Icon of the Mother of God “The Unbrided Bride”: history, meaning, what it helps with and how to pray

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For many centuries, the icon of the Mother of God has been the most revered in the Orthodox world. I would like to draw your attention to the icon “Rejoice Unbrideless Bride”. In our article you can find out the history of the miraculous image, what they pray to the Mother of God for, and what prayer should be said before Her face.

Incense “Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”. Hail Unbrided Bride”

Additional information
The miraculous image imprinted on the front side of the amulet is the cell icon of the great elder St. Seraphim of Sarov. The Most Pure Virgin is depicted on the icon at the moment when Archangel Gabriel appeared to Her with the news that She would become the Mother of the Messiah, the Son of God. “O Mother of God, Virgin, rejoice, blessed Mary, the Lord is with you.

Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb,” the Archangel announced to the young Virgin Mary. And She meekly answered: “Behold the servant of the Lord, let it be done to Me according to your word.” The Church says that the Blessed Virgin at that moment “became ignorant of God,” and glorifies Her with the words of the akathist: “Rejoice, unmarried Bride.”

This doxology on the Seraphim-Diveyevo icon is always written around the image of the Mother of God.

note

Bride means an unknown, unknown girl, destined for marriage, but who has not entered into it. This word symbolizes purity and chastity.

The word “non-bride” means special purity, extraordinary, incomparable with any other bride, not just a pure, but a most pure virgin. The name of the icon “Tenderness” in Old Russian means “compassion”, “mercy”, “humility” and “love”.

Such a combination of seemingly different states of the soul in one word reveals the greatness of the love of the Most Holy Theotokos for all people.

The Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” was the cell icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov. St. Seraphim called his shrine “Joy of All Joys” and revered it as the Most Pure Mother of God Herself.

The holy elder anointed the weak and sick people with consecrated oil from the lamp, which was always burning in front of the icon in his cell. This is how he healed the pilgrims who came to him from all ailments, mental and physical.

In front of this holy icon, kneeling and folding his hands crosswise on his chest, the Monk Seraphim departed to the Lord on January 2, 1833.

After the death of St. Seraphim, the rector of the Sarov Monastery, Fr. Nifont gave the holy icon “Joy of All Joys” to the sisters of the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery, which the saint founded and cared for. There she was in the Trinity Cathedral in a gilded icon case to the right of the Royal Doors.

In Diveevo there is now a miraculous list from the shrine. The holiday in honor of this icon, August 10 (July 27), is the patronal celebration of the monastery and attracts many pilgrims from all over Russia.

Important

The miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos itself, preserved by believers during the years of persecution of the Church, is located in the Patriarchal sacristy. Orthodox Muscovites have the opportunity to pray before her on Akathist Saturday in the fifth week of Lent in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

On the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon, the Most Pure Mother of God is depicted at the moment when Archangel Gabriel appeared to Her and announced that She would become the Mother of the Messiah, the Son of God. The face of the young Virgin Mary, with downcast eyes and folded hands on her chest, expresses the deepest humility.

On the Arkhangelsk Gospel: “O Mother of God, Virgin, rejoice! Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you!” She seems to pronounce Her meek answer: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word,” which marked the beginning of the salvation of people from the slavery of sin and death.

Source: https://gold-store.com.ua/zoloto/ladanki/ladanka_ikona_bozhiej_materi_umilenie._radujsya_nevesta_nenevestnaya

Shout and She will come

If you feel very bad, if clouds gather overhead and thunder rumbles, and lightning flashes, and you hear guttural screams outside the gates and measured blows on the door that is about to give in - shout to the Most Holy Theotokos.

If demons take advantage of your fatigue after work, and you get angry, and your heart boils with irritation at your loved ones, and black words begin to fly from cursed lips - close your mouth and ask the Most Holy Theotokos to calm you down.

If a person dear to you runs to the edge of an abyss before your eyes, and you start screaming and rush after him, but your legs will not catch up, and the edge is getting closer - raise your eyes to Heaven, and call the Most Holy Theotokos, and She Herself will tell the unfortunate person all that, what you could not say, and with His hand He will lead him away from the abyss.

If pride, together with carelessness, slip into your life following external well-being and the absence of troubles, if vanity and earthly affairs capture you in their nets, if less and less often you begin to turn to God, and you begin to look for peace not in Him, but in good things. a movie and a delicious dinner - get angry with yourself, and start reading with attention the wonderful akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos - and She will pull you out of indifference and callousness. Whatever happens in your life, turn to Her and talk to Her, ask Her and beg Her, praise Her and glorify Her, sing to Her: “Hail, Unbrided Bride.”

And then the love of She who became our Mother will visibly illuminate our path in life, and Her most pure hand will always point us to the One in Whom is our salvation and peace

Whatever happens in your life, turn to Her and talk to Her, ask Her and beg Her, praise Her and glorify Her, sing to Her: “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.” And then the love of She who became our Mother will visibly illuminate our path in life, and Her most pure hand will always point us to the One in Whom is our salvation and peace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The Tenderness of the Mother of God - an icon giving hope for a better future

The icon, known as “Tenderness”, as well as “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride” and “Joy of Joys”, is marked by many miracles. She heals the suffering, quenches sorrows and sorrows, and gives hope for a better future.

But due to the peculiarities of the location of the image, few people know about it.

So who created the shrine and why is it so unusual? From our article you will learn what the Tenderness Icon of the Mother of God is, the meaning and prayer that must be said at the relic.

How did the icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God appear?

Initially, the icon of the Mother of God Tenderness was the property of St. Seraphim of Sarov, one of the most revered saints in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The relic was his cell image, that is, it was constantly in the monk’s home.

It is known that the elder confessed around her to sincerely repentant people, as well as those who showed special zeal in observing the Christian commandments.

He anointed them with oil from a lamp that constantly flickered near the shrine, and then allowed them to venerate the divine face.

As the founder of the Diveyevo convent, Seraphim of Sarov also commanded him his image of the Blessed Virgin. Therefore, now it is called the Tenderness of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God.

Even during his lifetime, he often encouraged the novices: “I entrust you to this Heavenly Queen and leave you in Her care,” and once, calling the abbess to him, he gave her a thousand rubles, instructing her to equip them with a “cell for the Most Pure Lady.”

In a special chapel built with these funds in the Trinity Church, the relic remained until 1927. A wonderful silver chasuble, decorated with gilding, was made for it.

Later, when the ascetic was canonized, Emperor Nicholas II presented the monastery with rich gifts, including a golden icon case. It had rays lined with pearls and gems that radiated from the head of the Virgin Mary.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUDjzL10svo

But the prosperity did not last long. In 1927, the Seraphim-Diveevo monastery was closed, and the bishop, abbess and archbishop were escorted to Moscow. Only a miracle of the Lord can explain the fact that Mother Alexandra managed to preserve the shrines of the monastery, including the image of “Tenderness”.

When she was released from arrest, the abbess, along with several other nuns, found shelter in Murom. The icon was also there. Later it was given to sister Maria (in the world of Barinova), and then the relic was found for some time by Patriarch Pimen.

But he, wanting to save the image from repressions and searches, soon handed it over to Archpriest V. Shapovalnikov.

Advice

And only in 1991, the icon, crowned with a semi-precious frame, along with other things of Seraphim of Sarov, was handed over to Patriarch Alexy II. Since that time, these relics have been kept in the Moscow Epiphany Cathedral, and on the day of remembrance (taken on August 1 and 10, as well as December 22) they are displayed for worship.

Lists were repeatedly made from the image.

Thus, one of the copies, made in azure-blue tones (these colors have long been considered an attribute of the Heavenly Queen), is also called Kuznetsovskaya - after the name of the style of icon painting.

It was consecrated at the resting place of St. Seraphim, and then presented as a gift to the temple of the village. Vsegodichi, Kovrov district. Since then, the second name that the Church of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary bears is Tenderness.

Features of the image of the Virgin Mary

According to the research of historians, the icon was created in the second third of the 18th century. The tradition in which it was painted is similar to the style of the Ostrobramsky face of the Virgin Mary - it is especially revered in Lithuania and the western regions of Russia.

But, unlike the Ostrobramsky image, decorated with a crescent and a scattering of stars around the halo of the Most Pure Queen, “Tenderness” does not contain any additional attributes.

The only decorative element is the words “Hail, Unbridled Bride” inscribed around the holy face.

The original relic is made on canvas attached to a cypress board. But now you can buy an icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God, created from any materials - for example, from amber. Sparkling gems and stone chips form a unique mosaic, making the holy face almost alive.

The Mother of God captured on the shrine looks beautiful, peaceful and meek, merciful to the poor and grieving, hardworking, prudent, relying on the Savior in everything.

And you will feel the same bliss, peace and tranquility, you just have to offer a sincere and fervent prayer to the image!

Icon of the Mother of God Tenderness. What do they pray for in front of the shrine?

Traditionally, this image is perceived as “feminine”, because it shows the Young Lady - young and tender, who has just heard the good news. Her obedience redeemed Eve’s act, because of which sin came into the world, and Her words became a symbol of the highest trust in God, joy, peace and grace.

Temple of the Icon “The Unbrided Bride” –

Temple of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God village. Usinsky, Mezhdurechensk,

Usinsky village, Mezhdurechensky district. Mounted Voivode - invincible Voivode (mounted - invincible in battles).

Victorious - victorious (singing, that is, a victorious song). As if they got rid of the evil ones - because they got rid (literally: as if they got rid of) evil (from troubles). Thanksgiving - thanksgiving (thanksgiving song). Let us sing to You - we sing (literally: write) to You. As one who has power - (You), as one who has strength. Unbrided - not married (literal translation of the Greek word).

+ The Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, beginning with this kontakion, was written in the 7th century in Constantinople. This is the first (and most beautiful) of the akathists, which became a model for all subsequent ones. All 12 ikos of the akathist end with multiple “repeats” of the Archangel’s greeting to the Blessed Virgin - “Rejoice!”, the final of which is Rejoice, Unbrided Bride!

We magnify the heavenly purity of the Unworn Virgin, who inexpressibly gave birth to Christ our God, and in Her purity, the “Most Honest Cherub” Bride of the Unbride appears before us as the greatest warrior with the forces of evil - the Chosen Voivode, possessing an invincible power.

The miraculous icon is considered female.

The following requests are made to the holy image:

about help to easily overcome all the difficulties of adolescence,
about assistance in conception and subsequent easy delivery,
from getting rid of various diseases,
about the happy family life of daughters,
from getting rid of dark and bad thoughts.

The Mother of God Bride Unbrided is an icon that should be in every home. After all, you can turn to it not only within the walls of the temple, but also at home.

O Most Holy Virgin Theotokos, Mother of Christ the King and our God, source of tenderness and mercy, giver of soul-saving gifts and gracious consoler of grieving souls!

We fall to You with love and before Your holy icon we pray: pray, Lady, Your beloved Son Christ our God to have mercy and save us who are perishing in sins, breathe into our souls sincere repentance and God-pleasing tenderness.

With cleansing tears, wash us from the filth of sin and reveal the servants of Christ pure and blameless. Mercifully, O Lady, grant us all that is beneficial to our temporary and eternal life.

Peace the world, kindly preserve this holy monastery, send down serenity and abundance of earthly fruits upon us, and at the end of our lives do not deprive us of Your Motherly intercession and help, so that through Your intercession we will safely pass through the ordeals of the air and be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

To her, the all-merciful Queen, all the joys and consolation of the whole Christian world, help us now and then, when we most especially require Your holy help, and save us with Your Mother’s prayers to Christ God, Who is with the Father and the Holy One.

It should be noted that the icon of the Bride of the Bride is quite rare. It cannot be found in every temple. It depicts the Virgin Mary without a baby. Her hands are folded and her gaze is downward.

This image of the Mother of God shows her submission and devotion to the will of God.

Important

Many people know that the image depicts the moment of the Annunciation, when Archangel Gabriel appeared with the news of the birth of the son of God.

Photo LyudMila

Source

Source: https://barinas.ru/interesno/xram-ikony-nevesta-nenevestnaya.html

Prayer of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gracious sky

Icon of the Mother of God “GRACEFUL SKY”

March 19 (March 6, old style)

Description of the icon of the Mother of God of the Blessed Heaven:

Sometimes this image, based on the first words of the prayers, is called “What shall we call Thee.” Old Believer versions of this icon of the Mother of God are often called “What shall we call Thee, the Delighted One.” This is exactly how the text of the prayer to the Mother of God began before the reforms of Patriarch Nikon.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Gracious Heaven” they pray for guidance on the path leading to salvation and inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, as well as for healing of various mental and physical ailments, for safe travel by air, from heresies and schisms, for instruction in the Orthodox faith.

Often, a similar image called the Icon of the Mother of God “WOMAN CLOTHED IN THE SUN” is confused with the icon of the Mother of God “Blessed Heaven”.

There is also a completely different - multi-figured, iconographically complex version of the image of the Mother of God “Gracious Heaven” with the image of Christ, ancient prophets, Orthodox saints and gospel subjects. Due to the complexity of the figurative language and symbolism, this image is quite rare.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “Gracious Heaven”

What shall we call You, O Blessed Mother of God, Immaculate Mary?

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

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

Oh, the immeasurable depth of the wisdom and greatness of God! What names shall we call Thee, O Unbrideless Bride? Shall we call Thee the dawn of the sun rising in the sky? But You are Heaven itself, from You the Sun of Truth has risen - Christ our God, the Savior of sinners. Do we call You the gate leading into the paradise lost by our ancestors, abounding in all blessings? But You Yourself are a blessed paradise, having grown the Flower of incorruption, healing and driving away the stink of sin and the stench of ancestral corruption. Shall we call you the young Immaculate Virgin who has not known marriage? But even to your old age you remained undisguised and virgin until birth, and in the birth, and after the birth of the Son, you remained. Shall we call Thee Pure and Holy Mary, who with Her purity surpassed all mothers and foremothers? But You not only gave birth to That Child Christ, but You also carried Him with Your breasts and nourished Him with Your mother’s virgin milk, the One Who nourishes every creature, Whom the Heavenly powers stand before with fear and trembling, and Whom every breath and creature praises.

We advise you to study the Ascension of the Lord: pictures, postcards

Oh, truly You are wonderful in wives, wonderful in virgins, inimitable in mothers! We fall before You before Your Divine face and before Your holy feet we cast down and lay down all our thoughts, desires, intentions and feelings. Sanctify them with Your Mother of God charity and lift them up, like the sacrifice of our humble heart, like a little-valued mite of our spiritual poverty, to the Throne of Your Son, our Savior, so that the message of destinies will guide our path to salvation and the inheritance of His Kingdom, which has no end forever and ever. . Amen.

Sky? - as if the Sun of Truth has risen;

paradise? - as if you have vegetated, the color of incorruption;

Virgo? - as if you remained incorruptible;

Pure Mother? - as if you had in Your holy embrace the Son, all God. Pray to him for the salvation of our souls.

Icon

Spiritual development August 19, 2018

The “Unbrided Bride” icon is one of the images of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is especially revered by Christians all over the world. This holy painting is considered quite rare. This article will be devoted to a description of this icon with photographs of the holy face.

The “Unbrided Bride” icon is a canvas on which the Mother of God is depicted without the Son of God in her arms. This image is also called the “Tenderness of the Virgin Mary.”

Historical facts

What does the “Unbrided Bride” icon depict? The holy canvas depicts a story from the Bible, telling about the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel. He appeared before Mary to announce that Jesus would soon be born to her. As a sign of submission and humility, consent to accept the will of the Lord, Mary folded her hands on her chest and bowed her head. Submission and humility emanate from her face.

The “Unbrided Bride” icon in its original version is a drawing on canvas, which is attached to a cypress board. It was this image that the Venerable Elder Seraphim of Sarov presented to Emperor Nicholas II.

Healing powers

How does the “Unbrided Bride” icon help? With the help of this holy canvas, Elder Seraphim of Sarov was engaged in healing people from various ailments. He always lit a lamp near the face of the Holy Mother of God. The elder often said that he dreamed of Mary and Jesus.

He considered these saints to be his patrons, helping to perform good deeds and heal people. In the minutes before his death, Sarovsky also did not stop offering prayers to the icon. After the burial of the elder, the icon was transferred to the Diveyevo Monastery.

Later, when Elder Seraphim of Sarov began to be revered and the Sarov temple was created in his honor, the canvas was transferred there.

The icon “Rejoice, Unmarried Bride” is especially revered by immaculate girls. It is they who she helps the most. The icon can help Christians:

maintain a good disposition and pure thoughts;
find a worthy partner for marriage;
get rid of ailments;
help in conceiving and giving birth to healthy children;
put your thoughts in order;
get rid of negative emotions and moods.

Orthodox Christians celebrate the day of this icon on the first and tenth days of August. This image is also venerated on the 22nd day of December, when the Elder Seraphim of Sarov founded the maiden Mill community. This is how you should pray in front of the icon.

Video on the topic

What does holy face mean?

The meaning of the “Unbrided Bride” icon, also called “Tenderness,” is difficult to overestimate. The great power of this image has long been known. Ideally, this icon should be in every home where a woman wants to have prosperity and happiness in her family life. The image will help in successful marriage, having children and maintaining family comfort.

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:

IverskayaSmolenskayaKazanChernigovskayaQuick to Hear TikhvinInexorable ChaliceVladimirskayaZnamenieQuench my sorrowMammalFedorovskayaDonskayaPochaevskayaIt is worthy to eat

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

Oranta or SignGuide or HodegetriaTenderness

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.

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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.

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The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (“Rejoice Unbrided Bride”)

Days of veneration - August 1, August 10.

Revered by the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, according to the faith of those who ask, she gives healing.

Young virgins pray before her asking for help in maintaining chastity, piety and morality. They call on Her and, in the hope of meeting a kind man, ask for a successful marriage, a strong and happy family life. They pray to the Queen of Heaven before Her image “Tenderness” and for the onset of a long-awaited pregnancy and a successful delivery.

As before any icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, before the “Tenderness” you can pray for everything that worries your soul and heart. And it is very important not to forget to turn to the Mother of God not only with sorrows and anxieties, but also with a prayer of gratitude for Her bright help and intercession.

The biography, which was compiled from the memoirs of those who were closely acquainted with Seraphim of Sarov, says that the course of his entire life proceeded under the patronage of the Mother of God: She and our Lord came to him in dreams and apparitions, cured him of fatal ailments.

The Monk Seraphim of Sarov was the owner of more than one icon of the Mother of God - he had several of them, but the cell icon of Tenderness was among them in a place of honor. No one can say for sure how Father Seraphim took possession of this image.

He himself called it “the Joy of all Joys”: Saint Seraphim applied oil from the lamp that burned in front of the image to the affected areas of the body of the sick, from which they were all cured. Some people managed to find consolation in their sorrows when Father Seraphim allowed them to cling to the icon of the Mother of God. 2.01.

1833, during a prayer service, Father Seraphim of Sarov gave his soul to God.

note

The priest never tired of repeating to the sisters from the Diveyevo Monastery, pointing to the sacred image: “I trust and deprive you of the guardianship of our Great Mother.”

In 1927, it so happened that the monastery was destined to close its doors, and the final service before dispersal was held on the eve of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary - September twenty-first. In the same place, the Diveyevo sisters said goodbye, bowing at each other’s feet and bursting into tears.

Nobody openly kicked them out onto the street, but the conditions were such that you couldn’t stay: it was not allowed to wear monastic robes, in alternating workshops the images had to be removed and portraits of V.I. installed in their place. Lenin.

That year, two bishops lived in Diveyevo in exile, called Bishop Seraphim of Zvezdinsky and Archbishop Zinovy of Tambov. And they said to the sisters: “We will not release you from monasticism: although you are in the world, nevertheless preserve your monasticism.

Now all of you have been given a cup, and who will drink from it as you please: who will just sip, who will take a sip, and who will empty it completely.”

The images from the monastery churches were collected together and dropped into the Church of the Nativity of Christ. By the end of the first half of the twentieth century, the terms of imprisonment of many exiles had ended, and they were sent back to Diveevo.

In 1941, after the death of Abbess Alexandra, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God passed into the custody of the nun Maria, and when the years of her life came to an end, she presented the shrine as a gift to Patriarch Pimen.

In 1991, all the images from Diveevo, including the holy image of “Tenderness,” were sent for preservation into the hands of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow.

Today it is known that the image is preserved in the chambers of His Holiness the Patriarch - in the temple in honor of the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir.

Important

Every year, on the day of the Festival of Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos, the image of Tenderness is delivered for mass veneration to the Moscow Patriarchal Church of the Epiphany.

Prayer of the Mother of God “Tenderness”

Located in the Epiphany Cathedral, Moscow

Source: https://www.moleben-online.ru/khramy-i-svyatyni/chudotvornye-ikony/164-chudotvornaya-ikona-bozhiej-materi-umilenie

Where is the holy face

Unfortunately, there is no exact information about the origin of the icon. The Monk Seraphim himself called her “The Joy of Joys.” Back in 1833, my father died, bowing before the icon, and after his death it was given to a convent, which is located in Diveevo. Hegumen Niphonit blessed the icon. She is the Supreme Abbess of the monastery. In memory of Seraphim, a silver lamp that belonged to the monk burns opposite the image.

The miraculous image is in a silver robe with gilding, which was made after its transfer to the monastery. In 1927, for a number of reasons, the monastery where the icon was located had to be closed. The last service there was held on September 21. When the monastery was closed, no one kicked its residents out onto the street, and such conditions were created that all the nuns left it.

The nuns were forbidden to wear their monastic clothes, and instead of holy images, photographs of Lenin hung on the walls. Until 1941, the icon was kept by Abbess Alexandra. After she died it passed to the nun Maria. She has already given the icon to Patriarch Pimen as a gift.

Today, the icon is in the chambers of the Patriarch of All Rus' in the temple, which was founded in honor of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. The day of veneration of the holy image of the Mother of God is December 22 according to the new style of the calendar.

Icon of the Unbrided Bride: history and description of the rarity

For a huge number of believers over the centuries, the image of the Mother of God is the most revered. There are many images of the Virgin Mary.

And among them, the icon called the Unbrided Bride occupies an important place. It depicts the moment when the archangel tells the pious Virgin about what will happen to her in the future.

That she, remaining immaculate, will give birth to the Savior of the entire human race.

Description of the icon

It is difficult for people of the 21st century to comprehend what fate awaited an unmarried woman who decided to give birth to a child in ancient times. She was threatened with all kinds of hardships and human condemnation. Both she herself and her relatives would be covered with indelible shame.

Therefore, women were afraid of pregnancy without a husband. But the pious Virgin, who did not know the man, humbly accepted the will of God. She did not think about herself and her fate for a second. Mary thought only about how best to fulfill the will of the Lord.

The history of creating a light image

Our Savior was born from the Virgin Mary, who did not know a husband and gave birth to the Holy Spirit.

It is difficult to imagine the state of the Virgin Mary after visiting Archangel Gabriel. The girl, raised in a monastery, knew Jewish laws very well when she was stoned for adultery. Was it joy? Most likely, confusion, great admiration for the Creator and complete trust in Him filled the girl’s heart.

Since childhood, Maria, who lived in the monastery, spent a lot of time in prayer. She learned to hear the voice of God and recognize Him among other voices. God's Bride, even being a wife and mother, remained a non-bride, maintaining her vow of virginity and dedication to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the icon, the Most Pure Mary is depicted precisely at the moment of reflection on the words that Archangel Gabriel conveyed to Her.

Icon “The Unbrided Bride”: what it helps with, meaning

Among the numerous images of the Mother of God, the icon “The Unbrided Bride” is considered one of the rarest. It is dedicated to the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the pious Virgin Mary that she would give birth to a Child who would become the Savior, and that she would give birth while remaining a virgin.

It is difficult for us, modern people, to understand what situation an unmarried girl who gave birth to an illegitimate child would have found herself in in those days. Both her name and the name of her family would be covered with indelible shame.

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But Mary, following the will of the Lord, humbly accepted this news. Then, as the Gospels tell, they found Her a husband - the pious Joseph, with whom She maintained a chaste relationship.

However, at the moment of the Annunciation, Mary did not know this, but, nevertheless, she showed submission to God's will.

Description of the icon

The more complete name of this icon is “Rejoice, unmarried bride , although sometimes you can find another name – “Tenderness.” The image of the Virgin Mary here captivates not only with its external charm, but also with its depth.

Her whole posture expresses submission to the Will of God, her eyes are humbly lowered, her crossed arms are pressed to her chest, as if She seeks to preserve within herself the Good News brought by the archangel.

Her entire image is permeated with humility, which is considered one of the main virtues, but there is no joy on Her face, because she already knows that the miraculously born Son will be sacrificed for human sins.

From the history of icons

The icon “Rejoice, non-bridal bride” (“Tenderness”) was presented to St. Seraphim of Sarov by Emperor Nicholas I. It was painted on canvas and then attached to a cypress board. This icon became one of the reverend elder’s favorites, although he had several images of the Mother of God. He called her “The Joy of All Joys.”

As those who knew the elder closely said, throughout his life he was under the protection and blessing of the Mother of God, who appeared to him in a dream.

The oil from the lamp, which constantly burned in front of the icon, had healing properties, and St. Seraphim used it to heal those who turned to him for help.

At his hour of death, Seraphim of Sarov prayed before this icon and peacefully passed away into the Kingdom of Heaven.

At one time St. Seraphim of Sarov founded a convent in Diveevo, which was under the patronage of the elder throughout his life.

After his death, the icon was handed over to the novices, and she began to be considered the Supreme Abbess of the monastery. In 1902, Emperor Nicholas II donated a silver lamp to the monastery, which constantly burned in front of the icon. For the glorification of St.

The Seraphim of Sarov icon was carried at the head of the religious procession from Diveevo to Sarov.

Currently, the miraculous image is in the church in honor of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, in the chambers of the Patriarch of All Rus'.

How does the “Rejoice, unbridled bride” icon help?

The “Unbrided Bride” icon is traditionally considered feminine; it protects girls and women, helps them preserve the best feminine qualities, such as good character, purity and chastity in girls. The meaning of the icon lies precisely in this help, which we so often need.

Most often they pray to the icon:

about overcoming problems associated with adolescence;
about conceiving a healthy child and a successful birth;
about a successful marriage for your daughter and a happy married life;
about healing from illnesses;
about getting rid of bad thoughts, finding peace and harmony.

Currently, embroidering icons with threads or beads is becoming increasingly popular. This is much more than just a hobby for handicrafts.

By embroidering an icon, a woman purifies her soul and thoughts, and finds inner harmony. Embroidery of icons brings particular benefits to women who have remained infertile for a long time.

In the process of embroidery, peace descends on their soul, and often the end of the work coincides with the beginning of pregnancy.