There are icons not only in churches, but also in homes. The image of the Mother of God is considered one of the most powerful, but it is important to know what each image is intended for.
People turn to the icon of the Mother of God for help, protection and consolation. They pray in front of her image to save themselves and their loved ones from all troubles. That is why there is such a variety of images of the Virgin Mary.
Those who want to save their home keep an icon Mother of God. It is known that those who pray to her are protected spiritually and physically from any evil. Since ancient times, people have hung an image above the entrance and asked for its protection. There are more than 800 names of images. Those with a child in their arms relieve ailments and help the soul to see the light. Prayer only reaches if it comes from the heart and with good intentions.
Kinds
Total exists four types of icons Mother of God:
1 The Omen. The Mother of God prays on these icons. They write it to the waist or to its full height. On her chest is an image of the unborn Christ. This icon symbolizes the Immaculate Conception;
2 Hodegetria. Occurs most often. The main idea is that the Mother of God leads to faith. Depicted in full height, waist-deep or shoulder-deep. She has a baby in her arms. She points to him with one. Jesus blesses the mother and the believers;
3 Eleusa. On icons of this type mother of God always depicted with a child in his arms. Symbol of the unity of mother and son;
4 Akathist. On them the Virgin Mary is depicted without a child. It is considered a collective image of mothers who worry about their children.
Origins
The first image of the Virgin Mary was found in the second century AD in the catacombs.
Her images were applied to vessels for incense. In the 5th century Mary was granted the right to be called the Mother of God. In the images that have survived, she holds a child in her arms and sits on a throne. Her images were mosaiced in old temples, e.g. Santa Maggiore and in church Panagia Angeloktista. Images of Mary were created in Byzantium. One of the icons was brought to Russia. Was later named Vladimirskaya and began to be considered the standard of icon painting. A copy of Byzantine icons is Novgorodskaya icon.
How to pray
Icons of the Mother of God are considered truly miraculous and believers turn to them for help. The Mother of God protects. If you approach her with pure intentions, she will fulfill the request. Simply reading prayers does not work; only sincere faith will help. You can pray at home or in church after the service. The most common:
- From hunger. The harvest increases, income increases;
- For ailments. More often they ask about vision;
- From drunkenness. The drunkard will become a teetotaler forever;
- From grief. The soul calms down;
- To protect your home. Ill-wishers will not pass.
Miracle
Many images are considered miraculous. From Moscow:
- Gracious. Located in the Conception Convent. She grants motherhood to women;
- Tikhvinskaya. Gives protection. It is interesting that under communism the church with this icon was not closed;
- Vladimirskaya from the Church of St. Nicholas. There is a legend that she saved Rus' from enemies three times. This icon is venerated in June-July and September.
- Kazan Mother of God. The first miracle was her rescue from the fire - she remained intact. Heals and protects.
Nobody knows why icons stream myrrh. This usually happens before tragic events. It is interesting that this phenomenon appears only on icons made on wood. The icons streamed myrrh before the events in Georgia, Beslan and Ukraine. The seven-shot icon has been streaming myrrh for 20 years.
Meaning
Icons of the Mother of God symbolize the unity of God and man.
Her image is collective– a mother who forgives her child, understands and protects him. Therefore, there are many icons and holidays dedicated to this image. The clergy teach that there is no greater pain than death own child. The Mother of God went through these torments and teaches humility to believers. She lived in patience, orphaned. The Mother of God married a widower; his children did not love her.
Reading prayers without faith and indifferent visits to the temple will bring nothing. Our Lady teaches people to remain virtuous, to be humble in difficult moments of their lives and to know that everything can turn out for the better.
Traditions
It is customary to draw the throne in Greece and Italy. The Virgin Mary on it or in full growth in Russia was usually depicted on frescoes or iconostases - on large-scale canvases. Icon painters mostly painted it up to the waist or shoulders. She is an intercessor and protects those who ask.
In the Russian tradition, the icon is satellite. They took it with them, prayed before it and passed it on to their descendants. It is believed that the older the image, the more powerful it is. In Russia It's common to have more than one house icons, and also in temples there are countless of them. Many images of the Mother of God are considered miraculous.
Canons
In Orthodox iconography, the following are used to depict the Mother of God: details:
- Blue tunic;
- Blue cap;
- Maforius;
Every element on the icon has a meaning.
The stars on maforia signify the stages of life: conception, birth and death. Border– glorification. Handkerchief symbolizes motherhood, divine belonging. Blue- a symbol of virginity, purity. Sometimes tradition is broken to emphasize a certain detail. Our Lady without mafori I am also considered a waste from church canons. In Orthodoxy, the crown is written on top of the scarf. The image of the crown itself came from the west. In early icons the Mother of God was only in maforia.
Holidays
More than two hundred images are recorded in the religious calendar.
One of the important holidays is Protection of the Virgin Mary. It is named after the icon of the same name. On it the Mother of God is depicted in full height. In her hands she holds a cloth with the image of Jesus, sometimes she is depicted without it. One of the most revered icons - Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Semistrelnaya
This image is distinguished from others by a detail: it is pierced by 7 arrows, sometimes with swords in their place.
What does this mean? Typically near the right shoulder three arrows, and the left one has four. There is an image with symmetry - three on each side and one below.
Meaning
When, on the fortieth day of Jesus’ life, they brought him to the Jerusalem temple, the sage Simeon blessed him and told the Mother of God that “ the weapon will pass soul." He predicted the suffering of a mother about her son. It is believed that seven arrows are a symbol of sins. In addition, the number seven means completeness, in this case the completeness of maternal grief. The date of its origin is unknown. Some believe that it is five centuries old, others believe that it is more. According to legend, the image was found in the first half of the 19th century on an ordinary wooden board.
The Mother of God turns to her son to intercede for those who sincerely ask. However, she sees the sins of each of those praying and this pierces her like arrows.
Help
This image is one of the most powerful. Prayers at this icon help those who have evil people around them: envious and ill-wishers. It helps to soften hearts, awaken compassion and a desire to do good in people. Anyone who is sick will receive the help of the Mother of God.
Miracles have been witnessed:
- The lame man who found the icon on the stairs of the bell tower was cured;
- Deliverance of the Vologda province from the cholera epidemic.
It is believed that if you place an icon of the Mother of God at home, then it will be protected from bad influences, and the residents will find physical and spiritual harmony.
Who does it help:
- To those who fight. She protects their lives;
- For those who have envious people or enemies;
- Sick of any illness.
Those who hang this icon at home or in their office do not have to worry about safety, since it wards off evil and protects from conflicts. You can hang a small image above the door of your home or on your desk.
Where can I buy
Many people ask: where to buy an icon? This image is quite common, so it is easy to find. Can buy in the church shop. They are available in almost any shopping center. However, before placing it in your home, you need to consecrate it in the church. Some sellers may claim that nothing is counterfeited and the products are sanctified, but it is better not to take risks.
Why is it preferable to buy icons in a temple:
- All icons are consecrated;
- No fakes;
- By purchasing from a temple, you are supporting it and allowing it to grow.
Some people who are fond of needlework embroider icons threads or beads, and also paint.
Where to hang
Owners of this icon say that household members become softer in character and calmer.
The house itself becomes more prosperous, so all believers want to buy it. It is best to place the icon there, where it will be convenient to pray.
Icons are not decoration, so there are some useful tips:
- There should be no items such as cosmetics, figurines, jewelry and other non-religious attributes near the icons;
- It is not allowed to place icons together with non-iconographic images and non-canonical attributes: paintings based on biblical subjects, calendars, books;
- You should not place images of modern idols near the icon: fan posters of various contents or photographs;
- Icons are usually hung on east side to come positive energy. Make sure there is free space in front of her;
- It is allowed to keep next to the icon religious literature, candles and other religious attributes;
- To make an iconostasis at home, it is appropriate to use a shelf, a special structure or an icon case. They are usually not hung on nails;
- If several faces are placed, then you need to follow the hierarchy: in the center there are two older faces, and on the left and right there are younger ones next to each other;
- Often hung above the door;
- The place where the icon stands is kept clean.
How to pray
The clergy say that if a person does not know prayers, but believes, then he can pray to the Mother of God, and she will accept his requests.
It is worth praying every day, especially before leaving home. Thoughts must be the most sincere, otherwise she will not hear those asking for help. Requests for healing, for an end to quarrels and conflicts - something that can help Semistrelnaya.
Celebration days
The icons are different, but since they belong to the same type, they decided to honor them on the same days. It happens:
- August 13;
- After Easter on the 9th Sunday;
- The first Sunday after the Holy Trinity.
Notable lists
In Moscow there are two icons that stream myrrh. One is located in the Church of the Archangel Michael, and the other in the village of Bachurino.
It was made to order, but when the owner noticed that the icon was streaming myrrh, I immediately gave it to the church. After this, the icon was recognized as miraculous and it was taken abroad and shown in Russian cities. Another icon is located in the Church of St. Lazarus, which is located in Vologda. It was brought after the war. Pilgrims come to her twice a year.
Another icon is in the Venetian chapel. She was found by Italian soldiers during Second World War. The icon was found in a destroyed house and given to the priest. The Italian forces were defeated, but the priest escaped. Then in Venice built a chapel for the icon. They say that before the war this icon belonged to monastery.
Kazanskaya
It is believed that Our Lady of Kazan protects from enemies and heals ailments.
Those who are in trouble can ask her for help and protection. This icon can be placed at home or given as a gift. This image belongs to the “Hodegetria” type, that is, its goal is guide a person to the true path.
Story
In the 16th century there was a fire in Kazan. The holy face was discovered by the merchant's little daughter Matrona. In a dream, the Mother of God appeared to her and told her to get the icon from the fire. Surprisingly the image was not damaged and looked new. At the site where the icon was found, a convent. The icon was given to the Assumption Cathedral for storage. However, in the 20th century the icon was stolen and then destroyed. Only copies of the image have survived. After the founding of the temple, Matrona and her mother became abbess.
Celebration dates
It is customary to celebrate this image twice a year:
- 21st of June. On this day, the girl saw a vision of the Virgin Mary. Celebrated since the 16th century;
- November 4. Moscow was liberated by Minin and Pozharsky in the fall of 1612.
Before the decisive battle, people prayed and asked for intercession. After the revolution November 4 ceased to be a holiday, in 2005 it became Day of National Unity. The same service is held on these days.
Icon location
In its early years it was located in Tretyakov Gallery. A copy of it is kept in the home church of the Moscow Patriarch. This copy is gift to Rome Catholic Church in honor of the end of the rivalry between the churches. The closest copy to the original is stored in Prince Vladimir Cathedral, which is in St. Petersburg.
Meaning
The Kazan Mother of God helps people realize and find their true path through life.
They prayed to her during the Time of Troubles, and thanks to her protection, troops recaptured Moscow from the Polish invaders. Peter I prayed to her before the Battle of Poltava. During the Patriotic War of 1812, she helped soldiers win several victories. Kutuzov prayed to the Mother of God before heading into the army.
Miracles that happened during religious processions are associated with it:
- The unknown pilgrim was cured of his illness;
- The daughter-in-law of a noble man got rid of a leg disease;
- The newborn received his sight;
- Demons came out of several women.
After this, all the sufferers hurried to the icon.
Not only military or political figures, but also ordinary people can rely on the protection of the Kazan Mother of God. If you ask from pure heart, That she grants her protection to everyone who asks.
How does it help?
Kazan Mother of God helps everyone who believes and asks for help:
- They ask the Kazan Mother of God to bless the marriage of the young;
- People turn to her married couples with a request to find harmony in their relationships and get rid of misfortunes
- Most of all, she is supportive of children: she protects them from misfortune, evil people and helps along the path of life;
- They pray to her to help the soldiers and protect their native land;
- It helps you find the right solution and avoid failure. Witnesses say that she came to them in their dreams and told them what to do and how to do it, and what to give up. Thus, a person avoids trouble;
- They pray to her in difficult times, when there is not enough strength to fight. In sorrow, she will comfort the one who asks and give him instructions;
- It helps with weakening faith in the soul and cures ailments. They ask her to get her sight back. Helps you to see spiritually.
VIDEO: Intercessor. Kazan Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Intercessor / Kazan Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary
In the center of the plot of the picture is the Vatican list of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God - the main Orthodox shrine of Kazan.
Iverskaya
The icon received its name from the monastery in which it is located. It stands on the sacred Mount Athos. People call her the Gatekeeper.
It mainly helps in getting rid of diseases, protecting the home from unwanted guests. The monks said that she warns about negative events that will happen in the world soon.
Where is it stored?
First mentioned in the 9th century. During that period, images of saints were mocked and were subject to destruction. According to legend, the image was saved by a widow, but they found out about it. The soldiers burst into the woman's house and pierced the image, it bled. The woman prayed to the Mother of God and went to the water. When the icon touched the water, it floated vertically. The rumor about this reached Mount Athos. The widow's son became a monk on the mountain.
Not far from her, hundreds of years ago, a ship with Mary moored. In the 5th century a monastery was created. One day the monks saw a column of fire from the water. They tried to approach the image, but it floated away as they approached. The monks prayed to God to give them the icon. After some time, the Mother of God appeared to the elder and said: that he will give them the icon. But for this he must come to her by sea.
The brothers positioned themselves on the shore and began to pray while the elder walked on the water. After receiving it, she was kept in the chapel and prayed for three days. After that, she was moved to the temple, and a source appeared in the place where she was. Then it appeared above the gate, it was removed and returned to its place, but the image again appeared above the gate.
The Mother of God again appeared to the elder and said that there was no need to protect her, she herself would be the guardian of the monastery. The monks built a church above the gate and the image is still there. She is honored on Tuesday of Bright Week. Then it happens procession to the place where the elder received the shrine.
Very helpful information! Thank you
To my shame, I didn’t even know that the icon of the Mother of God that hangs in my home heals illnesses.
There are many situations when we turn to saints in prayer for help and light candles near icons.
An icon is a completely unique phenomenon. There are hundreds of them in churches, try to figure out which one you need. This is where the question arises: which icons should we pray to? Let's try to figure out which icon is for what.
1. "Seven-shot"- this is the strongest icon in protecting the house and any premises, as well as the person on whom it is located, from evil, envious people, from the evil eye, damage and curses. She reconciles warring parties, brings peace and harmony, and is also hired for important matters. At home it should be opposite front door to see the eyes of the person entering. Before installing the icon, you need to read a prayer, and then observe who stops coming to your house.
2. “Inexhaustible Chalice”- The Mother of God prays for all sinners and calls for an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation, proclaiming that an inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for those who ask with faith. It brings prosperity to the home, and also helps to heal from bad habits, drunkenness, drug addiction, and gambling.
3. Icon of the Mother of God “Healer” You can always recognize it by the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary near the bed of a sick person. was famous for miracles of healing from various mental and physical illnesses back at the end of the 18th century. The help of the Most Holy Theotokos from Her miraculous icon continues in our time.
4. “Unexpected Joy”- an icon about forgiveness of sins and grateful healing. Before the icon they pray for the conversion of the lost, for the health and well-being of children, for the healing of deafness and ear diseases, for the preservation of marriage in love and harmony.
5. “Three-handed”- the miraculous image of the Mother of God was painted in the eighth century in honor St. John Damascene - a church hymn-writer, innocently slandered. In front of the icon they pray for healing from hand pain or injury, from fire, as well as from illness, grief and sadness.
6. “Quick to Hear”- the image was painted in the 10th century. They pray in front of the icon when quick and urgent help is needed, for the healing of mental and physical ailments, including paralysis, blindness, cancer, and also ask for the birth of healthy children and the release of prisoners.
7. “Seraphim of Sarov”- one of the beloved and revered saints of Russia. He devoted his entire life to serving our Lord and founded the Diveyevo convent in the Nizhny Novgorod province. Prayer to Holy Father Seraphim of Sarov helps very well with diseases of the musculoskeletal system, spine, and joints.
8. “St. George the Victorious”- patron of Moscow, as well as an assistant to those people whose work involves weapons, risking their lives - military, police, firefighters, rescuers. In addition, these include athletes and people starting a new business.
9. “Nicholas the Wonderworker”- beloved saint of the Russian people. He protects from poverty and need: when his icon is in the house, he makes sure that there is prosperity in the house, and protects from the need for anything. In addition, he is the patron saint of all travelers, drivers, sailors, pilots and just people who are on the road and worship St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The relics of St. Nicholas the Pleasant are located in Italy.
10. “Vladimir Mother of God”- written by the evangelist Luke. The icon is considered one of the most revered images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rus'. Tsars were crowned and high priests were elected in front of this icon. Before her they pray for the humility of those at war, for the softening of evil hearts, for the healing of bodily and mental weaknesses, as well as for the healing of the possessed.
An icon is a picturesque image of God himself, the Mother of God, saints or scenes from Holy Scripture. The image of the icon is sprinkled with holy water, and then special prayers are read. Only after the rite of consecration does the icon acquire grace-filled energy and spiritual recognition.
The icon is a conductor between God and man. Any prayer will be heard by the Lord, just thanks to the icon it will ascend to him much faster.
“Savior Almighty” occupies the dominant image in Orthodox iconography, therefore it is always located in the central dome of each Orthodox church- to the place of honor. The icon depicts a son God's Jesus Christ in the image of a judge and the Heavenly King, therefore the icon is also called “Pantocrator”, which is translated from Greek as “ruler of all”. The chief healer of souls and bodies, who knows about everything. It is to the Almighty that our prayers should first of all be addressed. Sometimes despondency and despair penetrate into the very heart, but the Savior always gives a helping hand, and faith and hope come to life again.
In Rus', the icon appeared around the 12th century and served as a prayer icon for Russian princes. Icons of the “Savior Almighty” often streamed myrrh and healed many diseases.
Icon “Holy Trinity” (Old Testament)
The icon of the Holy Trinity is valued as one of the most important images that must be present in every Orthodox Church. The Trinity is the greatest and most mysterious icon of humanity. The picturesque image was painted according to all the canons of icon painting in a workshop at the temple. He talks about the unity of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The “Trinity” icon was created so that every believer could visually imagine the trisolar light of Orthodoxy. The Lord is one in three persons - this is difficult to comprehend and understand, but one must sincerely believe in this, taking it for granted. For Rus', the image of the Trinity is confessional, and before it one repents for the forgiveness of sins committed.
One of the most key shrines of the Russian Orthodox Church is the miraculous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. The Lord, through this image, sends help to all believers in strengthening faith, in healing mental and physical suffering, in softening evil hearts, in liberation from enemy invasions, in reconciling those at war and preserving the unity of Russia.
According to pious tradition, this image was painted by the Evangelist Luke during the life of the Mother of God. The shrine was brought to Rus' from Byzantium as a gift to Yuri Dolgoruky. The icon has been glorified more than once for its miracles. For example, while in Kyiv, more than once she left her place in church and found herself hanging in the air. She healed and even resurrected more than once. Generals and warriors turned to her for help before important battles. And she did not leave them, showing her miracles in seemingly the most hopeless situations. Once, after a won battle against Bulgaria, when a thanksgiving prayer service was served to the Mother of God, a light shone from her icon, illuminating the entire amazed regiment. Another one wonderful story This happened to this icon immediately after it was brought to Moscow to protect the city from the invasion of Tamerlane. It was on the day when the icon was delivered to the city that Tamerlane unexpectedly ordered his army to retreat.
This miraculous icon The Mother of God appeared after a fire in Kazan in the 16th century in a rather mysterious way. The Mother of God appeared to the nine-year-old girl Matrona in a dream, telling her to find her icon in the ashes. This dream was repeated again and again, until the girl decided to go with her mother in search of the icon. And indeed, the shrine was found there.
This image of the Mother of God is the most revered and beloved; it is the “Great Intercessor of Russia.” The icon more than once helped the people in the most difficult times. With its appearance, it symbolizes victory over the Time of Troubles. It is she who is thanked for delivering Moscow from the invasion of the Poles. Before the Battle of Poltava, Peter the Great and his army prayed to the image of the Kazan Mother of God. The icon was the main patron of the Romanov dynasty. During the Great Patriotic War, this icon was the spiritual guide of the Russian people.
Starting from Epiphany, all the most significant events in life pass with her. She gives a blessing to marriage, helps in work, in everyday problems.
Icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (Pleasant)
Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, or otherwise Nicholas the Pleasant, as they began to call him in baptized Rus', in Orthodoxy is perhaps the most revered saint after the Mother of God. The fate of this saint was not easy; perhaps it was thanks to life’s trials and difficulties that he chose the religious path. While still a child, he was already keen on reading the Divine Scriptures, and as he grew up, he became an archbishop. Then Nicholas began to be called the Wonderworker. Throughout his life, many miracles and deeds were attributed to him. According to one legend, he resurrected a sailor who fell from the mast; according to another, he saved three young girls whose beauty was “sold” by their own father as the only way to pay off numerous debts. And there are countless such stories. Nicholas has always been the personification of justice and nobility.
They pray in front of the icon of St. Nicholas for any seemingly insoluble problems. He helps wanderers, sailors, women in labor, and even students. The icon is capable of healing from any ailments, protecting from unfavorable events and ill-wishers, protecting from temptations and performing real miracles. Turning to Nikolai with sincerity and faith, people noticed more than once that in their lives everything happened exactly as they asked.
The “seven-arrow” icon is the most powerful protector of the house and its inhabitants. The Virgin Mary, depicted in this icon, is pierced with seven swords, symbolizing the heartache that the Saint experienced during her life. The seven swords are the main mortal human sins that bring mental suffering to the Mother of God.
The icon first appeared in the 17th century. One day, a peasant, sick with lameness and longing for recovery from this disease, was told in a dream by a Divine voice to find a miraculous image in a nearby monastery and to pray with faith in front of this image. It turned out that the wooden board with the face of the Virgin Mary served as a step in the staircase leading to the bell tower. After the image was washed and restored, a prayer service was served for her, after which the peasant was completely healed.
The Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God of the Seven Arrows is of great importance in the life of every believer. In front of this strong icon they pray for protection of their home, from ill-wishers, from quarrels within the family, and to soften the heart. The icon is usually placed opposite the front door so that Semistrelnaya can see the eyes of those entering. Before placing the icon, you need to read a prayer. If one of your loved ones or acquaintances stopped visiting you, then we can conclude that his thoughts were not pure in relation to the living members of this house. Yes, Holy One Mother of God The seven-shot gives birth to mercy and kindness in the souls of believers.
The image of the Iveron Mother of God is also considered one of the most revered in Orthodoxy. and its appearance is completely shrouded in mysticism.
In the 19th century, when the persecution of orthodox icons, one pious widow secretly kept the icon of the Mother of God. But one day soldiers burst into her house and one of them, seeing the image of the Mother of God, pierced it with a spear. But then, in front of the eyes of frightened eyewitnesses, blood poured from the cheek of the Mother of God. Maddened with fear, the soldiers fell to their knees and began to beg for forgiveness for their sin, and then, saving the shrine, they set it adrift on the waves. And then a miracle happened again. The icon stood up and floated. After some time, guests of the Iveron Monastery noticed a luminous pillar above the sea. Approaching it, they discovered the holy image of the Virgin Mary floating on the water and emitting a glow. It was decided to place the icon in the chapel, but in the morning it was found above the monastery gates. Attempts to take her to her previous place were in vain each time, until one day in a dream Elder Gabriel saw Holy Virgin, who said that she does not want to be protected, she herself must be the Guardian. So, the icon was placed over the gates of the monastery for many years, and they began to call it the Goalkeeper. Many times she miraculously saved the monks from fires, enemies and hunger.
Holy Mother of God Iverskaya and before today shows people his miracles. In front of her icon they pray for repentance of sins, for healing from illnesses, for deliverance from sorrows and sorrows. The Mother of God of Iverskaya guards the family hearth, patronizes all women and is an intercessor before the Almighty. With the help of this icon, the “crown of celibacy” is also removed.
Holy Blessed Matrona is the most revered Moscow saint. Matronushka, as many affectionately call her, lived a hard life full of hardships. She was born into a poor peasant family and was completely blind from birth. Already at the age of eight, she began to predict and heal all those who suffered, and with the onset of 18 years, she lost the ability to walk. During the revolutionary years, she had to wander around Moscow a lot, without a roof over her head.
All her life she helped everyone in need. It was she who predicted the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, and said that the Russian people would win. She predicted her death three days in advance, but continued to receive people. Matronushka still helps all believers who turn to her with prayer in healing from illnesses, in financial matters, in preserving the family, in the well-being of children and much more.
This whole life strong woman became an example of great spiritual feat love, patience, and self-denial.
Xenia of Petersburg is one of the most beloved Russian saints. An icon with her image is not uncommon in an Orthodox home. The gift of foresight and healing came to her after the death of her husband. Having become a widow at an early age, Ksenia fell into deep despair. She distributed all her property to the poor, gave a house to her friend, put on the clothes of her late husband and began to call herself by his name. These oddities are in no way connected with loss of reason, Ksenia simply decided to completely devote herself to serving God, protecting herself from earthly joys and blessings. Years of wandering began. She spent most of her time near Churches. She spent the night under open air in fervent prayers addressed to God, she deliberately did not wear warm clothes, forcing her body to suffer from the cold. At first, people laughed at Ksenia, but soon they began to notice that after communicating with her, even fleetingly, their lives began to change for the better. Local merchants tried to treat her to food, and then all the goods quickly sold out. If the Blessed One kissed children, then they grew up healthy. For her righteousness, Ksenia acquired the gift of foresight. She predicted the death of Elizabeth I the day before her death. She once sent her friend to the cemetery, saying that there she would find a child. She, frightened, ran to the indicated place and on the way saw how a pregnant woman was hit by a horse. The woman in labor died, but managed to give birth to a baby, who was adopted by Ksenia’s friend. And there were a great many such cases of foresight. Even after her death, she appeared in visions to people who were in difficult life circumstances, warning them of danger. A prayer addressed to her always finds a response and helps even in the most difficult matter.
"Angel" with Greek language translated as messenger, messenger." Serving as a conduit between man and the Lord, the Guardian Angel is called to express God's unconditional love for people through his care. Church ministers assure that a person receives his Angel only after the sacrament of Baptism. This is how a person gets his own protector, who is always nearby. The more faith a person has, the closer the Guardian Angel is to him.
Each element of the icon depicting an Angel has its own symbolism. The slightly tilted head of the Saint means readiness to help his ward at any moment, a green chiton and a pink shirt - serving people in the name of good, a sword and cross - the ability to see and warn of danger, wings - the ability to move from real world into the divine.
The miraculous rescue of people who survived catastrophes, intuitive insights or prophetic dreams - this is how Angels invisibly take part in people’s lives, protecting each one of their wards.
You must have the Icon of the Guardian Angel in your home; you must pray in front of it in a secluded place with sincerity in your heart. People turn to this image when they need spiritual strength to overcome difficult periods in life. Prayer Appeal You should always contact your Guardian Angel when you leave your home, so that God’s Messenger will protect you from unexpected misfortune and the evil intentions of people.
Every Christian should know what icons should be in the house so that everything is fine in the family.
Icons, prayers and faith can give a person happiness, health, love and inner harmony.
The main icons that should be in every home
Every apartment and every house must have an icon of Jesus Christ and, of course, the Orthodox Cross.
There must be an icon of the main patroness of the family and family hearth, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
IN home iconostasis place icons and other family patrons, and do not forget about those to whom you often pray.
Take into account: It is better to have a few icons that you pray to and thank, than many, but whose power you do not know.
What icon should be in the kitchen
In Christianity you will not find a clear prescription of which icons should be located and where exactly. The main thing is that it should be located in a free place, and the room should not be cluttered, so as not to be distracted when addressing the holy face.
Most often, those icons that are most often accessed are placed in the kitchen. This could be the Holy Trinity or Christ the Savior.
Deeply religious people place an icon of the Last Supper in the kitchen or dining room.
There are no strict instructions on this matter, but if you do not know the history of this icon, then it is better not to place it in the house, but no one will forbid you, it carries a deep meaning.
The most powerful icons for the home
It is impossible to do without the holy faces of Christ the Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos. Nicholas the Wonderworker is also revered by believers and will certainly help if you ask him for protection. The no less famous icon of the Holy Trinity will definitely protect your home from evil and misfortune.
The icon of the Last Supper is also strong, this image is very much valued, so it can be placed above the icons of Christ the Savior and the Mother of God. But you shouldn’t mindlessly broadcast it in your apartment if you don’t understand its intent and true meaning.
Icons that will give your home blessing, peace and harmony.
The faces of the patron saints of home and family will protect your hearth from evil: Saints Peter and Fevronia of Murom, Saints Joachim and Anna - the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Xenia of St. Petersburg and Matrona of Moscow.
These are the most famous icons that you must have at home and constantly pray to them.
An icon for home protection is the face of a saint who will stand guard over your family and your loved ones. The faces of the Mother of God and the Savior are considered such icons. In the church, these icons are considered the most universal; they will help in any situation, you just need to pray.
Red corner in the apartment
The red corner is a home iconostasis, a place in the house where a believer can read prayers and communicate with the Lord God and the saints. As a rule, icons and other holy objects are located in the red corner.
The red corner should be located in a quiet and secluded place in the house or apartment so that nothing distracts the praying person.
Please note: Only icons can be placed in a home iconostasis; it is not advisable for photographs of deceased and living loved ones to be placed next to icons.
What icon to buy for a new apartment
Even in ancient times, it was the custom to enter a new house with an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. This is one of the most necessary images of saints, which should be in every home.
Therefore, it is not necessary to buy a specific icon for a new apartment if you already have the face of the Most Holy Theotokos. If there is no icon of the Matrona of Moscow in your home iconostasis, you can purchase it.
How many icons should there be in the house?
The church answers this question like this: the main thing is that there are faces of the Savior, the Mother of God and the Holy Trinity, the rest can be chosen at your discretion.
It is better to have a few icons, but you will often pray to them and constantly turn to them, than if they stand there because it is necessary. Everything should come from the heart.
What kind of icon is hung above the front door?
Very often above the doorway to a house or apartment you can see the face of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker or the Mother of God.
These saints help protect the house from evil and are the patrons of the family hearth. You can ask them for protection from troubles and misfortunes for yourself and your family.
Which icon of the Mother of God is better to have at home?
The icon with the face of Jesus is very popular.
This icon will serve good and a strong talisman your family. Usually brides take it before the wedding and then keep it.
What icon should be in a children's room?
The most important icon that should be in a child’s room from an early age is the Guardian Angel.
If you hang it in the room, it will help the child find his way and will protect him and his faith throughout his life.
The icon of St. Nicholas will protect the physical and moral health of the child. The icon of the Mother of God in the nursery will keep warm family bonds between the child and parents, will help protect against evil and aggression.
It doesn’t matter how many icons there will be in your home, what matters is your attitude and faith.
Nowadays, when many people are coming to faith again, you can go to any church store. But a person who is not too familiar with the basics of faith may have a question about why icons are needed, and which icon helps with what. In general, to say that an icon helps is not entirely true, since it is not the icon itself that helps, but those who are depicted on it - the Lord Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Theotokos, Angels and Saints. An icon is a kind of “window” into spiritual world, invisible to ordinary eyes. And turning to the image captured on the icon, we thereby turn to the Prototype, which was once revealed to the icon painter in the form of the deepest spiritual insight, we join in with Divine grace, the conductor of which is the icon.
It has long been known that holy icons help those who turn to them in prayer. In Russia, it has long been customary to ask for help from the Holy Faces; requests were and are made most often to the icons of the Mother of God and the Holy Saints. They pray to icons for healing from illnesses, for the health and well-being of loved ones, for help in business, and also offer gratitude for their help. It has long been the custom that different images are approached with different requests, this is especially noticeable by how many icons of the Mother of God and prayers to them exist. Icons of the Mother of God help those who pray for children, for their well-being and health. Next we will consider in more detail which icons of the Mother of God help with what.
One of the most revered icons in Russia is the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which has been protecting Russia for several centuries. The Kazan icon helps those who ask for family well-being, the blessing of marriage and children, and also protects from fires and various troubles and misfortunes.
Another revered miraculous icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, which has accompanied the history of Rus' since ancient times, helps mothers and children; people pray to her for deliverance from infertility and healing of female diseases. They also pray to this icon to pacify unrest, for protection from enemies and natural disasters.
The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of children. It protects young children from illnesses, and older children from harmful influences from the outside, helps them protect themselves from bad companies and dangers.
The Icon of the Mother of God of Iveron is another ancient, revered icon, which is considered the guardian of the hearth and the patroness of women. Our Lady of Iverskaya helps in healing illnesses and consoling in sorrows.
The miraculous icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice helps people recover from alcoholism and drug addiction, and also symbolizes the inexhaustible source of grace and heavenly help that is given to those who ask.
The Seven-Arrow Icon protects against the evil thoughts of others, helps protect against hostility and brings peace. Very similar to this image is the Softening icon Evil Hearts helps to stop hostility both between individuals and between countries and peoples, helps to understand what compassion and mercy are.
Icon Everlasting Color helps, as its name suggests, to preserve chastity and purity for girls before marriage, and also, by folk beliefs, prayer in front of this icon helps women preserve beauty and youth longer.
The Icon of the Three Joys helps in family life, they pray to her for the return of stolen and unjustly taken away, as well as for protection from enemies and for help to those who are imprisoned.
In Russia, icons of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are very widely revered; almost everyone has such an icon in their home. Orthodox Christian. The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker helps against need and poverty, keeps wealth in the house, protects children and women, and also protects travelers, so a person planning a trip, especially by water, should take it with him.
The icon of Panteleimon the Healer helps both the sick who pray in front of this image for healing, and doctors, since the Great Martyr Panteleimon patronizes people associated with medicine.
Speaking about helping icons, we need to remember one more image - the icon of Seraphim of Sarov. This icon helps in healing diseases, especially diseases of the musculoskeletal system and internal organs. They also pray to the icon of Seraphim of Sarov for consolation in sorrows.
The icon of Sergius of Radonezh patronizes students, they pray to Saint Sergius for help in their studies, to overcome problems with attention and learning educational material, as well as assistance during trials and litigation. Sergius of Radonezh helps those who stand for truth and defend justice.
The Matrona of Moscow icon helps with almost all everyday problems. They pray to Matronushka for health, for the well-being of loved ones, and ask for help in finding a “soul mate.”
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