image of the Virgin Mary - the most revered among Christians.But much like her in Russia.In the XII century it was established a new religious holiday - Protection of the Virgin.The icon with the image of her was the main shrine of many temples.The Blessed Virgin was seen as the patron and protector of Russia.Novgorod icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" is a replica of the Byzantine image, written at the end of this century.
In the XIV century Moscow finally becomes the center of Orthodoxy in Russia, and the Cathedral of the Assumption at the time was named "House of the Virgin."
Iconography origins
first images of the Mother of God historians date the beginning of our era.In the catacombs Priskily subjects were found with images of the Virgin, which dated back to II century.The images of the Blessed Virgin at the dawn of Christianity applied to vessels for incense.Such ampoules, decorated with biblical scenes were presented to about 600, Queen of the Lombards Teodelinde.
first plagued the Blessed Virgin
in 431 Council of Ephesus approved for perpetual right to call Mary the Mother of God.After this momentous event icon of the Virgin appeared in the usual way.It survived several images of the period.They are often the Virgin Mary appears seated on a throne holding a baby.
Image of the Mother of God are found in the early mosaics that adorn the old temples.To those include:
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Roman church of Santa Maggiore (dates from V century);
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of VII century church of Panagia Angeloktisti located in Cyprus.
But painters from Constantinople could give this image a special harmony.Church of Hagia Sophia is famous for its mosaics IX-XII centuries in which there are different types of the iconography of the Virgin.Byzantium - the birthplace of the great images of the Blessed Virgin.One of these icons were brought to Russia.Later, she was named Vladimir and has become the benchmark of the Russian Orthodox iconography.Novgorod icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness" is, as already mentioned, a copy of the Byzantine image.
types Marian icons
iconography allocate 4 basic groups of images of the Blessed Virgin on the basic idea:
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«The Omen" (a truncated version was called "Oranta").This iconographic type is considered the most saturated with theological content.The main theme here - the Incarnation.
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«Hodegetria", which translated from Greek means "Putevoditelnitsa."
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«Tenderness" - from the Greek name "Eleousa" ("gracious").
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fourth type conventionally called Akafistnym.The basic idea of these icons - the glorification of the Mother of God.These images are very diverse.
iconographic type of "The Omen»
On recensions of this group is represented by the Holy Mother of God praying.Depicted in the full-length or waist.On the breast of the Mother of Christ is a medallion with the image of the unborn Saviour.Icon of a praying Virgin symbolizes the virgin birth of Christ, the unity of the Holy Mother and baby.This type includes Yaroslavl Oranta, the Kursk Root, Novgorod "The Omen".Oranta - a simpler version of the icons on which the Virgin is represented without the baby and is a symbol of the church.
Iconography "Hodegetria»
very common type of Marian images.Such icons of the Virgin and Child embody the idea that the Mother of God leads us to the faith of Christ.The Virgin is portrayed frontally oplechno or at times, sometimes in full view.In one hand she holds a baby, and the other points to Jesus.This gesture has a deeper meaning.Virgin seemed to show the true way - to God, to faith.
one hand Christ blesses the mother, and with her and all the faithful.In the other - holding a book, unwrapped or collapsed scroll.Less - orb and scepter.The most famous icon of the Virgin of this type: Smolensk, Iver, Tikhvin, Peter, Kazan.
iconography of the Virgin "Tenderness"
Such images - the most lyrical of those which show the Blessed Mother and the baby, held her by the neck.Images of Mother and Child - a symbol of Christ and the Church of Christ.
A variation of this type - "Vzygranie."It is written in a child freer position, with one hand he touches the face of the Virgin.
In such image of the Blessed Mary is not only the symbol of motherhood, but the soul close to God.Mutual touch two faces - is Christ, and the Church of Christ, unity of earthly and heavenly.
There is another variety of this type - "Mlekopitatelnitsa."These icons of the Virgin Mary feeding baby breast.So symbolically represent the spiritual nourishment of the faithful.
Volokolamskaya, Vladimir, Yaroslavl icons of the Virgin refer to this type of image saint image.
«Akafistnye" icon of the Virgin
Images of this type are often the features of one of the main, but have additional components and details.These iconography include such icons as "Burning Bush," Our Lady - "Life-Giving Spring," Our Lady - "Mount Nerukosechnaya."
Ostrabramskaya-Wilensky, "Softener of Evil Hearts" - a rare icon of the Virgin, in which she is depicted without the baby.Usually they are also referred to as "Akafistnym."One of them, Seraphim Diveevo icon "Tenderness" of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was a favorite way of Seraphim of Sarov, canonized after the death of a saint.The priest called her "Joy of all joys" and used to heal came to him for help.And then in front of this face, he walked away to another world.
canons of iconography of Our Lady, the symbols
In the Orthodox tradition, for the image of the Virgin of garments using the following elements: a blue tunic, a blue cap and cherry boards on the head, otherwise known as "mafory."Every detail has a meaning.Three gold stars on the cloak - a triple symbol of the Immaculate Conception, birth and death, on the fringe of it - a sign of glorification.Himself boards symbolizes motherhood, belongs to God, the blue color of clothes - her virginity.
known violations traditions.These painters used to highlight certain features.For example, to emphasize the purity, Virginity of the Mother of God, portrayed her in a blue dress.Virgin Akhtyrskaya - such variant.
Writing without the cloak of the Blessed Virgin is also considered a violation of church canons.
the Orthodox rules, even the crown, a sign of the kingdom, to portray the top board.So icons were written Novodvorskaya, Kholmovskaya.The crown on the head of the Virgin came to Eastern Christian iconography from Western Europe, the early images of the head of the Virgin Mary covered only mafory.
Russian tradition of iconography of Our Lady
image of the Blessed Virgin on the throne, is more common among the Italo-Greek way.Writing the Queen of Heaven, sitting on a throne or in full growth in Russia it is mainly used in large-scale compositions: in the frescoes or the iconostasis.
Painters yet more loved waist or oplechnoe Image Queen of Heaven.So designed to harass a clear and close to the heart.Much of this can be attributed to the special role of icons in Russia: it was and partner in life, and a shrine and chapel way and family values, passed on from generation to generation.No wonder the people of the Virgin was seen as an intercessor, which can soften the anger of the Terrible Judge.And the older image and "namolennye", the greater the effect it has.
large number of icons in the homes of believers and churches - a distinctive feature of the Russian land.Many images of the Holy Virgin is considered miraculous, as confirmed by numerous testimonies.
Virgin - a witness and participant of Russian history
Centuries accompany the history of Russia of the icon of the Virgin, the value of which will not be overestimated.One small example - an icon of St. Theodore:
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In 1239, this way of Prince Yaroslav blessed his son Alexander to marry Princess Paraskevnoy.This icon is accompanied Alexander in all his military campaigns.Later, just before this face of Our Lady of Saint Alexander became a monk.
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In 1613, before this way Mikhail Romanov to the kingdom Zemsky Sobor, took the throne.Theodore Virgin witnessed vows loyalty to Russia, its people and the Orthodox Church.
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In the XVIII century, all the members of the royal family certainly came to the fire on the miraculous bow to plague, which began with the history of the Romanov dynasty.
Especially to mention Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, presented to Russian patriarch of Constantinople Luke Hrizovergom in the XII century.According to legend, the prayer before this image more than once saved Moscow from invaders.
Miraculous power of Marian icons
Many images of the Blessed Virgin Mary considered miraculous.They are inseparable from the life of Christians.They live with the people and help in the troubles.
Some Moscow miracle-working icon of the Virgin:
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Vladimir stored in the church of St. Nicholas.It is believed that it is three times defended Russia against enemies.Because Orthodox Christians celebrate the icon 3 times a year: in June, July and September.
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Tikhvin icon "Tenderness" of the Blessed Virgin Mary that adorns the temple of the same name in Moscow.In 1941 the plane this way three times circled the capital, after which the fascist attack on the city was stopped.It is interesting that this church is not closed even in Soviet times.
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Icon of the Mother of God "Gracious" holy Conception convent that gave many women the happiness of motherhood.
«Perishing" Iver Mother of God "Soothe My Sorrows" - only a part of the Moscow miraculous image of the Heavenly Queen.You can not even count how many there are in the vast territory of Russia.
miracles Our Lady of Kazan
This image deserves special attention.Kazan Icon of the Mother of God showed to a miracle had its appearance in 1579 after the great fire in the city when it was found among the ashes is absolutely not affected by the fire.
Numerous healing the sick, assistance in matters presented to the faithful recension.But the most significant miracles of the icon associated with the protection of Russian Christians homeland from foreign invaders.
Already in the middle of the XVII century Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ordered to establish in honor of her all-Russian holiday.It happened after the successful birth of the heir to the Russian throne during vespers service in honor of Our Lady of Kazan.This icon was seen as the patron of the royal dynasty.
commander Kutuzov, going to the battlefields of World War II in 1812, knelt in front of the shrine and ask her intercession.After the victory over Napoleon, he prepodnёs a gift Kazan Cathedral everything taken away from the French silver.
Mirotochivogo worship images of the Mother of God
This is one of the greatest miracles associated with icons.It is still not found an explanation for why streaming myrrh icons.But it always comes on the eve of the tragic events as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance.What is this phenomenon?In the images appear fragrant liquid reminiscent of Miro.The consistency and color of it can be different - from the transparent dew to viscous dark resin.It is interesting that not only streaming myrrh images painted on wood.It happens with frescoes, photographs, metal icons and even photocopies.
And now there are similar miracles.Several dozen icons Tiraspol began to stream myrrh in the period from 2004 to 2008.It was a warning of the Lord of the bloody events in Beslan, Georgia, the Orange Revolution in Ukraine.
One such image, the icon of the Mother of God "Seven Arrows" (another name - "Softener of Evil Hearts"), began to stream myrrh in May 1998.This miracle continues to this day.
Protecting homes - Holy Mother of God
Icon of the Mother of God is bound to have in the house of a believer who cares about the safety of their homes.
believed that prayer in front of her face to protect all people living in the home physically and spiritually.Since ancient times it has become a tradition to place over the entrance door to the house icon of the Virgin and ask for her protection and support.The most favorite plagued Theotokos: Iver, Seven Arrows, "Indestructible wall", "Burning Bush" and some others.In total there are more than 860 names of Mother of God.Remember all of them is impossible and not necessary.Choosing a prayer, it is important to listen to your heart and follow its advice.
not only simple believers, but the king's most revered icon of the Virgin.Photo made in the bedroom of Czar Alexander, confirms this.
icon of the Virgin and Child grant consolation in sorrow, freedom from disease, spiritual insight only those whose prayers are sincere and unwavering faith.The main thing is to appeal to the Blessed Virgin came from the heart and intentions were good.
glorification of Our Lady
Universal Orthodox love for this holy image is reflected in the large number of religious celebrations in her honor.Almost every month of the year there is such a day, and sometimes several.About 260 of miraculous images of the Mother of God is mentioned in the Russian Orthodox calendar.
Significant Orthodox holiday - Intercession of the Mother of God - became the subject of the same name icons.These recensions Virgin Mary depicted at full height.In hands she holds in front of the veil with the image of Christ or not.-Found at the end of the XX century Port Arthur Icon of the "Solemnity of Mary" became a symbol of spiritual revival of Russia and a reminder of the importance of the image in the history of the country.Her increasingly ranked among the most venerated Russian icons.
