The miraculous Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria”

The Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, also known as Hodegetria, is an ancient shrine, a miraculous face, famous for many amazing phenomena and healings. Today, numerous lists of relics that are of great importance for all Orthodox people have been preserved. The Russian Church celebrates the days of memory of the Smolensk Icon several times a year. Each of them is associated with a certain important event that took place with the participation of this Christian shrine.

History of the icon

The exact year of creation of the religious painting is unknown. There is a legend according to which Hodegetria was created by the holy evangelist Luke. It is believed that the painting of the sacred image took place during the earthly existence of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to an ancient legend, Theophilus, who was in those distant times the ruler of Antioch, asked Luke to create the sacred image.

After the death of Theophilus, the icon was sent to Jerusalem, where it was kept until the 5th century. Subsequently, Empress Eudokia handed over the Divine image to Constantinople. Here the shrine was protected by the emperor’s sister Pulcheria, who placed it in the Blachernae Temple.

Orthodox texts

You can pray in your own words or choose any of the special prayer texts dedicated to the image of the Smolensk Mother of God: troparion, kontakion, prayer, akathist, canon.

Any of the sacred texts can not only be read alone, but also performed in choir by the whole family. Joint prayer has great power. Therefore, in case of family problems, it is advisable for all family members to participate in prayer.

Troparion

Let us now diligently approach the Mother of God, sinners and humility, and let us fall down in repentance calling from the depths of our souls: Lady, help us, having had mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away your slaves, for you are the only hope of the imams.

Kontakion

The intercession of Christians is not shameful, the intercession to the Creator is immutable, do not despise the voices of sinful prayers, but advance as good help to us who faithfully call Thee: hasten to prayer and strive to entreat, interceding ever since, the Mother of God, who honor Thee.

In kontakion

There are no other imams of help, no other imams of hope, except You, the Lady: Help us, we hope in You and we boast in You: We are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.

First prayer

O Most Wonderful and Above All Creatures Queen Theotokos, Mother of the Heavenly King Christ our God, Most Pure Hodegetria Mary! Hear us sinners and unworthy at this hour, praying and falling before Your Most Pure Image with tears and tenderly saying: lead us out of the pit of passions, Most Blessed Lady, deliver us from all sorrow and sorrow, protect us from all misfortune and evil slander, and from the unrighteous and fierce slander of the enemy. You may, O Our Blessed Mother, save Your people from all evil and provide and save You with every good deed; Do You need other Representatives in troubles and circumstances, and warm Intercessors for us sinners, not imams? Pray, O Most Holy Lady, Thy Son Christ our God, that He will make us worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven; For this reason, we always glorify Thee, as the Author of our salvation, and extol the holy and magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, glorified and worshiped God in the Trinity, forever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer

To whom shall I cry, Lady? To whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, Lady Lady Theotokos, Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing, if not You, O Most Immaculate One, the Hope of Christians and the Refuge for sinners? Incline, O Most Pure Lady, Thy ear to my prayer, Mother of my God, do not despise me, requiring Thy help, hear my groaning and inspire the cry of my heart, O Lady Theotokos Queen. And give me spiritual joy, strengthen me, who is impatient, sad and careless towards Your praise. Enlighten and teach me how You should pray, and do not leave me, the Mother of my God, for my grumbling and impatience, but be my protection and intercession in my life and lead me to the quiet haven of blessed peace, and count me to your face Thy chosen flock and there deign me to sing and glorify Thee forever. Amen.

Prayer three

To whom shall I cry, Lady? To whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, Queen of Heaven? Who will hear my cry and receive my sighs, if not You, Most Immaculate, the Hope of Christians and the Refuge for us sinners? Who will protect You more in misfortune? Hear my groaning and incline Your ear to me, the Lady and Mother of my God. Do not despise the one who seeks Your help and do not reject me, a sinner, Queen of Heaven! Teach me to do the will of Your Son and grant me the desire to always follow His holy commandment. For my murmur in illnesses, labors and misfortunes, do not retreat from me, but be the Mother and Patroness of the cowardly me, my Most Blessed Queen, Diligent Intercessor! With your intercession, cover my sins, protect from visible and invisible enemies, soften the hearts of those who are hostile against me and warm them with Christ’s love. Grant to me, who is weak, Your all-powerful help to overcome my sinful habits, so that, purified by repentance and subsequent virtuous life, I may spend the remaining days of my earthly journey in communion with the Holy Church. Appear to me, Hope of all Christians, at the hour of my death and strengthen my faith in the difficult hour of death. Offer up for me, who has sinned many times in this life, Your all-powerful prayers after my departure, that the Lord will justify me and make me a partaker of His endless joys. Amen.

Akathist

Kontakion 1

Chosen from all generations, Heaven and earth, to the Queen, the Most Holy Theotokos Hodegetria, for you were delivered from eternal death by the grace of You, who was born Christ our God and by Your Mother's intercession before Him, we offer thanksgiving singing to You, your servants. You, our All-Merciful Intercessor, free us from all troubles and sorrowful circumstances and guide us to the kingdom on high, so we call You: Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Ikos 1

The Archangel's voice cries out to Ti, Pure One: Rejoice, Blessed Hodegetria Mary, and fill us with spiritual joys, so that with a reverent soul and a pure heart we will bring to Ti, who gave birth to the world the Savior Christ our God, these verbs: Rejoice, blessed by God the Father; Rejoice, Mother of the Son of God, unfathomable. Rejoice, sacred abode of God the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, manifestation of the Trinity mysteries. Rejoice, wonder of angelic minds; Rejoice, ornament of the human race. Rejoice, thou who art united above with those below; Rejoice, thou who hast opened the gates of heaven to earthly beings. Rejoice, heavenly ladder; Rejoice, ever-receiving God. Rejoice, unburnt Kupino; Rejoice, Most Holy Table. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 2

Having seen the icon of Your Most Holy Face, the Virgin Mary, the all-praised Evangelist Luke wrote about it, and spoke about it with Your most pure lips: “With this icon is My grace and strength.” Having seen such Your promise, we reverently venerate Your Most Holy Image, O Lady, and sing to Your Son and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having understood Your favor, O Theotokos, to this icon of Yours, the glorious Apostle Luke gave it as a blessing and sanctification to the Church of Christ of Antioch, in which she was called a Guide and glorified by divine miracles. For this, thanking Thee, the All-Blessed Lady, for Thou hast left us the likeness of Thy Most Pure Face as a consolation, we earnestly cry out to Thee: Rejoice, Queen of the high and low; Rejoice, Lady of angels and men. Rejoice, peace of peace; Rejoice, destruction of ancient enmity. Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, humility is deep. Rejoice, clothed in the sun; Rejoice, shining with Divine glory. Rejoice, Mother of the Never-Evening Light; Rejoice, heavenly sweets in paradise. Rejoice, fragrant heirloom of Christ; Rejoice, bed of the Great King. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 3

By the power of God, wondrous miracles were performed by Your icon, the Lady of God, when it was brought to Constantinople and placed in the glorious Blachernae Church; You enlightened the blind, you healed every ailment in people by Your grace, O Theotokos, and let us all call to the God who glorified You: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Constantinople had the sovereign Intercessor, the Virgin Mother of God, and in the days of attack on it by strong and skillful enemies, Hodegetria received Your miraculous help from Your holy icon. We also pray to You, All-Blessed One, just as You saved this ancient city from destruction many times, so save us humble ones from eternal destruction by Your maternal intercession to Christ God, so we gratefully call You: Rejoice, strong fence of Constantinople; Rejoice, blessed treasure of the Blachernae Temple. Rejoice, victory over the unclean armies; Rejoice, the enemies of Orthodoxy are put to shame. Rejoice, children of Christ, Leader of victories; Rejoice, speedy Helper in the troubles that flow to You. Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of those who call upon You in prayer; Rejoice, companion of the God-wise saints in the gospel of Christ. Rejoice, glory to the praise of women and virgins; Rejoice, pillar of fire, tempering the heat of passions. Rejoice, pillar of cloud, dispelling the darkness of sins. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 4

Burea of ​​the sea ships of the Preogordo Kagan, your hail of the captivity of the resumes, crushed the lord, and the victory over him Lyudema Christ gave from the holy icon odery, the rays of the light of heaven and the warriors of the Orthodox will be seen, but they will see, as you are warning the sovereign Constantinople and glorify Your mercies and miracles, singing to the Savior God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard about Your glorious miracles, O Virgin Mother of God, which You showed from Your icon in Constantinople, we are perplexed as to how that icon, carried along the hills of the city, was controlled by the Divine power of those who carried it and directed their feet according to Your will; direct our Lady and our feet on the path of fulfilling the commandments of Christ, and teach us to faithfully fulfill the holy will of Your Son and God, so that we cry to You: Rejoice, unquenchable light; Rejoice, never-setting star. Rejoice, shining with the Divine light; Rejoice, you who enlighten the souls of the faithful with grace. Rejoice, fragrance of the peace of Christ; Rejoice, sanctification of the earth. Rejoice, cup that draws joy to the whole world; Rejoice, fountain, pouring out eternal sweetness. Rejoice, well-adorned palace of the King of Kings; Rejoice, reddest paradise. Rejoice, brighter morning. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 5

For as the God-God Star, Thy icon, O Lady of God, was brought by Thy favor from Constantinople to the Russian country, and was given to the city of Smolensk as a gracious inheritance, we also thank Thee, O All-Merciful Lady, for Thou hast given such a holy gift to our Fatherland, and we sing in Trinity to the glorified God : Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen Your glorious intercession of the city of Smolensk, Most Pure Lady, we glorify Your great mercy, by which You miraculously saved this city from the destruction of Batu, by sending the saint of Christ Mercury with the voice of the Divine from Your icon to single combat with the leader of Batu’s army; He struck him with his sword and delivered Your city from the burning of fire. You crowned him with the crown of martyrdom, and with heavenly prayers grant us on earth to cry out to You without condemnation: Rejoice, you who strengthened the martyr of Christ Mercury for his feat of war; Rejoice, who inspired him with the voice of Your holy icon. Rejoice, for you who crowned David with victory against Goliath; Rejoice, strong defense of the city of Smolensk. Rejoice, Thou who delivered Thy city from destruction; Rejoice, Deliverer from captivity and defeat. Rejoice, Russian countries, blessed consolation; Rejoice, Church of Christ, God-splendid decoration. Rejoice, everlasting joy to those who love You; Rejoice, Soothestress of sorrows. Rejoice, healing of the sick; Rejoice, encouragement to the discouraged. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 6

The Russian country preaches Thy mercy and miracles, O Most Pure Virgin, Mother of God, and the city of Smolensk brightly flaunts, having Thy miraculous icon, healing all kinds of illnesses and giving health to the sick. For this reason, we reverently venerate Your multi-healing image, O All-Blessed Lady, and worshiping it, as a guarantee of Your favor towards us, we cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Thou hast shone in the land of Russia with the rays of Divine miracles emanating from Thy holy icon, O Most Pure Lady, to whom our fathers came from ancient years in sorrow and illness and departed in vain. Following them, we come to You and reverently kiss Your miraculous image with love, we pray to You: quench our sorrows, heal our ailments, and we call You: Rejoice, rod of old age; Rejoice, widower Intercession. Rejoice, charity for orphans; Rejoice, raising children. Rejoice, supply for the poor; Rejoice, liberation of the captives. Rejoice, consolation for those who mourn; Rejoice, pillar and affirmation of virginity. Rejoice, Patroness of monks; Rejoice, nun Mentor. Rejoice, strengthening of the fasting people. Rejoice, admonishment of the ascetics. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 7

Although you have deigned to bestow upon the city of Moscow the communion of grace from Thy holy icon, the All-Merciful Lady, Thou hast deigned to bring Thy icon from Smolensk to Moscow, and staying there, miracles will be glorified by many. When, at the request of the inhabitants of Smolensk, Your holy image returned to their city, at the place where Your icon Hodegetria passed, a monastery of virgins was quickly built in Your name; here, under the shadow of Your miraculous icon, with faith and love we sing a silent song to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The newly created monastery of nuns in the city of Moscow reverently honors the holy likeness of Your miraculous icon Hodegetria, exuding ineffable mercy to the faithful, with its overshadowing Orthodox people are gratefully comforted and affirmed in the feats of fasting and prayer, urging them to silently chant the Maternity of Your generosity and gratefully cry out to You : Rejoice in God beloved of the Queen; Rejoice, O Lady who loved God. Rejoice, one blessed among women; Rejoice, heavenly joy. Rejoice, earthly intercession; Rejoice, demons have been put to shame. Rejoice, hell trampled underfoot; Rejoice, strengthened by the power of the Lord of Hosts. Rejoice, invested with the power of the Queen of Heaven and earth; Rejoice, good Helper who wages war on the flesh with chastity. Rejoice, O merciful Comforter of those who strive in fasting and silence. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 8

You delight us in the many-sorrowful and many-rebellious earthly journey with Your maternal care for us, Mother of God, and in days of sorrowful circumstances you show us holy help for salvation. We remember and confess, Lady, Your intercession, when the Gauls devastated the Russian country and captivated the city of Moscow, You deigned to bring Your icon of the Holy Hodegetria from Smolensk to the troops of the Russian army, and thus You inspired the Orthodox, a glorious victory was granted to them, by Your intercession to Your Son and to God. Let us sing to him: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Filled with all mercy and generosity, the All-Blessed Mother of God, you gloriously bestowed help and victory over the enemies of the Orthodox Russian army. You drove the Gauls with dishonor from our Fatherland, and when we no longer had hope of salvation, our city was captured and destroyed; You crowned us with a wondrous victory. Always remembering Your intercession, we cry out in praise to You: Rejoice, Thou who wonderfully delivered our Russian country from the invasion of foreigners; Rejoice, Thou who by Thy power brought back the proud with shame. Rejoice, Omnipotent Victorious of the armies of other faiths; Rejoice, Sovereign Helper of the Orthodox army. Rejoice, Thou who mercifully abided with Thy holy icon with the Russian soldiers; Rejoice, who consecrated their shelves with Your miraculous image. Rejoice, strengthening those who are weak with power from above; Rejoice, you who give Your holy help to the helpless. Rejoice, O just intercessor of the offended; Rejoice, unreliable Hope. Rejoice, consolation of the sad; Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 9

All the faithful see Your holy image with joy and consolation, and on it you look with tenderness at the Divine Infant Christ, for this sake we pray to You, All-Good One, as the Mother of all who contains in the right hand of Your Master: look at us with mercy, and beg the Lord to have mercy on us unworthy . Teach us, Lady, to pray favorably to Him, and without condemnation to sing to Him with undefiled lips and a pure heart the Angelic song: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Our song oratory is not sufficient to glorify Your many miracles, Mother of God Hodegetria, which You have shown from Your holy icon and have always appeared to the faithful: but You, as truly the Good Mother, accept our faith and zeal; weigh our love for You, with which our hearts burn, and graciously hear this in the simplicity of the composed praise: Rejoice, O ever-Virgin joyful; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride. Rejoice, village of God the Word; Rejoice, monastery of the Most Holy of Holies. Rejoice, forever reigning with the Son, the King of heaven; Rejoice, you who have motherly boldness towards Him. Rejoice, mercifully heeding the prayers of the faithful; Rejoice, repaying those who love You with Your Divine love. Rejoice, Zion's mountain adornment; Rejoice, protection of the world for a long time. Rejoice, city of our influx of salvation; Rejoice, holy city, glorified by the descent of God. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 10

Save us, Lady, from eternal destruction by Your maternal intercession to Christ God, and grant us to see You at the hour of our death, from the hand of the fierce ruler of the world, guarding our soul: so that with Your Holy help we will escape his snares and be worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and sing in eternal joy To God who loves mankind: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mary, and to all the zealous zealots of virginity and purity, the Helper. We pray to Thee, Most Pure One, cleanse our hearts from all sinful filth, and adorn our souls with chastity and purity; May we remain unharmed from all the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and may we be honored to worthily proclaim to You the following song: Rejoice, good Nurse of the Virgins; Rejoice, merciful Guardian of orphans. Rejoice, quiet refuge for those overwhelmed by passions; Rejoice, safe haven for those troubled by temptations. Rejoice, Rewarder of the ascetics of chastity; Rejoice, Supporter of those fighting invisible enemies. Rejoice, merciful Visitor of the innocently convicted; Rejoice, O good Comforter of those falsely slandered. Rejoice, Divine Liberator of those in captivity and exile; Rejoice, all-powerful Protectress of the toiling and burdened. Rejoice, supplication of the Righteous Judge; Rejoice, reconciliation of sinners with God. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 11

Hearing the all-contrite singing from Your faithful servants, You, Most Pure Mother of the Virgin, as having unspeakable mercy, satisfy us with the incorruptible food of the Word of God and teach us to always fulfill the life-giving commandments of our Lord; Pray to Him, our All-Blessed Representative, to bestow His mercy on us unworthy and make us worthy to inherit His all-bright and all-blessed Kingdom, where all the saints sing a song of praise to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With the bright rays of Your miracles, O Virgin Mother of God, you gracefully enlighten us, and from Your holy Hodegetria icon you send spiritual consolation to the saints of God. To us, sinners, grant us healing gifts from Her abundantly, and let us call upon You with gratitude and praise: Rejoice, O Thou who gave birth to the Lamb and the Imperishable Shepherd; Rejoice, you who combined virginity and the glory of the Mother in Yourself. Rejoice, thou of virginity, leading to a pure and virginal life; Rejoice, you who show Your holy love to God’s chosen ones. Rejoice, you who reveal the commands of Heaven to the saints of the Lord; Rejoice, you who honored St. Sergius of Radonezh with Your visit. Rejoice, you who guided St. Cyril of Beloozero with a voice from Your icon to Beloozero; Rejoice, you who strengthened the Venerable Savvaty of Solovetsky in his desert exploits. Rejoice, thou who blessed St. Mitrophan of Voronezh with Thy icon. Rejoice, protection and supply of the abodes of Christ; Rejoice, servants of God in the midst of the world, secret admonition. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 12

The grace of God acts in miracles, gloriously revealed from Your holy image, O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, enlighten our souls with it, dispelling the darkness of sin with the radiance of the Sun of Christ’s Truth, so that in the light of His commandments, we may live this temporary life pleasing to God in all piety and purity and be worthy receive eternal bliss and sing to God with the elect: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your miracles, Mother of God, we preach Your mercies, glorify Your innumerable bounties and, falling before Your miraculous icon, we pray to You with faith and love: be for us a Good Guide to the bright city of Heavenly Jerusalem, so that we may see You from the height of Your Divine glory upon us looking mercifully and, together with the saints, let us sing to thee: Rejoice, our Most Holy Joy; Rejoice, Our Blessed Queen. Rejoice, Thou who adopted us as sons at the cross of Thy Son and God; Rejoice, you who show motherly love for us. Rejoice, you who wonderfully fulfill our good desires; Rejoice, quick to listen to humble prayers. Rejoice, thou who covert us with the veil of Thy saints; Rejoice, who reliably protects us with Your honest robe. Rejoice, at the hour of our death, Omnipotent Helper to us; Rejoice, O sovereign Intercessor for us in the ordeals of the air. Rejoice, free healing of our bodies; Rejoice, salvation of our souls. Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, hope of Christians!

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, Queen, All-Merciful Virgin Mother of God Hodegetria! Accept this little prayer of ours and bring it to Your Son, Mother, beseeching His goodness to have mercy on us sinners and unworthy; and through Your omnipotent intercession, He will deliver us from eternal torment; will be worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and there with the Angels sing to God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Canon

Song 1

Irmos: I will open my mouth and be filled with the Spirit, and I will vomit the word to the Queen Mother, and I will appear, brightly triumphant, and I will sing, rejoicing, Those miracles.

Joyfully, O Pure One, I offer the praise that has now come, rejoicing, and in a quiet voice, Hodegetria, I cry to Thee: Rejoice and fill me with reason, beginning to sing.

Who gave birth to Christ, eternal joy to us, oh, rejoice, all-sung hope of the Orthodox, Hodegetria, all-sung to the Maiden, fill me with the joys desired by the world.

All men and Angels always rejoice, in agreement with the cry in Heaven and on earth, Hodegetria: Rejoice, Maiden, for with Your Nativity you have filled all things with joy.

Rejoice, Odigitria, with the fear of You grant those who cry out for joy, Mother of real joy, relieving all sorrows, and have mercy on all who come running to You.

Song 3

Irmos: Thy hymns, O Theotokos, Living and Unenvious Source, spiritually establish the face of thyself, and grant crowns of glory in Thy Divine glory.

Christ, the Most High King, oh, rejoice, unshakable, pure and animated chamber! Rejoice, Odigitria, rejoice: by You our city is preserved indestructible.

It is impossible for the creature to contain Him in the womb, which is not made of art, the Hodegetria of the Maiden, you have physically contained Him, and so, rejoice, we sing, magnifyingly according to duty.

The world's many-sung joy, joyfully singing ever and ever, eternal, pure joy, we are honored with Your Mother's prayers to the One who was born from You, Hodegetria.

We call upon You the golden statue, and the candlestick, and the staff, and the Pure table, Hodegetria, and the voice of Rejoice, with these same names.

Sedalen

A warm prayer and an insurmountable wall, a source of mercy, a refuge for the world, we diligently cry out to Thee: Mother of God, Lady, advance and deliver us from troubles, One who will soon appear.

Song 4

Irmos: Seated in Glory on the Throne of the Divine in a light cloud, the Divine Jesus came with an Imperishable Hand and called to salvation: glory, O Christ, to Thy power.

Rejoice, we are working miracles, Hodegetria the Lady. Rejoice, all the joy of the city, and the invincible Christian repository in troubles, and a barrier, and victory over enemies.

Rejoice, rejoice, praise to the Orthodox people, and protection of the Christ-loving army for all, O Queen. Rejoice, Odigitria, refuge and affirmation for all of us.

Rejoice, speedy deliverance from troubles for all. Rejoice, consolation ready for all who mourn. Rejoice, All-Singing One, Rejoice, All-Blessed Hodegetria, Healer to all the weak.

Rejoice, even though all creation hastens to glorify its greatness, but is unable to do so, Hodegetria, and for this reason he calls to You: Rejoice, Lady, Divine Dwelling.

Song 5

Irmos: Everyone was terrified of Your Divine glory: You, the Unmade Virgin, had in your womb God above all and gave birth to the Lifeless Son, giving peace to all who sing Your praises.

You are an abyss of blessings and bounty, rejoice, Hodegetria the Maiden, rejoice, bringing joy to all the faithful. Oh, rejoice, most swift Intercessor of those in trouble and those who mourn.

Rejoice, from the fulfillment of the greatness of Your miracles, we are filled with sight, all who are blind, but with hearing, we are faithful. In the same way, rejoice, we sing to you everywhere and everyone, Odigitria.

Christ our God, O Rejoice, Hodegetria, dwelling place and house of the ineffable and Divine, Virgin, of His glory. Oh, rejoice, adorned palace, rejoice, animated city, ever reigning!

Infinite joy looking at You, like the sea, the Youth, Hodegetria the Maiden, all rejoicing, Rejoice, we cry out to You; and singing, invisibly and ever awaiting Divine gifts from You.

Song 6

Irmos: This divine and all-honorable celebration, O God of Wisdom, Mother of God, come, let us clasp our hands, glorifying the God who was born from Her.

Christ, Pure One, who received the voice, rejoice, Hodegetria the Maiden, who heard Him, having ineffably given birth, rejoice, you always hear from everyone.

You have filled all the joys, you have united the highest and the lowest, Hodegetria, and with the same joy and agreement now heaven and all the earth are calling to You.

To widows, O Rejoice, O All-Singing One, and to all orphans, Hodegetria, consolation; Rejoice, you who pour out inexhaustible wealth to all the poor.

The gold of every shine and the brightest morning of the sun, dwelling place of Christ, rejoice, Hodegetria, rejoice, Maiden, rejoice, Unbridled Bride.

Kontakion, tone 6

The intercession of Christians is shameless, the intercession to the Creator is immutable, do not despise the voices of sinful prayers, but advance, as the Good One, to the aid of us who faithfully call Thee: hasten to prayer and strive to supplicate, ever interceding, the Mother of God, those who honor Thee.

Ikos

Stretch out Thy hand, in the image of all Thou hast received the Lord like a Child, for abundance of goodness; do not forsake us, who always hope in Thee, with Thy invigorating prayer and countless sheets* spare us and grant to our souls Thy mercy, forever flowing: For thee are the imams, sinners, the Intercessor from the troubles and evils that come upon us. But, as if you have mercy and generosity, hasten to prayer and strive to entreat, ever interceding, the Mother of God, those who honor Thee.

Song 7

Irmos: Having not served the creation of God’s wisdom more than the Creator, but having overcome the fiery rebuke manfully, I rejoice, singing: O Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.

Rejoice, rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria, always instructing the faithful to follow every path of salvation; Rejoice, Lady, through You we will always get rid of real barbaric troubles.

Rejoice, rejoice, Hodegetria, vigilant and praying for us to God, and through Your intercession, all kinds of sorrows, Mother of God, delivering all people.

Rejoice, rejoice, Most Holy Hodegetria, who fulfilled our petitions for our benefit and always wished for all amicable good unity, hastening in graceful ones.

Rejoice, rejoice, the ship, Hodegetria, sailing in need, delivering the faithful and delivering everyone from all sorrows and variegated and slow illnesses, quickly resolving.

Song 8

Irmos: The pious youths in the cave saved the Nativity of the Theotokos; Then what is formed, now in action, raises up the entire universe to sing to You: Sing to the Lord, O works, and exalt Him to all ages.

Rejoice, All-Blessed Mary, from You the All-Blessed God has clothed all of me, man, and, having dressed, united to Your Divinity with an ineffable union, Virgin Hodegetria, Rejoice, Delighted One, with the joy of the whole world.

Rejoice, Driver of evil spirits; Rejoice, Mother of God Hodegetria. Rejoice, for the invisible armies of Heaven always praise You and magnify You as the former Mother of God; Rejoice, having considered the lower one with the Highest.

Rejoice, thou who surpassest all the heavenly powers without reasoning; Rejoice, Hodegetria. Rejoice, you who gave birth to all creatures of God and rule over her, the All-Singing Lady; Rejoice, for you remain a Virgin, Pure, even after Christmas.

Rejoice, glory to all women, temple of the Most Reverend of our God; Rejoice, Odigitria, rejoice, soul-saving one of the whole universe; Rejoice, covering cloud, spreading the sky; Rejoice, world-maker, full of Divine peace.

Song 9

Irmos: Let every earth-born leap, we are enlightened by the Spirit, let the nature of the bodiless minds triumph, honoring the sacred triumph of the Mother of God, and let it cry out: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.

Rejoice, O Light, who brought the unevening Light, and in Your Nativity you destroyed the darkness of polytheism, and delivered people from the abysses of hell. Rejoice, Hodegetria Theotokos, kindness of all to the Precessor.

Rejoice, O earth, from the ignorant class of Heavenly vegetated the faithful, and deliver the world from all the soul-destroying hunger, intelligent and animated. Oh, Rejoice, O vine, who gave birth to animal grapes, O Pure Mother of God Hodegetria!

Rejoice, beautiful one in paradise of secret flowers; Rejoice, Mother of God, having strangely conquered the invisible minds with purity, Mother of God. Rejoice, O Youth, Rejoice, Hodegetria, universal miracle and hearing.

Preserve the rest of our life undamaged by Your help, O Virgin Youth, and vouchsafe us to receive a good end, praising You and crying out: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Hodegetria.

The appearance of Hodegetria in Rus'

In the middle of the 11th century, the icon arrived from Greece to Russia. An ancient legend says: in the year 1046, Emperor Constantine IX blessed his daughter Anna with this image, who was to become the wife of the Chernigov prince Vsevolod, who was the son of Yaroslav the Wise. The shrine was supposed to accompany and protect the young bride on her way to distant Russian lands.

The name Hodegetria, translated from Greek as a guidebook, was given to the icon thanks to the miracles that were revealed. While the image was still in Constantinople, the Most Pure Virgin Mary appeared to two blind men and told them to follow to Her temple, where they could be healed. The image was also called Hodegetria, since it was always with the Byzantine emperors during military campaigns.

Subsequently, the sacred painting began to be considered a symbol of the dynastic connection between Constantinople and Russia, the ancestral shrine of the Russian rulers. In 1095, Prince Vladimir Monomakh, the son of Vsevolod Yaroslavich, transferred the Divine Face to Smolensk. Here in 1101, to preserve the shrine, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was founded, and the icon itself began to be called Smolensk.

After the death of Prince Vsevolod and the coming to power of Vladimir Monomakh, Smolensk became the permanent location of Hodegetria. Over the next centuries, the relic traveled to Moscow and Yaroslavl, as well as to different countries. In 1655 she returned to the Smolensk monastery.

Church of the Smolensk Mother of God in Krivtsi

The church was erected in the 18th century (1702 – 1708). An amazing building with a high bell tower built in the Moscow Baroque style. The outside walls are decorated with carvings. The bottom of the church is made of white stone, the top is built of brick.

Initially, it was built as a summer building, and all “winter” services were held in the neighboring temple of Theodore Stratelates. Later, the Temple of Theodore was demolished and a store was built in its place. All services began to take place in the Smolensk Church.

It is located at the address: Moscow region, Ramensky district (formerly Bronnitsky district), village of Krivtsy, house 109. Services are held on Sundays and holidays.

Description and symbolism of the shrine

The Smolensk icon is a half-length image of the Most Holy Theotokos with the Child Jesus. The image is in many ways reminiscent of the Iveron face of the Mother of God. At the same time, it has certain differences in the form of facial expressions of the Virgin Mary and the Savior and a more strict principle of the arrangement of their figures (photo):

According to its iconographic type, the Smolensk icon is considered to be the most ancient copy of Byzantine writing. Information has been preserved that the original of the shrine was very heavy, covered with canvas, and its ground was made of chalk with glue.

In the center of the picture is the Blessed Virgin Mary with a pensive expression on her face and her head slightly bowed. The Queen of Heaven is dressed in scarlet robes and looks majestic. On her left hand She holds the Divine Infant (in some copies he is drawn on the right).

With her right hand, the Mother of God points to the Savior, reminding all humanity that only thanks to Him can the path to true Salvation be found. Little Jesus is depicted in a regal robe of dark green trimmed with gold, holding a scroll or book in his left hand, symbolizing His teachings. The Savior raises his right hand with fingers folded in a blessing gesture. The main theological idea of ​​the icon is the coming to earth of the Son of God, incarnation in a physical body for the sake of the salvation of all human souls.

The reverse side of the painting depicts Jerusalem, the inscription “The King is Crucified” in Greek, and a crucifix. In 1666, images of the Queen of Heaven and John the Evangelist were added to this part of the picture.

Return to Smolensk

In 1456, the icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk returned home. It had enormous significance for its people. All residents waited for her return like a miracle. And so a delegation headed to Moscow was headed by Bishop Misail. They tearfully asked the Grand Duke to let the Mother of God of Smolensk go home. The prince held a council with the boyars, after which he decided to fulfill the request. Before “Hodegetria” went to Smolensk, the exact list was removed from it.

A lot of people then gathered in the Church of the Annunciation. First there was a prayer service and liturgy. The entire princely family gathered at the icon: the prince, princess and their children - Boris, Ioan and Yuri, carried little Andrei in their arms. With reverence they all venerated the icon. After this, with tears in their eyes, the prince and the metropolitan took the shrine out of the icon case and handed it over to Bishop Misail. Other icons that had once been brought from there were also given to Smolensk, although the bishop did not ask about this. The Metropolitan asked to leave only one icon for the princely family - the Mother of God with the Eternal Child. The entire princely family was blessed by her. The prince joyfully accepted the icon and kissed it.

After this, the religious procession carried the Smolensk icon to the monastery of St. Savva the Consecrated, which is located on the Maiden Field. Here the last prayer service was performed, after which the icon went to Smolensk.

At the order of the prince, the icon given to him was placed in the Church of the Annunciation precisely in the place where the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” stood for many years. Every day a prayer service was held here. The list made from the Smolensk icon was left by the Grand Duke in his family.

An exact copy of the Smolensk icon was made in 1602. In 1666, he and “Hodegetria” itself were taken to Moscow for renovation. The list was installed on the Smolensk fortress wall (in the tower) directly above the Dnieper Gate. In 1727, a wooden church was erected here. In 1802 a stone church was built. For many years this icon protected the city from the most terrible troubles and misfortunes.

What miracles did Hodegetria become famous for?

The Smolensk icon is revered by all Orthodox Christians, since at different times many incredible and inexplicable events occurred with the participation of this image.

1. Saving Smolensk from the Tatars. In 1239, they wanted to plunder and destroy the city by the countless hordes of Batu, and its inhabitants began to fervently pray to the Mother of God. The Most Pure Virgin heard requests for help. The Queen of Heaven appeared to a church minister, through whom she turned to Mercury, who was in the squad of the Smolensk prince, and ordered him to come to his icon. Following the command, this warrior received from the Most Holy Theotokos the order to go against the enemy without fear. At the same time, the Mother of God promised her help and warned that along with victory, martyrdom awaited him. Together with other defenders, Mercury managed to defeat the Tatar army, and during the battle the enemies saw the angels and the Radiant Woman accompanying him. Thanks to heavenly support, Mercury managed to save Smolensk from destruction, but at the end of the battle he was seriously wounded and died.
2. Ending the epidemic. In 1665, a pestilence raged in Shuya, which claimed many lives every day. To protect themselves from the terrible disease, city residents asked a local craftsman to make a copy of the miraculous Smolensk icon. The artist created a sketch, but the next day he noticed an amazing phenomenon: the Savior’s right leg changed its position and ended up on his left knee. The icon painter corrected this detail, but the next morning he saw the same thing. The God-fearing artist attached great importance to this and interpreted this event as a sign of the Lord, so he did not make any further corrections. Soon the list was sent to the temple, where it amazed everyone present with an incredible glow. After the prayer service at the icon, the pestilence epidemic stopped, and the fame of the miraculous power of the Mother of God image spread throughout Russia. It is known that Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich created a special commission, which upon arrival in Shuya confirmed that the icon had extraordinary abilities.
3. Victory in the Battle of Borodino. During the Patriotic War of 1812, Hodegetria was taken from Smolensk to Moscow. At first, the sacred image stayed within the walls of the Church of St. Basil of Neocaesarea, and later was sent to the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin. On the day of the Battle of Borodino, Bishop Augustine and the Georgian bishops Jonah and Paphnutius carried out a religious procession around the most important Moscow territories with the Smolensk icon. As you know, Russian troops won a resounding victory over the French. Many believe that it was largely due to the intervention of the Mother of God.

The Smolensk image more than once defended the lands of Rus' from conquerors. In addition, the shrine is known for numerous healings, assistance to childless families, and patronage of those who were far from their home and despaired of returning to their homeland.

Where can you see the icon

At the beginning of the 15th century, the icon of Our Lady Hodegetria was moved to Moscow . The exact cause is unknown, but there are three versions of this event:

1. Dynastic marriage of a Lithuanian princess and the Prince of Moscow;
2. The inheritance of the last prince Yuri Svyatoslavovich, who was expelled by Vytautas and took everything with him;
3. As part of the loot of Yurga, when he left Prince Svidrigail and went to serve the Moscow Prince Vasily Vasilyevich.

During his stay in Moscow, several copies were written from the holy face. In 1456, the original image returned to Smolensk, after the Moscow prince Vasily the Dark returned it as a future reunification of the two cities. At the same time, a copy was written and left in Moscow in the Annunciation Cathedral. On the copy, the infant Christ is positioned vertically, and researchers are inclined to think that this is how Jesus was depicted in the original Byzantine image. Later, the Mother of God of Smolensk was brought to Moscow several times to perform prayer.

The day of the Battle of Borodino was especially significant, when many holy faces, including Smolensk, were gathered in the Muscovites' religious procession. During the war with the French, the face was transferred to storage in the city of Yaroslavl for preservation and protection.

Important! In 1941, the Hodegetria, which was brought from Byzantium, was lost and it is suspected that it was stolen. A copy of the image is now kept in the Armory Chamber, where it came from the Novodevichy Convent, built in 1523. They did this for safety reasons, because the frame of the board is decorated with a rich gold frame and a pearl chasuble.

Famous lists and the fate of the original

After Hodegetria arrived in Russia, icon painters made many accurate copies of it. Such paintings received their names depending on the place of creation, stay or miracles performed.

There are more than 30 copies of the shrine, each of which is recognized as miraculous. The most famous among them include:

• Smolensk Kostroma icon;
• Svyatogorskaya;
• Yugskaya;
• Iverskaya;
• Sergievskaya;
• Solovetskaya;
• Kirillo-Belozerskaya.

The original image has been considered lost since the middle of the last century. According to the official version, he disappeared in 1941, at the very beginning of the Great Patriotic War. At this time, the icon was in the Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk, which did not function, but was not destroyed. After the city was captured by the Germans, the relic disappeared. When Soviet troops recaptured Smolensk two years later, she was never discovered.

How to pray to the Queen of Heaven

The Holy Scripture gives believers very good texts of prayers. For example, the prayer appeal “To the Virgin Mary...” There is the so-called Theotokos prayer rule. The words first spoken by Archangel Gabriel are repeated 150 times. After every ten, other prayers are read - “Our Father”, etc. A complete list of prayers can be found in prayer books.

About the author About the book

In order not to lose count, you must use a rosary. To do this, the monks themselves make them from woolen threads. Small rosaries made from large beads are not suitable - they are mainly bought as a talisman. On the Internet you can find master classes on how to weave real monastic rosaries and make them yourself.

Special prayers were written for the “Smolensk” icon. They are sung during services. But you can read them at home, whenever you want. Listening to someone else’s performance is not prohibited, but it is not enough; a person must pray himself and make spiritual efforts. The Lord simply does not need another prayer; it is no longer a prayer, but a concert.

Many ascetics and saints composed their own prayer appeals to the Mother of God: for example, St. John of Kronstadt, St. Ephraim the Syrian. Prayers came into use only after approval by the official church. Today, many akathists written by modern authors “walk” around parishes. But for the “Smolensk” icon it has already existed for a long time. Do not neglect what has been tested for centuries. Reading new prayers can be not only unhelpful, but also dangerous.

Even praising the Mother of God needs to be learned, to choose the right epithets for this. Therefore, reading the akathist will be very useful. The theological significance of the Mother of God is very great; it is impossible to understand it in one go. If prayer seems boring and outdated, you should try to understand it more deeply. Read a translation, a book dedicated to prayers or icons. Then familiar words will sparkle with new colors.

What can you pray for at the Smolensk Icon?

The religious painting has long been considered the patroness of the Russian land. There has long been a tradition according to which people pray in front of the Smolensk icon for the prevention of military conflicts, for protection from injury and death of those who are in the combat zone. The holy image also helps:

• stop epidemics;
• recover from serious illnesses;
• enter into a happy marriage;
• improve family relationships;
• resist the evil intentions of enemies;
• resolve conflicts and disputes;
• achieve success in godly deeds;
• get rid of devilish temptations;
• strengthen steadfastness in faith;
• keep your soul pure.

Through the Smolensk Icon they pray to the Most Pure Mother of God for people who are far from their home, on a long trip or on a dangerous journey. Praying at this image, the Virgin Mary is asked to protect from the negative influence of dark forces, damage or the evil eye, envious people, slanderers.

Orthodox Christians claim that the shrine helps those who do not know what to do in a difficult life situation make the right decisions. After reading a sincere prayer at the face of the Mother of God, you can receive a hint and choose an unmistakable path.

Holy patron

The veneration of the Mother of God is especially characteristic of Orthodoxy and Catholicism; there are many holidays for worship, hundreds of images are written. How does the “Smolensk” icon help believers? If you remember the name of the iconographic type, you can understand the most important meaning of the writing: the Blessed Virgin guides and guides the heart of a person, showing him the right path to heaven - through Christ. Accordingly, this image can help those who have little faith.

Given the history associated with many decisive battles, the icon is the patron saint of all those in military service. They pray to her while traveling. It will also help you make the right decision in an uncertain situation. It is believed that the image patronizes the family, since it is strongly associated in the popular consciousness with security and protection from attacks. Will help make peace between warring parties.

Celebration of the Divine Image

The days of remembrance of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God are remembered three times a year.

Miracles from the icon. Feat of Mercury

There were many miracles from the Hodegetria icon, but the most remarkable thing for Smolensk is considered to be its salvation from the Tatar invasion. In 1239, it was the miraculous icon of the Smolensk Mother of God that saved the city from enemy invasion. The residents understood that they would not be able to repel the formidable attack of the Tatars and turned to the Mother of God with warm prayers and petitions for peace. The Great Intercessor heard their prayers. The Tatars stopped not far from the city walls.

In those days, one pious Slav named Mercury served in the Smolensk squad. He was chosen by the Mother of God to save the city. On the night of November 24, in the Temple where the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God was kept, the sexton had a vision. The Mother of God appeared to him and ordered him to tell Mercury that he, armed, would boldly go into the enemy’s camp and destroy their main giant.

Hearing these words from the sexton, Mercury immediately hurried to the Temple. He fell in prayer before the Holy Icon and heard the Voice. The Mother of God turned with a request and instructions to Mercury so that he would protect her Smolensk house from the enemy. The hero was warned that it was on this night that the Horde giant decided to attack the city and ruin it. The Mother of God begged her Son and her God to protect and not betray her native lands to the enemy. By the power of Christ, Mercury had to defeat the giant, but with the victory, a martyr’s crown also awaited him, which he would receive from his Christ.

Joyful tears appeared from the eyes of Mercury, praying passionately, calling on the power of the Lord for help, he went to the enemy’s camp and defeated their giant. The Tatars relied only on his unknown strength before the battle. Enemies surrounded Mercury, he fought with incredible strength, seeing the face of the Holy One in front of him. After a tiring battle, the hero lay down to rest. The surviving Tatar, seeing Mercury sleeping, cut off his head.

The Lord did not allow the martyr’s body to be desecrated by the enemy; he gave him his last strength. Mercury, as if still alive, entered the city and brought his severed head. His body was buried with great honors in the cathedral church. Mercury was canonized as a Saint. In memory of his feat, accomplished with the help of the Mother of God in the name of saving the city, every year on this day (November 24) a thanksgiving prayer service and an all-night vigil are held before the image of “Hodegetria”. To this day, the Smolensk Epiphany Cathedral contains the shoes and iron cone that Mercury was wearing on that fateful night.

Some famous variants of Hodegetria

Lists of Hodegetria were repeatedly made . And since initially no iconographic canon existed, numerous variations of the image began to appear, which retained only the features common to Hodegetria.

Of these, the following icons of the Mother of God and Child became extremely famous:

• Tikhvinskaya,
• Kazanskaya,
• Georgian,
• Iverskaya,
• "Three-handed"

There are also Greek versions of this image - “Psychosostria” and the Constantinople “Perivelept”.
the Tikhvin Mother of God is also highly revered in Russia . According to legend, it was initially located in Constantinople, and after its fall miraculously ended up in the city of Tikhvin. During the Soviet era, when churches were closed, this image was taken to the USA. And only in our time was it returned to the Tikhvin Monastery.

Another icon with a difficult fate is the Georgian . For many years she was in Georgia, but in 1622, after the conquest of the country, she was taken to Persia. Years later, the image ended up in Arkhangelsk, where it was kept for a long time. Today it is considered lost, but there are many lists of it. This image is believed to help during epidemics.

The history of another revered icon, the Iveron Mother of God , began in the 9th century in Byzantium. At that time, the era of iconoclasm was just underway, and one woman, in order to save this image, lowered it into the sea. The icon miraculously floated to the famous Mount Athos, where the monks saw it. This image of the Mother of God is still kept on Mount Athos in the Iveron Monastery.