Icon of the Savior - the central figure in Orthodoxy.Since ancient times it was kept in every home.She was especially loved and revered, because it is the image of God.There are many images of the Savior.And most of them assigned to the miraculous power.Icons radiate peace and exude perfumes.They cure many ailments, not only spiritual but also physical.
symbol and meaning of icons
Ever since ancient times, believers began to portray God, and the Holy Mother of God.Over time, the church took control of the art and established certain rules and frameworks that have been observed in the film.Icon - a kind of mediator between the spiritual world and the divine man.Due to the holy image of any prayer ascend to heaven faster.
Icons Orthodox Church are full of a variety of metaphors and associations, every element and every detail has its hidden, but quite important.Any image carries a kind of code that reveals the essence of the church, and a man of faith.For example, the cross - martyrdom, pointing finger - Divine Providence and St. spear - victory over evil.In addition, some ancient icons you can see vines and grapes - a sign of the church.
Symbolic language iconography embraces not only the gestures and position of the saints.It defines the very composition, technique and even color images.However, all this is subject to certain church canons.This is done in order to avoid a dual significance and to protect the faithful from the manifestation of heresy.
story of the first miracle-working icons
heal and help the image, according to church men take their strength from God's grace.In the Orthodox Church recognized by many miracle-working icons, and more specifically about 1000. Basically, it is the images of Christ and the Virgin.
Many legends say that the first miraculous image - a dress that Jesus wiped his face, and left an imprint on it.It is also called Mandylion.Initially, he was healed of ancient Edessa King Abgar.He was afflicted with leprosy.
One of the first references to the miracle-working icons is also mirotochenie Pisidia icon in the VI century.Then the image of the Virgin of the hand streamed firs.This phenomenon was confirmed at the VII Ecumenical Council.
most famous miraculous image of the world
History knows many sacred images, which helped, and still cure many human illnesses - both mental and physical.While some Orthodox icons cure infertility, others help in marriage and love others, and so their wishes. D. Therefore to him queues believers eager concrete assistance.And there are icons, which tend to get almost all Orthodox:
- Icon of St. Nicholas.By this way of turning those who have almost despaired.And he takes any request or prayer coming from the heart.In addition, Holy is the patron of sailors and travelers.
- Kazan icon of the Mother of God.One of the most famous image of the Virgin.In the modern history of this famous icon of the fact that during World War II she defended our soldiers and ordinary people in the besieged Leningrad.They say that this way helps in trouble many believers.
- Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.This is one of the oldest and most revered holy images in Russia, one that should be in every Orthodox family.He heals body and soul, as well as protection against evil.
Miraculous icons, usually accompanied by any signs or significant events.They come to the rescue when believers especially need intercession.
recognized as an icon of miraculous
Many have heard about the healing properties of a divine image.Also, there is a scientifically proven fact and Fragrances mirotocheniya images.However, not every such case is recognized as the official church of the miraculous.For centuries, Orthodoxy developed certain rules and canons, which are recognized as miraculous icon.
pioneer in Russia in this matter can be considered Peter I. It was he issued a number of specific decrees by which miracle-working icons were confiscated from private homes and have been kept exclusively in churches.Therefore, subsequently a better chance of acceptance is received religious images.
Furthermore, in pre-revolutionary, and modern Russia to assess the authenticity of the miracle of Orthodox icons (pictures or original) was placed in a special altar.There they were sealed, and several witnesses, one of which must necessarily be ordained, were checked.
Icon Savior
This image is central to Orthodoxy.Images of Christ present in all homes, regardless of income, a long time in Russia.As a rule, the icon of the Savior performed strictly according to generally accepted canons of the Church.This image gives people comfort and confidence.Its main elements are:
- Nimbus with an inscribed cross and three Greek letters, which indicate the expression, "I AM WHO I AM."
- Purple tunic (robe).It symbolizes the human nature of the Savior.
- blue himation (outerwear).Reminiscent of the divine origin of Jesus.
As a rule, now you can find only two types of images of Christ, the image of an ordinary man or a baby, as well as in the form of the King of Kings.Icon of Christ the Savior is always located on the central dome of any Orthodox church, because it is considered the place of honor.
The basic canons of the church there are several iconographic types of this icon.
Vernicle
this shrine is considered the first in the world.History tells us that the Savior Icon has two legends about its origin.One of them tells about the time of Christ's life in Osroene.The local king Abgar V long suffered from a terrible "black leprosy."Suddenly, he heard about an unusual man, a miracle worker, to visit his city.The king sent his painter to Jesus asking Ananias to heal him.But artists are not able to approach the Son of God - he was surrounded by a crowd of worshipers and admirers.Desperate, he decided srisovat Christ, but it was impossible to portray the face.Finally he Savior invited him.To reward the painter, he asked for water, washed it and wiped ubrus.Miraculously, the water turned into paint and the canvas manifested appearance of Christ.Having ubrus, King Abgar healed and got rid of the ancient idols.
Another legend states that the holy image was displayed on a headscarf, which wiped the face before Calvary during his prayer, the Savior.Only after the Ascension Ananias gave this gift.
Pantocrator
This is one of the fundamental images of Christ in iconography.It aims to show the saving, generous and creative God who holds the whole wide world in his hand.Here he is depicted with a hand of blessing and the Gospel.At the same time the icon of the Savior shows all the infinite goodness and compassion of God.
This image in the iconography began to take shape back in the VI century.At this time, almost all the holy images were created in Constantinople.That is why the face and robes of Christ adopted the single form which we now see in the church.
In Russia, the picture appeared around the XI century.According to legend, Christ Pantocrator prayer was considered an icon of Russian princes.He even placed near the tombs of the rulers of Yaroslavl Basil and Constantine.
Saviour Enthroned
In this way God is depicted on a throne to his full height.Here he shows not only the ruler of the whole world, but also the only judge.His right hand is raised in blessing and while the left holds an open Gospel.See symbolizes the vast universe and determines the regal glory and power of the Lord.
However, this image is not the only one.There is one Orthodox icon - the icon of the Savior on the throne, which his right hand, he points to the gospel.So the Lord defines the first and overriding sacred ecclesiastical authority over the secular.Famous legend that tells of a certain Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos.He alone wrote the icon of the Savior on the throne, but quarreled with a Greek priest and decided to punish him for his opposition.That night Manuel had a dream in which God punishes him for interfering in church affairs.Waking up, the emperor found on his body numerous wounds.And by looking at the icon, he saw that the Savior changed the position of his hands.Now he pointed to the open line of the Gospel.We know that this icon was called "Manuilov Savior" or "Spas Zlatev Riza" (with a rich gilded salary).
Christ in Majesty
This is one of the most emblematic images of the Lord.This icon of Christ the Savior has not yet been solved through and is treated differently.Here sits the Almighty in full growth on the throne.In his hands the open Gospel.And the most remarkable thing that it always shows on red square with a bit elongated ends.The square symbolizes the earth here.In addition, at the end of it he depicts an angel, a lion, an eagle and cells.It is considered that the image is symbolic of dedicated evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.They seem to spread the teachings of Christ around the world.
top of the red square is painted blue oval.This is our spiritual world.It depicts angels, symbolizing all the powers of heaven.On top of the oval again painted red diamond.It defines the invisible world of man.
It is believed that in this way, Jesus will appear in the end times, at the Last Judgment.
Christ Emmanuel
Usually, Jesus is depicted in all the icons in a mature manner, when he was baptized, he accomplishes miracles and was martyred.However, there are exceptions.Icon of the Savior, whose value is difficult to overestimate, depicts Christ in infancy and adolescence.It is represented as a composition with other sacred and separately.The image of the Lord in these paintings is called "Christ Emmanuel."
This icon symbolizes the predetermination of all the world, the highest performance of the divine plan.The first such image appeared in some Italian mosaics in the VI-VII centuries.In Russia, Immanuel was written with two angels.
History of this image is based on several biblical texts.Emmanuel represents the phrase "God with us."On most icons of Jesus depict a child 12 years.He was wise enough inherent and adults of expression for the children's age.The rest of it is described in the same way as an adult image of Christ.
Spas Good Silence
It is also called the Angel of the Great Council.This icon of the Savior (photo or any other picture it), showing Christ before his earthly incarnation.He is represented by an angel - young men with large wings on his back.Above his head krestchaty or special octagonal halo.It is composed of red and black squares superimposed.The colors indicate the divinity of the Creator and the incomprehensibility.
In Russia this angel depicted from the waist up, with a special eight-pointed halo and folded hands.The icon has become the most famous and popular in the XVIII-XIX centuries.The image of Christ symbolized humility and omissions intended to test and even death.
This icon enjoyed esteem and respect, like the Old Believers and have pilgrims.However, it has not received proper distribution, and find her old patterns is difficult.
