In the temples of pre-revolutionary Moscow was a lot of miracle-working icons, worshiped, who have asked for help in all the affairs of life.The ringing of bells in a hurry for them Orthodox people.But among them were especially revered.They came from all over Russia.One is called "Blessed Heaven".On it will be our story.
appearance on Russia miraculous image
about how Russia came to this wonderful image, portrayed different opinions.According to one version, in the XIV century icon was brought to Moscow from Smolensk pious wife of Prince Vasily Dmitrievich - Sofia Vitovtovna.In Smolensk, she was sent to Constantinople, together with other ancient images.In another version of the icon it has a Western origin.But this version is less convincing because it is based solely on the iconographic features of her writing.
There is a special group of Marian icons, called "akafistnye."Their main point is to praise the Queen of Heaven.Each of them is a joyful hymn of praise in her honor.This group belongs to the "Fertile sky" - the icon of the Mother of God.What are praying in front of it?About many things.But most importantly - for guidance on the path that leads to heaven.Do not leave Our Lady of all, faith cling to her.
prototype gracious way
accepted that the icon of the Mother of God "Blessed Heaven" as the prototype has a different image, known as "The woman clothed with the sun".It is shown in the figure of the Virgin with Child in her arms standing on the crescent moon.Her head is crowned with a crown, and all of it surrounded by rays.The motive for his writing began to row out of the book of John.
Holy Apostle describes as worthy to behold the sky wife robbed sunlight, bore a baby, which is supposed to become a shepherd for all people of the world.Created in Western Europe in the XV century, this iconographic type two hundred years was in Russia.He gave rise to writing Marian icons, including "The Sun" and the icon of the Mother of God "Blessed Heaven."
image of the Moscow church
In Orthodox Russia, these icons were in special honor.The oldest of them was the icon of the Virgin "Blessed Heaven", located in the Archangel Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.It is a copy of a more ancient icons painted by the pious decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.For it was made hammered silver frame.In 1812, he was kidnapped, but after a few years, replaced by a new one.Some of its parts, unfortunately, did not survive.
Today the icon is stored in the Moscow Cathedral of the Archangel.The widespread worship of it associated with the name of the Moscow Metropolitan Filaret (Drozdov).In 1853, he ordered to collect all available documents related to the image of "Blessed Heaven."Icon has taken its place in the updated iconostasis, and as directed by the Metropolitan twice a year, it was done the celebration.In addition, every day in her honor a special prayer service was accomplished.Numerous pilgrims carried her candles, oil lamps and.At the beginning of last century it was made the new list with the image of "Blessed Heaven."The icon is now in one of the temples of the Yaroslavl region.
famous fresco by Viktor Vasnetsov
story of this miraculous image would be incomplete if you do not remember the famous fresco of St. Vladimir's Cathedral in Kiev, works Vasnetsov.The product is so great that it is worth looking in more detail.His story is not only interesting, but also wonderful.
In 1885, one of the leaders of works on registration of the newly built temple, Professor A. Prahov invited Vasnetsov to paint the walls, but illness prevented the son of the artist to accept the offer.Soon, however, the thought of the image of Our Lady so seized them that he changed his mind.The impetus served as a scene witnessed by him: his wife was holding the baby - a son in a joyous burst of vskinuvshego little hands.
«Blessed Heaven" - the icon, which became part of the temple
Meanwhile in Kiev, finalizing the temple to the mural.Professor dust from a group of assistants examined just plastered walls.Plaster is known to dry unevenly and dried light areas alternated with dark, still raw.Going to that part of the wall, which must be zaaltarny way, all of a sudden saw on dry and whitened walls of the more damp and dark because the area outline their similar image of the Virgin with Child in her arms.
Prahov immediately sketched what he saw, and all those present to authenticate.When Vasnetsov came to Kiev and showed him the sketch, he was amazed - the outline of the Virgin exactly match the image he had seen his wife and son in her arms.Impressed by what he saw, he went to work.Two years later, the wall of the cathedral decorated the famous fresco "Blessed Heaven."The icon, which became part of the Cathedral, generously grace of faith coming to her.
icon - patron of the defenders of the sky
Today, this icon remains one of the most respected in the nation.Its celebration takes place on March 19.Icon "Blessed Heaven", the value of which went beyond the purely religious symbol, became the patroness of Russian airborne troops, thereby fulfilling an important patriotic mission.Decree of the Russian Government has established a medal "Blessed Heaven."
It rewards for special services for the protection of the sky of our country.It is known that the legendary military pilot AI Pokryshkin born on the day of its celebration, and the war took care of him in the battle Mother of God.
