Icon of the Holy Trinity. Icon "Blessed Sky"

Every person, with his appearance in the world, is called to glorify his God, the one who created him, the world, the earth, animals, people and everything else. But have you ever wondered how much you know about your faith, its traditions and saints, and the significance of the Orthodox Church in the world today? Orthodoxy is the name given to true, real knowledge of God.

Traditionally, all Orthodox believe in the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But, besides this, in any Orthodox Church you can find icons of saints. When faced with various life difficulties, believers turn for help not only to the Almighty, but also to the saints, through their and certain prayers. Everyone has their own guardian angel and saint, in whom a person believes more than in others. But in order for the life situation to be resolved for the better, and the person asking to be heard, it is necessary to know all the icons and their meaning.

Icons of all saints photos and their meaning.

To begin with, let's look at the question of what icons are. An icon is a sacred image of the faces of saints, as well as events of church history presented in the Bible. In other words, an icon is a path and a way of communication and unification with God. Different icons help in different situations.

Nicholas the Wonderworker will help you in any need. They say that his icon, located in your home, will protect you and your loved ones from poverty and want. You can ask the saint for prosperity and prosperity in your home. Nicholas the Pleasant is worshiped by everyone: travelers, pilots, drivers, sailors, and everyone who simply believes in him.

Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker twice a year - on May 22 and December 19. These two dates are fixed, unlike some others church holidays.

2. Mother of God

The Mother of God is one of the most revered iconographic images among Orthodox believers. The image of the Mother of God has always been and is still considered a symbol of the guardian and intercessor of the Russian people. One of the proofs is the victory of the Russian people in the Great Patriotic War under the protection of the Mother of God. It was from that time that it became customary in Rus' that the image of the Mother of God helps and protects the Russian land.

Despite general meaning, in Orthodoxy there are different icons of the Virgin Mary. Each type has its own special meaning for believers. We will give, for example, five types of images of the Virgin Mary:

• Guidebook -

According to biblical data, it was she who was first written by the Evangelist Luke. The Virgin Mary is depicted here from the waist up, less often to the shoulders. There is also a slight tilt of the head towards Jesus Christ, and right hand points to him. This type means a mutual relationship between mother and son.

• Tenderness - Eleusa

In this case, the Mother of God presses her baby to her cheek, there is no distance between them, and this is a symbol of boundless love and tenderness between son and mother. Tenderness conveys the boundless love of God for all people; the image reminds us of his great sacrifice for the salvation of the entire human people.

• Praying - Oranta, Panagia, Sign

The Mother of God is depicted from the waist up or at full height with her hands raised up, her son Jesus is depicted in the center, at the level of his mother’s chest. The meaning here is the foreshadowing of the Nativity of Christ.

• All-Merciful - Panahranta,

The Virgin Mary sitting on the throne and Jesus sitting on her lap, this all just shows her greatness as an earthly intercessor.

• Intercessor - Agiosoritissa

Here the Virgin is depicted alone, without the son of God. Her hands are directed towards God, which means a prayer for the protection of humanity by the Blessed Virgin Mary before Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist is the last prophet Old Testament, who presented the people of Israel as a savior - Jesus Christ. He is also called by another name - John the Baptist - emphasizing his specific role as the forerunner and predecessor of Jesus. It was John who baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. People turn to the icon for help in soil fertility and a rich harvest.

The feast of John the Baptist is celebrated several times and is associated with various episodes from his life and veneration. July 7 - Nativity of John the Baptist; September 11 - Beheading of John the Baptist; January 20 - Synapsis of John the Baptist.

4. St. George the Victorious

- Orthodox saint. He is depicted sitting on a horse and holding a dragon sword in his hands. It is he who will help you in dealing with your children, as well as in protecting your pets. The Feast of St. George the Victorious is celebrated on May 6th.

5. John of Kronstadt

Father John of Kronstadt, one of the most famous saints of recent history, had evangelical zeal and, above all, was Orthodox tradition and the faith and life of the Orthodox Church. Father John, one might say the family saint, was an expressive and impressive preacher, a man who moved the hearts of rejected sinners to repentance, a man of great depth of love and a spiritual healer. Huge crowds flocked to him from all parts of Orthodox Russia to hear him and be healed by him (in body and soul). Until now, people turn to his icon with requests for healing from serious illnesses. January 2 is considered the day of remembrance of St. John of Kronstadt.

6. Holy Martyr Boniface

If the problem of alcoholism has settled in your home, your advice would be to turn to Boniface for help. In addition, it will help you cope with gluttony.

7. Blessed Matrona of Moscow

Matrona was endowed with a special feeling, spiritual insight, miraculous and healing powers. Also in early age her family, as well as neighbors, noticed that she knew absolutely everything not only about human sins, but also about their thoughts. In addition to everything, she could easily see approaching dangers and social disasters.

The icon of the Blessed Matrona is one of those to which you can come to worship and ask for absolutely everything, especially healing. It is also worth remembering that believers should know the icons and prayers to them. The holiday in honor of Matrona of Moscow is considered to be November 22 of each year.

8. Ksenia Petersburgskaya

Everyone should know which icons are needed for what, for example, the icon of Xenia of St. Petersburg will help everyone with family problems. You can turn to her icon not only with requests for a happy marriage, but also in times of grief. The day of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg is considered to be February 6.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov is one of the most beloved and famous Orthodox saints of recent times. He spent 1000 days and nights on the stone, praying to God for forgiveness. He was a hermit, spiritual guide and priest. He led many Christian souls on the path of apostolic Christianity in Russia during the 19th century.

There are different icons, for example, family icons, including . Pray to Seraphim of Sarov for healing from pain in the joints, arms, legs and spine. The holiday of the discovery of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov in Orthodoxy is celebrated on August 1.

10. Saints Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia.

The martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia believed in God and proved that people, strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, have no obstacles to the manifestation of strength of spirit and courage. You, too, can ask for the intercession of the saints on the day of their prayer service - September 17 - and on any other day.

A few words about how to pray

Regardless of whether you are a woman or a man, before going to the Temple you need to cleanse yourself both physically and mentally. Only then will he go to the temple with good intentions. A woman must wear a skirt, preferably one that covers her knees. Men come in ordinary clothes, but without a headdress. All women must cover their heads with a scarf.

Before entering the temple and praying, you must cross yourself before entering the church. After which, you can approach the icon. Our list will help you choose an icon. In front of the icon you need to be baptized, read a prayer and be baptized again three times. Each icon requires its own prayer, usually prayer can be found near the icon. After finishing your prayer in the temple, you need to cross yourself three times on the way out, and only then go about your business with a pure soul.

Orthodox icons, their names and meaning - important aspect Christian Science studies. It is very difficult to imagine any Christian home without a variety of icons, each of which has its own eigenvalue. As the history of religion says, many of them became known to believers many centuries ago. People's religious beliefs have been formed for a very long time, but this does not make icons lose their special cultural and historical significance for parishioners of many churches and temples. Orthodox icons, photos and their names play an important role in bringing people closer to the Lord.

It is believed that every saint can invisibly provide help even in the most seemingly hopeless situation. It is worth turning to some of the saints for help in any serious life situation. The names of Orthodox icons and their meanings will be presented in this article. In addition to descriptions and stories about the wonderful properties of each image, photographs of the most revered of them will also be given.

This material will tell you about the meaning of each icon presented, as well as the rules of prayer and the miracles that a specific holy face can perform. It also happens that the names of icons from photos already contain information about what troubles this image can protect from. Each icon described will be given a special place in the section. The icon of the Mother of God, painted and kept for a long time in the walls of churches in the city of Kazan, has the greatest authority among believers both in Russia and throughout the world. This majestic and large-scale icon is considered the main protector of the inhabitants of our country. Any significant holiday in the life of a Russian person cannot do without a ritual of worship of this image, be it baptism or the sacred ceremony of wedding of loving hearts.

Below we will describe the revered icons of the Mother of God. The photo and name, and their meaning will also be revealed.

It is known that the icon of Our Lady of Kazan helps single believers soon find family happiness, and long-established couples overcome discord in their relationships and begin to live happier lives. Since it protects families, it is customary to hang it in any home near the crib so that the baby is under the protection and protection of the Lord.

In order to quickly figure out which image of the Mother of God to pray to in a given situation, it is better to learn the icons of the Mother of God with their names in advance. Speaking about the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, it is worth noting that it is considered no less revered among many believing citizens. There is information that this icon was awarded to the most influential kings in the world during coronation. Russian Empire. You can pray to this icon to become kinder, to find a family and to be healed from serious illnesses, as well as to make peace with those with whom there was a serious conflict. Also, this image invisibly protects mothers and young children who are in difficult life situations from misfortunes and sorrows. On top of that, this icon helps with infertility and other disorders of the reproductive organs, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers. These are the most popular icons of the Virgin Mary. Photos and names of other images will also be presented in this article.

As has already become clear even from the description of these two icons, the power of the Mother of God is almost omnipotent, however, like many other icons Orthodox Church. That is why it is so important for every believer to know the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos with their names. Every Christian needs to know at least some facts about the meaning of certain images, as well as some information about the life of one or another Orthodox saint.

As you know, the Lord hears those people who follow Him, observing all church and spiritual laws. Believe in God and be happy. Below are the most revered icons of the Mother of God, the names and meaning of each of them.

Icon of the Mother of God “Blessed Sky”

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Desperate One Hope”

Modern addictions (gambling addiction, drug addiction, alcoholism, smoking, computer addiction) can be healed by turning to this image of the Mother of God.

Bogolyubskaya Icon of the Mother of God

Icon of the Mother of God “Recovery of the Lost”

Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir

The Vladimir and Kazan Mother of God are the most beloved icons of the Mother of God. Photos and names of these shrines can be found in the homes of even not very devout people.

Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”

Icon "The Queen of All"

The icon of the Mother of God “The Queen of All” helps those people who suffer from cancer and undergo a series of courses of chemotherapy and radiation.

"Kozelshchanskaya" Icon of the Mother of God

Prayerful appeal to this wonderful, life-giving icon is useful for any limb injuries, serious injuries and upcoming serious surgical interventions. This icon of the Mother of God celebrates the name day on February 6 and 21.

Icon of the Mother of God "Mammal"

This divine face is worshiped as usual by women in labor, pregnant and nursing mothers. This icon celebrates Memorial Day on January 12 and 25.

They pray to this truly miraculous icon for the prevention of wars and schisms, for protection from various heresies, for protection from the invasion of foreigners and strangers, for protection from spiritual and physical blindness. Days of respect are July 23 and 5.

"Passionate" icon of the Mother of God

This icon can give a miracle of healing from cholera, vision problems, muscle weakness, and protect from the impending “big fire”. Name days are celebrated on August 13 and 26.

Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Healer”

Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God

Icon of the Mother of God “Three-Handed”

Above were the most revered icons of the Mother of God. Photos with names will help you quickly find this or that image and find out its meaning.

Icon "Holy Trinity"

Other holy icons are also venerated. Their name and meaning should certainly be known.

Icon of the name of the Holy Great Martyr Pantileimon

Holy Blessed Matrona of Moscow

Peter and Fevronia

Unfortunately, all the icons are Orthodox; their photos and names cannot be described in one article, because there are a huge number of them. But nevertheless, the main shrines were still consecrated.

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.

How to pray in front of an icon

Many people think that it doesn’t matter which icon to pray in front of, because prayer comes from a 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.

1. Stand in front of the shrine and cross yourself to attract God's blessing.
2. After you have asked for help, that is, prayed, kiss the image. By doing this you will express your respect to the Lord.
3. 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. “Seven Shot” will help in protecting housing, will protect from troubles, envious, 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, she is placed opposite the front door, higher than half the wall, so that she can “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 bad 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 heal from drunkenness, drug addiction, for those who are passionate gambling.

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 bad habits. There is evidence that the relic helped solve housing issues and 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;
• Helps a pregnant woman to bear and give birth 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 sorrow.

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, 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', the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is especially revered. Before this holy power, the coronation of kings and the election of high priests took place.

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

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

Prayers at the image Everlasting color 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 faces severe life trials or experiences mental shock, she must kneel before 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:

1. Before prayer, wash your face and cross your hands;
2. Leave all annoying thoughts;
3. Light the candles, kneel down, read the prayer service;
4. 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 Protector is 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.

Everyone has their own cross, their own icons,
your own poems, your own silence.
In front of the mirror, we often bow,
not noticing that there is still the same emptiness in them..

Everyone has their own guardian angel and their own intercessor icon, which is given from birth.

Pray to your icon, ask the Lord through it for healing and it will definitely come.

Every profession, every direction has its own unspoken heavenly patron. According to tradition, in ancient times all believers had an icon of their saint at home. All icons are sacred.

Many of them emanated a radiant light, others streamed myrrh or smelled fragrant.

Icons have more than once saved cities from fires, capture and destruction. There are countless icons in temples, and they are all revered.

First of all, icons give people help - they heal, they deliver from death and destruction.

All icons somehow manifest miracles, with their help we find peace and strength.

For each person, the word “faith” means something different.

Some people go to church and pray, others simply believe in their souls and believe that going to church every week is not at all necessary.

And everyone is right in their own way.

After all, faith is in our soul, in our heart. Almost every believer has Orthodox icons in their home, and if someone doesn’t, then these people go to church and pray there. Although an icon is not at all necessary for prayer. In the history of Christianity, icons play a huge role.

In essence, an icon is a certain form of Divine revelation.

And its purpose is to cleanse the souls of people who contemplate it and pray in front of it. They pray in front of the icons. And prayer can be different. Sometimes people ask for help, sometimes they thank you for it. At the same time, the icon is revered, but not worshiped, since only God can be worshiped.

The past is an endless distance, and the more we look into it, the better we see how deep the roots of human history go back centuries.

But there are events that unite all centuries, all peoples, and then time, which, at first glance, mercilessly measures out the earthly human path, seems to cease to exist.

Those who were born from December 22 to January 20, will be protected by the icon of the Mother of God “Sovereign”, and their guardian angels are Saint Sylvester and Venerable Seraphim Sarovsky.

Before Your Sovereign Icon
I stand, embraced in prayerful trepidation,
And Your royal face, crowned,
Draws my tender gaze towards Him.
In a time of unrest and inglorious cowardice,
Treason, lies, unbelief and evil,
You showed us Your Sovereign Image,
You came to us and meekly prophesied:
"I myself took the scepter and the orb,
I myself will hand them over to the King again,
I will give the Russian kingdom greatness and glory,
I will nourish, console, and reconcile everyone."
Repent, Rus', unfortunate harlot...
Wash away your desecrated shame in tears,
Your Intercessor, Heavenly Queen,
He pities you and protects you, the sinner.

S. Bekhteev

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Sovereign” they pray for truth, heartfelt joy, unfeigned love for each other, for peace in the country, for the salvation and preservation of Russia, for the protection of the throne and the state, for deliverance from foreigners and for the granting of healings of body and soul.

Born from January 21 to February 20 are guarded by Saints Athanasius and Cyril, and will be protected by the icons of the Mother of God “Vladimir” and “Burning Bush”. The “Vladimir” icon of the Mother of God has been revered as miraculous for several centuries. Before her, they prayerfully ask the Mother of God for healing from bodily ailments, in particular, diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system. People turn to her for help during disasters, when they need protection from enemies. Before Vladimir icon In all centuries they prayed to the Mother of God for the preservation of Russia. Every home should have this icon, because it reconciles those at war, softens people’s hearts, and helps strengthen faith.

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was written by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Savior dined with the Most Pure Mother and Righteous Joseph. The Mother of God, seeing this image, said: “From now on, all generations will bless Me. May the grace of the One born of Me and Mine be with this icon.” In 1131, the icon was sent to Rus' from Constantinople to the holy prince Mstislav († 1132, commemorated April 15) and was placed in the Maiden Monastery of Vyshgorod - the ancient appanage city of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duchess Olga.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Burning Bush” they pray for deliverance from fire and lightning, from severe troubles, and for the healing of ailments. The icon of the Mother of God “The Burning Bush” is depicted in the form of an octagonal star, consisting of two sharp quadrangles with concave ends. One of them is red, reminiscent of the fire that surrounded the bush seen by Moses; another - Green colour, indicating the natural color of the bush, which it retained when engulfed in fiery flames. In the middle of the octagonal star, as if in a bush, the Most Pure Virgin with the Eternal Child is depicted. At the corners of the red quadrangle there are depicted a man, a lion, a calf and an eagle, symbolizing the four evangelists. In the hands of the Most Pure Virgin is a ladder, leaning its upper end against Her shoulder. The ladder means that through the Mother of God the Son of God descended to earth, raising to Heaven all who believe in Him.

It used to be: the gray-haired church
Burning Bush,
Crouching in a white snowstorm,
Flashes at me from the silence;
In front of the thoughtful icon case -
Unquenchable lantern;
And falls lightly
Under the light there is a pink snowball.
Neopalimov Lane
The blizzard is boiling with pearl barley;
And Our Lady in the alley
He looks thoughtful with tears.

A. Bely

The Iveron Mother of God icon is the intercessor of those born with February 21 to March 20. Their guardian angels are Saints Alexius and Milentius of Antioch. The history of the Iveron Icon can be traced back to the first century, when, out of indescribable love for people, the Mother of God blessed the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke to paint its image during the days of Her earthly life. The Monk John of Damascus wrote: “The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, at the time when the Most Holy Mother God's vein still in Jerusalem and lived in Zion, he painted Her Divine and honest image on a board with picturesque means, so that, as in a mirror, subsequent generations and generations would contemplate her. When Luke presented this image to Her, She said: “From now on all generations will bless Me. May the grace and power of Him who was born of Me and Mine be with you.” Tradition attributes to the brushes of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke from three to seventy icons of the Mother of God, including the Iveron icon.

Before the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos they pray for deliverance from various misfortunes and for consolation in troubles, from fire, for increasing the fertility of the earth, for deliverance from grief and sadness, for the healing of physical and mental ailments, in difficult circumstances, for help to farmers.

Born with March 21 to April 20 one must ask for protection from the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, and they are protected by saints Sophrony and Innocent of Irkutsk, as well as George the Confessor. We do not know by whom and when the icon of the Russian Mother of God Hodegetria was painted, which translated from Greek means “Guide”. The image of the Kazan Mother of God belongs to this type of icon. An ancient Russian monk-icon painter, inspired by the image of the Byzantine Hodegetria, which is believed to have been painted by the Evangelist Luke during the life of the Mother of God, paints his own version of this icon. Its iconography, compared to the Byzantine one, is slightly changed. The Russian version can always be recognized by its barely noticeable warmth, softening the regal severity of the Byzantine originals.

Our Lady of Kazan and her holy, miraculous, saving icon(she returns sight to the blind, gives strength to the weak) are considered practically official intercessors, defenders of Russia from external and internal enemies. It is also popularly believed that prayer before the Orthodox icon of the Mother of God protects and frees the praying person from his visible and invisible enemies, i.e. from evil people and from evil spirits..

The icons “Supportress of Sinners” and the Iveron Mother of God will protect those born with April 21 to May 20. Saints Stephen and Tamara, Apostle John the Theologian are their guardian angels. The icon received its name from the inscription preserved on it: “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son...”. Much happened from the miraculous image miraculous healings. Surety of sinners means Surety for sinners before the Lord Jesus Christ. Before the miraculous image of the Mother of God, “Helper of Sinners,” they pray for the granting of repentance, in despondency, despair and spiritual sorrow, for the healing of various ailments, for the salvation of sinners.

For the first time this image became famous for miracles in Nikolaev Odrina monastery Oryol province in the middle of the last century. The ancient icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”, due to its dilapidation, did not enjoy proper veneration and stood in the old chapel at the monastery gates. But in 1843, it was revealed to many residents in their dreams that this icon was endowed, by God’s Providence, with miraculous power. The icon was solemnly transferred to the church. Believers began to flock to her and ask for healing of their sorrows and illnesses. The first to receive healing was a relaxed boy, whose mother fervently prayed in front of this shrine. The icon became especially famous during the cholera epidemic, when it brought back to life many terminally ill people who flocked to it with faith.

If your birthday falls between May 21 to June 21, one must ask for protection from the icons of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost,” “Burning Bush” and “Vladimirskaya.” Protected by saints Alexei of Moscow and Constantine. According to legend, the icon of the Mother of God “SEEKING THE LORD” became famous back in the 6th century in the Asia Minor city of Adana, saving the repentant monk Theophilus from eternal death, who subsequently achieved the highest spiritual perfection and was glorified by the Church as a saint. The name of the icon arose under the influence of the story “On the repentance of Theophilus, the steward of the church in the city of Adana” (7th century): praying before the image of the Mother of God, Theophilus called it “Recovery of the Lost.”

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost” they pray for the blessing of marriage; people come to her with a prayer for liberation from vices, Mothers come with petitions for perishing children, for the health and well-being of children, for the healing of eye diseases and blindness, for toothache, for fever, for the disease of drunkenness, for headaches, for the admonition of those who have fallen away from the Orthodox faith and the return of the lost to the Church.

Icons of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” and the Kazan Mother of God - intercessors of those born with June 22 to July 22. Saint Cyril is their guardian angel. “The Joy of All Who Sorrow” is one of the most popular and widely revered miraculous icons of the Mother of God in Imperial Russia, having a number of significantly different iconographic options. Many sick and mourning people, prayerfully turning to the Mother of God through Her miraculous image, began to receive healing and deliverance from troubles.

According to custom, the Mother of God is depicted according to the words of the prayer addressed to her. “Helper of the offended, hopeless hope, intercessor of the poor, consolation of the sad, nurse of the hungry, clothing of the naked, healing of the sick, salvation of sinners, help and intercession of Christians for all,” - this is what we call the image embodied in the icons “Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

Queen of heaven and earth, consolation to those who mourn,
Heed the prayer of sinners: in You are hope and salvation.

We are mired in the evil of passions, we wander in the darkness of vice,
But... our Motherland... Oh, incline your all-seeing eye to it.

Holy Rus' - your bright home is almost dying,
We call to You, Intercessor: no one else knows about us.

Oh, do not leave Your children who grieve Hope,
Do not turn Your eyes away from our sorrow and suffering.

Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and Elijah the Prophet protect those born with July 23 to August 23 , and the icon “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” protects them. IN Orthodox Rus' The word “veil” means both covering and protection. On the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox people they ask the Queen of Heaven for protection and help. In Rus', this holiday was established in the 12th century by Holy Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky. Having learned that Saint Andrew, the Fool for Christ's sake, saw the Mother of God holding Her veil over the Orthodox, he exclaimed: “Such a great event cannot remain without celebration.” The holiday was established and immediately accepted by all the people in the joyful conviction that the Mother of God tirelessly keeps Her cover over the Russian land. I've been fighting all my life Grand Duke Andrey is against discord and disunity of his land. He firmly believed that the cover of the Mother of God would protect Rus' “from arrows flying in the darkness of our division.”

The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is great Orthodox holiday in memory of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God in the Blachernae Church in 910 during the siege of Constantinople. The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is a sign of the grace of God covering us, strengthening us, and preserving us. The icon depicts a procession to heaven through the clouds, to the Savior. The procession is led by the Mother of God, holding a small veil in her hands, and behind Her are a host of saints. The icon symbolizes the prayer of the entire Heavenly Church for the human race.

Those who were born with August 24 to September 23. Their guardian angels are Saints Alexander, John and Paul. The “Passionate” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos received its name because near the face of the Mother of God two Angels are depicted with the instruments of the Lord’s passion - a cross, a sponge, a spear. The holy image was glorified during the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich.

“When you pray before that image with faith, you and many others will receive healing.”

Those who were born with September 24 to October 23. They are protected by Saint Sergius of Radonezh. Honest and Life-giving Cross The Lord's icon was found in 326 in Jerusalem not far from the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In memory of this event, the Church established a holiday on September 14/27. The legend of the discovery of the Cross of Christ is closely connected with the life of Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Helen and Constantine. The Savior showed the life-giving power of His Cross through the revival of the deceased, to whom the Cross was attached. When the Cross was found, in order to give everyone gathered for the celebration the opportunity to see the shrine, the patriarch erected (raised) the Cross, turning it to all cardinal directions.

Now for us the cross is a sacred, most important and most precious symbol. More than two billion people on earth (more precisely, 2 billion 100 million - that’s how many Christians there are on the planet) wear it on their chests as a sign of their involvement in the true God. Two thousand years ago in Palestine, and in many other places, the cross was just an instrument of execution - just like the electric chair is now in America. And Mount Golgotha ​​near the city walls of Jerusalem was a common place for carrying out death sentences.

About three hundred years have passed since the death on the cross and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christianity, despite severe persecution, spread more and more throughout the entire earth, attracting both the poor and the rich, the powerful and the weak. Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, his father was a pagan, his mother, Queen Helena, a Christian. After the death of his father, Constantine had a war with the ruler of the city of Rome. On the eve of the decisive battle, when the sun began to set, Constantine and his entire army saw a cross in the sky, with the inscription “This way you will win.” In a dream, at night, Constantine also saw Christ with a cross. The Lord ordered him to make crosses on the banners of his troops and said that he would defeat the enemy. Constantine fulfilled God’s command, and having won the victory and entered Rome, he ordered a statue with a cross in his hand to be erected in the city square. With the accession of Constantine, the persecution of Christians ceased, and the emperor himself was baptized shortly before his death, because he considered himself unworthy to accept this sacrament earlier.

Saint Paul is the guardian angel of those born with October 24 to November 22. The icons of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” and “Jerusalem” protect them. The history of the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” goes back more than a millennium. According to legend, it is contemporary with the founding of the Athonite Dochiar monastery and was written in the 10th century with the blessing of the founder of the monastery, the Monk Neophytos. It is believed that the icon is a copy of the revered image of the Mother of God, located in the city of Alexandria. The icon received its name, now known throughout the Orthodox world, later - in the 17th century, when a miracle occurred from it. In Rus' they have always used great love and veneration of the miraculous Athos icon“Quick to Hear”, because she became famous for her miracles. Particularly noted were cases of healing from epilepsy and demonic possession; she provides quick help and consolation to all who come to Her with faith.

In front of this icon they pray for spiritual insight, for various infirmities, for cancer, for help in childbirth and for feeding with milk, for children. And first of all, they pray to the Quick to Hear when they do not know how best to act, what to ask for, in confusion and bewilderment.

According to the pious Tradition of the Church, some of the ancient miraculous images The Mother of God were painted by the first icon painter, the holy apostle and evangelist Luke, during the earthly life of the Ever-Virgin. These include Vladimir, Smolensk and other icons. It is believed that the image of the Jerusalem icon was also painted by the Apostle Luke, and this happened in the Holy Land, in Gethsemane, in the fifteenth year after the Savior’s ascension to heaven. In 453, the image was transferred from Jerusalem to Constantinople by the Greek king Leo the Great. In 988, Tsar Leo VI presented the icon as a gift to Grand Duke Vladimir when he was baptized in the city of Korsun (present-day Kherson). Saint Vladimir gave the Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God to the Novgorodians, but in 1571 Tsar Ivan the Terrible transferred it to Moscow to the Assumption Cathedral. During Napoleon's invasion in 1812, this icon of the Mother of God was stolen and taken to France, where it remains to this day.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Jerusalem they pray in grief, sadness and despondency, for healing from blindness, eye diseases and paralysis, during a cholera epidemic, for deliverance from the death of livestock, from fire, during relaxation, as well as during an attack by enemies.

Born with November 23 to December 21 should ask for intercession from the icons of the Mother of God “Tikhvin” and “The Sign”. Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and Saint Barbara are their guardian angels. The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of infants; it is called the children's icon. She helps children in illness, calms the restless and disobedient, helps them choose friends, and protects them from the bad influence of the street. It is believed to strengthen the bond between parents and children. Helps women during childbirth and pregnancy. Also, people turn to the Mother of God in front of Her Tikhvin icon with prayer when there are problems with conception.

One of the most revered shrines in Rus'. It is believed that this image was created by the holy evangelist Luke during the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Until the 14th century, the icon was in Constantinople, until in 1383 it unexpectedly disappeared from the Blachernae Church. According to the chronicle, in the same year in Rus' the icon appeared before the fishermen on Lake Ladoga near the city of Tikhvin. The miraculous Tikhvin Icon from the Tikhvin Monastery is currently kept in Chicago in the USA.

The Icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” became famous in the 12th century, at a time when the Russian land was groaning from civil strife. The Vladimir-Suzdal prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, in alliance with the princes of Smolensk, Polotsk, Ryazan, Murom and others (72 princes in total), sent his son Mstislav to conquer Veliky Novgorod. In the winter of 1170, a huge militia laid siege to Novgorod, demanding its surrender. After fruitless negotiations, the Novgorodians refused to surrender, and the battle began. The defenders of Novgorod, seeing the terrible strength of the enemy and exhausted in the unequal struggle, placed all their hope in the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos, since they felt the truth was on their side.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “The Sign” of Novgorod they pray for an end to disasters, for protection from enemy attacks, from fires, for protection from thieves and criminals and for the return of what was lost, for deliverance from the plague, for the pacification of the warring and deliverance from internecine warfare..

In every home it is desirable to have the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (Goalkeeper), which protects the house from enemies and ill-wishers. The Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most famous and revered in the Orthodox world. According to legend, Iverskaya was written by the Evangelist Luke, for a long time it was located in Nicaea in Asia Minor, and from the beginning of the 11th century. permanently resides in the Iveron Monastery on Holy Mount Athos (in honor of which it received its name).

Not far from the Iveron monastery on the seashore, a miraculous spring has been preserved to this day, flowing at the moment when the Mother of God set foot on Athos soil; this place is called Klimentova pier. And it was to this place that the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, now known to the whole world, miraculously, in a pillar of fire, appeared across the sea. The veneration of this image is evidenced by the fact that the Monk Nicodemus the Holy Mountain alone wrote four canons to the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.

Here is what the famous Russian pilgrim-pedestrian of the 18th century Vasily Grigorovich-Barsky writes about the “Goalkeeper”: “In this beautiful, built temple at the inner gates of the monastery, in the iconostasis, instead of the local ordinary Mother of God, there is a certain holy and miraculous icon, named after the ancient monks Portaitissa, i.e., the Goalkeeper, extremely terribly transparent, with great feathers, holding Christ the Savior on her left hand, her face blackened by many years, both showing the entire image, and everything except her face is covered with silver-plated gilded clothing, and in addition, dotted with valuable stones and gold coins, from various tsars, princes and noble boyars given for many of her miracles, where I saw with my own eyes the Russian tsars, queens and princesses, emperors and empresses, princes and princesses, gold coins and other gifts were hung up.”

A family icon is an icon depicting the namesake saints of all family members. A family icon is a shrine that connects all family members and unites their spirit. A family icon is part of a family heritage that is passed down from generation to generation. The presence of a family icon in the house brings the family together, strengthens their faith, and helps in various family matters. The spiritual power of such an icon lies in its conciliarity; when offering their prayers, each family member prays not only for themselves, but also for their parents, children and loved ones.

Recently, the tradition of the family icon has been revived everywhere. On family icon the patron saints of family members are depicted together. Here, as if outside of time, saints gather who pray for this clan, for this family. Among them may be the patron saints of parents who have already passed away - the founders of the clan. To paint such an image, the names of each saint are selected, and rare saints are also found.

Faith is just that: it doesn’t need proof. Nevertheless, over the past two thousand years, so much evidence has been collected for each episode of the gospel history that only a not very informed person can doubt that all this actually happened.

Performing a miracle, that is, fulfilling a prayer, first of all depends on the faith of the person praying.

If the one who says a prayer with his lips does not have a conscious and heartfelt appeal to God, then even before miraculous icon prayer will remain fruitless...

This icon is very strong. She helps in various, often very complex matters. It is advisable to have an icon of All Saints, photos and their meaning in every home in order to read various prayers in front of it. But, if it is not possible to purchase a large and high-quality icon, . This is where the saints depicted on the icon help.

Who and when to pray

There is a . He is considered the most important above all angels, so you need to pray to him if you want your own guardian angel to become stronger and stronger. Also, Archangel Michael is the guardian of paradise, not allowing anyone into it who could harm human soul. It is believed that on the Last Judgment he will be one of God's main assistants, dividing people into good and fallen. Therefore, those who want to go to heaven should pray to him. It is believed that Archangel Michael helps to overcome the passions that prevent the soul from getting to heaven, be it drunkenness, drug addiction, or the destructive passion of a woman for a man who takes advantage of her.

Also on the icon of All Saints is. This saint helps with various female diseases and promotes a happy family life. Her days are celebrated on November 22 and May 2. During her lifetime, she possessed a prophetic gift and could predict events without physical vision. People turn to her in prayers to shed light on some life situation, to get married successfully, as well as for the well-being of children. Saint Matrona helps with illnesses, solving various everyday issues.

Also on the icon there is the face of the venerable John the Baptist. This saint is considered one of the most powerful, as he baptized Jesus Christ himself. He is the patron of the water element, helps with mental and physical ailments, and cures drunkenness and passions. Its day is celebrated on July 7th. It is also called the day of John Kupala. It is believed that after this holiday the opening of the swimming season begins. They pray to John the Baptist in difficult situations, mental illness and for deliverance from drunkenness or drug addiction, and various emotional experiences.

The saint is considered the patron saint of peasants and agriculture, as well as a protector from wars and various conflicts. It is customary to pray to him against the invasion of enemies, for good harvest, and also for good luck when traveling overland. The days of celebrating the memory of this saint are September 12 and December 6. You can pray to him in various difficult situations related to agriculture and military service.

If you suffer from overeating, drinking and cannot get rid of greed and... various forms material dependence, it is worth praying to the holy martyr Boniface. His day is January 1st, just after the New Year. This saint helps many in getting rid of the sin of drunkenness, as well as overeating, gluttony, dependence on material goods and greed, and gambling.

If you look at the icon of All Saints, in the photo and their meaning, then you can find the saint there Anastasia the Pattern Maker, which is prayed against the danger of imprisonment or for those who are currently there. The church celebrates her memory on January 4. During her life, she helped Christians who were imprisoned, for which she herself was brutally executed. However, she is considered the patroness of people who are facing trial, prison and who are sitting there, even for just sins.

If you need victory in an exam, in court, in various circumstances, you should turn to the icon St. George the Victorious. His face is also on the icon of All Saints. George defeated the dangerous asp, which terrified different people. The name of this saint is very famous. It is believed that it helps in various unfavorable circumstances, illnesses, victories not only in the race for survival, but also over one’s own passions and vices. The church celebrates his memory on November 23 and April 6. The saint promotes victories in various areas of life. Soldiers prayed to him both before being sent to hot spots and ordinary people before exams, court proceedings and in many other situations.

If you want peace in the family, good relationships without quarrels and scandals, it is best to pray Guria, Samon And Avawu. These martyrs are depicted in the icon and they help in various difficult situations. Their memorial day falls on November 28th. They are believed to help with various everyday needs, and also contribute to family well-being in the house.

Considered one of the most revered Russian saints. His holiday is usually celebrated on June 14 and January 2. During his life, he helped in various problems, had the gift of foresight, saw the future and received many letters, to which he gave advice and answers that would help each recipient in life. Therefore, they pray to him for various ailments and illnesses in the family. The saint also helps in solving everyday issues and can tell you what the right decision is to make. You can pray to him on any issue, and he always helps, even if not right away.

In case of love failures, when adultery and various troubles occur on the personal front, it is worth turning to the image Ksenia of Petersburg, whose memorial days fall on February 6 and June 6. She helps in various issues, which relate to family life, children's well-being and much more. It also helps to get rid of alcoholism, drug addiction and love addiction.

He is considered one of the most beloved saints among the people. His memorial days fall on December 19 and May 6. There is Nikolai Veshny and Winter. This saint, who is equally revered by both the Orthodox and Catholic churches, became the prototype of the American Santa Claus. Travelers, those who serve in the army, are at sea, on an airplane, as well as during various everyday difficulties, financial failures and debts, should pray to Nicholas. It is believed that this saint gives people joy and helps everyone who sincerely asks him in various matters and endeavors.

Also depicted on the icon of All Saints is the feast day of which the church celebrates on July 18. This saint helps children in learning, adults in acquiring life knowledge, worldly wisdom, as well as in various issues. They pray to him in legal proceedings, also in family conflicts, situations where someone behaves very arrogantly and proudly.

August 9 begins to celebrate the day Panteleimon the Healer- it helps from various diseases, contributes to the acquisition of physical and mental health. His face is also on the icon of All Saints.

August 2 – Memorial Day Elijah the Prophet. It helps against floods, natural disasters and various water-related problems. However, on this day it is no longer advisable to swim, as there is a danger of catching a cold. Elijah the Prophet also helps in solving difficult life situations, conflicts and quarrels, and also if it is difficult to find a way out.

The icon also contains images Seraphim of Sarov, Martyr Varvara, Spiridon of Trimifuntsky, which helps in solving financial issues and in business. The day of celebration of Seraphim of Sarov falls on August 1. It helps in solving many life issues and healing diseases. Barbara's Day is celebrated on December 17, and the Feast of Spyridon is celebrated on December 25. These days it is customary to pray to him to attract financial luck and make the right decision.

Well, the day of the icon of All Saints is celebrated on July 12. On this day, a person with any baptismal name can ask for anything in front of the icon. True, there are restrictions on this too.

What not to pray for

The icon of All Saints, photos and their meaning help in various matters - from an unpleasant everyday situation to the cure of a serious illness. However, remember that you should not make a request that is contrary to Christian laws and principles. For example, beat off someone else's husband, remove a person from a position, break up a couple, wish someone harm. All this harms the human soul and can lead you to trouble. Also, the icon may not help if he is destined to go through some kind of crisis. Or so that he will eventually take the bright path.