- How did the holy image of the “Burning Bush” come into being?
- Iconography of the shrine - how to interpret the image?
- Icon of the Mother of God “Burning Bush”: what do the relics pray for?
- Icon “Burning Bush” - prayer to the Mother of God
The Icon of the Mother of God, known as the “Burning Bush,” is one of the most beautiful, but at the same time the most mysterious relics. Every detail of the image carries a deep, hidden meaning, calling for one to reject the material world and turn one’s thoughts to the spiritual. Therefore, bowing in prayer before this image, a person is able to cast aside all worldly vanity, cleanse his soul of temptations, repent of his sins and feel the grace descending on him. And in order to fully understand the icon painter’s intentions, read our article - it will help you decipher all the features of the shrine.
How did the holy image of the “Burning Bush” come into being?
According to legend, the first icon of the Mother of God “The Burning Bush” was painted on a rock in the Jerusalem wasteland. The master combined in his work scenes from the Old and New Testaments - after all, according to the book “Exodus”, the Lord appeared to Moses on the top of Sinai in the guise of a burning, but not consumed bush. But did such a plant really exist?
Modern scientists believe so. Burning bush (also known as ash tree) belongs to the class of rutaceae. Such extraordinary properties of the plant are explained by the special structure of its leaves and branches - they are covered with buds, from which volatile oil is constantly released. In dry and windless weather, this substance ignites as soon as a light is brought to the bush. In this case, the flame seems to flow along the entire length of the shoot, without causing any damage to the fresh green leaves.
Although plants from this biological family are quite widespread (they are found throughout Europe and Asia, from the Mediterranean coast to the Far East), there is only one specimen of a wonderful shrub on the Sinai Peninsula . In 324, Empress Helena ordered the construction of a chapel around it, the altar of which is located directly above the roots of the bush. The bush was transplanted into the chapel courtyard, where it still grows.
The burning bush is a bush in the flames of which God first appeared to the prophet Moses. Monastery of St. Catherine at the foot of Mount Sinai.
And in the VI art. on the site of the chapel, a Greek Orthodox monastery was erected, bearing the name of St. Catherine (also known as the Transfiguration). Despite the many wars that swept through this land, it was not devastated by either the Saracens or Napoleonic troops. There is no iconostasis in the monastery church - instead, at the altar there is a stone slab, the hole in which marks the place where a wonderful bush once grew. It is usually covered with a silver shield. Scenes of the Crucifixion, the faces of the apostles, and the image of St. Catherine, the building of the Sinai monastery and even the image of the burning bush itself.
Gradually, the appearance of the relics representing the Heavenly Queen in the guise of the burning bush changed. Modern Orthodox icons are distinguished by a more complex theological interpretation - on them the Virgin Mary is embodied in the image of the Unmarried Bride, innocently conceived by the Holy Spirit. It is overshadowed by divine light, burning away all impurity, sins and vices. This flame is a symbol of the mental and physical integrity of the Mother of God, preserved by Her until her Dormition.
Iconography of the shrine - how to interpret the image?
Like all icons of the Mother of God, the image of the “Burning Bush” is based on the text of a church hymn. In the solemn hymn, the Heavenly Virgin, who gave birth to the Savior, is likened to a bush engulfed in flames, which is unable to harm it. But its significance does not end there. Anthony of Sourozh said that this relic is distinguished by a “truly cosmic” sound, representing the Mother of God as Sophia (sacred Wisdom) and the Universal Church. What was the basis for such a statement?
The modern image of the “Burning Bush” shows the viewer a half-length image of the Heavenly Queen, in whose arms Jesus Christ sits. This iconographic canon is called “Hodegetria” - Guidebook. The figures are inscribed in a star with eight corners. On the chest of the Virgin Mary there is a stylized staircase, a stone, a miniature house and a fireproof bush. These elements are repeated in the drawings along the edges of the icon, revealing themselves more fully. Here is the meaning of each:
- the ladder is a prototype of the path that leads from the earth (the material world) to the Holy Heavens, which appeared in the vision of St. Jacob;
- a stone or burning coal is a sign of man’s earthly nature, his sinfulness and susceptibility to temptation;
- the temple is an image of Heavenly Jerusalem, the Lord's house, as well as the church as the earthly abode of Jesus;
- The burning bush represents the sign that appeared to Moses.
There are similar inserts on every copy of The Burning Bush. But sometimes the master slightly transforms them, achieving greater expressiveness and clarity of the drawing. You can see this for yourself if you want to buy an amber icon. The work, made in accordance with all Orthodox canons, consists of semi-precious chips and larger pieces of petrified resin. The soft glow of precious stones gives the work amazing spirituality, beauty and sublimity.
The color of the image is also important. Thus, the four rays of a star, colored blue (sometimes green is also used), should remind of the burning bush, and scarlet ones are associated with the divine fire that descended to man. In addition, scenes with angels serving the Mother of God are painted on a blue background. As a rule, these are the archangels of the elements, which are spoken of in the Apocalypse (the number and distribution of figures depends on the choice of the icon painter). They represent thunder, lightning, wind, rain, dew, fog (darkness) and cold. You can recognize the conductors of the divine will by the accompanying attributes - a lamp, a cloud, a sword, a sealed vessel, a torch. And on the scarlet rays are the emblems of the evangelists - Matthew (angel), Mark (lion), Luke (calf) and John (eagle).
In the image of the “Burning Bush” the whole world, earthly and heavenly forces appear before the viewer, gathered in beautiful and proportionate harmony around the Savior. He embodies the original plan of the Lord, free from chaos, death and sins. Therefore, as soon as you buy an amber icon, peace, tranquility and grace will reign in your home. It protects the home from fire, thunderstorms, thieves and any other threats, heals illnesses and brings happiness. And the day of veneration of the shrine (September 4 or 17) is also a professional holiday of all rescuers in Ukraine.
Icon of Alexy of Moscow
In Orthodoxy, individual icons are dedicated to many saints so that in their prayers people can ask them for help, forgiveness of sins and the health of themselves and their loved ones.
Alexy of Moscow is an important figure in Orthodoxy, because it was with Orthodoxy that Alexy was initially associated, because he lived not so long ago - at the end of the 19th century. He was able to find his purpose, so you will also be able to do this if you have such an icon at home and faith in your heart.
History of the icon and life of the saint
Saint Alexy was born in 1859 and died in 1923. He did not live a very long, but worthy life. Worthy not only by the standards of society, but also by spiritual standards. From childhood, his interests were directed towards medicine. This is also help, but physical help. His mother, whom he loved and respected, strongly recommended that he go to the priesthood and connect his life with God. Alexy could not disobey his mother, because her word was law for him.
As a result, Alexy became rector of the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki. According to the saint, the Feodorovskaya icon, which was in his church from the very beginning, had special power. He helped people all his life and was determined to have a spiritual existence, so he held services even in an empty church. He also organized a parochial school for orphans, for which he was respected and loved with all his heart by parishioners and guests.
Alexey Mechev (that was his full name) was canonized only in 2000. Around the same time, icons of the saint appeared, which can now be found in any church. During the renovation of the church in which the saint's services were held, many interesting things happened. Everyone who prayed noted the arrival of grace and good mood. People seemed to feel the presence of the saint next to them.
Description and meaning of the icon
The icon depicts the righteous Alexy with a halo and in a priest's cassock. This is how most people remember him during his lifetime and this is how the Russian Orthodox Church knows him.
When thinking about the meaning of this icon, one must remember the feat of Alexy, as well as the feat of other saints, great martyrs and prophets. All of them, in one way or another, devoted their lives to spreading the Christian faith.
How does the icon of St. Alexei of Moscow help?
Icons of St. Alexis are excellent helpers in new spiritual endeavors. They pray to the saint when faith weakens, when problems of a spiritual nature arise. You can read any prayers for health in front of these icons, before going to bed, or after waking up from sleep. Alexy loved to look after people and monitor their spiritual strength, so this image would be an excellent gift for the beginning of the school year or for the baptism of a baby. There are no clear rules in this regard.
Date of celebration of the icon
Prayers before the icon will be especially significant on June 22, the day of remembrance of St. Alexis. Don't forget to honor his memory with prayers. Ask him for what you need most at the moment.
Prayer before the icon of Alexy of Moscow
This icon strengthens faith, making people stronger and filled with light. In difficult moments, say to her:
“Holy and righteous Alexy, may your prayer before our God help us sinners. Remember our name before him in order to preserve our well-being and the health of our children. Amen".
Saint Alexei of Moscow is an example for all believers. His life was not the easiest, but anyone can live it just as righteously. All you need is desire and a little support from loved ones. Read prayers and live righteously so that prosperity does not leave you.
Icon “Burning Bush” - prayer to the Mother of God
First prayer. Queen of Heaven, our Lady, Lady of the Universe, Most Holy Theotokos, undefiled, unblasphemous, imperishable, most pure, pure Ever-Virgin, Mary Bride of God, Mother of the Creator of creation, Lord of glory and Lord of all! Through you the King of kings and Lord of lords has come and appeared to us on earth. You are God's mercy incarnate. You are the Mother of Light and Life, just as you once carried Him in Your womb and in Your arms You had the Child, the Word of the Eternal, God, and so you have always carried Him with You. For this reason, according to God, we resort to You, as if to an unbreakable wall and intercession: look with mercy, all-sung Mother of God, on our fierce bitterness and heal our souls and bodies of illness: drive away from us every enemy and adversary, deliver from hunger, pestilence, and ulcers , from many waters and harmful airs, and from sudden death; and like the three youths in the cave of Babylon, preserve and keep us, so that, like the people of God of old, all good things will come to us who honor Thee; Let all those who hate us be ashamed and put to shame, and everyone will understand that the Lord is with You, O Lady, and God is with You. In the days of autumn, bring us the light of Thy grace, and in the darkness of the night, enlighten us with light from above, making everyone useful: turn our sorrow into sweetness and wipe the tears of Thy servants who have sinned and are in need, fulfilling all their requests for good; You can do everything you want, Mother of the Word and Life. The Father has crowned the Daughter, the Son has crowned the Virgin Mother, the Holy Spirit has crowned the Bride, so that you may reign like a queen, standing at the right hand of the Holy Trinity, and have mercy on us as you wish, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Second prayer. Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We fall down and worship You before Your holy and most honorable icon, with which You have performed wondrous and glorious miracles, saving our homes from fiery flames and lightning thunder, healing the sick, and fulfilling every good request of ours for the good. We humbly pray to You, O omnipotent Intercessor of our race, to grant us the weak and sinners Your maternal participation and care. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the shelter of Your mercy, the Holy Church, this monastery, our entire Orthodox country, and all of us who fall before You with faith and love, and tenderly ask with tears for Your intercession. She, the All-Merciful Lady, have mercy on us, overwhelmed by many sins and not having boldness towards Christ the Lord, ask Him for mercy and forgiveness, but we offer to You for supplication His Mother in the flesh: But You, All-Good One, stretch out Your God-receiving hand to Him and intercede for us before His Goodness, asking us for forgiveness of our sins, a pious, peaceful life, a good Christian death, and a good answer at His terrible Judgment. At the hour of the terrible visitation of God, when our houses are set on fire, or we are frightened by lightning thunder, show us your merciful intercession and sovereign help: may we be saved by your omnipotent prayers to the Lord, the temporary punishment of God here, and we will inherit the eternal bliss of paradise there: and with everyone let us sing to the saints the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the worshiped Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy to us, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer three. Oh, Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord Most High, Intercessor and Patroness of all who resort to You! Look down from Your holy heights upon me, a sinner, falling before Your miraculous face: hear my humble prayer and offer it before Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: beg Him to enlighten my dark soul with the light of His Divine grace, and deliver me from all needs, sorrows and illnesses, may he grant me a quiet and peaceful life, physical and mental health, may he calm my suffering heart and heal its wounds, may he instruct me in good deeds, may he cleanse my mind from vain thoughts, may he guide me to fulfill His commandments, will deliver you from eternal torment and will not deprive you of His Heavenly Kingdom. Oh, Most Holy Theotokos, You are the “Joy of all who mourn,” hear me, too, who mourns. You, called “Quenching of Sorrow”, quench my sadness too. You are the “Burning Bush,” save the world and all of us from the harmful, fiery arrows of the enemy. You are the “Seeker of the Lost,” do not allow me to perish in the abyss of my sins. According to Bose, all my hope and hope is in You! Be my Patroness in temporary and eternal life and an Intercessor before Your beloved Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Teach me to serve Him with faith and love and reverently honor You, Most Holy Mother of God, Most Blessed Mary! I entrust myself to your holy prayers until the end of my days. Amen.
Prayer four. Oh, 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. The 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, the erring, on the right path, heal and save the hopeless, grant us the rest of our lives in peace and silence, grant us a Christian death, and at the terrible judgment of Your Son, appear to us as an intercessor of mercy, and always We sing, magnify and glorify Thee, as the good Intercessor of the Christian race, with all those who have pleased God. Amen. Oh, Mother of God, Burning Bush, protect me from human misfortune, from lordly punishment, from unquenchable fire, from arrogant death, from eternal torment, and cover me with Your Heavenly robe. Amen.
WHAT IS YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL and ICON OF INTERCESSOR?
Those born from January 21 to February 20 are protected by Saints Athanasius and Cyril, and they will be protected by the icons of the Mother of God “Vladimir” and “Burning Bush”.
The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God is the intercessor of those born from February 21 to March 20. Their guardian angels are Saints Alexius and Milentius of Antioch.
Those born from March 21 to April 20 must ask for protection from the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, and they are protected by Saints Sophrony and Innocent of Irkutsk, as well as George the Confessor.
The icons “Supportress of Sinners” and the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God will protect those born from April 21 to May 20. Saints Stepan and Tamara, Apostle John the Theologian are their guardian angels.
If your birthday falls between May 21 and June 21, you need to ask for help from the icons “Seeking the Dead,” “The Burning Bush,” and “Vladimirskaya.” Protected by saints Alexei of Moscow and Constantine.
Icons “Joy of All Who Sorrow” and the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God - Intercessor for those born from June 22 to July 22. Saint Cyril is their guardian angel.
Saint Nicholas the Pleasant and Elijah the Prophet protect those born from July 23 to August 23, and the icon “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” protects them.
Those born from August 24 to September 23 should ask for protection from the Burning Bush and Passionate Bush icons. Their guardian angels are Saints Alexandra, John and Paul.
Those born from September 24 to October 23 should seek protection from the icons of the Pochaev Mother of God, The Burning Bush, and The Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Saint Sergius of Radonezh will protect them.
Saint Paul is the guardian angel of those born from October 24 to November 22. The icons of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” and “Irusalem” protect them.
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Those born from November 23 to December 21 should ask for the intercession of the icons of the Mother of God “Tikhvin” and “The Sign”. Saint Nicholas the Saint and Saint Barbara are their guardian angels.
In every home it is desirable to have the Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (Goalkeeper), which protects the house from enemies and ill-wishers.
Those born from December 22 to January 20 will be protected by the “Sovereign” icon of the Mother of God, and their guardian angels are Saint Sylvester and Venerable Seraphim of Sarov.
I stand before Your Sovereign Icon, embraced in prayerful awe, and Your royal Face, crowned with a crown, attracts my tender gaze to Itself. In a time of turmoil and inglorious cowardice, Betrayal, lies, unbelief and evil, You showed us Your Sovereign Image, You came to us and meekly prophesied: “I myself took the scepter and the orb, I myself will hand them over to the Tsar again, I will give greatness to the Russian kingdom and glory, I will nourish, console, and reconcile everyone.” Repent, Rus', unfortunate harlot... Wash your desecrated shame in tears, Your Intercessor, the Heavenly Queen, pities and protects you, a sinner.
S. Bekhteev
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Sovereign” they pray for truth, heartfelt joy, unfeigned love for each other, for peace in the country, for the salvation and preservation of Russia, for the protection of the throne and the state, for deliverance from foreigners and for the granting of healings of body and soul.
Communicate with your Guardian Angels more often, make requests - don’t be shy. They wait every minute for you to contact them. After all, they cannot help you without your request - that is the Law. With your request, you untie the hands of the Guardian Angels and they will be able to gladly help you.
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