Tree of life icon meaning what it helps with

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Relatively recently, at the beginning of the 21st century, the icon of the Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in the history of iconography. It can be found in many church shops and on the shelves of Orthodox stores. It is a collective image, since it depicts 16 miraculous faces of the Virgin Mary, which describe Her as the Queen of Heaven after the birth of the Savior Jesus. In appearance, the shrine resembles a family tree, only there is no change of generations. Having understood its structure, it becomes clear that everything grows from the very center of this tree.

Icon Tree of Life - meaning and how it helps

1001molitva.ru > Icons > Icon Tree of Life - meaning and what it helps with

You should begin your acquaintance with icons and their contents with the “Tree of Life” icon, which is an original painting in its plot. The canvas depicts the image of Jesus Christ.

Man has always been interested in the question of life, how many years one can or should live, and whether eternal life is possible. Reflecting on this, you should pay attention to the “Tree of Life” icon and reveal its content and meaning for every living person. There are different versions of the Tree of Life icon.

What is depicted on the icon?
The meaning of the painting "Tree of Life" from Jerusalem
In what cases does an icon help?
In what cases do you turn to the image?
Prayers to the icon
When should you seek help?
What prayers should you read?

What is depicted on the icon?

In the center of the canvas, Jesus Christ is depicted, and it is as if he is chained to a tree and his hands are like branches. This is if we talk about the famous painting of the 14th century, the author of which is Pacino di Buanoguida.

Branches extend from the trunk. There are six branches and they have inscriptions. Each of them has four medallions with Christian scenes, which display different virtues of Christ.

The last branch in the upper right corner symbolizes the entrance to heaven. In earlier icons, the symbol of God’s parental love for people and the redeemed sacrifice of Jesus is the image of a nest with a pelican. The bird has torn its chest and feeds its children with its own blood.

According to legend, the tree of life was grown by the Lord himself in the Garden of Eden. Every month the tree bears fruit, and the leaves have healing powers and heal people from illnesses. The tree itself is a symbol of life and immortality, since thanks to the fruits grown on it, it can be obtained.

In later versions, the icons are heroes from Holy Scripture. At their head sit the Mother of God and Jesus Christ.

Most often they depict Jesus Christ surrounded by his apostles. Or, in the center, the Mother of God with her baby is depicted, surrounded by sixteen Mothers of God.

Icons Tree of Life in the online store of Orthodox icons Svyatsy.

The meaning of the painting "Tree of Life" from Jerusalem

More often, the “Tree of Life” icons depict a tree in the form of a grapevine. In the center is the image of Christ, on separate branches are depicted the Mother of God, John the Baptist, and images of the apostles. The branch itself symbolizes the unity of all believers and the intercession and support of the Heavenly Father.

Christ said that he is like a vine, and his Father is like a vinedresser, and that Christ is the vine, and believers are its grapes.

Grapes symbolize wisdom, immortality, sacrifice. A well-kept vineyard symbolizes peace and prosperity. The fruits are received by the one who managed to grow such a vineyard with his labor and diligence.

The life of each person is a kind of tree of the clan, family, which grows and bears fruit, according to God’s commandments. Only that believer will reach Paradise who will cherish and groom his tree. Family is the understanding of a large Christian community, part of which is the believer’s family and all its heirs.

When visiting Jerusalem and other holy places, tourists and believers take home the “Tree of Life” icon, which carries a deep meaning, admonishing the person praying, guiding him on the true path. She is a symbol of spreading love and wisdom among people.

The second name of the icon is “True Vine of Savior”; this image symbolizes the multiplication of the family and the icon is bought for the development of one’s family, to instill in children a sense of respect for their parents.

In what cases does an icon help?

A believer in moments of spiritual and physical weakness turns to his Guardian Angel for help or prays in front of images.

They pray in front of the “Tree of Life” icon with an open heart and pure thoughts. The Orthodox pronounce the words of prayer clearly and thoughtfully and reverently believe in help and protection.

In what cases do you turn to the image?

In every complex and difficult worldly life situation, the sacred face of Jesus Christ will come to the rescue, namely:

To gain strength;
To strengthen the Spirit, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
To protect the family hearth from quarrels and troubles;
To protect children from acts that are not pleasing to God;
For intercession from enemies, attackers, ill-wishers;
For consolation in sorrows and sorrows;
For patients with serious illnesses;
They ask for help in healing the soul and body;
Upon repentance and upon receiving instructions on the true path.

Prayers to the icon

When venerating the icon, they read Psalm 1 or the Gospel of John, chapter 15. In addition to this icon, the image of the “Tree of Life of the Virgin Mary” amazes with its beauty and deep meaning.

In the center of the canvas is the Virgin and Child. This face is surrounded by images of the Mother of God. There are 16 of them in total.

The image of the Mother of God is close to every believer and in moments of spiritual weakness or illness, they often turn to her as the Mother of all people. In prayers, a person asks for help and intercession, asks for forgiveness of his sins, hopes for remission of sins.

Praying before the icon of the Tree of Life of the Mother of God, the believer rejoices in the greatness of this image.

When should you seek help?

The answer will be simple: in any life situation you can pray before the image of our Mother, the Mother of God and Jesus Christ.

What prayers should you read?

It is obligatory to follow the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, prayers to the miraculous icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, to fulfill the Theotokos rule - to read the Theotokos, Rejoice - 150 times a day and to ask for help of intercession.

And the Mother of God will hear and help.

Believe, and you will be rewarded!

Source: https://1001molitva.ru/ikony/drevo-zhizni.html

The Tree of Life is part of world culture

The topic of immortality has long been of interest to humanity.
Both those in power - kings, emperors, and ordinary people - were passionate about the search for the elixir of eternal life. The symbol that personifies immortality in most religious teachings of the world and cultural civilizations is the tree of life. It embodies strength and longevity. The meaning of the tree of life in religions and culture of the world

This concept can be found in the culture of many peoples and religious monuments of the most common beliefs.

Jewish Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the world is presented as a composition of ten emanations or manifestations of the Supreme Mind. This composition is the tree of life, also called sephiroth or sefirot. It represents elements - sephira, which have Hebrew names and have magical potential. They are connected to each other by a line of “zivug”, which means “mating”. The Sephira also express the names of the planets of the solar system. The highest point - Kether - personifies God. Divine light passes through it, and with each element passed through, its energy weakens. The Divine radiation reaches its lowest point, Malkuth, having diminished many times over. The lower element of the sephirot is Earth.

The Tree of Life, according to Kabbalah, is the expression of a person who has reached the highest state of mind. In the composition of the tree, three main components can be identified, called pillars. The left side is the pillar of rigor, the center is the pillar of balance, and the right side represents mercy. All sephiras express human states at different levels of spiritual development. As a person's soul grows, it passes through all the stages or elements of the tree, and in the sephira of Binah reaches Paradise. And the highest point is available only with complete purification or “correction” of the world.

Bible

The tree of life is also mentioned in biblical stories. They say that God expelled the first people from Paradise, thereby depriving them of this wonderful symbol of wisdom. The tree is mentioned in the Apocalypse and other texts of the Old Testament monuments. In Christianity, this symbol was depicted hung with fruits and guarded by the Serpent, Dragon or Lion.

In other cultures

Also, the tree that bestows immortality is spoken of in many ancient legends, for example in the Hittite memorial text about Gilgamesh, and in Egyptian images. Among different peoples it is represented by different types of earthly trees. Thus, among the Germans the tree of life is the yew, among the peoples who practice shamanism it is the birch.

Commemorative specimens with the tree of life

There are several monuments of world culture that depict this symbol of immortality. For example, the “Tree of Life” icon, which depicts Jesus Christ surrounded by a grape vine. Therefore, this icon also has the name “Christ the Vine” or “Christ the Vine of Truth.” Around him are the apostles and, in some examples, also John the Baptist and the Holy Mother of God. This image is based on the stories of the Gospel.

There is another interpretation of the sacred text, which depicts the Holy Sepulcher, from which a vine with bunches of grapes grows. From the grapes Christ squeezes wine (which expresses wisdom and sacrifice) into a vessel.

The Germans preserved beautiful tapestries with the tree of life depicted on them, which were hung on the facades of fortresses and gates. They were also used as flags on campaigns.

Interesting Facts

Not far from the Persian city of Bahrain, a mesquite tree has been growing right in the desert for 400 years. Local residents call it the tree of life, as it grows in the sun-scorched sands, despite the lack of water. This phenomenon attracts many tourists from all over the world.

It is interesting that this symbol of immortality is used very often in our lives. For example, the philosophy of attracting wealth and abundance is common. Practitioners of this system grow money tree (crassula) at home. Various jewelry is also made that imitates this element, for example, beaded pendants. There are meditation techniques called “Money Tree of Life” that promote well-being.

This symbol has existed since time immemorial and continues to find its new meaning in the modern world. Even in the scientific world this concept is quite relevant. After all, the tree that gives eternal life personifies the genealogical structure of man, his evolution. Further study of this element can reveal new secrets of the universe to people.

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Tree of Life Icon: meaning, what it helps with, description

Many Orthodox icons use deep symbolism. Although in Orthodoxy it is customary to pray, repent and ask for something in front of images.

However, images such as the Tree of Life icon provide not only a prayerful mood, but also food for thought. Direct allegory of imagery allows the believer to understand various concepts more deeply.

Such speculation and intelligibility of the Tree of Life icon develops spiritually.

icons

Also, this image is often called the grapevine icon, since here the grapevine tree, which represents the church, is used as a symbol.

In the center is Spas, which is like the base of the vine. Various branches branch off from it, and these branches are the apostles, the Virgin Mary and other gospel characters.

Considering the Tree of Life icon , its meaning becomes completely clear: the church is a semblance of a living organism that includes an entire community.

Of course, it begins with a relatively small number of people: Christ himself and the holy ascetics.

However, the church then begins to consist of the community of all Christians, that is, all people of this faith constitute the so-called body of Christ.

People in the church are united with each other, they are interconnected like ampelos (grapevine in Greek) and everyone can act in one way or another.

For example, the one who chooses a heavenly existence is raised by his own branch upward and reaches the limit of Heaven.

Anyone who, on the contrary, strives for nothing, becomes a dry branch, which is eventually separated from the tree in order to be burned.

In addition, the icon of the Tree with Christ gives a hint of the family tree, which represents the genealogy of each individual person.

Only in this image is a family understood as a Christian church and community in which people are related to each other.

This is the property of Christianity, which erases any boundaries and differences between people and allows everyone to enter the Kingdom of God.

The meaning of the Tree of Life icon indicates the opportunity for a believer to better understand his own involvement in the church. Before this image, any prayers are offered to Christ. It is also possible to pray to the Holy Trinity or the Holy Spirit in front of this image.

We recommend reading: Icon “Resurrection of Russia”

Icon of the Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Compositionally, this option is practically no different from the previous one, but here the basis is the Tree of the Virgin Mary. In the center there is a scene of the birth of Christ, and on the branches there are various images of the Blessed Virgin.

The name of the icon “Mountain Jerusalem” is also used, which indicates the resurrection and the opportunity for every believer to find himself in the Heavenly Jerusalem. To do this, you just need to keep the commandments on earth. Then, after the end of times, the righteous will ascend there. The Heavenly City itself is depicted on one of the edges of the image, hidden behind a haze.

You should also consider the meaning of the icon of Mount Jerusalem, where the central part is occupied by the scene of the birth of the Savior.

This event focuses attention and is central in every sense, only thanks to this the rest became possible.

On the branches there are various images of the Virgin Mary with the baby; they invite the believer to look at different variations of the relationship between the Mother of God and the baby.

Also symbolically, this diversity indicates various options for the relationship between the believer and the Lord. The soul strives for the Lord in different ways and establishes a whole range of relationships. It was thanks to the birth of Christ that these relationships became not only possible, but also make it possible to gain the Kingdom of Heaven.

As a rule, prayer to the icon of the Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary is said in solitude. Therefore, a small space in the house is often set aside for this, which allows you to move a little away from the hectic world and turn to the image. Each image that contains the icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary helps in something separate.

Therefore, prayer in front of this icon can be used to receive a wide variety of benefits.

Prayer 1

My Blessing Queen, my hope, Mother of God, Friend of the orphans and the strange, the Representative of the sorrowing, the Joy of the offended, the Patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as if you will: for I have no other help except You, no other Representative, no good Comforter, only You, O Mother of God, for you will preserve me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 2

O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord Most High, Intercessor and Protector of all who resort to You! Look down from Thy holy height upon me, a sinner (name), who falls before Thy most pure image; hear my warm prayer and offer it before Your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; beg Him to illuminate my gloomy soul with the light of His Divine grace, to deliver me from all need, sorrow and illness, to grant me a quiet and peaceful life, physical and mental health, to pacify my suffering heart and heal its wounds, to guide me for good deeds, may my mind be cleansed from vain thoughts, and having taught me to fulfill His commandments, may He deliver me from eternal torment and may He not deprive me of His Heavenly Kingdom. O Most Holy Theotokos! You, “Joy of all who mourn,” hear me, the sorrowful one; You, called “Quenching of Sorrow”, quench my sorrow; You, “Burning Kupino”, save the world and all of us from the harmful fiery arrows of the enemy; You, “Seeker of the Lost,” do not allow me to perish in the abyss of my sins. According to Bose, all my hope and hope is in Tyabo. Be a temporary Intercessor for me in life, and an Intercessor for eternal life before Your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me to serve this with faith and love, and to reverently honor You, Most Holy Mother of God, Most Blessed Mary, until the end of my days. Amen.

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The semantic load of the image of the world tree

The tree of life is firmly rooted in different cultures; it symbolizes the structure of the universe. The roots are the Navi world (the underworld), the trunk is the waking world (the real world), and the crown symbolizes the government - the world of the gods. Using the world tree growing on the Alatyr stone, located on the island of Buyan, many heroes of folklore travel through the worlds in search of their truth. After all, a tree is an axis that connects all worlds into one.

We recommend studying Psalm 26

Another meaning is the connection of times: the past is the roots, the present is the trunk, the future is the crown.

The image of the world tree is also a symbol of the clan, ancestral memory, where the roots are our parents (and all past generations), the trunk is ourselves, and the branches and leaves represent our descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren).

It is believed that the more powerful the family connection (roots), the stronger the crown (children and grandchildren), it is not for nothing that the history of the family is studied when compiling a family tree.

Tree of Life Icon - meaning, history, what it helps with

In Orthodoxy there are a number of rare, unusual in composition images. The Tree of Life icon represents just such a unique case. He refers believers to several passages of Scripture at once. And it is not immediately that the image reveals its meaning.

Tree of Paradise?

When hearing the phrase “Tree of Life,” many Christians can imagine the very tree that the Lord planted in the Garden of Eden. From it people could eat the fruits, which gave them immortality. After Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise, this became inaccessible. According to some interpreters, the tree means Christ. But the “Tree of Life” icon does not talk about heavenly times.

In fact, the image is even called differently - the True Savior Loza. This name reflects the Gospel lines that are found in John (Chapter 15, Art. 1, Art. 5). The icon is of Greek origin, dating back to the 15th century. There are several composition options.

Christ is depicted in the middle of a vine. Branches extend from it, where the Mother of God, the Apostle John (the beloved disciple of Christ and a man who knew the full depth of God's Revelation), and other disciples of Jesus are located. That is, the icon literally illustrates the words of the Gospel.

The later version is more allergic, not so literal. It reveals the meaning of the phrase in a theological context, since it refers to the Eucharist. A vine grows in the Savior’s hands, which He squeezes into the Chalice for Communion. The Greeks signed their icons “Αμπελος” (grapevine).

The Church is compared to a Tree in other places in Scripture. The meaning of the Tree of Life icon is deeply edifying. The Church, as a unity of believers, is not something defined once and for all.

It is a living organism that develops. Yes, the apostles laid the foundation for it, but the task of every Christian is to contribute, not to be a dry leaf, because the barren branches will be cut down and burned in fire.

The Tree of Life not only feeds a person with the Blood of the Savior, its top touches the heavenly heavens, and the one who is a leaf or branch of this tree will certainly “sprout” into the heavenly abodes.

History of the holy image

The icon first appeared in the 15th century. in one of the Greek monastic monasteries. It is believed that the author was one of the brothers. Variants of images may have changed over time, but the meaning of the “Tree of Life” icon remained the same. It helps the attentive believer to fully comprehend all the main Christian dogmas.

Each person has a family tree, but Christ is the unifying link for all people on Earth - regardless of skin color, race, age, place and time of residence.

Anyone who is baptized becomes a member of a huge heavenly family headed by the Lord. It is not for nothing that Christians address each other as “brother”, “sister”.

Just as all people have a common ancestor - Adam, so Christ became universal human flesh and blood after the Calvary sacrifice.

The image of the Tree is often found in the Bible. It means wisdom, which is the most valuable treasure of the righteous. The man of few words and thoroughness, whose roots are deep in the Commandments of God, is the one who will taste the Fruit of Life.

In ancient Palestine, the Tree indicated the presence of God. Since the Jews very often fell into the sin of paganism, there was a period when they worshiped Ashtoreth, who is depicted as a tree.

Such an image was also found in other pagan cults, including among the Slavs.

But only Christ gave perfect meaning to the image of the Tree of Life; instead of the usual juices, the Blood of the Lord flows in it, His flesh is the branches, and Christians are the leaves. Before this icon you can read any prayers to Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity.

Virgin Mary tree

There is another “tree” in Orthodoxy - the Mother of God. It includes as many as 16 images of the Queen of Heaven:

Quick to Hear;
Tikhvinskaya;
Inexhaustible Chalice;
The Omen;
Donskaya;
Kazanskaya;
Vladimirskaya and others.

In the center of the composition is the Nativity scene. With her hands folded crosswise on her chest, the Mother of God looks at the swaddled Baby. The location of the marks is similar to the “Tree of Life” of the Savior.

What does this icon mean? The central plot shows that the basis for everything is the Birth of Christ. It was this event that made Mary the Mother of God and forever changed the course of human history.

Now from the sinful earth, through the Mother of God and Christ, man, as if through the branches of a tree, can reach the heavenly abodes. And only so.

The connection between all the icons of the Queen of Heaven is also indicated. Each of them has its own story, but they have one thing in common. Of course, this is news of a miraculous event that took place in Bethlehem. Without him there would be no Christianity, the joyful “Glory to God in the highest!” would not have sounded.

The meaning of the “Tree of Life” icon is not limited to this alone. The Mother of God helps believers reach the Heavenly Jerusalem, which is depicted in a light haze at the bottom of the icon. After the Last Judgment, the earth will be destroyed and a new one will be created; in the new Jerusalem the faithful will live with Christ - those who managed to keep His commandments during their lifetime.

The tree is also decorated with scarlet roses, which symbolically indicate the blood shed by Christ. At the very top of the composition, in a separate stamp, is the Holy Trinity - the so-called “New Testament” version in the form of three Angels at a meal (as on the Rublev icon). Indicates that the pinnacle of everything is God, and human life should be directed towards him.

The image is the latest; the first information about it appeared in the present century. The author remains unknown, as does the origin. Accordingly, the icon has not received official recognition and has no church celebration. But the clergy allows you to have this image at home, offer prayers in front of it, and light candles. The icon perfectly expresses the veneration of the Queen of Heaven that the Russian people have shown her for many centuries.

Since there are many different icons here, you can turn to any of them - after all, the addressee will be either Christ or the Mother of God. You can read any prayers written to a specific icon, the Savior.

There are no restrictions on requests - the prayers are not compiled in order to somehow weed out the requests of believers, but to teach them how to structure their speech and compose their own petitions.

Of course, prayers in which a person demands to cause trouble for someone will be rejected.

Prayers to the Lord Jesus Christ

First prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, cover me and your servant (names) from the malice of our adversary, for his strength is strong, but our nature is passionate and our strength is weak. You, O Good One, save me from the confusion of thoughts and the flood of passions. Lord, my sweet Jesus, have mercy and save me and Your servants (names).

Second prayer

Oh, Lord Jesus Christ! Do not turn Your face away from us, Your servants (names), and turn away in anger from Your servants: be our helper, do not reject us and do not forsake us.

Prayer three

Have mercy on me, Lord, and do not let me perish! Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am weak! Shame, Lord, the demon that fights me. My hope, fall over my head on the day of demonic warfare! Overwhelm the enemy that fights me, O Lord, and subdue the thoughts that overwhelm me with Your silence, the Word of God!

Prayer four

God! Behold Your seven vessels: fill me with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit, without You I am empty of all good, or even more so, full of all sin. God! Behold Your seven ship: fill me with a load of good deeds. God! Behold Your ark: fill it not with the charm of love of money and sweets, but with love for You and for Your animated image - man.

Fifth prayer

To You, Lord my God, I bow my head, and in heartfelt confession I cry: I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned in heaven and before You, and I am not worthy to ask Your forgiveness; but You, like the prodigal son, have mercy on me, Your servant (name), just like a publican, justify me, and like a thief, grant me Your Kingdom. God! Grant me to see my sins, so that I do not despise sinners like me, and do not harbor evil in my heart for them for their sins, and I would despise myself according to my dignity, as the first sinner; irreconcilable anger.

Icon Tree of Life - meaning, history, what it helps with was last modified: June 11th, 2021 by Bogolub

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Legends and myths of different nations

In Slavic folklore, the tree often plays a dominant role; its image is associated with immortality.
In biblical mythology, the Tree of Life, created by God in Paradise, personifies the axis of the world and the principle of the universe. The base symbolizes the earthly component, the branches reach to heaven, the roots go to the underworld. Our ancestors perceived it as a connection with the Family, an interaction of times. The trunk is the existing generation, themselves. Roots going into the ground - the past associated with the ancestors. Crown - descendants who will live in the future. In Armenian culture, the tree was considered the personification of eternity and a religious symbol. The image was a trunk with branches extending symmetrically to the sides. One leaf grew on each of them. Similar signs were placed on fortress walls and warriors’ shields. The Assyrians imagined the tree of life in the form of various knots and crossed lines. It is assumed that it was a religious sign associated with the eagle-headed Gods. Used in rituals of priests to communicate with higher powers. These are just assumptions - scientists have not come to a consensus on this issue, and there is no evidence confirming this. According to ancient Egyptian legends, Iusat is a connecting symbol of two worlds. The sacred sycamore tree stands on the threshold of life and death. Among the peoples of Scandinavia, ash gave secret runic knowledge to God Odin. Persian legends tell of a tree from which all the seeds grow, giving new life. Archaeological finds in China have led to the conclusion that the symbol of immortality, the phoenix, and the tree are inextricably linked. According to legend, a peach fruit ripens on it once every millennium, and whoever tastes it gains eternity. In the esoteric teachings of Kabbalah, the Tree of Life is represented by a set of sefirot that form the kingdom of manifestation of God. The Celts and Aztecs had similar legends, according to which there is a tree that is the center of the world.

Icon of the Tree of Life meaning, what it helps with and how to pray to the icon of the Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Branches extend from the trunk. There are six branches and they have inscriptions. Each of them has four medallions with Christian scenes, which display different virtues of Christ.

In later versions, the icons are heroes from Holy Scripture. At their head sit the Mother of God and Jesus Christ.

Most often they depict Jesus Christ surrounded by his apostles. Or, in the center, the Mother of God with her baby is depicted, surrounded by sixteen Mothers of God.

History of appearance

Iconography has a difficult fate - in the first centuries after its appearance, Christianity was not numerous, it was considered an incomprehensible sect, which was despised by both Jews and Romans. Christians had to hide, they were persecuted by emperors - they were thrown to lions, stoned, their heads were cut off for refusing to make sacrifices to the pagan gods. For the Romans, this was tantamount to refusing to serve Caesar.

Therefore, at first, images of Christ and saints were very rare and were preserved mainly only in the catacombs. Most often, they were also symbolic - the church canon was just being formed at that time, many objected to trying to express with drawings what is inaccessible to human understanding. After all, Christ is God, and Christians are just people. Instead of Jesus, they painted a shepherd or a fish.

Icons began to appear on wooden boards from the 3rd century. - this period is considered the beginning of icon painting as an art. Then in the 8th century. a period of iconoclasm began, during which they were mercilessly destroyed. 60 years later, the Council of Nicaea officially established the veneration of holy images. All these years, Christians carefully collected and preserved icons of Christ and the Mother of God.

Prayer to the icon of the tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The most detailed description: prayer to the icon of the tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary - for our readers and subscribers.

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It is a collective image, since it depicts 16 miraculous faces of the Virgin Mary, which describe Her as the Queen of Heaven after the birth of the Savior Jesus. In appearance, the shrine resembles a family tree, only there is no change of generations.

Having understood its structure, it becomes clear that everything grows from the very center of this tree.

Icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary and its meaning

In the very center of this amazing icon is an image of the Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem. Next to the manger in which the Divine Infant lies, the Virgin Mary sits.

It is this event, the great Birth of the Eternal Child, that is the basis of the Christian faith, and everything that is in it. This is the birth of not only our Lord Jesus Christ, but also the birth of the Most Pure Virgin as the Queen of Heaven, the birth of faith and the coming of Christians to their creator - God.

The image of the inextricable connection between the Mother of God and the Child is depicted in the image of the “Sweet Kiss”, which is located in front of the image of the Holy Nativity. It is a symbol of unconditional and pure love. The love of the Virgin Mary for the Son of God, the love of God for people.

Since the image of the Virgin Mary Intercessor is strong in the soul of a Christian, on both sides of the Holy Birth one can see the faces of the Mother of God, known to every believer for their miraculous appearances:

Three main types of iconography are represented on this holy image of the Tree:

Oranta or Sign
Guidebook or Hodegetria
Tenderness

Since the holy image is a composite image, prayer in front of the icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary is directed as a whole to the Most Pure One and the Son of God, or to each individually depicted Her face. There are no special occasions when it is necessary to turn to this particular image, and it does not have its own day of veneration.

The author of this image is also unknown, but its appearance at the beginning of the 21st century, in a difficult and transitional period for our country, indicates that the Mother of God still intercedes and patronizes the Russian land, pointing and instructing on the path of God.

Icon of the Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary - what it helps with

Since this holy image consists of many miraculous faces of the Most Holy Theotokos, people pray before Her images in a wide variety of life situations, dealing with any worldly problems. The Icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary helps everyone who comes with a pure heart and a petition coming from the very soul.

They come to the Mother of God for consolation in sadness and sorrow.
They ask for intercession from enemies, evil intentions.
The icon helps to heal even serious illnesses and heals the body and soul of a Christian believer.
Gives strength to overcome worldly difficulties, strengthens the spirit and faith in the Lord.
Protects the family hearth from quarrels and adversity, protects children from undesirable acts.

Prayer to the icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary helps a person to repent of what he has done and guides him on the true path. As the first intercessor of every sufferer on earth, the Most Pure Virgin Mary will hear, comfort and bless. Here are some prayers addressed to the Blessed Virgin Mary:

“My Blessed Queen, my hope, Mother of God, Friend of the orphans and the strange, the Representative of the grieving, the Joy of the offended, the Patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as if you will: for I have no other help except You, no other Representative, no good Comforter, only You, O Mother of God, for you will preserve me and cover me forever and ever. Amen".

“O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord Most High, Intercessor and Protector of all who resort to You! Look down from Thy holy height upon me, a sinner (name), who falls before Thy most pure image; hear my warm prayer and offer it before Your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; beg Him to illuminate my gloomy soul with the light of His Divine grace, to deliver me from all need, sorrow and illness, to grant me a quiet and peaceful life, physical and mental health, to pacify my suffering heart and heal its wounds, to guide me for good deeds, may my mind be cleansed from vain thoughts, and having taught me to fulfill His commandments, may He deliver me from eternal torment and may He not deprive me of His Heavenly Kingdom. O Most Holy Theotokos! You, “Joy of all who mourn,” hear me, the sorrowful one; You, called “Quenching of Sorrow”, quench my sorrow; You, “Burning Kupino”, save the world and all of us from the harmful fiery arrows of the enemy; You, “Seeker of the Lost,” do not allow me to perish in the abyss of my sins. According to Bose, all my hope and hope is in Tyabo. Be a temporary Intercessor for me in life, and an Intercessor for eternal life before Your Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach me to serve this with faith and love, and to reverently honor You, Most Holy Mother of God, Most Blessed Mary, until the end of my days. Amen".

And do not forget, not only to ask the Virgin Mary for help and intercession, but also to thank the Lord God, the Mother of God and the patron saints for always being there and helping you.

God bless you!

In this video you will hear a prayer song for the help of the Mother of God:

Icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary - meaning, what it helps with

Although the Orthodox Church knows hundreds of icons of the Mother of God, new ones continue to appear. This is especially pleasing in years of testing - during the period of economic crisis, a new sign of the Virgin Mary’s favor appeared for people, this is the icon of the Tree of the Virgin Mary. The author remains unknown, but this is not the main thing. It is important that the image gives people faith, help and comfort.

The meaning of the holy image

Icons began to be painted a few years after the execution of Christ. But the very first image was “The Savior Not Made by Hands” - Jesus created it by wiping his wet face with a towel.

This was proof that the Lord blesses Christians to have icons and through them to turn to Him with prayers.

The iconography of the Mother of God began a little later - it is believed that the first “Hodegetria” was made during the earthly life of the Virgin Mary.

The concept of the “Tree of the Virgin Mary” icon is very interesting - it includes 16 different images. What does the tree have to do with it? The icon painter depicted each as a separate fruit on the branches of a tree.

In the middle is the main icon - the Nativity of Christ. It is larger in size and located in the very center. The tree is decorated with either blooming red roses or green leaves.

It symbolizes life, unity with God.

The images themselves are arranged as follows:

seven icons of the Virgin Mary on the left;
seven icons of the Virgin Mary on the right;
one icon below;
the image of Christmas is central;
at the top there is another icon - the Holy Trinity;
below you can see the outlines of the city, signed as “Mountain Jerusalem” (“Heavenly Jerusalem”).

An interesting composition in which you can find a very deep meaning. The timing of its appearance during such a difficult period for the country, when many are losing their jobs and countries are at war, is also significant. The Mother of God, as it were, calls on everyone to remember that all people are brothers and should help each other. A banality, but they began to forget about it. Perhaps this is why so many tests are sent.

People need to turn to the Lord, return to Him - this is precisely the meaning of the newly appeared icon “Tree of the Virgin Mary,” which consists of many images. The Queen of Heaven seems to be crying out to everyone who has ever prayed before them.

What icons does the tree consist of?

Each image is usually copied in a classical manner, in shape it is a slightly elongated oval, a kind of medallion in which the images are inscribed. There is such a performance where the Mother of God smiles on each icon - this is absolutely atypical for canonical icon painting; this is only seen on the “Bethlehem” icon, which is not depicted here.

Based on the description, the “Tree of the Virgin Mary” icon is quite easy to recognize - there are no analogues. Trees in general are often used in icon painting, but not one tree has bloomed so many beautiful faces of the Mother of God at the same time. Under the image of the Nativity is the “Sweet Kiss” or “Vladimir” - this is Eleusa, one of the main types of Mother of God icons. Distinctive features:

The Christ Child presses his cheek to the Mother's face;
Holy Mary hugs her Son tightly;
The hand of little Jesus seems to be trying to hug the Virgin Mary’s neck.

Many Russian icons belong to this type, since this image is understandable without additional comments - anyone will understand what the gestures and arrangement of the figures mean here.

A short overview of the icons that are included in the Tree:

Iverskaya is an icon capable of protecting peace in the house, reconciling warring parties, and protecting against witchcraft and uninvited guests.

Smolenskaya - protection from ill-wishers, attacks by enemies, robbers.

Kazan - also protects from enemies, you can get healing from ailments of the eyes and legs.

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These are images that relate to protecting home and health. But since the icon “Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary” mainly depicts a Mother and Child, it also protects women - the guardians of the hearth, the continuers of the family.

“Mammal” is a very ancient image in which the Virgin Mary breastfeeds the Child. Of course, this image will help feed a healthy child, protect against diseases, and add strength to the young mother. You should also contact him if there is a lack of breast milk.

"Tikhvin" is an ancient icon that was brought by Angels. It is often confused with the Blachernae icon, although it has a completely different origin. It is considered a protector from a variety of misfortunes.

“Quench my sorrows” - also belongs to the “Eleus” type, known since the 17th century. Protects orphans and widows, everyone who is unlucky in life.

The icon of the tree of the “Blessed Virgin Mary” helps not only in raising children and guarding the hearth. She is also able to eliminate internal demons living in the soul. For example, one medallion depicts the “Inexhaustible Chalice.” For those who have strong faith, it will definitely help them recover from chemical or psychological addictions.

“The Sign” is the only symmetrical type of icon of the Mother of God. On it she prays with her hands raised. A small miraculous image became known in Rus' in the 12th century, and the first Christians depicted Oranta in the catacombs. Shows how kind the Mother of God is to the entire human race. Teaches you to pray and love God.

It is believed that each image that is included in the “Tree of the Virgin Mary” icon helps in something specific. Therefore, having it at home, you can get powerful protection from various misfortunes. This is the secret that a completely new icon has become so popular. In addition, you don’t need to purchase and place 16 different icons at home—it’s enough to hang just one. Here is the Trinity, and Christ, and the Mother of God.

About the author About the book

The question arises: where is the best place to hang the “Tree of the Virgin Mary” icon? Since it includes many images, the place should be secluded so that no one disturbs the prayers. Possibly located in the bedroom - there is nothing unworthy about this, as some believe. The Lord sanctifies both night rest and marital relationships between husband and wife.

On the contrary, having an icon in the bedroom is good for the soul. Before going to bed, a person needs to collect his thoughts, analyze his actions, ask for forgiveness for his sins, and be blessed by the Lord before going to bed. Likewise, in the morning, the first thing you must do is turn to Christ. Then the path of life will always be under the protection of Almighty God!

Tree of Life Icon
Icon of the Nativity - here
Icon of the Mother of God Spreader of the Loaves -

The meaning of the face

The main idea of this image is that the Virgin Mary is the one and only Mother of Christ, but her personality is multifaceted and each of them is represented separately in different images by icon painters. Her entire personality is like a large tree, the branches of which are connected by a single trunk - the Birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Each image is the fruit of a given tree.

The icon appeared at the beginning of the 21st century during a period of serious economic crisis in the country and therefore it is especially important and has deep meaning for an Orthodox person. At a time when people are losing their jobs, money, the world is being shaken by wars and natural disasters, the Lord is still close to people. He also calls them to Himself and helps them. The Church is still waiting for people to come and worship their Lord.

Important! This board is designed to remind people that they are all brothers, that they should help each other in difficult moments of life. The main idea of the board is that all life is from the Lord. Everything was created through Him and by Him, therefore forgetting about Him is tantamount to blasphemy.

He does not tolerate such an attitude towards Himself, as it is written in Scripture

Everything was created through Him and by Him, therefore forgetting about Him is tantamount to blasphemy. He does not tolerate such an attitude towards Himself, as it is written in Scripture

The main idea of the board is that all life is from the Lord. Everything was created through Him and by Him, therefore forgetting about Him is tantamount to blasphemy. He does not tolerate such an attitude towards Himself, as it is written in Scripture.

Since the board represents several completely different Mothers of God, each of which is prayed to by completely different people, its meaning is to unite all of them together.

Is it possible to make a tree of life talisman with your own hands?

Objects, indirectly or directly, influencing our destiny, which are connected with the world of magic, have enormous power when made independently. If a person has the ability to do needlework, then making your own talisman will not be difficult. All the necessary elements to create your own talisman can be purchased at any hardware store. As already indicated in the article, the Tree of Life talisman visually represents a trunk with wide branches spread in different directions. The crown of a tree can be easily made from wire. The leaves of the tree will be made of beads or some decorative stones. The roots of the tree are buried in a protected circle, which can be made of metal. When creating, you need to focus on yourself, your thoughts, the problems that concern you at the moment. It is necessary to clearly formulate the question or problem that worries you. Necessary materials to create a talisman:

Iron wire. Must be made of very thin and flexible metal.
Ring for tree roots. It is desirable that it be metal.
Beads for creating tree leaves.

Stages of creating your own Tree of Life amulet:

Take the existing wire and cut it into 24 pieces. The parts must be even; you can use a ruler to ensure you do not make a mistake in the dimensions. The total length of the wire can be easily subtracted from the diameter of the ring of our tree. The total diameter must be multiplied by 2, add 10 centimeters.
For each piece of wire of 24 parts, we determine the middle and in the middle, twist the wire to the base of the circle.
Then braid each wire wound into a circle. Thus, the roots of the tree are obtained. Braid each braid approximately one-fourth the diameter of the bottom circle.
You need to collect all the braided braids, the resulting roots, together into a single flagellum. Tighten the tourniquet approximately another fourth of the diameter. At the resulting point, make the first branch: take 6 wires, take them to the left and put them on the bottom ring.
Twist the main wire to create another branch. Take him in the other direction - to the right.
This is how the branches of the tree, its crown, will be formed. You need to twist each of the branches, and at the same time make one more such branch on each branch.
The flagella do not need to be twisted all the way to the very base of the ring. Place beads on the remaining wire (there should be 3 on each branch). And only after that twist the remaining ends along the lower base.

Most often, amulets are created from silver. Pendants and pendants are worn near the heart. But wearing a talisman on a finger or wrist is not prohibited.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FSm109ygxbc

Texts of prayers

There are two main prayers that are usually read before the icon. However, the clergy do not prohibit reading before her any other prayer texts that are addressed to the Holy Trinity or Christ.

Second

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked and does not stand in the way of sinners and does not sit in the congregation of the wicked, but his will is in the law of the Lord, and he meditates on His law day and night! And he will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which brings forth its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither; and in everything he does, he will succeed. Not so the wicked, but they are like dust blown by the wind. Therefore the wicked will not stand in judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

We advise you to study Prayers to Matrona of Moscow for help with money

Tree of Life: Mythology of the Ancient Slavs

The Slavs were one of the peoples in whose culture the tree of life was located in a sacred area. It was the center of the interconnection of worlds, where they became a single whole.

According to legends, on the island of Buyan, in the very center of the Earth, there stood the sacred stone Alatyr, where the tree of life took root, and folklore heroes worshiped it, so that in their journey through many worlds the tree would help them find the truth.

It was believed that the roots of the tree symbolize the underworld, which was called Navya: here the kingdom of Chernobog, Mara and other dark gods ruled.

The trunk is Reality, the real world, where all people and living creatures are, and Rule, the crown of the tree, is the world of bright gods, paradise.

The tree of life was so revered among the Slavs that even temples were often built around a huge tree. Its crown rushed upward, above the roof, and personified the firmament.