Icon of the Mother of God "Donskaya": history, meaning and how it helps, prayers and akathists before the icon

In ancient times, defending independence and borders, the Russian state constantly had to fight; the entire history of Russia consists of a series of glorious battles. And the one who has God on his side wins the battle. Therefore, Russian princes and tsars did not begin a military campaign without intense prayer to God and His Most Pure Mother, the Patroness of the Orthodox land. The Tretyakov Gallery houses an ancient shrine that has survived to this day - the Don Icon of the Mother of God - a witness to the many centuries lived by the Russian people under the protection of the Mother of God.

Who painted the icon for the Kolomna church

The time and place where the icon was painted is hidden in the darkness of time. Icon painters preferred to remain anonymous, knowing that they were only an artistic instrument in the hand of God. However, the painstaking work of modern art historians suggests that the image belongs to the brush of a famous icon painter of the late 14th century. Theophanes the Greek.

Theophanes the Greek. Icon of Our Lady of the Don

Theophanes arrived in Rus' from Byzantium to decorate churches modeled on the churches of Constantinople. The time was alarming: the Golden Horde, led by Mamai, was preparing to punish Prince Dmitry Ioannovich for refusing to pay increased tribute, and at the same time destroy the Christian churches hitherto tolerated by it and convert the people to a different faith.

In preparation for the decisive battle, the troops gathered in Kolomna near Moscow, from where they marched to the Don. With them they carried the icon of the Mother of God “Eleusa”, which in Greek means “Merciful”. Presumably, it was written by Theophanes the Greek shortly before the glorious events, for the Assumption Church in the village. Kolomna. The image was mounted on a high shaft; on its reverse side the scene of the Dormition of the Mother of God was depicted.

Description and symbolism of the painting

The icon is classified as the Tenderness or Eleus type. The original and copies of the painting contain an image of the Virgin Mary holding little Jesus in her right hand. The God-Infant clung to his Mother, whose head reverently bowed to Him. The photo of the icon clearly shows: the gaze of the Virgin Mary, fixed on those praying, expresses deep sadness. On the face of the Queen of Heaven one can read the knowledge of the tragedy and suffering that the Son of God will have to endure in the future.

What is depicted on the shrine carries certain symbolism:

The Virgin Mary is covered with a dark red maforium, decorated with several gold stripes, three stars and fringe. They symbolize ever-virginity, as well as the royal position of the Mother of God on earth and in heaven;
in the left hand of the Mother of God, located under the feet of the Child, a handkerchief is visible. With it, the Most Pure Mary wipes away the tears of Christians who come to Her with prayer requests;
Little Jesus is wearing a tunic, in the folds of which there are golden rays. They mean Divine grace. The Child's left hand is lowered and holds the scroll. This is a symbol of the Old Testament law, which lost its meaning after the Nativity of Christ. The Savior's right hand blesses with two fingers;
the embrace of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Child, on the one hand, has a direct meaning and shows the intimate side of the communication between the Mother and the Son. In addition, they act as a symbol of the mystical union of the Church with its Lord Christ;
The background of the picture and the halos are made using the finest gold leaf, which has faded over time. Such a detail not only decorates the Orthodox relic, but also speaks of the existence of the Heavenly World, filled with unearthly light.

We advise you to study What is Golgotha and where is it located?

Mother of God - Defender of the Russian Land

Under the shadow of Russian banners and the blessing of the Mother of God, the Mongols were defeated. The icon that took part in the battle was honorably delivered to Kolomna and placed in the Assumption Church, built by Prince Dmitry in honor of the victory over the hated yoke. For almost two centuries, the image of the Mother of God, which did not have a name at that time, was consecrated by the prayers of the people who flocked to it.

Holy Blessed Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy. Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Volkovichi

During the reign of Ivan the Terrible, Prince Dimitri, who defeated Mamai, began to be called Donskoy, and the ancient shrine from the Kolomna Church began to be called the “Don Icon of the Mother of God.” Following the traditions of his ancestors, Grozny prayed before her when preparing to go on a campaign to Kazan. And again the Most Pure Mother of God did not abandon the Russian army, begging the Lord for victory. After this, the tsar ordered that the image be transferred from Kolomna to a more honorable place - to the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kremlin. So the icon of the Don Mother of God became a national shrine.

Reading rules

Traditionally, any akathist is performed in church or at home during a holiday. But they often pray to the Mother of God on weekdays. Especially when you find yourself in a difficult life situation, when the help of the Heavenly Patroness is urgently needed.

Since the akathist is dedicated to the Don Icon of the Mother of God, it is advisable to pray to this particular image. To enhance the effect of the akathist, you need to follow certain rules while chanting:

The Akathist is a non-seating hymn, so it is performed standing. Only sick people and pregnant women are allowed to sit or lie down during prayer.
They perform a hymn of praise, turning their face to the icon.
The prayer service begins with the reading of the opening prayers, then proceeds to the solemn chant.
They begin performing the akathist from the first kontakion, adhering to a strict order. You cannot start reading from another place or swap kontakia and ikos.
They end the prayer service with a prayer, after which they make the sign of the cross.

You can read the akathist once. But on special occasions, it is recommended to perform the chant for 40 days. This greatly increases the power of the prayer service. At the same time, the main thing is that the reading of the church hymn does not fall on the days of Great Lent. These days it is prohibited to read the akathist.

Moving the shrine from Kolomna to Moscow

With tears, the residents of Kolomna saw off their beloved Mother of God the Merciful, before whom their fathers and grandfathers prayed. Seeing the grief of the people, Ivan the Terrible ordered two accurate lists to be made, which were installed in the Assumption Church and at the gates of the city.

About other holy places in Moscow:

Church of Lazarus and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary in Fili
Trinity Church in Nikitkiny

The icon stayed in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kremlin only in times of peace, constantly participating in campaigns with the Russian army against the Livonians, Polovtsians, Kazy-Girey, who was already standing under the walls of Moscow and for unknown reasons fled without engaging in battle. The victories of Prince Golitsyn and the capture of Azov are also associated with the intercession of the Mother of God, before whose image the governors prayed.

Blagoveshchensky cathedral

Every year, in memory of the victory, solemn religious processions were held on the Kulikovo Field, when the miraculous image in a precious robe walked from the Annunciation Cathedral to the Donskoy Monastery. This monastery was built on the very spot from which the Crimean Khan Kazy-Girey fled. Another copy of the Don Icon, which has survived to this day, was made for the monastery. The two holy images met during a solemn service and a large gathering of people.

Interesting. As a sign of the bounty of the Mother of God, the frame of the icon was decorated with many precious stones, pectoral crosses and panagias, but the best decoration were the reliquaries - repositories for particles of holy relics cut into the butt of the image.

History of the icon

There is no exact information about when and by whom the icon was painted.
In the insert book of the Donskoy Monastery, compiled in 1692, there was a record that the icon of the Mother of God was presented by the Don Cossacks from the town of Sirotin to the Moscow prince Dmitry Ivanovich on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo: However, most researchers regard this message as nothing more than a romantic legend and believe that the icon written after the Battle of Kulikovo. There are several versions about where it could originally have been located, according to which - for example, according to Oleg Ulyanov - it was painted for the Assumption Cathedral of the Simonov Monastery (founded in 1370 by the nephew of St. Sergius of Radonezh - St. Feodor), from where the icon could have been moved in 1567 to the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, restored after the Kremlin fire on June 21, 1547. Ulyanov reinforces his arguments with the “Complaint” of the Archpriest of the Annunciation Cathedral, Sylvester, to Metropolitan Macarius of Moscow, that after the fire, “they translated the icons from the Trinity from where to write and on Simanov,” as well as other examples. According to Valentina Antonova, the Don Icon was originally located in the Assumption Cathedral in Kolomna, built on the instructions of Prince Dmitry Ivanovich, in which Theophanes the Greek and his students presumably worked, creating a fresco ensemble and iconostasis.

Ivan the Terrible prayed before the Don Icon on July 3, 1552, before the Kazan campaign. He took it with him on a campaign, and then placed it in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin.

Church tradition connects the Don Icon with the liberation of Moscow from the troops of the Tatar Khan Kaza II Giray. In 1591, when his army was already on the Sparrow Hills, a religious procession was held with the icon around the city walls, after which it was placed in the regimental church. The next day - August 19 - Russian troops won a victory, which was attributed to the intercession of the Mother of God. In memory of this, the Donskoy Monastery was founded on the site of the regimental church (a copy of the icon was made for it) and a celebration was established in honor of the icon. From that time on, the icon began to be revered as a protector from heterodox and foreign enemies.

In 1598, Patriarch Job blessed Boris Godunov with the Don Icon. In 1687, the icon was on the Crimean campaign of Prince Vasily Golitsyn. At the end of the 17th century, the icon was moved to the chambers of Princess Natalya Alekseevna, and later returned to the Annunciation Cathedral. During the capture of Moscow by Napoleon's troops, the icon was stripped of precious stones from its setting.

In 1919, the Don Icon, uncovered from its records by Grigory Chirikov (the work began by him in 1914), entered the State Historical Museum. Since 1930 it has been in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery.

From the Annunciation Cathedral to the Tretyakov Gallery

During the capture of Moscow by Napoleon, the shrine was robbed by the French, but remained in its place, to the left of the royal doors of the Annunciation Cathedral. There she survived the revolution of 1917: the Mother of God did not abandon her people both in years of joy and in hard times. When most of the revered miraculous icons were destroyed during the destruction of churches, the Don Icon was saved by God's providence and the workers of the State Museum. Later, in 1930, it was placed in the Tretyakov Gallery, where it remains today.

Our Lady of the Don in the Tretyakov Gallery

Donskaya and her lists

It so happened that historically the most revered copies of the Don Icon are today in the Tretyakov Gallery. Since 1930, an image painted by Theophan the Greek has been kept there. (Once a year it is he who is brought from the museum to the Donskoy Monastery). Over time, the list made for the Small Cathedral of the Donskoy Monastery by Simon Ushakov ended up there.

There are several lists of the Don Icon today in the monastery itself, and each of them has its own history.

The most ancient of the monastery images is placed in the iconostasis of the Great Cathedral. (Unfortunately, on the days when icons are brought from the Tretyakov Gallery they are partially closed, placing a special icon case close to the iconostasis). It is believed that this particular icon was painted in the 16th century for the then only monastery cathedral - now called the Small.

When a new Great Cathedral was built in the monastery a hundred years later, the icon was moved there. However, for the format of the large iconostasis here, it was too small, and then the icon board was “extended” with a frame with the “Root of Jesse” plot.

In the 19th century, the icon and its frame were covered with a silver chasuble, which was only removed now, during the restoration process. So this year the icon appeared in a completely new form and in a wealth of colors hitherto inaccessible to the external eye.

As for the Small Cathedral of the monastery, it, alas, suffered greatly during the years when the monastery had an anti-religious museum, so that even the iconostasis that was here has not been preserved.

The one we see now was once located in the Church of St. Khariton the Confessor in Ogorodnaya Sloboda (demolished in 1935) and was allocated for the cathedral by the Patriarchate when services were resumed in 1948. The Don image placed here is considered a copy of the icon of Theophanes the Greek, made in the 20th century.

Today in the Small Cathedral there is another image of the Don. To the left of the entrance to the altar, under the canopy, there is an image from the 18th century. The gifts of the worshipers, which are visible on his robe, testify: the image is considered miraculous.

The editors would like to thank the press service of the Donskoy Monastery for their assistance in preparing the material and the photographs provided.

Resumption of religious processions

In 1994, it was decided to resume the tradition of religious processions to the Donskoy Monastery. The shrine is over 600 years old; generations of restorers have worked to preserve it. Bringing a valuable exhibit out of the quiet atmosphere of a museum to the multitude of people waiting for it was not an easy decision. But as a result of the joint work of many specialists, this became possible.

Every year, a few weeks before September 1, the day of the celebration of Our Lady of the Don, restoration scientists and specialists from the polymetallic plant prepare a special capsule where constant humidity and temperature are maintained. Preparation of transport, escort and protection of the shrine also require a lot of work and worry.

Donskoy Monastery

On the day of the holiday itself, many people and clergy anxiously await the arrival of the shrine on the threshold of the Donskoy Monastery Cathedral. Finally, while the “magnification” is chanted, the closed case is taken out of the car: the exhibit can be damaged by bright daylight and even street noise. In the temple, next to the revered copy of the Don Icon, a case decorated with white flowers is already waiting. The case is placed underneath it and, using special devices, the capsule with the icon is slowly pushed inside the icon case. The ancient face of the Mother of God rises above those praying in reverent silence, giving the gathered people unforgettable moments.

Gifts to the miraculous Image

In the 16th century, a unique frame with pearls, gold, sapphires, emeralds and other gems was made especially for this icon. In terms of the number of reliquaries housed there, the salary had no equal. All of them were dedicated to the memory of the royal family.

The reverse side of the shrine, where the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is described, was covered with a luxurious silver frame with delightful gold crowns. The icon was placed in a wooden icon case, which was overlaid with gold, silver and decorated with Images of the Deesis, prophets and other revered saints.

We advise you to study Prayers to Sergius of Radonezh for studies

At the end of the 17th century, the icon was in the personal chambers of the sister of Peter 1. The frame was removed from it, and the reliquaries were given to the Annunciation Cathedral. And the jewelry was used to create a new exquisite setting, which was not inferior in luxury to the old one. It consisted of 600 emeralds, large pearls, elegant rubies and other amazing valuable gemstones.

Soon the Don Icon of the Mother of God returned to the Annunciation Cathedral. During the war with Napoleon's troops, French soldiers removed most of the decorations from the frame. And after the revolution, the robe itself disappeared.

Iconographic images and their symbols

The original Donskaya Icon depicts the Most Holy Virgin holding in her right hand the Infant of God, clinging to Her. The head of the Mother of God bowed towards her Son, her sad and stern gaze was directed at those praying. On Her face is a sorrowful premonition of the tragedy awaiting Christ. In composition, the icon resembles the Vladimir icon, differing from it in the position of the Baby’s legs.

The Virgin Mary is covered with dark red maforia, decorated with gold stripes, three stars and fringe - symbols of ever-virginity and royal status. Under the maforia one can see a dark blue chiton and a shawl covering the hair. In the left hand, under the legs of the Infant God, you can see the board. On later lists he was depicted as white. With this cloth, the Mother of God wipes away the tears of those who flow to Her in need.

Iconographic image of Our Lady of the Don

The Divine Infant is dressed in an ocher chiton. The golden rays of “gaps” scattering across the folds are a sign of Divine grace. In his hand the Baby holds a scroll - a symbol of the Old Testament Law, which lost its meaning with the Nativity of Christ.

The background of the icon and the halos above the heads of the saints are made of the finest gold leaf, erased by time. Gold is not just a rich decoration: it points to the Upper World, filled with Divine light. One can imagine how majestic the icon looked immediately after it was painted.

Interesting. On April 21, 2015, a newly completed copy from the ancient shrine was consecrated in the church at the Tretyakov Gallery. At the request of the residents of Southern Russia, it will be placed in the main cathedral of Rostov-on-Don.

Reverse side of the icon

The reverse side of the board, on which the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is depicted, is also of great interest - the icon, as mentioned above, is double-sided. The painting here is much better preserved than on the front surface. Even the thin inscription made with cinnabar can be clearly read. Perhaps the setting that was once on the icon, stolen by the French in 1812, played a role, a reminder of which is only the gold frame for the icon that has survived to this day.

When looking at the image, one is struck by the absence of elements traditional for this plot. The master did not include in the composition the usual images of angels, lifting apostles, mourning women and many other similar attributes into the composition. The central figure is the figure of Jesus Christ, holding in his hands a tiny swaddled figurine, symbolizing the immortal soul of the Mother of God.

In front of the figure of Christ on the bed rests the body of the deceased Mother of God, surrounded by the figures of the twelve apostles and two bishops - who, according to the Holy Scriptures, were present at the death of the Virgin Mary. Two details are characteristic, which are an expression of the conventions adopted in icon painting: these are buildings placed at the edges of the icon and mean that this scene takes place indoors, and a candle placed in front of the bed of the Virgin Mary is a symbol of fading life.

What does an icon help with?

The Don Icon is one of the ancient images revered in Rus'. Traditionally, warriors, defenders of the Fatherland, and soldiers were blessed to pray before her. This image was considered protective for Rus'; they resorted to it in any wars or conflicts. However, this does not mean at all that ordinary Orthodox Christians cannot turn to the Mother of God for help in front of the Don Icon.

Help in any of our questions, which we address through prayer to the Lord, comes not from the icons themselves, but directly from the Most Holy Theotokos, whose image we see on this or that icon. No matter what face we pray to, all our petitions go to the Queen of Heaven herself.

What requests do people come to the icon with?

There has long been a tradition according to which soldiers who stand for a just cause and save their Fatherland pray in front of the Don Icon. The Mother of God image is considered a strong patron of Russia, to whom people turn for support during wars or armed conflicts, with requests to protect the borders of the state. The shrine helps those who master military professions and allows them to achieve better results in their studies.

Orthodox Christians come to pray in front of the shrine and ask for help in various life situations:

if you want to be healed from a serious illness, ask for health for your children or loved ones;
in case of conflicts in the family, lack of mutual understanding between spouses, parents and children;
in case of threats from ill-wishers, fear for one’s own life or the safety of relatives;
with weakening faith, mental turmoil, inability to resist temptations.

The prayer to the Don Icon of the Mother of God is read at any time of the day. In particularly difficult circumstances, one should turn to the Most Pure Virgin every morning and evening.

They ask the Mother of God for help in their own words or read akathists found in Orthodox prayer books. If possible, you should regularly attend prayer services in the temple.

Donskoy Church in Perlovka

From the icon, which became a symbol of Russian history, many copies spread throughout Rus'. Temples were erected in her honor: in every remote settlement people wanted to worship their beloved image, pray for an end to troubles and wars. One of these temples was the Don Church, built at the end of the 19th century by the hereditary nobleman Nikolai Semenovich Perlov not far from Mytishchi. A small but elegant wooden church was intended for summer residents who wanted to attend divine services in the summer.

Donskoy Church in Perlovka

No one imagined that the modest dacha community would be sanctified with martyr’s blood: the priest of the church, Georgy Izvekov, a well-known church composer, would be arrested and shot in 1937 at the Butovo training ground. The temple itself was closed several times until it was destroyed to the foundation. “We have to endure all kinds of hardships - all this was sent to us as punishment for our sins,” Fr. correctly noted. George in his last speech before his death.

Through the incessant prayers of the Mother of God and the mercy of the Lord towards the penitent, the Perlovskaya Don Church is now being revived. Soon the refined silhouette of its dome, recreated from old photographs, will again decorate the stop of the Yaroslavl Railway. It is no longer summer residents who will flock to the revered temple icon of Our Lady of the Don, but residents of the big city. And at the present time there is something to pray to the Mother of God, Guardian of the Russian borders.

You can also pray at this image in the following churches in Russia:

Donskoy Monastery in Moscow
Temple in honor of the Don Icon of the Mother of God in Rostov-on-Don;
Epiphany Patriarchal Cathedral in Moscow;
Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills;
Temple of the Deposition of the Robe, Moscow.

The history of the origin of the Don Icon

The Don Icon of the Mother of God more than once saved Russia in difficult times, helping princes and generals win the war against the invaders. Over its centuries-old history, the image has demonstrated its miraculous power so many times that no Christian has any doubt about its divinity. This most holy icon is illuminated by God's grace, which extends to all believers who pray before it.

The victory of Dmitry Donskoy in the Battle of Kulikovo is associated with “Donskaya”. There is a legend that the Cossacks gave this image to the prince before the battle with the Tatars. True, many historians refute this version, because in those days the Cossacks did not yet exist. Although Christians believe that it was the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin that helped the Russian army defeat the hordes of the Tatar Khan Mamai.

For some time, the shrine was kept in the Simonov Assumption Monastery, in the 16th century it was transferred to the Annunciation Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Some historians suggest that the image was kept in the Assumption Cathedral of Kolomna. It was in front of this icon that Ivan the Terrible himself prayed before the Kazan campaign. Later, the holy image helped defend Moscow from the Tatar khan Kaza II Giray. In honor of the miraculous power coming from the icon, the Donskoy Monastery was erected, for which a copy of the “Donskoy” was specially painted.

At the end of the 16th century, Boris Godunov was blessed for the kingdom in this image. In the 17th century, Prince Vasily Golitsyn took the shrine with him on a campaign. At the end of the 17th century, the image was kept for some time in the chambers of Princess Natalya Alekseevna, and then the icon was returned to the Annunciation Cathedral. When Napoleon's troops arrived in Moscow, precious stones disappeared from the frame of the most holy image. During the years of the revolution, the ancient image was moved to the Historical Museum. Since 1930, the icon has been kept in the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery. The church established a holiday in honor of the shrine. Every year on September 1, the image is brought to the Donskoy Monastery and a festive service is performed in front of it.

There are several versions regarding the authorship of the icon. Some historians suggest that the image was painted by Theophanes the Greek himself or one of his masters. There is a version that the icon was painted by Ignatius the Greek. Perhaps the shrine was created by a Serbian master of the Moravian school.

Each researcher notes the high quality of work, which only a few artists of that time were capable of, for example, Feofan or his students. The time of creation is the end of the 14th century. Perhaps the icon was commissioned by Princess Evdokia, the wife of Dmitry Donskoy, during the war with the invaders in order to pray and ask the Mother of God for intercession.

Prayers to the Mother of God Donskaya

Since ancient times, the Most Holy Theotokos has been the patron of the Russian army. There is a legend among the Don Cossacks that it was through them that the image got into the army of Dmitry Ioannovich. Marching icons take part in military religious processions and in prayer services on the occasion of taking the oath in the Cossack troops. In Rostov-on-Don, a spring was consecrated in honor of the image of Donskoy.

Healthy. Despite the “military” purpose of the icon, most of the prayers offered in front of it are about peace. People associated with the diplomatic profession pray to Our Lady of the Don.

The Akathist to Our Lady of the Don was written at the end of the 19th century. This is a solemn chant commemorating the victories of the Russian army, won through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. Particular attention is paid to the image of the Assumption, placed on the reverse side of the marching icon. Reading the akathist at home will decorate the prayer and strengthen spiritual strength.

Other akathists to the Mother of God:

In front of the Peschanskaya icon
In front of the icon “Tree of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
"To the Chosen Voivode"

Troparion, tone 4
Intercessor of the faithful, Most Blessed and Swift, Most Pure Virgin Mary! We pray to You before Your holy and miraculous image, that just as You bestowed Your intercession on the city of Moscow from ancient times, so now You graciously deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes and save our souls, like the Merciful One.

Kontakion, tone 8
To the chosen Voivode, victorious,/ as having been delivered from the evil ones,/ let us sing thanks to Ti, Thy servants, to the Mother of God,/ but, as having an invincible power,/ free us from all troubles, let us call Ti // Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.

Kontakion, tone 2
You have moved into the heavenly abodes with your flesh, / you have left no existence on earth, O Mother of God, / you have granted the divine and many-wonderful image of your Most Pure Face / to behold and worship those who love you, / as a sign of your grace; / we honor it with kisses.

Prayer before the icon
Oh, Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mother of God, our good and speedy Intercessor. We sing thanksgiving for Your wonderful deeds, we sing songs of praise from ancient years to Your inescapable intercession for the city of Moscow and our country, which has always been revealed. The alien regiments take flight, cities and towns remain unharmed from the fire, and people are delivered from cruel death.
The teary eyes are dried up, the lamentations of the faithful are silenced. Sadness is transformed into universal joy. Bring us consolation in adversity, a revival of hope, an image of courage, a source of mercy, and grant us inexhaustible patience in sorrowful circumstances. Give to each one according to his request and his need.
Raise babies, teach chastity and fear of God to young ones, encourage the sad and support weak old age. Soften evil hearts, fill us all with peace and love. Destroy the vices, so that our sins do not rise before the Judge of all, so that the righteous wrath of God does not befall us. With your protection, protect us from the invasion of enemies, from famine, sword, fire and all other suffering.
We hope through Your prayers to receive forgiveness of sins from the judge God and, after our death, to the right hand of the throne of glory, where You stand before the Holy Trinity in eternal glory. Oh, all-sung Virgin, deign us, with the face of angels and saints, to praise the most honorable Name of Your Son with the Beginningless Father and the Life-giving Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer before the icon
Oh, All-Merciful Mother, Most Pure Virgin Mary, You are the light of my mind, the joy of my heart, the strength of my will. Hear and accept my prayer. Look at the ulcers of my soul and body. The forgotten sins of youth and hidden sins aggravate my conscience. Washed me with streams of tears, remove the heavy burden, strengthen me, so that I may create fruits worthy of repentance, my path is strewn with thorns of sorrows.
We know that God’s truth is punishing me—beg God’s mercy for me. Look at my groaning and correct my path, and save me and my children and my neighbors. Be me a treasure of faith and a repository of piety. Grant indestructible patience in troubles, which flows from faith.
Drive out anger, envy, despondency, memory-malice, uncleanness, laziness: with these and greater vices my soul is ill. Reconcile those who are at war, justify those who are slandered, enlighten us with the light of Your Son, and grant us to speak to our friends the word of truth, firm in truth, peaceful for the sake of love, dissolved in prudence.
Visit the illnesses and sorrows of those who exist. May we preserve everything under Thy sovereign protection, and may we comfortably reach the Kingdom of Heaven, giving praise for everything to God, the lover of mankind, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Most famous lists

The oldest among the known lists of the shrine is considered to be a work created at the end of the 14th century. This copy of the Don Icon, decorated with a gilded silver frame, was created under Prince Vladimir Alekseevich (cousin of Dmitry Donskoy). The ruler presented it as a gift to the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

After the relic arrived in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kremlin, by order of Ivan the Terrible, two absolutely accurate lists were made from it:

the first was sent to the Assumption Cathedral, located in Kolomna (made on a white background, preserved in its original form to this day);
the second was placed on the fortress Spassky Gate leading to the city.

When the troops of Khan Kazy-Girey were expelled from Russian soil, a list of paintings was created for the Donskoy Monastery. In 1668, icon painter Simon Ushakov made a copy of the holy image, which was placed in the small cathedral of this monastery.

HOW TO PRAY IN FRONT OF THE DON ICON OF THE VIRGIN

The prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Don Icon can be read online in Russian according to the text below:

Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mary, Our Good Intercessor and Swift Helper! We sing a grateful prayer to You for Your wonderful deeds, we prayerfully remember Your ancient intercession for the city of Moscow and our entire country, always preserved by Your miraculous image of the Don: enemy troops take flight, cities and villages remain unharmed, and people are delivered from terrible death. With your strong help, tears and sobs are dried up, the groans of Orthodox people are silenced, everyone’s crying turns into common joy. Be us, O Most Holy Theotokos, a consolation in troubles, a rebirth of hope, an example of courage, a source of mercy, and give us patience in sorrows and sorrows. Send to everyone what is necessary according to their requests and needs: educate babies, make young people chaste and teach the fear of God, encourage the discouraged and support weak old age. Visit everyone who is in illness and sadness, soften evil hearts, strengthen brotherly love, fill all Orthodox people with peace and love. Reconcile, Mother of God, merciful to all, those who are at war and justify those who are slandered. Destroy our vices, so that our sins do not turn the wrath of God on us, and the strict judgment of the Lord, the Eternal Judge of all, does not overtake us with punishment. With Your prayers, Your omnipotent protection, protect us from the invasions of enemies, hunger, death, fires, murders and all troubles, sorrows and suffering. We hope through Your prayers to receive from the Most High God forgiveness and destruction of our sins, and reconciliation with the Lord and our neighbors. Ask Him that we may receive a place of residence in the Kingdom of Heaven, so that at the end of our earthly life, next to the Throne of God, we may stand with You, glorified by all generations of people as the Virgin, in eternal glory. Help us, with the faces of the Angels and Saints and with You, to eternally praise the Great Name of Your Son, with His Beginningless and Infinite Father, with His Most Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit. Amen.

Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, may the Lord protect you!

Current location of the original Don Icon

In 1914, icon painting expert of the Imperial Archaeological Commission Grigory Chirikov began restoring the ancient image of the Don Mother of God. He finished this difficult work after the revolution, by 1919. The face, uncovered from later records, was preserved and sent to the Tretyakov Gallery, where it remains to this day in the hall of ancient Russian art.

Every year on September 1, the miraculous image of the Don Mother of God is transferred from the Tretyakov Gallery to the Donskoy Monastery for public worship. Believers from all over Russia come here on this day.

However, after the celebration, the holy image returns to the museum setting. Such ancient relics require special conditions of maintenance and a special microclimate.

The head of the department of ancient Russian art of the Tretyakov Gallery N. Sheredega says that sometimes an old icon can react negatively even if it is hung on another wall. Therefore, before each taking out for the religious procession, the Mother of God of the Don is carefully examined by experts who decide whether the image can leave the museum.