At one of the first places in the list of the most revered images in Russia is the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir. Its significance for the country is enormous. At one time, prayer to her more than once saved Russia from the crushing raids of the invaders. Only thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God this was avoided.
The history and significance of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is magnificent. First of all, for the Russian people, because she is truly his defender.
The origin and wandering of the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir
An ancient legend says about the appearance of the icon. The Apostle Luke wrote it when the Mother of God was still alive. An image was created on the board from the table, where the whole Holy Family had a meal.
Until 450, the icon was in Jerusalem, in the same year it was sent to Constantinople. There she was stored somewhere until about 1131.
In the XII century, the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir was donated by Kievan Rus by Luke Khriserberg (Patriarch of Constantinople). She was sent to the Mother of God Monastery in Vyshgorod.
When she stayed there for a while, the icon was taken away by Andrei Bogolyubsky (son of Yuri Dolgorukov). On his journey, he stops in the city of Vladimir, where he was the sign of the Virgin. In place of this miracle, a temple was erected, in which the icon remained. Now she became known as Vladimirskaya.
Today, there is kept a list that was written by Andrei Rublev. The original icon was transferred in 1480 to the Assumption Cathedral, which is located in Moscow. Then the image was transferred two more times: in 1918 - to the Tretyakov Gallery, and in 1999 - to the church of St. Nicholas. In the latter, it is still stored.
The great shrine is the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. A lot of stories have been written about the history and importance of the icon for the Russian people, which happened in ancient times and at the present time.
Miraculous phenomena associated with this icon
There really are a great many of them. And they are not only connected with the original icon, but also with lists, of which a large number have been created.
In addition to the triple and recorded salvation of the Russian land from the invasion of a foreign yoke, the Mother of God more than once showed her will through it. For example, where the icon was supposed to stay (in Vladimir), there was a sign to Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky during prayer.
In addition, in the church in Vyshgorod, cases of moving the icon were recorded. She seemed to find no place for herself. Three times she was found in different parts of the temple, as a result, after a prayer, Andrey Bogolyubsky took her with him to Rostov land.
Then there were numerous cases of healing common people. For example, water that washed the icon could cure the disease. So there was a healing of the eyes, of the heart.
So the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir became. Its significance for both the common people and the greats of this world was undeniable. She witnessed many important actions in Russia. This is the appointment of the patriarchs, and military campaigns. Also, before her they swore allegiance to their homeland and carried out the coronation of several monarchs.
Prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir
The prayer of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is truly salvation for the state in which there was confusion or schism. It will allow passions to subside, to moderate anger and enmity. In addition, when heretical moods arise, one should also offer a prayer to this image.
Many believers turn to the icon during illness, and also, if necessary, make some important decision.
Prayer begins with a respectful address: “O All-Merciful Lady of the Virgin.” Then he asks to protect people and the Russian land from various shocks, to protect the entire spiritual order. Prayer to the Virgin strengthens faith and gives strength to overcome misfortunes and troubles.
The value of the icon for Russia
The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is the most beloved icon in Russia. And in fact, she protected her so much from everything, a large number of signs and healings were revealed.
Perhaps an interesting sign was that the Mother of God herself chose a place to stay her icon, which later became known as Vladimir. It was already mentioned her appearance to Andrei Bogolyubsky.
Then there were some more signs of her intercession for the Russian land. For example, in 1395, the great invasion of the conqueror Tamerlane was expected, which had already conquered many lands and was approaching the border of the Rusich. It seemed that the battle could not be avoided, but the universal prayer of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God did not allow this to happen.
According to one version, Tamerlane saw in a dream the Majestic Mother of God, who ordered him to leave this land.
And so it happened more than once. The faith of people increased after each successive salvation. The icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir has become truly miraculous and most revered. A large number of lists were written from her, which are also worshiped by believers. The importance of icons has always been important. The Vladimir Mother of God in Russia was especially revered.
Celebration days
Since the icon is considered to be a deliverer from external attacks on Russian soil, as well as its defender, a celebration in honor of her takes place three times a year. Each of these dates was chosen for a reason.
- On August 26, they worship the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir for liberation from Tamerlane in 1395.
- June 23 is a celebration in honor of the victory over the Tatar yoke, which happened in 1480.
- May 21 - celebration in honor of the victory over Khan Mahmet-Giray, which occurred in 1521.
The prayer of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God saved Russia more than once.
Lists of the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir
There are numerous lists that have been written with this icon. The most famous can be considered such:
- Oran icon. It was written in 1634.
- Rostov icon. This image dates from the XII century.
- Krasnogorsk icon. Its spelling dates back to 1603.
- Chuguevskaya icon. The exact date of creation is not known.
These are not all available lists with icons. The first of them were written when the image only appeared on Russian soil. Later, they also created lists from it, the most ancient are now two.
Obviously, such a variety says that the icon of the Mother of God of God is very revered, the significance of which is great for believers.
Iconography of the image
If we talk about writing this image, then his style is referred to as “caressing”. It is characterized by the fact that icons of this type speak of the communion of the Virgin and her Son, that is, this is the deeply human side of the Holy Family.
It is believed that in early Christian art there was no such style of writing icons, it appeared much later.
This writing style contains two central figures. This is the Mother of God and baby Jesus Christ. Their faces are in close contact, the Son hugs the Mother by the hand with his neck. This image is very moving.
The peculiarity that the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God has, its significance, is the appearance of the heel of a baby, which is not on others like this type.
This icon is double-sided. The reverse shows the throne and symbols of the Passion. This suggests that the icon itself carries a special idea. This is the future sacrifice of Jesus and the mourning of his Mother.
It is also believed that this icon is a list of Our Lady of Caressing from the Blachernae Basilica. In any case, the Vladimir image has long since become an independent wonderful face.
Other revered icons of the Mother of God
In addition to the Vladimir Mother of God, there are many more miraculous images that are addressed. So, before which icon of the Mother of God what do they usually pray for?
- For example, prayer in front of the Iveron Icon helps to increase the fertility of the earth, and it is also a comforter in various troubles.
- Prayer before the Bogolyubsky icon is help during epidemics (cholera, plague).
- With cancer, they offer prayers to the image of the Mother of God of the Tsaritsa.
- The Kazan icon is a blessing for marriage, as well as a protector from various invasions and in difficult times.
- The image of the Mother of God "Mammal" is very revered by nursing mothers, and prayers are offered to him during childbirth.
As you can see, there are a lot of images that help believers with their miracles. You should always pay attention to the meaning of the icons. The Vladimir Mother of God is no exception. Simply, each of the images assumes intercession in various situations. The Mother of God, as it were, embraces all the sorrows and sorrows of her subjects, helping them in difficulties.