March 15, 1917 there have been two major events in the life of Russia.The first is known to all - is the abdication of the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II.But another event, having invaluable for the spiritual life of the people, was erased from his memory.On this day, the Blessed Virgin has identified a miraculous image of the Russians, called the icon of the Mother of God "Reigning".
Prophetic dream Evdokia Andreanovoy
Mother of God showed to people the miraculous icon.In one village lived Bronnitsy County farmer whose name was Evdokia Andreanova.She was a devout and pious woman.Then one day she had a dream in which a mysterious female voice commanded her to go to the village of Kolomenskoye, look where ancient icons, cleanse it from dust and grime and to give people for prayers and church services, as Russia waiting ordeal and war.
Evdokia very seriously concerned to hear, but not knowing exactly where to look for an icon, because the village is a large, pray to specify the exact location.The request has been fulfilled, and two weeks later in a dream it was the Virgin and she pointed to the village church.Virgin added that the icon does not relieve people from suffering, but those who are in the difficult years before it would be to pray, will find salvation.
Evdokia hit the road and came to Kolomenskoye, saw that the local Church of the Ascension is exactly similar to the one that was available to her in a dream.
miraculous discovery of the icon
Rector, Father Nikolai (Likhachev), listened to it with a grain of salt, but did not dare to object, and at the Evdokia went through all the interior of the church.None of the icons could be the one pointed to by the Virgin Mary.The search continued in all the outbuildings and, finally, in the basement, including boards, rags and junk all suddenly discovered a large, darkened by time and grime icon.When she washed, then it opens the image Holy Mother of God.
It was presented in the form of the queen, seated on a throne with blessing Child Jesus in her arms.They complement the look of regal red porphyry, orb, scepter and crown.Her face was filled with sorrow and rigor.This way, a tragic phenomenon in Russia for the day was called "Reigning" icon.
Pilgrimage to the newfound icon
With astonishing rapidity the news of the incident spread through the surrounding villages, reached in Moscow and spread, finally, across the country.In Kolomenskoye pilgrims began to arrive from everywhere.And immediately began suffering miraculous healings and fulfillment of the prayer petitions.Ascension Church is small in size, and to a greater number of people could worship the sacred image, the icon were taken to the nearby towns and villages.
Travels it and now serving in the Martha and Mary Convent, where the abbess was the future svyaschennomuchenitsa, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna.His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon himself took an active part in the drafting of service in honor of the new-icon.For it was written by a special Akathist.It includes excerpts from other hymns, written in honor of the Mother of God.He was named "Akathist hymns."
icon leaves Kolomenskoye
Soon "Reigning" icon of the left church in the village of Kolomenskoye and was officially transferred to Moscow in the Resurrection convent.It turned out that in the archives of the monastery there are documents showing that the original icon was there, but in 1812, during the war with Napoleon, was sent to the village of Kolomenskoye and there forgotten.
Even in difficult years for the Church continued to perform miracles, manifest holy icon.It is known that after the believers were praying in front of her, was all of a sudden released from prison one of the priests of the region.
Later "Reigning" icon of the time was in the Martha and Mary Convent, and after closing it transferred to the museum collections.
miraculous image returned to believers
For believers icon back in the early 90s.State aired in this period the church was taken away from her property."Reigning" icon was placed in the altar of one of the temples of the capital.There she stayed for several years.July 17, 1990 for the first time been committed remembrance of the liturgy of the sovereign and his family.In connection with this event, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II blessed the move icon in Kolomenskoye, the Kazan Church.There she is in currently.There is a tradition on Sunday read before this icon "Akathist hymns", the one in the creation of which involved Patriarch Tikhon.Holiday Icons "Reigning" is celebrated on the day of its acquisition - 15 March.
There are many lists with icons.Many are made specifically for the temples built and consecrated in her honor.Temple Icons "Reigning" exists in Moscow Chertanovskaya street in St. Petersburg on Prospect of Culture.Recovery in the capital of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior began with the construction next to him Chapel in honor of the "Reigning" Mother of God.
value icon for Russians
The Orthodox Russians to the icon of "Reigning" special treatment.In fatal to our country in 1917 it was seen as a symbol of the phenomenon of succession of power.From earthly kings power was transferred to the Queen of Heaven.In addition, it is also a promise of forgiveness and salvation of the people coming heavy and bloody path to repentance.Throughout the history of Russia, during the periods of the most difficult trials, the Russian people saw the Blessed Virgin of hope and support.
in the way shown on the icon the figure of Christ, laid a symbolic meaning, a little friendly.It is directly connected with the tragic for the Russian people at times when there was a miraculous discovery of the icon.
blessed Eternal Child points to the left side, where the Scriptures at the Last Judgment will be sinners.This gesture gives a sense of forgiveness fallen.In addition, the power in his hand a Virgin not cross.This is a clear prophecy of the destruction in the Russian churches and temples.
What is the meaning of icons?What makes it a sacred image?Icon - not a deity, but that is the guiding star for all who seek God.
