates back to the 10th century. If you need quick, emergency help, they kneel before the shrine. They also ask:

about healing mental illnesses;
about healing from cancer, paralysis, blindness;
prayerfully ask for the birth of healthy children;
They pray for the release of those who are languishing in captivity.

7. “SERAPHIM OF SAROV”

Saint, especially revered in Russia. A prayer service to Seraphim of Sarov helps to heal from pain in the joints, arms, legs, and spine.

Patron of Moscow. Those whose work involves weapons and risking their lives, as well as athletes and entrepreneurs who start their own businesses pray to him.

9. NICHOLAS THE WONDERWORKER

Protector from want and poverty. If his face is in your home, then he makes sure that the family has prosperity and protects from want. He is worshiped by all travelers, pilots, drivers, sailors and everyone who reveres this saint.

In Rus', a particularly revered image Holy Mother of God. Before this holy power, the coronation of kings and the election of high priests took place.

Prayers will help to pacify people who are at war with each other, soften evil hearts, and heal those who are possessed by a demon from physical and mental weakness.

People have always resorted to the help of the icon of the Holy Mother of God. In what cases can it help:

She protects the house from fires.
Doctors, military men, firefighters, and pilots ask her for help.
Miraculous fire helps to cleanse oneself from committed sins and mental illnesses.

12. IVERIAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

The Virgin Mary grants:

Healing the sick,
Restocking,
Getting rid of enemy attacks.

13. UNFADING COLOR

She is the personification of purity, innocence, therefore, she stands up for protection young girls, helping them maintain their innocence and chastity.

Prayers at the image of the Unfading Flower help you marry the person whom fate itself sent. Married women can ask for a prosperous family life.

The miraculous face protects and helps women maintain purity, self-control, and good character. If you ask the Virgin Mary for support with faith, she will definitely fulfill your request. Our Lady will definitely help girls find a worthy life partner.

When a woman experiences severe life trials or she experiences mental shock, then she must kneel at the image of the Most Pure One, then life will definitely improve.

15. KAZAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

Intercessor. She helps everyone who is in trouble or has difficulties at work, as well as in their personal life.

The guidebook will help you take correct solution, will save you from mistakes. When blessing young people before marriage, they also turn to Our Lady of Kazan. The life of the newlyweds will be very happy if the wedding takes place on the day of the celebration of the Holy Image.

Spouses can always turn to this image for help. Saint Mary will help anyone who turns to her with any pure request. If the request is negative, it will not be heard.

How to ask for help

If you pray at home, then you need to pray in the morning:

Before prayer, wash your face and cross your hands;
Leave all annoying thoughts;
Light the candles, kneel down, read the prayer service;
Say your request in your own words, coming from your heart.

16. OSTROBRAMSKAYA ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

A rare but extremely powerful image that protects the home from evil spirits, the family from outside interference, helps spouses find happiness and love, and everyone else get rid of despondency and depression.

Place it at the entrance, then it will protect your home from all evil spirits and from unfriendly guests. Many people confirm that after private prayer in front of this Holy Face, problems were solved by themselves.

17. Icon “UNBREAKABLE WALL”

Named in honor of its resilience, not being damaged, no matter what disasters, elements and wars the image of the Mother of God, located in the Kiev monastery, survived.

A miracle beyond the control of human reason makes this icon a protector in all troubles, illnesses and misfortunes. The icon will ward off troubles and fires, will not allow dashing people into the house, and will help strengthen family happiness.

Pray at the icon when leaving home, as well as in solitude. The best place in the house for your Protectress, the wall opposite the front door or above it.

18. MOURNING

The icon of the Mother of God helps people:

Grants necessary benefits to those who need them;
Brings comfort in grief, helps in difficult life situations;
Heals physical and mental illnesses;
Protects merchants on long journeys.

Pray to the face, and help will come to you in work, business and family life.

19. JOY OF ALL JOYS

The miraculous icon will help if you pray without fuss and anger in your heart:

About the return of lost items;
To save yourself from slander and slander;
On release from prison;
On the successful completion of legal proceedings;
About help during a trip to a foreign country;
About those who serve in “hot spots”.

20. TRINITY

A prayerful appeal to the Holy Trinity will help you cope with any trials, find the right way. Before the shrine, you need to read prayers in order to cleanse yourself of those sins that torment you and do not allow you to live in peace. It is believed that the prayer said at the Holy Trinity icon is a direct conversation with God.

Dear friends, now you know in what needs you need to turn to which saint in order to get rid of the most severe troubles and experiences. Don't forget to thank God for every moment of your life, and then you will be happy and successful.

Do you want beautiful waterfalls, forests, seas, or the freshness of juicy fruits, pretty girls or cute animals to please your eyes? Have you been tired of the endless search for desktop images for your monitor, smartphone or tablet? Now there is a great solution for you!

Our website - a modern photo gallery - presents a huge collection of desktop wallpapers and various pictures. The site menu presents a wide variety of desktop pictures and the best wallpapers. Here you will find collections of pictures on the theme of nature, music, love, spring, cities, cartoons and, of course, girls. We also have frames for the Photoshop program, and pictures - congratulations. Large selection of thematic images of Orthodox icons.

Thanks to our website, you can constantly update the appearance of your workplace, lifting the mood of yourself and the people around you. Give yourself a great mood using our desktop wallpapers and pictures!

The icon is a relief pictorial image of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God or Saints. It cannot be called a painting, since it does not reproduce what the artist has before his eyes, but a fantasy or prototype that must be taken into account.

The history of icon painting goes back to ancient times and originates in early Christianity in Rus'. This art is multifaceted and unique. And it is not surprising, since it fully reflects the glorious traditions and spirituality of the Russian people. This is both a cult object for the Orthodox and a cultural national treasure.

There is no strict chronology here, however, it is generally accepted that the first icons in Rus' began to be used in the 10th century, when Christianity was adopted. Icon painting remained the center of ancient Russian culture until the 17th century, when in the era of Peter the Great it began to be replaced by secular types visual arts. Although Christian churches were present in Kyiv before, only after 988 the first stone church was built. The painting work was carried out by specially invited masters from Byzantium. Sometimes the most important parts of her painting were carried out using the mosaic technique.

Prince Vladimir I from Chersonese brought many shrines and icons to Kyiv. Unfortunately, over the years they were lost. In addition, not a single icon of that time has survived from Chernigov, Kyiv, Smolensk and other southern cities. However, we can talk about icon painting, given the numerous wall paintings. The most ancient icons in Rus' were able to survive in Veliky Novgorod (on the territory of the St. Sophia Cathedral).

By the beginning of the 13th century, the maximum flowering of Russian icon painting was observed in art center Vladimir-Suzdal principality. However, the invasion of Rus' by Batu had a negative impact on further development iconography. The harmony characteristic of Byzantium disappeared from the icons, numerous writing techniques began to be simplified and conserved. But artistic life was not completely interrupted. Russian craftsmen continued to work in Rostov, the Russian North and Vologda. Rostov icons were characterized by significant expression, activity of images and sharpness of execution. This icon painting has always stood out for its artistry, subtlety, and refined combination of colors.

But from the end of the 14th century, the entire artistic life of Rus' was concentrated in Moscow. It was here that numerous craftsmen worked: Serbs, Russians, Greeks. Feofan the Greek himself worked in Moscow. The icons of that time were able to prepare a serious basis for the flourishing of Russian icon painting at the beginning of the 15th century, in particular the brilliant icons of Andrei Rublev. The masters paid increased attention to paints and color scheme. It is not surprising that ancient Russian icon painting is a complex and great art.

In the icons of those times, the most important place was occupied by various purple tones, shades of the sky, blue vault (they were used to depict glow, thunderstorms). Novgorod icon painting of the 15th century was able to preserve the usual love for light and bright colors. An intense and provocative sense of color was characteristic of the Pskov school. In comparison with the ringing color of Novgorod, famous tones dominate in it, with enormous moral tension in the faces of the saints. As for Rublev's era, its main task was the revival of faith in man, in his kindness and moral forces. Artists of that period by all possible ways they tried to convey that icon painting is an art where every detail has great meaning.

Today, Orthodox believers consider the following icons to be among the most significant:

1. "Vladimir Mother of God". When turning to this icon, believers pray for deliverance from the invasions of enemies, for strengthening faith, for preserving the integrity of the country and for the reconciliation of warring parties. The history of this icon has its own roots in the distant past. It is considered to be the greatest shrine of the Russian land, which testifies to the special protection of the Mother of God over Russian Empire in the XIV-XVI centuries during the raids of the Tatar hordes. There is a legend that this icon was created during the life of the Mother of God herself. The modern Orthodox Church associates any of the days of the triple celebration of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God with the deliverance of the people from enslavement through prayers that were addressed specifically to this icon.

2. "Savior Almighty". This icon is often called “Savior” or “Savior”. In the iconography of Christ, this is the central image representing Him as the Heavenly King. It is for this reason that it is customary to place it at the head of the iconostasis.

3. "Virgin Mary of Kazan". While turning to this icon, believers pray for healing of the disease of blindness and ask for deliverance from enemy invasions. The Kazan Mother of God is considered an intercessor in difficult times. It is used to bless young people who have decided to get married. The presented icon is also asked for happiness and family well-being. That is why it is often hung near the crib. Today, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God can be found in almost any church. The image of the Virgin Mary can also be found in most believing families. During the reign of the Romanov dynasty, such an icon was one of the most revered and important shrines, which allowed it to be considered the patroness of the royal family.

4. "Savior Not Made by Hands". In accordance with church tradition, the image of the Savior was considered the first icon. There is a legend that this happened during the earthly existence of the Savior. Prince Avgar, who was the ruler of the city of Edessa, was seriously ill. Having heard about the healings that Jesus Christ performed, he wanted to look at the Savior. He sent messengers for the painter to make a portrait of Christ. But the artist failed to fulfill the assignment, because the radiance coming from the face of the Lord was so strong that the creator’s brush could not convey His Light. However, the Lord wiped His pure face with a towel, after which His Image was displayed on it. Only after receiving the image was Abgar able to be healed of his own illness. Today, people turn to the image of the savior with prayers, as well as requests for guidance on the true path, for deliverance from bad thoughts and salvation of the soul.

5. Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Nicholas the Wonderworker is known as the patron saint of all who are constantly on the move - pilots, fishermen, travelers and sailors, and is the most revered saint throughout the world. In addition, he is the intercessor of those who have been unjustly offended. He patronizes children, women, innocent prisoners and the poor. Icons with his image are the most common in modern Orthodox churches.

The history of the discovery of this icon goes back far into the past. It is believed that about four hundred years ago it was found on one of the bell towers of the Church of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian in the Vologda region. Then, a peasant who had long suffered from lameness saw a dream in which he had a long-awaited cure for his illness. A divine voice in a dream told him that if he prayed near the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, the illness would leave him; the location of this shrine was also revealed to him.

Twice the peasant came to the bell tower at the local church and told about his dream, but no one then believed his stories. Only the third time, after much persuasion, was the sufferer allowed into the belfry. Imagine the surprise of the local residents, the ministers of the Church, when on the stairs, instead of one of the steps, an icon was discovered, which everyone took for an ordinary perch. It looked like a canvas pasted onto an ordinary wooden board. They washed it from dust and dirt, restored it as much as possible, and then held a prayer service to the Seven Shore Mother of God. After this, the peasant was healed of a painful illness, and the icon began to be revered by the clergy along with the rest. Thus, in 1830, cholera raged in the Vologda province, claiming the lives of many thousands of people. Believing local residents held procession around the settlement, together with the icon, performing a prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos. After some time, the number of cases began to decline, and then the scourge completely left this city forever.

After this incident, the icon commemorated many more truly miraculous healings. However, after the revolution of the seventeenth year, the Church of the Holy Apostle John the Theologian, where the icon was located, was destroyed, and the icon itself disappeared. Currently, the myrrh-streaming Icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God is located in Moscow at the Church of the Archangel Michael.

The image of the Mother of God itself is quite interesting. Usually on all icons She appears with the Savior in her arms, or with angels and saints, but here the Mother of God is depicted completely alone, with seven swords stuck into Her heart. This image symbolizes Her severe suffering, indescribable grief and deep sadness for her Son during her time on earth. And this icon was written based on the prophecy of the holy righteous Simeon, given in Scripture.

There is an opinion of some clergy that the seven arrows piercing the chest of the Virgin Mary personify the seven most important human passions, sinful vices. There is also an opinion that the seven arrows are the seven holy Sacraments.

It is customary to pray in front of this icon to appease evil hearts, in times of disease epidemics; they also pray for the military, paying their debt to the Motherland, so that the enemy’s weapon will bypass them. The person praying seems to forgive the insults of his enemies and asks for the softening of their hearts.

The day of veneration of the Icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God is considered to be August 13 according to the new style or August 26 according to the old one. During prayer, it is desirable that at least seven candles be lit, but this is not necessary. At the same time, the prayer of the Long-Suffering Mother of God and the Troparion are read.

At home, a specific location of the icon is not prescribed, so it can be located either on the iconostasis or in any other place, for example, on the wall at the entrance to the main room. However, there are several tips for its location: it should not hang or stand near the TV, there should not be any photographs or images or posters around it.

The seven-shot image is a reflection of the gospel narrative of the arrival of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple on the 40th day after His birth. The holy elder Simeon, who served in the temple, saw in the Baby the Messiah expected by all and predicted trials and suffering for Mary that would pierce her heart like a weapon.

The Seven Shot Icon depicts the Mother of God alone, without the Child Jesus. Seven swords or arrows piercing her heart (four swords on the left, three on the right) are a symbol of the sorrows that the Mother of God endured in her earthly life. The weapon itself, symbolically depicted with seven swords, means the unbearable mental anguish and sorrow that the Virgin Mary experienced during the hours of torment on the cross, crucifixion and death on the cross of Her son.

According to the Holy Scriptures, the number seven symbolizes the completeness of something: seven deadly sins, seven cardinal virtues, seven church sacraments. The image of seven swords is not accidental: the image of a sword is associated with the shedding of blood.

This icon of the Mother of God has another version of the iconography - “Simeon’s Prophecy” or “Tenderness of Evil Hearts”, where seven swords are located on both sides, three in number and one in the center.

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Seven Arrows is of North Russian origin, associated with her miraculous appearance. Until 1917, she stayed in the Church of St. John the Evangelist near Vologda.

There is a legend about her miraculous discovery. A certain peasant, who had been seriously suffering from an incurable lameness for many years and was praying for healing, received a Divine voice. He ordered him to find the image of the Mother of God among the old icons that were kept in the bell tower of the Theological Church and to pray to him for healing. The icon was found on the stairs of the bell tower, where it served as a step like a simple board covered with dirt and debris. The clergy cleaned the image and served a prayer service in front of it, and the peasant was healed.

Before the image of the Seven-Shot Mother of God, they pray for the pacification of those at war, for acquiring the gift of patience in the face of embitterment of the heart, in the face of enmity and persecution.

The celebration of the icon takes place on August 26 and on the Presentation of the Lord on February 15.

Icon of St. Archangel Michael

Michael is considered a very important person in the heavenly hierarchy; the word Archangel means “leader of the angels.” He is the main leader among the angels. The name Michael means "one who is like God."

Archangels have always been considered warriors and protectors of Heaven. Of course, the main patron and defender of the Christian faith is the great Archangel Michael. It is worth noting that the Holy Archangel Michael is one of the most famous angels, he is also called the Archangel, which means that he is the most important of all ethereal forces.

According to the Holy Scriptures and tradition, he always stood up for humanity and will always continue to serve as one of the main defenders of the faith. In front of the icons with the Archangel Michael, people ask for protection from the invasion of enemies, civil war, and to defeat opponents on the battlefield.

The Council of Michael and all the ethereal powers of heaven is celebrated on November 21, and on September 19 the miracle of the Archangel in Colossae is celebrated. Mention of Michael can be first seen in Old Testament Although Michael is not mentioned by name in the text, it is said that Joshua “looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand.”

In the book of Daniel, Michael appears alongside the Archangel Gabriel to help defeat the Persians. In a later vision, she told Danil that “at that time (the end of time) Michael, the Great Prince, will protect the people. A difficult time will come, such as has not been seen since the beginning of time...” Thus, it can be understood that Michael plays a key role as the defender of Israel, her chosen people, and the Church.

The Church Fathers also attribute the following event to Michael: During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, he walked ahead of them, in the form of a pillar of cloud during the day, and at night in the form of a pillar of fire. The power of the great commander-in-chief was manifested in the destruction of 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib, also the wicked leader Heliodorus.

It is worth mentioning that there are many miraculous cases associated with Archangel Michael, the protection of three young men: Ananias, Azariah and Misail, who were thrown into a hot furnace for refusing to bow to the idol. By the will of God, the commander-in-chief Archangel Michael transports the prophet Habakkuk from Judea to Babylon to give food to Daniel in the lions' den. Archangel Michael argued with the devil over the body of the holy prophet Moses.

In New Testament times, Saint Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved young man, who was thrown into the sea by robbers with a stone around his neck, on the banks of Athos. This story is found in the Athos Patericon, from the life of St. Neophytos.

Perhaps the most famous miracle associated with the great Saint Michael the Archangel is the salvation of the church at Colossae. A number of pagans tried to destroy this church by directing the flow of two rivers directly towards it. The Archangel appeared among the waters, and, carrying the cross, directed the rivers underground, so that the church remained standing on the earth and was not destroyed thanks to Michael. In the spring, the water of these rivers after this miracle event is said to have healing powers.

Russian people revere Archangel Michael along with the Mother of God. The Most Pure Mother of God and Michael are always mentioned in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, churches are dedicated to the commander-in-chief of the heavenly forces, St. Archangel Michael. There was no city in Rus' where there was no church or chapel dedicated to Archangel Michael.

On icons, Michael is often depicted holding a sword in his hand, and in the other he holds a shield, spear, or white banner. Some icons of Archangel Michael (or Archangel Gabriel) show angels holding an orb in one hand and a staff in the other.

Icon of the Kazan Mother of God

The most widespread and revered Orthodox icons in Rus' are the icons of the Mother of God. Tradition says that the first image of the Mother of God was created by the Evangelist Luke during the life of the Mother of God; she approved of the icon and imparted her strength and grace to it. In Russian Orthodox Church there are about 260 images of the Mother of God, glorified by miracles. One of these images is the icon of the Kazan Mother of God.

According to iconography, this image belongs to one of the main six iconographic types, which is called “Hodegetria” or “Guide”. The Old Russian version of this icon, painted by a monk-icon painter in the image of the Byzantine Hodegetria, is distinguished by its warmth, softening the regal bearing of the original from Byzantium. The Russian Hodegetria has not a waist-length, but a shoulder-length image of Mary and the Infant Jesus, thanks to which their faces seem to come close to those praying.

In Russia there were three main miraculous icons Our Lady of Kazan. The first icon is a prototype miraculously revealed in 1579 in Kazan, which was kept in the Kazan Mother of God Monastery until 1904 and was lost. The second icon is a copy of the Kazan image and was presented to Ivan the Terrible. Later, this icon of the Mother of God was transported to St. Petersburg and transferred to the Kazan Cathedral during its illumination on September 15, 1811. The third icon of the Kazan Mother of God is a copy of the Kazan prototype, was transferred to the militia of Minin and Pozharsky and is now kept in Moscow in the Epiphany Cathedral.

In addition to these main icons of the Kazan Mother of God, it was made a large number of her miraculous lists. Prayer in front of this image helps in all human sorrows, sorrows and adversities. Russian people always prayed to her to protect their native land from foreign enemies. The presence of this icon in the house protects its household from all troubles; it shows, like a Guide, the right path in making difficult decisions. In front of this image of the Mother of God they pray at eye diseases. According to legend, during the miraculous discovery of the prototype in Kazan, a miracle of insight occurred from the blindness of the beggar Joseph, who had been blind for three years. This icon is used to bless the newlyweds for marriage so that it will be strong and long.

The celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God takes place twice a year: in honor of the acquisition of the image on July 21 and in honor of the liberation of Rus' from the Polish intervention on November 4.

Iveron Icon of the Mother of God

The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, revered in Rus' as miraculous, is a copy of the oldest image, which is kept in the Iveron Monastery in Greece on Mount Athos and dates back to the 11-12th century. According to the iconographic type, she is Hodegetria. According to the legend, the icon of the Mother of God, saved from the iconoclasts during the reign of Emperor Theophilus (9th century), miraculously appeared to the Iberian monks. They placed her in the gate church and named her Portaitissa or Goalkeeper.

In this version of the Hodegetria, the face of the Virgin Mary is turned and inclined towards the Child Jesus, who is presented in a slight turn towards the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary has a bleeding wound on her chin, which, according to legend, was inflicted on the image by opponents of the icons.

The miraculous image was well known in Rus'. During the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, the monks of the Iversky Monastery made a copy of the prototype and delivered it to Moscow on October 13, 1648. In the 17th century. The Iveron Mother of God was especially revered in Rus'.

The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos helps repentant sinners find the path and strength to repentance; relatives and friends pray for the unrepentant. The image protects the house from attacks by enemies and natural Disasters, from fire, heals from physical and mental ailments.

The celebration of the Iveron Icon is held on February 25 and October 26 (the arrival of the icon from Athos in 1648).

Icon of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary

The icon of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary is dedicated to the great church holiday in Russian Orthodoxy - the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. In Rus', the word “pokrov” means veil and protection. On the day of celebration October 14 Orthodox people They pray to the Heavenly Intercessor for protection and help.

The Intercession Icon depicts the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God, which occurred in the 10th century in the Blachernae Church of Constantinople, besieged by enemies. During the all-night prayer, Blessed Andrei saw the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God surrounded by angels, apostles and prophets. The Mother of God took off the veil from her head and spread it over those praying.

Two centuries later, in the 14th century. in honor of this holy event in Rus' a divine service was compiled, main idea which was the unity of the Russian people under the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, for whom the Russian land is Her earthly inheritance.

There were two main types of icons of the Intercession: Central Russian and Novgorod. In Central Russian iconography, which corresponds to the vision of Blessed Andrew, the Mother of God herself bears the veil. On Novgorod icons, the Mother of God appears in the image of Oranta, and the veil is held and extended over her by angels.

Prayer before the image of the Intercession of the Mother of God helps in everything, if the thoughts of the person praying are good and pure. The image helps to overcome our external and internal enemies; it is a spiritual shield not only over our heads, but also over our souls.

Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Among the numerous icons of saints in Orthodoxy, one of the most beloved and revered by believers is the image of St. Nicholas the Pleasant. In Rus', after the Mother of God, this is the most revered saint. Almost every Russian city There is a St. Nicholas Church, and the icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is in every Orthodox church in the same area as the images of the Mother of God.

In Rus', the veneration of the saint begins with the adoption of Christianity; he is the patron saint of the Russian people. Often in icon painting he was depicted from Christ according to left hand, and on the right is the Mother of God.

Saint Nicholas the Pleasant lived in the 4th century. From a young age he served God, later becoming a priest, and then archbishop of the Lycian city of Myra. During his lifetime, he was a great shepherd who gave consolation to all those who mourned and led the lost to the truth.

Prayer in front of the icon of St. Nicholas the Pleasant protects from all misfortunes and helps in solving all sorts of problems. The image of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker protects those traveling by land and sea, protects the innocently convicted, those who are threatened with a needless death.

Prayer to St. Nicholas heals from illnesses, helps in enlightening the mind, in the successful marriage of daughters, in ending civil strife in the family, between neighbors, and military conflicts. Saint Nicholas of Myra helps in the fulfillment of wishes: it is not for nothing that he was the prototype of Father Frost, who fulfills Christmas wishes.

The Day of Remembrance of St. Nicholas the Pleasant is celebrated three times a year: on May 22, spring St. Nicholas (the transfer of the saint’s relics to Bari in Italy to avoid their desecration by the Turks), on August 11 and December 19 – winter St. Nicholas.

"Russian icons in high resolution». Creation of the album: Andrey (zvjaginchev) and Konstantin (koschey).