Theotokos “Leushinskaya”, the meaning of the icon
This miraculous image was painted in 1860 in the convent of St. John the Baptist near St. Petersburg. It was written by order of the Moscow merchant Gabriel Medvedev, who was a deeply religious Orthodox Christian. When the work was completed, he presented an icon of the monastery where he was born.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a cast was made of this icon by order of John of Kronstadt. The righteous man himself sanctified it.
The icon has two other names besides the main one:
“I am always with you and no one will hurt you,” which instills faith and hope in everyone who prays; “Savior of Russia,” as she defended the territory of Rus' during long military conflicts.
Although this shrine was written not so long ago, its prototype is the Most Pure Virgin Mary, therefore it is sacredly revered and believed in its healing properties. The day of remembrance of Our Lady of Leushin is celebrated on June 24.
The miraculous icon depicts the Blessed Virgin, who holds the Child in her arms and stretches out her arms. This gesture symbolizes the protection and universal love of the Saints for believers, as well as their ability to come to the rescue at any time.
Dear brothers and sisters! We invite you to visit the unique resource https://www.slovo-pomoshi.ru/. With its help, you can convey your aspirations to St. Petersburg churches, chapels, monasteries, and also contact the righteous at the place of their burial. We will write a note ourselves, take it to the temple and send you a photo report by email. Turning to God with the help of prayers has helped many people overcome grief, regain health and the joy of worldly life.
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General rules
We found out the meaning of the Leushinskaya icon of the Mother of God, learned how and in what cases to pray in front of the image. Now it remains to describe the correct prayer attitude and appearance.
- When starting prayer at home, women cover their heads with a scarf.
- Men must wear trousers. Strong representatives of humanity pray with their heads uncovered.
- Should a woman wear a skirt? In home prayer you can do without this. Let us not go to the point of absurdity and emphasize that prayer does not imply too pronounced a degree of nudity. This is understandable even without accents.
- If you are going to church, then the presence of a skirt is mandatory. Just like the scarf. No skirt? You can ask for the candle box in the church. In most temples, skirts and scarves hang at the entrance, where they can be freely taken. Welcome back.
- They behave quietly in the temple. Loud conversations and laughter are prohibited. Would you like to light candles or send notes? Contact the church store. No such desire? No one forbids simply praying before one way or another.
- If a woman has her critical days, she can enter the temple. But you cannot light candles, drink holy water or kiss icons.
- Painted lips are not applied to icons. Did you go to the temple? Wipe off the lipstick. As for the rest of the makeup, it should not be bright and flashy.
- If you come to church during a service, you don’t need to run around the entire church and light candles. Especially in the evening, when the room is in twilight, the sexton or altar boy reads prayers in front of the Royal Doors, and people stand with their heads bowed. This is read as the Six Psalms, during which no movement around the temple is inappropriate. If this is the case in the morning, the priest is reading something very loudly in the altar, and people are listening attentively, then it is likely that you have come to the reading of the Gospel. Wait, listen. You will have time to light the candles, and the notes will not run away.
History of the icon
In history, the village of Leushino became famous throughout Russia for its St. John the Baptist convent - a women's monastery, as it was called, which was later flooded during the creation of the Rybinsk Reservoir. The original name of the icon was “Praise of the Mother of God.” The abbess of the monastery, Taisiya, gave the Leushinskaya icon a second name, under which the image became known as the icon “I am with you and no one else is against you” (“I am always with you, and no one will offend you”).
Many pilgrims flocked to the monastery, and soon the icon “I am with you” acquired special significance and became its main revered shrine. In the icon-painting workshop, on the initiative of Abbess Taisia, they made a copy of the icon and presented it as a gift to John of Kronstadt. He gave this image the name “Savior of Russia” and after consecration he blessed the merchant Vasily Muravyov with it, who after tonsure received the name St. Seraphim Vyritsky. According to the parting words of John of Kronstadt, in the terrible year of 1937 he repeated the feat once accomplished by Seraphim of Sarov: for a thousand he tirelessly prayed in front of the Leushinskaya Icon of the Mother of God for the salvation of Rus'.
Interesting Facts
How does the Leushinskaya Icon of the Mother of God help? More on this later. In the meantime, it’s worth touching on some interesting points related to this icon.
- At the beginning of the 20th century, with the blessing of John of Kronstadt, a copy was made from the image. It was consecrated, and the saint himself blessed it with the icon of St. Seraphim of Vyritsky. And he gave him the image.
- It is believed that the same list is located in the St. George Convent, in the village of Danevka.
- The icon was brought there by the spiritual children of Father Seraphim.
- St. John the Baptist Monastery was flooded by the waters of the Rybinsk Reservoir in the early 1930s.
- A chapel was consecrated in honor of the Leushinskaya Icon of the Mother of God. It is located in the village of Breytovo, Yaroslavl region.
- The image has another name - “Savior of Russia”.
The history of the appearance of the holy image
On June 24, the Orthodox Church celebrates the day of the Leushinskaya icon, the prototype of which was the Mother of God herself.
The icon, relatively “young” in historical terms, was painted in 1860. The deeply religious Orthodox merchant Gabriel Medvedev ordered the painting of the holy face of the Virgin and Child to the nuns of the St. John the Baptist Monastery as a gift to the monastery in Leushino, where he was baptized in infancy.
Leushinskaya Icon of the Mother of God
The abbess of the monastery, Taisiya, ordered the construction of the Cathedral of Praise for the donated shrine. The Leushin sisters in the icon-painting workshop made lists of the shrine, one of which was presented to Father John and was consecrated by the Venerable Saint John of Kronstadt.
The authorship of the painting of the holy face belongs to one of the icon painters. This is Anna Gerasimova, who from the age of 9 was at the monastery, studied choir singing and icon painting, and was later tonsured a nun under the name Alipia. The Monk Alipia of Kiev-Pechersk became her patron.
Important! The blessed power of the holy lists written in the Leushinsky monastery consisted not only in professionalism, but also in the fact that they were written by the brides of Christ, while constantly being in prayer and chants.
After the construction of the Rybinsk reservoir, the monastery was flooded, and only at the very top, under the dome of the St. Petersburg courtyard, some lists remained that needed restoration.
The Leushinskaya icon, donated to Vyritsky, was discovered in 1997 in Ukraine, in the village of Danevka. People from all over the world come to venerate the shrine at the St. George’s Monastery. Orthodox Christians from Italy, America, and Canada write about miracles of healing after prayer at the list of shrines; they thank the Intercessor for the mercy and grace granted to heal and resolve life’s problems.
Let's summarize
So, the article described such a little-known image as the Leushinskaya icon of the Mother of God. Main aspects of the article:
- The icon was painted in 1860. Later, a copy was made from it with the blessing of John of Kronstadt.
- The courtyard of the St. John the Baptist Monastery, where the icon was painted, is located in St. Petersburg.
- In front of the image they pray for the salvation of Russia, asking for protection from military conflicts. They also ask the Mother of God for help in family troubles.
- The image is not so easy to find. But you can order it from an online store or embroider it yourself.
ICONOGRAPHY OF LEUSHINSKAYA ICON
The Leushinskaya Icon of the Mother of God received its name from its place of residence - the convent of St. John the Baptist in the village of Leushino, Vologda region. Translation of the Old Russian title: “I am next to you, and no one will harm you,” is a line from a chant on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. After His Resurrection and before ascending to Heaven to God the Father, Christ consoled the apostles and the Most Holy Theotokos who remained on Earth with the fact that invisibly He would always be with them and with all those who believe in Him.
The Lord, the saints and the Mother of God hear our prayers and help us with God's grace. The icon shows Christ even in infancy as the Heavenly King, and the Mother of God as the protector of people from all misfortunes, even during her lifetime caring for the disciples of Christ with maternal care. This can be seen in the fact that the Mother of God, like a Warrior, stands at full height and holds the Child in her arms, with both hands wide apart, blessing those praying, sending Grace to people.
This gesture can be perceived as a sign of protection and love for believers, and as the willingness of Christ and the Mother of God to help at any time by answering prayer.
The Mother of God on the Leushinskaya icon holds the Infant Christ right in front of her, as if showing the people praying in front of Them. With her right hand she holds the Child from below, and with her left she presses him to Herself or holds him under her arm.
The Virgin Mary has interesting clothes; Although they are traditional for icon painting: red underwear and a blue cloak, they are very bright both on the original icon, and on its copies, and on reproductions. The head of the Virgin Mary is covered with a simple white scarf, which is rare in icon painting - usually her maforium (head veil) is dark blue and lies on top of the scarf.
The traditional colors of the Virgin's clothing on ancient icons are also darker: the tunic is blue, the upper omophorion is red-brown. The Divine Infant also has bright, dazzling white clothes. The gaze of the Mother and Her Divine Son is directed straight ahead. Obviously, through the clothes and poses of the Holy Family, the icon painter wanted to convey Their simplicity, responsiveness to prayers and at the same time strength.
Another name for the icon - “Savior of Russia” - was given to it by the holy righteous John of Kronstadt himself in 1905, when the waves of the first revolution were sweeping the entire country. The saint prayed in front of the image of the Leushinskaya Mother of God for help to Russia in overcoming the turmoil and said prophetically that the Mother of God would save the country.
Perhaps it was through his prayers and the intercession of the Most Pure Virgin Mary that God delayed the terrible hour of the fall of the empire and the onset of a bloody civil war.
Each image of the Most Holy Lady of Heaven carries an important theological and edifying meaning. The Leushinsky image shows both the praise of the Mother of God - she stands in a solemn pose, and the spiritual unity of God in the image of the Infant Christ and man - the Virgin Mary, because the Blessed Virgin was chosen from ordinary people due to her purity and holiness.
Like every miraculous image of the Mother of God, the Leushinskaya icon has many copies created in different styles while maintaining the details of the iconography. So, in some versions of the image, the clothes of the Infant Jesus are gold or white with the addition of green or brown shades. The background of the icon can also be different: on the original image it is heavenly in color, but sometimes they also make a traditional icon-painted gold background.
What does the image look like?
The Leushinskaya icon of the Mother of God is very unusual and beautiful. The Virgin Mary is depicted against the background of a blue sky with soft pink clouds. Her clothes are red and blue. The Virgin Mary holds the Savior in her arms. The Divine Child sits in the arms of the Mother, with his back to Her. His arms are open as if for a hug. The Savior faces those looking at the icon. The inscription on the image, the Divine Child stretching out his hands to people, is a confirmation that the love of God and the Mother of God is given to all people. And you just have to ask for help, and the applicant will immediately receive it.
Prayer before the icon
The holy image does not have clearly defined prayer requests. You can turn to it to resolve various problems and worries.
Let's look at how the Leushinskaya icon helps:
protects from ill-wishers and enemies; brings happiness to the family; helps in various conflict situations; resolves military, family, collective and other controversial issues.
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You can ask for intercession on the face of the Mother of God with the following prayer:
To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil, let us write thanks to Thy servants, O Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call to Thee: Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.
O All-Blessed Intercessor of the Christian race, Mother of all who holds Christ our God with Her right hand! Pour His mercy and generosity upon us, and let us not be afraid or intimidated by the enemy, visible and invisible, as You declared to those who trust in You: “I am with you and no one is against you.”
Preserve the true holy Orthodox Church and our monastery from schisms and heresies and lay the foundation for the repentance of the Russian people. Return Holy Rus' to the path of intact faith given to it by God, so that it will be filled with the incense of prayers and bloom like a village tree;
May we live in piety and purity, always protected by You from the temptation of the Antichrist, the invasion of foreigners, internecine warfare, cowardice, fire, famine and pestilence, from vain death, captivity and family strife; Strengthen our monastic life and save us, Most Pure One, for we trust in You as You said: “I am with you and no one else is on you.”
Pray for us, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, to the Lord our God, who has mercy and saves, that He may not deprive us of the protection and Kingdom of His appropriation, Who Himself spoke to His faithful: “I am with you and no one is against you.” To Him be glory, power, honor and worship, strength and greatness befitting the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
No matter what request you turn to the Shrine, it will certainly help. The most important thing is to say prayer words with deep faith in miracles, the unity of the Orthodox Church and the power of the Most Holy Theotokos.
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Today, many Orthodox churches have the image of the Mother of God “Leushinskaya”. With its beautiful appearance it attracts the attention of many believers, and people buy it for their home iconostasis. This image looks beautiful if it is embroidered with your own hands. In addition, such a miraculous icon will be a wonderful gift for family and friends.
May the Lord protect you!
You will also be interested in watching a video about the Leushinskaya Icon of the Mother of God:
Prayer of the Mother of God I am with you, and no one else is with you
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord, Queen of Heaven and Earth! Hear the much-painful sighing of our soul, look down from Thy holy height upon us, who with faith and love worship Thy Most Pure Image. We are immersed in sins and overwhelmed by sorrows, looking at Your image, as if You were alive and living with us, we offer our humble prayers.
Imams have no other help, no other intercession, no consolation except You, O Mother of all who mourn and are burdened! Help us the weak, satisfy our sorrow, guide us who are erring on the right path, heal and save the hopeless, grant us the rest of our lives to spend in peace and silence, grant us a Christian death, and at the terrible judgment of Your Son, appear to us the Merciful Intercessor, may we always sing , we magnify and glorify Thee, as the good Intercessor of the Christian race, with all those who have pleased God. Amen.
What do they pray for to the Leushin Icon of the Mother of God?
Already in the 19th century, many miracles performed by the icon were recorded, which is why it is considered miraculous. Many pilgrims turned to St. Seraphim of Vyritsky for help. One day a child was brought to him, who was almost dying, and after the monk’s long prayers in front of the Leushinskaya icon, he was healed.
Prayer to the image helped one man to heal in just one night from a serious tumor on his chest, and a young girl to get rid of melanoma, which was growing rapidly, and doctors gave an extremely unfavorable prognosis.
When the miraculous icon was transferred to the Kozeletsky St. George Convent, the nuns recorded a number of miraculous healings and described them in two books that were published by the monastery.
In prayer they ask not only for healing from physical and mental ailments to the icon of the Leushinskaya Mother of God, but also for the granting of peace in the family, for the well-being of both friends and foes, so that good relationships can be restored.
Prayer before the Leushinskaya icon helps young girls find a reliable life partner, and women find the happiness of motherhood.
They pray before her and for her Motherland, as John of Kronstadt bequeathed, so that she avoids dangers and military conflicts.
Memorial Day of Our Lady of Leushinskaya June 24.
How to thank for help?
Let's say there are constant conflicts in the family. The wife begins to pray in front of the Leushinskaya icon of the Mother of God. Quarrels pass. How can we thank our Intercessor for her support and help?
Go to church and order a thanksgiving prayer service. Read the akathist at home in front of the image, if it is not possible to get to the temple. Thank you in your own words, sincerely and from the heart.
What do they pray for near the holy image?
The miraculous power of the “Leushinskaya” or “I am with you, and no one will hurt you” icon attracts many people.
Nowadays you can pray before the shrine in a chapel built on the shore of the Rybinsk Sea.
The holy image helps:
healing from incurable diseases; protection from enemies; reconciliation with enemies.
Residents and guests of St. Petersburg can pray to the shrine at the Leushinsky Metochion, in the monastery of which divine services were restored only in 2000.
The holy face helps in healing mental illnesses. Young girls pray before him for a meeting with their betrothed, childless girls pray for the miracle of granting the happiness of motherhood.
