The image of the Virgin Mary “Tenderness” - legends, traditions and beliefs associated with the icon

1. How did the wonderful icon “Tenderness” appear?
2. Iconographic interpretation - what does the image symbolize?
3. Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”: what they pray for in front of the image
4. Prayer to the Mother of God “Tenderness”

In the modern pragmatic world there is such a lack of sincerity, kindness, mercy and compassion. It is these feelings that are demonstrated by the relic that will be discussed in our article. How the “Tenderness” icon was revealed, its meaning, what the image helps with - read and find out!

Iconographic interpretation - what does the image symbolize?

This relic depicts the Virgin Mary, who heard the good news that she was destined to give birth to the Son of God, which was brought to Her by the Archangel Gabriel. The bright and spiritual expression of Her kind face, prayerfully lowered eyes, a slight tilt of the head and folded hands on the chest - everything in the image is imbued with humility, meekness and chastity.

The shrine presents believers with an example of sublime aspirations and feelings, the highest submission to God's will - not blind following of orders, but conscious and carefree acceptance of one's fate. There is also a hint in the image of the happiness that any mother experiences. That is why many women’s home iconostasis traditionally contains “Tenderness” - the icon of the Mother of God. What do they pray for in front of the relic? Read about it below.

Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” from amber

Icons of the Mother of God

Our Lady of the Sign. Russia. XVI century Private collection

The Icon of the Sign belongs to the most revered icons of the Mother of God. This image with characteristically raised arms belongs to the iconographic type of Oranta, but with Christ on the chest. The gesture of prayer, raised hands, which characterizes Oranta, is not specifically Christian. He was known both in the Old Testament and in the ancient world. It became especially widespread in the early Christian era, but no longer as a simple gesture of prayer, but as the personification of prayer in the image of Oranta. These images are found both on the frescoes in the catacombs and on the bottoms of sacred vessels found there. On the latter there are many images of the Mother of God in the Oranta pose with the inscription “Mary” or “Mara” (an ancient Eastern form of this name), which date back to the beginning of the 4th century. The earliest known image of the Mother of God Oranta with the Savior Emmanuel on her chest - our Sign - dates back to the same century. This image with two monograms of Christ on the sides is located in the Roman catacomb of Cimitero Maggiore158.

Along with the solemn image of the Mother of God Oranta (without Christ), the image of the Sign serves as an altarpiece in Orthodox churches as an iconographic revelation of the Church, personified in the person of the Mother of God, who has contained the incontainable God.

The image of the Sign has two options: on some icons Christ is depicted in a mandorla, on others, as on the fresco in Cimitero Maggiore, without it; in addition, on some icons the Mother of God is depicted waist-length, on others - at full height (for example, the Yaroslavl Oranta of the 12th–13th centuries in the Tretyakov Gallery). Against the background of the icon, sometimes fiery seraphim or other angels are placed on the sides of the Mother of God (as in the icon reproduced here), which emphasizes Her importance as the highest angel, “more honorable than the Cherub and more glorious than the Seraphim without comparison.”

In the iconostases of Orthodox churches, expressing the dogmatic teaching of the Church, the icon of the Sign, as we have seen, is usually placed in the middle of the prophetic row, the so-called Theotokos rite, i.e. it is the central icon of the Old Testament Church, awaiting redemption. As is known, the Old Testament prophecies about the Incarnation no longer end figuratively (like the prophecies of Solomon, Moses, Jacob, etc.), but with an explicit and clear prediction of the prophet Isaiah, who is called the “fifth Evangelist” for the clarity and accuracy of his prophecies: For this sake the Lord Himself will give a sign for you: behold, a virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you will call His name Immanuel

(Isaiah 7:14). The image of the Mother of God with the Youth Emmanuel in her womb is this Sign, announced by the prophet and revealed to the world in its implementation. Hence the name of the icon. The sign is the image of the Incarnation, the revelation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the appearance of the Son of God through His Humanity, received from the Mother of God. Like the prophecy of Isaiah itself, the icon of the Sign is a revelation of prophetic images of the Incarnation. Obviously, for this reason, on some iconostases (see illustration on p. 106) the prophet Isaiah himself is absent. This is not an omission, but, on the contrary, a particularly deep insight into the meaning and content of the icon of the Sign: since the Sign itself given by the Lord is depicted, the image of the prophet with his prophecy is an unnecessary repetition.

The Virgin Mary with the Child Christ. Painting of the Cimitere Maggiore catacomb. Rome. Beginning of the 4th century

We can say that just like, according to St. Basil the Great, “the word of truth <...> according to the economy of the Spirit <...> is so compressed and brief that it means a lot to a few”159, so the icon of the Sign in its majestic simplicity is one of the most complex and deep in content of the Theotokos icons. Our icon has a feature that is very rare in icons of the Sign: here not only Emmanuel is depicted in

Our Lady of the Sign. Altarpiece icon. Moscow. XVI century State Historical Museum

Our Lady of Great Panagia. Vladimir-Suzdal Rus'. XIII century Tretyakov Gallery

mandorla, but also the Mother of God herself. In other words, along with the revelation of the Divine glory of the Savior Emmanuel, the glory of His Mother is also revealed here. For just as His Humanity is inseparable from the Mother, so the glory of the Mother is inseparable from the glory of the Infant God. However, the mandorla of the Mother of God differs from the mandorla of the Savior both in its colors and in the absence of gold trim. Blue-green, colored pink at the edges, turning into red, it appears to be a figurative translation of the words of the canon of the Mother of God, where She is glorified as the “fiery chariot of the Word”160, as “the brightest morning <...> the Sun bearer of Christ "161 and others. The symbolism of the combination of these colors obviously corresponds to the darkness of the night of sin and ignorance and the dawn of the morning of the coming day of the restoration of the world. This emphasizes the cosmic significance of the Mother of God and Her role in the reconstruction as “renewing the world completely in Her womb”162.

The cold tone of the closing side of the icon frame, made of embossed silver, and the engraved rims enhance the overall warm tone of the icon and, perfectly combined with the colors, give it a solemn and festive look.

The meaning of the icons

This is one of the most powerful icons. The Most Holy Theotokos had to endure many torments, which are symbolized by seven arrows. When a person feels bad, he goes precisely to this image. “Seven Shot” will help in protecting housing, will protect from troubles, envious, evil people, from curses, damage, the evil eye of the person who wears her icon on his chest.

If you need to reconcile the warring parties, bring peace and tranquility to your home, then you need to kneel before this relic and prayerfully ask for help. They take it with them when they go on important matters.

At home, she is placed opposite the front door, higher than half the wall, so that she can “see” the eyes of the person entering. Before installing the relic, it is necessary to read a prayer service. You may notice: a person with unkind thoughts will stop crossing the threshold of your home.

The Most Holy Theotokos will become a protector from criminals, thieves and any unkind people. Those living in this house can be sure that their family is reliably protected.

Place it on your desktop, it will protect you from quarrels with your boss and work colleagues. If a person’s soul is embittered, then he can approach the face, the Most Holy Theotokos will help him return to good thoughts again.

"INEXHAIBLE CHALICE"

Icon of the Mother of God. The Mother of God consoles, prays for everyone who has stumbled, and calls upon them to touch the inexhaustible spring of spiritual joy. The purpose of this holy power is difficult to overestimate.

The inexhaustible cup will help everyone who turns to it with faith. She proclaims that heavenly help and mercy are destined for all who ask. It will help cure those who are addicted to gambling from drunkenness, drug addiction.

The image of the Mother of God should be installed at the head of the bed of a patient with alcoholism or drug addiction and prayed every day.

There are many known cases of healing from drunkenness and other addictions. There is evidence that the relic helped solve housing issues and facilitate the conclusion of transactions for the purchase and sale of apartments and houses.

Parents who send their children into adulthood are obliged to ask for help by saying prayers in front of the shrine every day.

Icon of the Mother of God “HEALER”

It will help heal a person not only from physical illnesses, but also mental ones. The relic can be recognized by the image of the Mother of God standing at the bedside of a sick person.

"UNEXPECTED JOY"

Our whole life consists of small joys that we often do not notice in pursuit of an ephemeral dream, forgetting about our loved ones, about words of gratitude. Therefore, many dreams, becoming obsessive, do not allow you to enjoy the new day, and therefore are not heard.

What to pray for from the face of Unexpected Joy

Prayer at the shrine grants:

• Gain spiritual power;
• Get what you always dreamed of, but no longer believed in getting it. It could be someone's forgiveness, repentance;
• Grants healing of ailments, especially with hearing loss and ear diseases;
• Our Lady will help find and return missing people;
• It will help a pregnant woman to bear and give birth to a healthy child;
• For parents whose children have taken the wrong path, the Mother of God will give them the opportunity to bring them to their senses;
• Resolves conflicts, helps to come to a happy solution;
• People pray at the relic for the preservation of marriage, love and harmony.

"THREE-HANDED"

The miraculous image of the Mother of God grants healing from hand diseases. Prayer services protect against fire, various diseases, sadness and grief.

"QUICK TO HEAR"

The painting of the image dates back to the 10th century. If you need quick, emergency help, they kneel before the shrine. They also ask:

• about healing mental illnesses;
• about healing from cancer, paralysis, blindness;
• prayerfully ask for the birth of healthy children;
• They pray for the release of those who are languishing in captivity.

"SERAPHIM OF SAROV"

Saint, especially revered in Russia. A prayer service to Seraphim of Sarov helps to heal from pain in the joints, arms, legs, and spine.

Patron of Moscow. Those whose work involves weapons, risking their lives, as well as athletes and entrepreneurs who start their own businesses pray to him.

NICHOLAY THE PLEASER THE WONDERWORKER

Protector from want and poverty. If his face is in your home, then he makes sure that the family has prosperity and protects from want. He is worshiped by all travelers, pilots, drivers, sailors and everyone who reveres this saint.

In Rus', the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is especially revered. Before this holy power, the coronation of kings and the election of high priests took place.

Prayer services will help to pacify people at war with each other, soften evil hearts, and heal those who are possessed by a demon from bodily and mental weakness.

People have always resorted to the help of the icon of the Holy Mother of God. In what cases can it help:

• She protects the house from fires.
• Doctors, military men, firefighters, and pilots ask her for help.
• Miraculous fire helps to cleanse oneself from committed sins and mental illnesses.

IVERIAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

The Virgin Mary grants:

• Healing the sick,
• Restocking,
• Getting rid of enemy attacks.

UNFADING COLOR

She is the personification of purity and innocence, therefore, she stands up for the protection of young girls, helping them maintain their innocence and chastity.

Prayers at the image of the Unfading Flower help you marry the person whom fate itself sent. Married women can ask for a prosperous family life.

The miraculous face protects and helps women maintain purity, self-control, and good character. If you ask the Virgin Mary for support with faith, she will definitely fulfill your request. Our Lady will definitely help girls find a worthy life partner.

When a woman faces severe life trials or experiences mental shock, she must kneel before the image of the Most Pure One, then life will definitely improve.

KAZAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

Intercessor. She helps everyone who is in trouble or has difficulties at work, as well as in their personal life.

The guidebook will help you make the right decision and protect you from mistakes. When blessing young people before marriage, they also turn to Our Lady of Kazan. The life of the newlyweds will be very happy if the wedding takes place on the day of the celebration of the Holy Image.

Spouses can always turn to this image for help. Saint Mary will help anyone who turns to her with any pure request. If the request is negative, it will not be heard.

How to ask for help

If you pray at home, then you need to pray in the morning:

1. Before prayer, wash your face and cross your hands;
2. Leave all annoying thoughts;
3. Light the candles, kneel down, read the prayer service;
4. Say your request in your own words, coming from your heart.

OSTROBRAMSKY ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

A rare but extremely powerful image that protects the home from evil spirits, the family from outside interference, helps spouses find happiness and love, and everyone else get rid of despondency and depression.

Place it at the entrance, then it will protect your home from all evil spirits and from unfriendly guests. Many people confirm that after private prayer in front of this Holy Face, problems were solved by themselves.

Icon "UNBREAKABLE WALL"

Named in honor of its resilience, not being damaged, no matter what disasters, elements and wars the image of the Mother of God, located in the Kiev monastery, survived.

A miracle beyond the control of human reason makes this icon a protector in all troubles, illnesses and misfortunes. The icon will ward off troubles and fires, will not allow dashing people into the house, and will help strengthen family happiness.

Pray at the icon when leaving home, as well as in solitude. The best place in the house for your Protector is the wall opposite the front door or above it.

MOURNING

The icon of the Mother of God helps people:

• Grants necessary benefits to those who need them;
• Brings comfort in grief, helps in difficult life situations;
• Heals physical and mental illnesses;
• Protects merchants on long journeys.

Pray to the face, and help will come to you in work, business and family life.

JOY OF ALL JOYS

The miraculous icon will help if you pray without fuss and anger in your heart:

• About the return of lost items;
• To save yourself from slander and slander;
• On release from prison;
• On the successful completion of legal proceedings;
• About help during a trip to a foreign country;
• About those who serve in “hot spots”.

General details of the image

On the canvases of the icon of the Virgin Mary, there are common features of the image. Her hair is hidden under a cape (maforia) hung over her shoulders. This was done because in ancient times, in Israel, this was a mandatory requirement for a woman’s appearance. According to tradition, this cape is red, so that all people remember that She herself is from the royal family, and this also reflects the great suffering that the Mother of God endured. The lowest layer of clothing is depicted in blue, denoting the heavenly purity and perfection of the Mother of God. Icon painters thus show her connection with God.

It is difficult to ignore the description of the symbolism of the icon of the Virgin Mary, which means and reveals the full depth of meaning of the drawing. When studying Christian traditions, the image of the Mother of God is understood not only as a specific person, but as the entire church as a whole.

The image of the sleeves on the Virgin’s clothing is made in the form of handrails, that is, the traditional attire of all clergy. The Virgin Mary, with the entire church, calls to serve together with Christ, who is the very first priest. The image of stars on the shoulders and head of the Mother of God speaks of her divinity and purity. It is also considered a symbol of the unity of the Trinity. In many countries around the world, entire temples have been erected in honor of the Virgin Mary, which can be visited by anyone. In some of these churches there are icons that work miracles, helping those in need who turn to them.

Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

In fact, there are a huge number of prayers, as well as icons. Different images can be glorified on different days of the church calendar.

Prayer 1

To my Queen, my Hope, to the Mother of God, the Friend of the orphans and the strange, to the Representative, to the grieving, to the Joy of the offended, to the Patroness!

See my misfortune, see my sorrow; help me, for I am weak, feed me, for I am strange!

Weigh my offense - resolve it, like voles!

For I have no other help but You, no other Representative, no good Comforter, except You, O Mother of God!

May you preserve me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 2

It is worthy to eat as truly the blessedness of Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God. The most honorable cherub and the most glorious without comparison seraphim, without corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify Thee.

Prayer 3

Virgin Mary, Rejoice, O Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.

Hello, dear readers. When you come to the temple, it is important to know the icons and their meaning in order to immediately approach the image you need.

Contents of the holy image

The icon of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” merges the earthly world and heaven; this is the deep meaning of the image, which indicates the help and intercession that believers receive from higher powers. In order to emphasize this fact, angels are often depicted on both sides of the Virgin Mary, who echo Her prayer, thereby additionally calling on the Lord for help.

The icon depicts the altar and halls of the Blachernae sanctuary. Most of these icons are painted in shades of purple. In the middle, on a raised platform, stands Roman Sladkopevets. He clutches the manuscript in his hands. In decrepit attire, Andrei points out this action to his apprentice Epiphanius. Next to Roman is the patriarch, the ruler of Constantinople, brothers and residents. On top of all is the Heavenly Church with the holy martyrs, prophets, saints, among whom John the Baptist and John the Theologian stand out. In addition, Peter and Paul are easily recognizable there, who also pray for the inhabitants of Constantinople.

According to the description, the content of the icon of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” may change slightly, but the image always means one thing - the heavenly church descended in order to support the earthly church. The celestial beings appeared on earth in order to support all believers who require intercession. These saints encourage Christians and help them resist the onslaught of infidels.

And in the very center of the icon stands the Most Holy Theotokos.

She carries her beneficial covering, which can cover the entire believing people

Of course, there is also an indirect meaning here, because the icon of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” tells not only about a specific event, but also about how the Virgin Mary and the entire Heavenly Church helps all believers who are still on earth. In prayer before the image, one should remember this fact, and in general try not to forget about the constant help of the righteous and the Lord.

How to pray in front of an icon

Many people think that it doesn’t matter which icon to pray in front of, because prayer comes from a pure heart. But we offer a prayer not to the icon itself, but to the one whose image is conveyed on it, because all saints have their own strengths.

1. Stand in front of the shrine and cross yourself to attract God's blessing.
2. After you have asked for help, that is, prayed, kiss the image. By doing this you will express your respect to the Lord.
3. After finishing the prayer service, you must cross yourself three times.

Pray with bright thoughts, forgiving everyone who offended you.

Icons of all saints photos and their meaning.

To begin with, let's look at the question of what icons are. An icon is a sacred image of the faces of saints, as well as events of church history presented in the Bible

. In other words, an icon is a path and a way of communication and unification with God. Different icons help in different situations.

Nicholas the Wonderworker will help you in any need. They say that his icon, located in your home, will protect you and your loved ones from poverty and want. You can ask the saint for prosperity and prosperity in your home. Nicholas the Pleasant is worshiped by everyone: travelers, pilots, drivers, sailors, and everyone who simply believes in him.

Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker twice a year - on May 22 and December 19. These two dates are fixed, unlike some other church holidays.

2. Mother of God

The Mother of God is one of the most revered iconographic images among Orthodox believers. The image of the Mother of God has always been and is still considered a symbol of the guardian and intercessor of the Russian people. One of the proofs is the victory of the Russian people in the Great Patriotic War under the protection of the Mother of God. It was from that time that it became customary in Rus' that the image of the Mother of God helps and protects the Russian land.

Despite the general meaning, there are different icons of the Virgin Mary in Orthodoxy. Each type has its own special meaning for believers. We will give, for example, five types of images of the Virgin Mary:

• Guidebook -

According to biblical data, it was she who was first written by the Evangelist Luke. The Virgin Mary is depicted here from the waist up, less often to the shoulders. There is also a slight tilt of the head towards Jesus Christ, and the right hand points to him. This type means a mutual relationship between mother and son.

• Tenderness - Eleusa

In this case, the Mother of God presses her baby to her cheek, there is no distance between them, and this is a symbol of boundless love and tenderness between son and mother. Tenderness conveys the boundless love of God for all people; the image reminds us of his great sacrifice for the salvation of the entire human people.

• Praying - Oranta, Panagia, Sign

The Mother of God is depicted from the waist up or at full height with her hands raised up, her son Jesus is depicted in the center, at the level of his mother’s chest. The meaning here is the foreshadowing of the Nativity of Christ.

• All-Merciful - Panahranta,

The Virgin Mary sitting on the throne and Jesus sitting on her lap, this all just shows her greatness as an earthly intercessor.

• Intercessor - Agiosoritissa

Here the Virgin is depicted alone, without the son of God. Her hands are directed towards God, which means a prayer for the protection of humanity by the Blessed Virgin Mary before Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist is the last prophet of the Old Testament who introduced Jesus Christ as the savior to the people of Israel. He is also called by another name - John the Baptist - emphasizing his specific role as the forerunner and predecessor of Jesus. It was John who baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. People turn to the icon for help in soil fertility and a rich harvest.

The feast of John the Baptist is celebrated several times and is associated with various episodes from his life and veneration. July 7 - Nativity of John the Baptist; September 11 - Beheading of John the Baptist; January 20 - Synapsis of John the Baptist.

4. St. George the Victorious

- Orthodox saint. He is depicted sitting on a horse and holding a dragon sword in his hands. It is he who will help you in dealing with your children, as well as in protecting your pets. The Feast of St. George the Victorious is celebrated on May 6th.

5. John of Kronstadt

Father John of Kronstadt, one of the most famous saints of recent history, had an evangelical zeal and, above all, was committed to the Orthodox tradition and the faith and life of the Orthodox Church. Father John, one might say the family saint, was an expressive and impressive preacher, a man who moved the hearts of rejected sinners to repentance, a man of great depth of love and a spiritual healer. Huge crowds flocked to him from all parts of Orthodox Russia to hear him and be healed by him (in body and soul). Until now, people turn to his icon with requests for healing from serious illnesses. January 2 is considered the day of remembrance of St. John of Kronstadt.

6. Holy Martyr Boniface

If the problem of alcoholism has settled in your home, your advice would be to turn to Boniface for help. In addition, it will help you cope with gluttony.

7. Blessed Matrona of Moscow

Matrona was endowed with a special feeling, spiritual insight, miraculous and healing powers. Even at an early age, her family, as well as neighbors, noticed that she knew absolutely everything not only about human sins, but also about their thoughts. In addition to everything, she could easily see approaching dangers and social disasters.

The icon of the Blessed Matrona is one of those to which you can come to worship and ask for absolutely everything, especially healing. It is also worth remembering that believers should know the icons and prayers to them. The holiday in honor of Matrona of Moscow is considered to be November 22 of each year.

8. Ksenia Petersburgskaya

Everyone should know which icons are needed for what, for example, the icon of Xenia of St. Petersburg will help everyone with family problems. You can turn to her icon not only with requests for a happy marriage, but also in times of grief. The day of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg is considered to be February 6.

Saint Seraphim of Sarov is one of the most beloved and famous Orthodox saints of recent times. He spent 1000 days and nights on the stone, praying to God for forgiveness. He was a hermit, spiritual guide and priest. He led many Christian souls on the path of apostolic Christianity in Russia during the 19th century.

There are different icons, for example, family icons, including . Pray to Seraphim of Sarov for healing from pain in the joints, arms, legs and spine. The holiday of the discovery of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov in Orthodoxy is celebrated on August 1.

10. Saints Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia

.

The martyrs Faith, Hope, Love and their mother Sophia believed in God and proved that people, strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, have no obstacles to the manifestation of strength of spirit and courage. You, too, can ask for the intercession of the saints on the day of their prayer service - September 17 - and on any other day.