Icon of the pregnant Virgin Mary: what is it called and where is it located, prayer

The image of the Most Holy Theotokos is correctly called “Helper in Childbirth.” There is another name for the same icon - “Help in childbirth.” On it, the Queen of Heaven is depicted in red robes, and Her Head is covered with a white cloth - a symbol of innocence and purity. In the area of the womb the Infant Jesus Christ is written. The baby is surrounded by a golden glow, and this is not accidental, and not for beauty.

You can buy the icon of the Pregnant Mother of God here /catalog/ikony/bogoroditsy/v-rodakh-pomoshchnitsa/.

In many prayers and akathists, the Most Holy Theotokos is called “the ark, gilded by the Spirit.” That is, the Mother of God Herself carried the Son of God within her, just as the Israelites once carried the Ark of the Covenant through the desert, where the stone tablets with the commandments and the blossoming rod of the priest Aaron were kept. After Moses, who led his people for forty years through the desert, saw that people did not want to keep the commandments of God Himself, he became angry and, placing the ark on a pair of oxen, sent it into the desert, where it disappeared without a trace.

When the time came for the Savior to appear, He was placed by the Holy Spirit in the body of the Blessed Virgin. And after that she became the bearer of the “ark of the new covenant.”

Description and meaning of the “Assistant in Childbirth” icon

There are several known icons depicting the pregnant Mother of God. In one of the rarest paintings, the Most Pure Virgin Mary is presented before her approaching birth with the Child in her womb, whose face is hidden from view. This is how the icon painters of Georgia and Athos represented the Mother of God.

The face of the Mother of God glows with calmness and meekness in anticipation of the birth of the Baby. Both hands are raised up, palms facing the believers, as if warding off evil and danger.

But in Orthodoxy, a more common image is called “Help in Childbirth” (“Assistant in Childbirth”). There are several varieties of this icon:

“Helper to wives to give birth to children”;
"Blissful Womb";
“The word became flesh” (“And the word became flesh”).

The common thing that unites all the lists is that the Most Pure Mother of God is depicted with the Child of God in her womb.

Characteristic features by which you can recognize the image of the “Helper”:

The Virgin Mary is depicted from the waist up;
Jesus Christ is located at waist level in a golden frame, which creates the feeling of being inside the Mother;
the naked God-Infant stands or sits with his hands folded on his chest in a cross;
The Mother of God is wearing an emerald tunic, over which is draped a scarlet cloak with gold trim;
the head tilted slightly to the left is covered with a white scarf, indicating holiness;
the forehead and shoulders are decorated with stars, symbolizing the virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
The hands of the Mother of God are folded on her chest, over the womb with the Baby, as if protecting him.

Different versions of the image differ in minor details. For example, there are ancient images of the “Helper of Wives”, in which the Mother of God is presented in full growth, and her hands are raised and spread to the sides with palms facing outward.

On another, more ancient icon, the head of the Most Pure Virgin is uncovered, her loose hair falls in waves to her shoulders.

There is another option in which the hands of the Virgin Mary are located under the naked Child. This type of writing is inherent mainly in the icons “And the Word became Flesh.”

The icon belongs to the iconographic type of the Sign. The meaning of the icon for Orthodox believers is indicated by the name itself, reflecting the theological meaning of the image. The Most Pure Virgin Mary carried the Son of God in her womb, just as in the Old Testament Moses carried the ark with the stone tablets. After the people stopped keeping God's commandments, an angry Moses sent the ark on two oxen into the desert, where all traces of it disappeared.

By the time the Savior came to earth, the Infant God was placed in the womb of the immaculate Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. From that time on, the Mother of God began to carry the “ark of the new Testament.”

Jesus Christ, depicted in the holy image, is a symbol of the Sacred Word, materialized in the womb of the Queen of Heaven and becoming flesh.

Icon of St. Melania

In the section of prayers for pregnant women, the name of Saint Melania (Roman, or Roman), who was born at the end of the 4th century, is also mentioned. Melania was supposed to become the heir to a huge fortune. At the age of 14, she was forcibly married to a close relative, Pinian. After the wedding, she invited her husband to live in abstinence, he agreed, but only before that he asked to give birth to two children. However, the children were never destined to live in this world. And Melania herself almost died after her second premature birth. Pinian realized that he was the cause of all her misfortunes, and then took a vow of chastity. When he died, he left his wife a huge fortune. Melania, having distributed all her property to the poor, began to build monasteries and churches throughout the area.

In Jerusalem, next to the Holy Sepulcher, there is a cave where St. Melania. Her relics were also kept there. But then the crusaders took them out, and now they are in Rome.

Prayers to Saint Melania:

Troparion: “In you, Mati, I am known to have been saved...”
Kontakion, tone 3: “Having loved the virginity of purity...”

This is all about the prayer book on the topic of pregnant women. However, Orthodox women also venerate other icons.

History of the appearance of the image

The first mention of the “Blessed Womb” icon, which helps during childbirth, dates back to the 14th century. The name of the icon painter is unknown. The image was discovered in the Italian city of Bari on the tomb with the relics of St. Nicholas, so it was nicknamed Barbara.

Later, the icon was transported to Moscow along with the remains of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, placing it in the Kremlin Annunciation Church. The veneration of the icon falls on January 8th.

There is also the Albazin holy image “The Word became flesh,” known since the 17th century. The shrine came to the Amur fortress of Albazia thanks to Hieromonk Hermogenes. During the Chinese raids on the Amur lands, the holy image was transported to Sretensk. At the request of Bishop Veniamin of Kamchatka, a silver frame was built for the icon for use of the image during the religious procession.

According to legend, thanks to the shrine, the Chinese attack on Blagoveshchensk in the 20th century was repulsed and the raging plague epidemic was stopped. The celebration of the icon takes place on March 22.

Prayer of a pregnant woman to Matrona of Moscow

A prayer to the Matrona of a Moscow pregnant woman has enormous power. The relics of this Saint are buried on the territory of the Moscow Danilovsky Monastery in Moscow. Desperate women who cannot get pregnant or carry a child come here from all over the world. And any sincere prayer appeal does not go unnoticed. A woman should read a prayer to the Holy Matrona of Moscow throughout her pregnancy. This will help you carry your baby to term and safely give birth to a healthy baby.

The prayer appeal is as follows:

“Oh, blessed Holy Mother Matrona, hear me and accept all of us, sinners, praying and calling on you. You are accustomed to listening to all the suffering and grieving people who resort to your help and to assist them in their earthly affairs. May your mercy never fail towards us, unworthy, who are restless in this vain world. Grant us, Mother Matrona, consolation and compassion in our spiritual sorrow and in physical pain. Heal all our illnesses and deliver us from sinful, devilish temptations. Help me carry my everyday Cross with pride, help me bear all the hardships of life that have befallen me. Give me strength in difficult moments to preserve the image of God in my soul and preserve the Orthodox faith until the end of my days. Help us, at the end of our lives, to achieve the Kingdom of Heaven together with those who during their lives pleased God and glorified him. Amen".

Troparion, tone 4

Audio:

To the Mother of God, as a companion in troubles,/ and to Her holy icon, let us now fall,/ calling with faith from the depths of the soul:/ soon hear our prayer, O Virgin,/ like the Swift One The one who has been named,/ Your servants are in need for You// a ready Helper of the Imam.

We advise you to study the Icon of the Lord of Hosts

Translation: Let us turn to the Mother of God, those who are in trouble, and now let us kneel at Her holy icon, calling with faith from the depths of our souls: “Hurry to hear our prayer, Virgin, for you are called Quick to Hear, for You are a quick Helper in sorrows for Your servants.”

Kontakion, tone 8

Audio:

In the sea of life we are overwhelmed,/ we fall into the anxiety of passions and temptations./ Give us, O Lady, a helping hand, like Thy Son Petrov,/ and hasten to deliver us from troubles, let us call Thee: Rejoice , all-merciful Quick Hearer.

Translation: In the stormy sea of life, we find ourselves in storms of passions and temptations. Give us, O Lady, a helping hand, as Thy Son did to Peter (Matthew 14:28-31), and hasten to deliver us from troubles, so that we cry to You: “Rejoice, all-merciful Quick-to-hear.”

Prayer1

Audio:

Blessed Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, Who gave birth to the God of the Word more than any word for our salvation, and Who received His grace more abundantly than all others! The sea of Divine gifts and the ever-flowing river of miracles, pouring out goodness to all who come running to You with faith! In honor of Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the Humane-loving Lord: surprise us with Your rich mercy, and hasten our petitions, brought to You, Quick to Hear complete everything, even for the benefit of consolation and salvation for someone. Visit, O Blessing, Thy servants with Thy grace, and grant to those who are ill, healing and perfect health, to those overwhelmed by silence, to those captivated by freedom and various images of the suffering consolation. Deliver, O All-Merciful Lady, every city and country from famine, plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and other temporary and eternal punishments. Let Thy boldness turn away the wrath of God, and free Thy servant from spiritual relaxation, the overwhelm of passions and the fall of sin, for she will certainly not stumble in all piety, having lived in this world, and in the future In the future of eternal blessings we will be made worthy of the grace and love for mankind of Your Son and God, to Him belongs all glory and honor and worship, with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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Where is the icon of the pregnant Virgin Mary located?

In order to see the Georgian icon of the pregnant Virgin Mary, you will have to go to the Greek city of Raches, where it is kept in the small church of St. Raphael.

The fate of the original Orthodox icon “Helper in Childbirth,” located in Blagoveshchensk since 1924, is unknown. But several lists made from this image have survived.

One of the copies, the writing of which dates back to the 17th century, was for some time in the Novodevichy Convent. In 1927, the holy image was transferred to the Moscow Armory Chamber for storage. One of the lists, written by icon painter Ioann Aksentyev, was transferred for storage to the Khabarovsk Museum of Local Lore during Soviet times, where it was kept until 1999. Since 2002, the holy face can be seen in the Khabarovsk Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God.

There are several more Russian churches where lists of the miraculous icon are located:

Serpukhov Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bely;
Yekaterinburg Church of the Nativity;
St. Petersburg Holy Trinity Izmailovsky Cathedral;
Moscow St. Alexeevsky Convent;
Borovsky Church of the Kaluga region in the name of the holy princes Gleb and Boris;
Church of All Saints, located in Krasnoe Selo.

All lists have the same healing power as the original image.

On contemplating the faces of saints

A visit to the temple by the expectant mother has a beneficial effect on her spiritual state: worries about the baby’s health go away, her heart is filled with joy and endless love. Many Orthodox couples practice going to church together. Being near the icons of saints, future parents reflect on the difficult Christian path that the martyrs and blessed ones chose in the name of God. It is believed that prayers read in front of the corresponding icon, coupled with deep spiritual impulses and aspirations, bring help. Contact the saints with a request to pray for the health of your future offspring and be inspired by their examples of piety.

Women preparing to become mothers experience a whole range of different emotions: from worry about the baby’s health to endless joy. In the Christian world, it is believed that turning to holy icons gives strength to expectant mothers, and prayers read near the faces of the righteous have miraculous power.

How does the icon of the pregnant Mother of God help?

The sacred image with the face of the pregnant Mother of God became famous for its miraculous power. Not every woman has an easy pregnancy. Various complications often arise.

Therefore, the image of the pregnant Mother of God is turned to when various pathologies arise:

threat of premature termination of pregnancy;
the development of a disease in a woman that threatens the life and health of the mother and child;
incorrect presentation of the fetus;
severe toxicosis, complicating the course of pregnancy;
detection of abnormalities in fetal development.

But prayers to the Mother of God help not only during complications accompanying pregnancy. Those who have difficulties conceiving a child also turn to the holy image. Prayer before the holy face works miracles and gives the joy of motherhood even to women whom doctors have given a disappointing diagnosis.

The image of the pregnant Virgin Mary provides moral support to expectant mothers, helping to overcome psychological difficulties, fear of the upcoming birth, and depression.

But this does not mean that it is enough to pray to the Mother of God a couple of times and all problems will be resolved. A pregnant woman should take care not only of her body and physical condition, but also of her soul. It is extremely important for the expectant mother to lead a pious, righteous life.

If a woman often gets irritated, angry, envy, anger or despondency during pregnancy, this has a negative impact on the fetus. Prayers to the “Helper in Childbirth” icon help to overcome harmful emotions. Our Lady gives peace and tranquility.

Visiting the temple is important, especially before childbirth. But if the pregnancy is difficult, a woman can pray at home by purchasing an icon with the image of the pregnant Mother of God. The clergy also recommend taking communion and confession before giving birth.

Saints to help the expectant mother

In addition to the magnificent image of the Mother of God, pregnant women traditionally seek the intercession of saints. Traditionally, they are looking for images of the face of the Venerable Melania, the righteous Joachim and Anna, the parents of the Mother of God, the righteous Elizabeth and the holy blessed Xenia. Let's look at each icon in more detail.

Icon of St. Melania.

Melania of Rome is an inspiring example of purity and humility. She was married off at an early age, and, against her wishes, became the parent of two children. The difficult path of motherhood and the Reverend Melania’s finding peace in unity with God strengthens pregnant women. It is believed that prayers to the saint really come to the aid of those expectant mothers who cannot find common words with those around them and the father of the baby.

Icon of the Righteous Joachim and Anna.

The parents of the Mother of God, as you know, were childless for a long time. Their patience, humility and boundless love for God were rewarded. When Joachim and Anna were already in old age, Mary was born, destined to become the most revered saint in the Christian world. The sacred union of two pure souls is a canonical role model for young couples expecting future offspring.

Mothers who are no longer at a young age are advised to turn with prayer specifically to Saints Joachim and Anna and contemplate their image.

Icon of the prophet Zechariah and the righteous Elizabeth.

Another Christian example of piety is the union of the prophet Zechariah and the righteous Elizabeth. The future parents of John the Baptist did not lose hope, being childless. Their frantic prayers were heard by God, and the parents, being in adulthood, found the Son. Thus, contemplating the icon, you can see the father’s solid gray beard and the tears of happiness on the mother’s face. Her gaze is filled with special power.

Icon of Blessed Xenia.

The saint, glorified in the Christian world, performed a miracle in the name of saving the baby. With her insight, she helped the newly born baby find a new mother. Having never experienced the torment of orphanhood, he grew up, raised piously, in the spirit of Christian virtues. Women who are concerned about the future of their baby send their prayers to Blessed Xenia: his health, human qualities, life path. The very face of the saint inspires hope and strength: Her open gaze sinks directly into the soul, and the gesture pointing to the heart emanates warmth and sympathy.

Prayer text

Before the icon of the Mother of God awaiting the birth of the Child, the following prayer is read:

“O Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos, who never leaves us in earthly life! To whom will I offer prayers, to whom will I bring tears and sighs, if not to You, Comfort to all the faithful! With fear, faith, love, Mother of the Belly, I pray: May the Lord enlighten Orthodox people to salvation, may He allow us to give birth to children for You and Your Son to please You, may He keep us in the purity of humility, in the hope of salvation in Christ, and grant us all, in the veils of Thy grace, earthly consolation. Keep us under the canopy of Thy mercy, Most Pure One, help those who pray for childbirth, turn away the slander of evil freedom, grave troubles, misfortunes and deaths. Grant us grace-filled insight, a spirit of contrition for sins, grant us to see all the height and purity of Christ’s teaching given to us; protect us from disastrous alienation. May we all, who gratefully praise Thy greatness, be worthy of Heavenly tranquility and there with Thy beloved, with all the saints, let us glorify the One God in the Trinity: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen".

Prayer of a pregnant woman and woman in labor to the Lord

Almighty, miracle-working, merciful God, Creator and Preserver of heaven, earth and all creatures, Who Himself pronounced a blessing on all Christian spouses: grow and multiply!

And one more thing: this is the inheritance from the Lord: children, the fruit of the womb, a reward from Him.

I thank You that You have made me a participant in this blessing and Your gift in my married state, and I pray to You: deign to bless the fruit of the womb that You have given me, to bless and bless it with Your Holy Spirit, to accept it as one of Your beloved children and to make it a participant in the holy sacraments of the Church. Thy beloved Son, my Lord Jesus Christ, so that through this he may be sanctified and cleansed from the poisonous infection of hereditary sin in which he was conceived.

Lord God!

I and the fruit of my womb are children of wrath by nature, but You, beloved Father, have mercy on us, and sprinkle the fruit of my womb with hyssop, so that it will be clean, wash it, and it will be whiter than snow.

Strengthen and preserve him in the womb until the hour when he must be born.

This fruit of my womb was not hidden from You, when it was formed in the womb, Your hands formed it, You gave it life and breath, and let Your supervision preserve them.

Keep me from fear and fright and from evil spirits who would like to damage and destroy the work of Your hands.

Grant him a rational soul, and cause his body to grow healthy and undefiled, with whole, healthy members, and when the time and hour comes, allow me by Your mercy.

Grant me strength and strength for birth, hasten him well with Your omnipotent help and ease my suffering, because this is Your work, the miraculous power of Your omnipotence, the work of Your mercy and mercy.

Remember the word You spoke: You brought me out of the womb; I am committed to You from birth; from my mother's womb You are my God; You laid me to rest at my mother's breast.

You are God, knowing and seeing the needs of all people; You said: when a woman gives birth, she suffers sorrow, because her hour has come.

God!

For the sake of this heartfelt compassion of Yours and for the sake of Your heart filled with pity, I pray to You, deign to ease my sorrow, which You foresaw, and bring into the world the fruit of my womb, with a healthy, living body and intact, well-formed members.

I entrust it to You, in Your almighty, fatherly hands, in Your mercy and mercy, and I place it, Lord Jesus Christ, in Your holy embrace, may you bless this fruit of my womb, as You blessed the children brought to You when you spoke : Let the children in and do not prevent them from coming to me, because of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Savior!

So I bring to You this fruit of my womb; lay Your gracious hand on him.

Bless him with the finger of Your Holy Spirit and grace him, when he comes into this world, with holy, blessed baptism; sanctify and renew him to eternal life through rebirth, make him a member of Thy holy body and Thy holy Christian Church, so that Thy praise may be uttered from his lips, and he will be and forever remain a child and heir of eternal life, through the holy, bitter Thy suffering and Thy death and Thy holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen.

(Prayer of priest G. Dyachenko)

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Where to hang it in the house

Rice. 10. The Icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” can be hung either in a prayer corner or separately.

The main condition for placing an icon is that the place where it will be located is clean and bright; it should put the worshiper in a prayerful mood and it should be pleasant and calm for him to pray there.

Also, in this place there should be no foreign objects that distract the attention of the person praying and cause unnecessary memories and dreams that are not related to prayer. It’s good to hang the “Mammal” icon in the spouses’ bedroom, children’s room or in the place where the child is fed

Then, every time, looking at the icon, the mother will, also involuntarily, offer up her sincere prayers, which is very important for the child and for herself. The Lord and the Mother of God always hear such prayers and, if there is benefit to a person, they will definitely help. It’s good to hang the “Mammals” icon in the spouses’ bedroom, children’s room or in the place where the child is fed

It’s good to hang the “Mammal” icon in the spouses’ bedroom, children’s room or in the place where the child is fed