In Rus', they have always treated the younger generation with trepidation and care, namely, their spiritual enlightenment. It is no coincidence that the “Education”, an icon of the Mother of God, occupies an important place among other Orthodox images. Many saints and Jesus Christ himself noted the need for parental prayer, as well as life in the commandments of God, because children follow the example of both good and bad.
The appearance of the icon in Rus'
The icon of the Mother of God “Education” is very significant and revered in Rus'. Its history, however, is rather vague. It is believed that it came to us from Byzantium, but how this happened is unknown. Since it was from the Byzantine Empire that the first icons, as well as the canons of their writing, came to us, we can assume that this happened a very long time ago.
The icon had miraculous properties and before the revolution in Russia it was in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow. However, after it, the image was lost and now there is an exact list, which also has miraculous properties. In addition to this most important list, there are others that are located in many temples.
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
The “Education” icon is valued among Orthodox Christians. Parents turn to her with prayers asking for help in raising their children.
There are icons of the Mother of God in every church and temple. They are approached daily with words of prayer, asking for help and protection. The church knows many miraculous icons. They help in healing from illnesses, protect from adversity and give happiness to believers.
History of the “Education” icon
In Russian churches there are few icons of Our Lady of Education, as well as documentary information about this shrine. According to surviving oral memories, the icon arrived in Rus' from Byzantium and became famous for its miraculous abilities. Before the 1917 revolution, the image was in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow, but after that it was lost. Now there is an exact list from the holy face, which continues to help all Orthodox Christians by working miracles.
Description and location of the “Education” icon
The icon depicts the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus sitting on her left hand. The baby pulls his right hand up to the face of the Mother of God. The Mother of God points to her Son with her right hand. On some lists, Jesus extends both hands to his Mother with open palms. The icon belongs to the Hodegetria type. In the icon, everyone sees the tenderness and love of the Holy Mother for her Baby and all humanity. The Mother of God is depicted in a red robe with a gold border, and Jesus is dressed in a cloak. The icon is not very common, but copies of it can be found in temples and churches of Bryansk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Karelia, Moscow, St. Petersburg. The most reliable list to this day is located within the walls of the Kazan Cathedral.
How does the Mother of God help?
The holy face is miraculous. People turn to him with requests for help in raising babies, giving them health and the protection of the Higher Powers. Maternal prayers have enormous power and, supported by the miraculous properties of the icon, are the strongest protection for newborns. Parents also offer prayers for increased intelligence and guidance for their grown-up children on the true path. They ask the Mother of God to ward off adversity and help children begin an independent life, fight temptations and negativity, both external and internal.
Celebration date
The festive liturgy is celebrated annually on March 18 (March 5, old style). Heaven is open for requests, and everyone can pray to the Mother of God for their children.
Prayer before the icon “Education”
“Most Holy Mother of God, we turn to You in sincere prayers for the children of our beloved. Do not leave a single baby without protection and guidance on the true path. Take troubles away from unintelligent children, leave them happiness and joy, help their parents raise them in severity and the Orthodox faith. Grant, Most Holy Theotokos, your blessing to every child on earth, pray to the Lord with us, so that he may forgive our sins and help in raising our beloved children. Amen".
In Orthodoxy there are many prayers that help mothers in raising their children. They are able to protect from any adversity, ward off troubles and heal babies. Remember that education is the sacred responsibility of every parent. Lead your offspring along the righteous path and help them gain faith.
Iconography of the image
The icon of the Mother of God “Education” (photo presented below) is of Hodegetria type (i.e., the Guide who shows the way). It depicts the Mother of God holding the Child in her left hand. The Child himself extends his hand to the face of the Mother of God (in some images there are two hands).
The face of the Mother of God is permeated with love and tenderness not only for her Son, but also for the entire human race. And although the first Byzantine icons are very strict and ascetic in the depiction of images, this particular image of the Mother of God and Child is very airy and solemn. This is due to the fact that the iconography is very light and the color palette is sophisticated.
The Mother of God herself also points with her right hand to the Baby Jesus. The Mother of God wears dark red clothes (maforium), with three stars depicted on them (one of them is hidden by her son). There is a gold border along the edges of the maforia. The Child himself is dressed in a cloak-like fabric (it is believed that this is a prototype of the shroud), which leaves one part of the chest naked (in some images it is completely naked, as a sign of denial of the worldly).
“Education”, the icon of the Mother of God, shows the importance of the young generation for humanity. Christ himself spoke about this. He said that one who is like a child will enter the Kingdom of God. Obviously, it is no coincidence that this particular image has become an assistant in the difficult task of raising children in spirituality.
RARE AND REVERED ICONS
In Rus', they have always treated the younger generation with trepidation and care, namely, their spiritual enlightenment. It is no coincidence that the “Education” icon of the Mother of God occupies an important place among other Orthodox images. Many saints and Jesus Christ himself noted the need for parental prayer, as well as life in the commandments of God, because children follow the example of both good and bad. Appearance of an icon in Rus' The icon of the Mother of God “Education” is very significant and revered in Rus'.
Its history, however, is rather vague. It is believed that it came to us from Byzantium, but how this happened is unknown. Since it was from the Byzantine Empire that the first icons, as well as the canons of their writing, came to us, we can assume that this happened a very long time ago. The icon had miraculous properties and before the revolution in Russia it was in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow. However, after it, the image was lost and now there is an exact list, which also has miraculous properties. In addition to this most important list, there are others that are located in many temples. Iconography of the image The Icon of the Mother of God “Education” in its type belongs to Hodegetria (i.e., the Guide who shows the way). It depicts the Mother of God holding the Child in her left hand. The Child himself extends his hand to the face of the Mother of God (in some images there are two hands). The face of the Mother of God is permeated with love and tenderness not only for her Son, but also for the entire human race. And although the first Byzantine icons are very strict and ascetic in the depiction of images, this particular image of the Mother of God and Child is very airy and solemn. This is due to the fact that the iconography is very light and the color palette is sophisticated. The Mother of God herself also points with her right hand to the Baby Jesus. The Mother of God wears dark red clothes (maforium), with three stars depicted on them (one of them is hidden by her son). There is a gold border along the edges of the maforia. The Child himself is dressed in a cloak-like fabric (it is believed that this is a prototype of the shroud), which leaves one part of the chest naked (in some images it is completely naked, as a sign of denial of the worldly).
“Education”, the icon of the Mother of God, shows the importance of the young generation for humanity. Christ himself spoke about this. He said that one who is like a child will enter the Kingdom of God. Obviously, it is no coincidence that this particular image has become an assistant in the difficult task of raising children in spirituality. How does an icon help? The icon of the Mother of God “Education” has miraculous power. What does she help with? This is very important for a parent to know, since on the path of your child’s development in life there will be temptations, bad company, insults, cruelty with disappointment, as well as many other negative aspects. This is all, unfortunately, part of our life. The best way to protect a child from all this and lead him on the right path is to ask intercessors for help.
Prayer to the Mother of God, who is a symbol of motherhood and the patroness of the family, will be your faithful helper in this difficult journey. This, moreover, is also an excellent example of the goodness of the parents themselves, which will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on the child. Prayer and akathist before the icon If you have problems with your child, then “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God - will help you. What do they pray to her for? There is a short ancient prayer that has survived to this day. These are the following words: “I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and to Your, Most Pure, heavenly protection.”
There is also a special prayer that should be performed in front of the “Education” icon. It asks for the intercession of the Mother of God for all their children of any age, even those not yet born. It also asks for their instruction and intercession before God, so that they are given the opportunity to be spiritually saved.
Akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “Education” is a hymn to the Mother of God, her high motherhood and intercession from evil. It is read on the day of remembrance of the icon, as well as every week in some churches where this image is located. Parents can also read the akathist, asking the Mother of God for intercession for their children. It is very important to understand with your heart every word with which you appeal to the Mother of God. Only fervent parental prayer can be beneficial and will be heard.
Due to the fact that information about this icon is very scarce, it is difficult to give many examples of miracles. However, in the church under construction in Nekrasovka, the icon of the Mother of God “Education” helped in one matter. The prayer before her was so earnest and sincere that the problem was solved very quickly. Its essence was that it was necessary to allocate a plot of land for a new temple. Faith and prayer to the Mother of God did their job, the plot was received without any problems.
For the icon, which was in the Kazan Cathedral, there is also a story of miracles. Parents who prayed to this icon for their children received help from it. Their children repented of what they had already done, and also became calmer and returned to the true path (both spiritual and worldly). The same children for whom prayers were made from birth went through their life’s path more worthily. The meaning of the icon for the Orthodox Every parent should have an icon of the Mother of God “Education”. Its importance for children is difficult to overestimate, since many qualities in a child are formed in childhood. It is believed that a child’s character is mainly formed before the age of three, and if you surround him with piety and also place appropriate icons in the house, this will have a positive effect on him. Love, compassion, humility and other wonderful qualities that are so lacking in this world - all this can be instilled only with proper upbringing, as well as with the intercession of the saints and the Lord. Everyone understood this in the old days, which is why this icon was so valued. And now many people come to kneel before her and offer prayer. Day of Veneration of the Icon “Education” “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God - also has a day of celebration. It happens once a year, namely on the eighteenth of March (or the fifth of March according to the old style). On this day you should pray in front of her, asking Our Lady for sincere intercession for the children. Very often on this day an akathist to the icon is sung. Words of the saints about education and love The icon of the Mother of God “Education” also has a special meaning for elders and saints. All of them perfectly understood the need for proper education of the younger generation, as well as teaching them love for their neighbors, rigor in matters of morality, etc. Therefore, they treated education with special rigor and trepidation. For example, Saint Theophan the Recluse speaks of the love of a mother and father for their child, and each shows it in their own way. A woman is softer by nature, so her love is warming and indulgent. A man is more firm, therefore his love is more strict. Both must be dosed correctly, then education will be good. The words of Ambrose of Optina are also very significant. He says that children should be raised in the fear of God, taught Orthodox concepts, and also taught and protected from what is not accepted by the church. This is necessary so that later, as adults, they strive for spiritual life and the Kingdom of God. It is also necessary to read prayers for the upbringing of the child and his protection. Many believe that it is also very important to surround the child with Orthodox figures, who will show spirituality and desire for the Divine.
There is also an Orthodox church in honor of this icon. It is located in Moscow, in the new Nekrasovka district (it used to be a village near Moscow). Initially, there was a temporary temple named after Sergius of Radonezh, the construction of which was welcomed by the residents, since before that there was nothing there at all. After some time, due to the increase in the parish, a new temple complex was required. The name of the new temple was supposed to be the same as the old one, but problems arose with this. Therefore, it was very opportune to remember the words of the Patriarch about the need to educate young people in accordance with God’s laws. This is how the temple of the icon of the Mother of God “Education” appeared, and an icon was placed that had already created a miracle (it is written about above). Architecture of the temple In the project, the temple was supposed to have a consecrated main altar in honor of the Mother of God icon “Education”. There will also be two other thrones - in honor of St. Stylian Ave., as well as St. Sergius Ave. The temple, which will be located on the ground floor, will be dedicated to the Nativity of Christ. This coincides with the fact that the first liturgy in Nekrasovka was held on this very holiday. An interesting point is that the interior walls of the temple are going to be decorated using an ancient technique - encaustic. Its essence lies in the fact that wax is added to the mixture of paints to bind them, so a unique image is obtained. Colored mosaics will be laid on the dome and vaults. Also now in the temple there is an Athos stone from the monastery of the Great Martyr Panteleimon. And this is very symbolic, since the design of the cathedral itself is in the late Byzantine style. Also in the temple there is an icon of St. Stylian, which was also brought from Athos. They plan to decorate the iconostasis of the future cathedral with icons that will be hand-embroidered with beads. Women are already working on this.
And in the temporary temple there is a miraculous icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov, which has already been decorated by the residents of the village (with earrings, a pendant and a ring). This is gratitude for help in prayers. Also, some icons were brought by parishioners. One of them is the “Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. This is the largest icon, next to it is the Virgin Belt, beautifully decorated with beads. Today, the construction of the temple is coming to an end. A cross has already been installed on the dome, which in its manufacture is a copy of the cross located on Mount Athos. It was installed on the famous mountain by Russian Orthodox Christians in 1882. Just like the original, it has a sapphire ball in the center, illuminated in the dark. Education at the Church The most important place in the cathedral is occupied by “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God, so it is no coincidence that the spiritual enlightenment of youth is in first place. There is already a Sunday school for children there.
In addition, children's creativity is also developed there - young parishioners are allowed to fantasize about their future church and make small models. There is also a Sunday school for adults, which is not the first time it has accepted students. They study there for three years until graduation. The school for adults is very popular, as students are recruited every year. The construction of the temple greatly influenced the residents; the basics of Orthodox culture began to be taught in two schools.
The icon that is located in the Kazan Cathedral The first miraculous icon was lost, as was written above, after the revolution in Russia. An exact list was written from her. Today the icon of the Mother of God “Education” is located in Moscow, in its old place - in the Kazan Cathedral. Since its restoration, numerous Orthodox Christians have flocked there to pray before the image and ask for the protection of the Mother of God for their children. In addition to her, there are other shrines in the cathedral. This is the revered icon of the Kazan Mother of God, her reliquary. After restoration, divine services and liturgies are held in the cathedral, and on Fridays an akathist is read to the main icon of the cathedral and a prayer service is held.
In conclusion, I would like to say that we should take care in raising a child, instilling in him the values that are necessary for raising a worthy person who can enter the Kingdom of God. This can only be done by personal example, as well as by asking for intercession and help from the saints. You should pray fervently and ask for strength and patience in this difficult matter, especially in our time. Very often, parents turn to the Mother of God, and this is no coincidence, since she is considered the patroness of the family and children. There are a lot of her images that help in various cases, but, as is clear from the above material, the most effective help in education can come from the icon with the same name. Pray for the sake of our future generation, that it will be brought up in the fear of God, on the Laws of God. After all, only then will there be peace and order on earth. Everyone will be able to think of their neighbor with love, and not with hatred, in the family everyone will respect their neighbor, marriage ties will become stronger. All this can be achieved only by coming to God and bringing your children there.
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How does an icon help?
The icon of the Mother of God “Education” has miraculous power. What does she help with? This is very important for a parent to know, since on the path of your child’s development in life there will be temptations, bad company, insults, cruelty with disappointment, as well as many other negative aspects. This is all, unfortunately, part of our life.
The best way to protect a child from all this and lead him on the right path is to ask intercessors for help. Prayer to the Mother of God, who is a symbol of motherhood and the patroness of the family, will be your faithful helper in this difficult journey. This, moreover, is also an excellent example of the goodness of the parents themselves, which will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on the child.
Prayer and akathist before the icon
If you have problems with your child, then “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God - will help you. What do they pray to her for? There is a short ancient prayer that has survived to this day. These are the following words: “I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and to Your, Most Pure, heavenly protection.”
There is also a special prayer that should be performed in front of the “Education” icon. It asks for the intercession of the Mother of God for all their children of any age, even those not yet born. It also asks for their instruction and intercession before God, so that they are given the opportunity to be spiritually saved.
Akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “Education” is a hymn to the Mother of God, her high motherhood and intercession from evil. It is read on the day of remembrance of the icon, as well as every week in some churches where this image is located. Parents can also read the akathist, asking the Mother of God for intercession for their children. It is very important to understand with your heart every word with which you appeal to the Mother of God. Only fervent parental prayer can be beneficial and will be heard.
Another akathist (for private reading)
Kontakion 1 To the chosen Voivode and good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanks to Thee, Thy servants, but, as having an invincible power, free my children from all troubles, and with tears I call to Thee:
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Ikos 1 Send an angel from Heaven for my child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Thy Son and God, just as the mighty guardian Gabriel the Archangel was sent to You, and grant me worthy to cry out to You:
Raise my children to be an earthly Angel; raise my children, so that you may appear to them as a heavenly man.
Raise my children to be Your servant; raise my children, and call them the friend of Your Son.
Raise my children to love You with all their hearts and all their thoughts; raise my children to be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Raise my children to cry to you: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you; raise my children, always crying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2 Seeing my maternal prayer for my children, I alone resort to You, take me under Your honest and merciful protection, so that they may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2 Send to my children how to serve You well, and fill their hearts with heavenly wisdom. Let me love this one, but despise this earthly one, and do not forbid my mouth to cry out to You like this:
Educate my children, feeding me with the milk of the hidden wisdom of God; raise my children, that they may seek you in all their lives.
Raise my children to be wise like serpents and simple like doves; raise my children to have a mind for good and not to sin.
Raise my children in wisdom against the wiles of the devil; raise my children to wisely organize their lives in the image of the saints.
Raise my children so that they may become like the wise man who founded his house on rocks; raise my children, so that, like wise virgins, they will not extinguish their lamps.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3 May the Power of the Most High overshadow my children for the sake of unceasing intercession before Your Son, for this sake, having known Your Motherly mercy for all who flow to God with faith, let them cry to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 3 My children have from God, I do not want to see them in eternal torment, but rather in the Book of the Life written and inheriting the eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure One, incline Your ear to the prayer of Your servant, who cries:
Educate my children so that they may avoid eternal torment; raise my children so that they may inherit eternal life.
Educate my children, as a guide to their mother-in-law, the path of their life in repentance; raise my children in hope of God’s mercy.
Raise my children through labor to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit; raise my children, using the effort to delight the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children so that they may be written in the Book of Animals; raise my children, so that at the Last Judgment of Your Son they will be placed at the right hand.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 4 Having a storm within me, having doubtful thoughts and wanting my children to inherit an eternal life, with tears I pray to Thee, Mother of God, and in the hope and tenderness of my heart I sing to Thy Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4 Hearing Thy voice saying to Thy Son: These which Thou hast given Me as an inheritance, preserve them forever, I stretch out my hand and heart to Thy mercy, that Thy servants may be my children and fulfill my petition like this:
Raise my children, taking me into Your chosen inheritance; raise my children to seek help from You alone.
Raise my children so that they may flee from sins that lead to destruction; raise my children so that they may find the path of repentance.
Raise my children, who enter through the narrow gates of the commandments of Your Son into Jerusalem on high; raise my children, may the doors of heaven be opened to them.
Raise my children so that they may dwell with all the saints; raise my children so that they may receive eternal life.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 5 Let the eternal light, that is, Thy Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine in the hearts of my children, so that they may feel the sweetness of heaven while still on earth and cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5 Seeing my diligent prayer, offered up to Your glory like fragrant incense, do not turn Your face away from my children, lest they turn away from You, but rather hear the words of my mouth crying out to You:
Raise my poor children in spirit, for they are the Kingdom of Heaven; raise my crying children, so that they will be comforted.
Raise your meek children, for they will inherit the earth; raise my children to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied.
Raise my merciful children, for they will receive mercy; raise my children to be pure in heart, so that they will see God.
Raise up my children to be peacemakers, for these shall be called sons of God; raise my children to strive for righteousness, so that they may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 6 The whole Christian world preaches Your constant intercession to orphans, widows and mothers, who pray and cry to God for their children: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 May the heavenly light, shining with the rays of God’s grace in the souls of my children, illuminate for them the path leading to the eternal life, and may they follow it, overshadowed by Your almighty protection, to the Church of Your Son, from whom I call to You:
Raise my children, enlightening me with the light of Your Son; raise my children, so that in His light they will see the Light and direct their feet towards Him.
Raise my children, may they be the light of the world and may their light shine before people; raise my children, so that everyone who sees their good deeds will glorify the Heavenly Father.
Raise my children to love You and Your Son not only with their minds, but also with their hearts; raise my children to turn the eyes of their hearts to the Creator of all things.
Raise up my children to walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord; raise my child to be a faithful child to the Mother Church.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 7 Desiring eternal salvation for my children, I stand with tears before Your venerable icon, O Lady, may you not despise my prayer and that of me who cry to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7 By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Your Son, I have drawn my children with my merciful hand under My grace-filled protection, so that with zeal I call to You:
Raise my children, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; raise my children, that they may find a priceless pearl and leave the rest.
Raise my children, so that they will not be left in the sea except for nurturing; raise my children so that they may be among the few of Your chosen ones.
Raise my children in every place to do the will of the Heavenly Father; raise my children so that they may follow in the footsteps of the Son of God.
Raise my children not to speak, nor to think of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; raise my children to honor Thee, who gave birth to the Savior of our souls.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 8 Wandering in this earthly and troubled valley, where will my children find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One? Travel with them and guide them on the true path, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8 You are the merciful Mother of all, O Lady, and I want you to remain such as my child. Behold, I entrust them to You and, remembering Your abundant mercies, in humility I pray to You:
Raise my children in the tenderness of infancy, for such is the Kingdom of God; raise my children, that they may be the least of all, but at the same time great before God.
Raise my children to be merciful, as our Heavenly Father is merciful; raise my children, that they may remember that He has mercy on sinners.
Raise my children lovingly and praying for all of them; raise my children to abhor the enemies of God.
Raise my children to be faithful sons of the earthly Fatherland; raise my children to be trustworthy citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 9 Those who fulfill all the good in their souls and hearts, drive away from them the spirit of evil-smelling atheism, giving from Your bounties to everyone and everyone according to their need, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9 Vitiy of the worldly fellowship, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver them and look upon me, who cry out truly:
Raise my children to strongly resist the atheist; raise my children to stand firmly against God-hating teachings.
Raise my children not to accept the spirit of the sons of disobedience; raise my children to be watchful and praying, so that they do not fall into temptation.
Raise my children to run away from the joys of this world and the delights of this world; raise my children to avoid evil and do good.
Raise my children to have ears open to hear the voice of God; raise my children to keep the Word of God, making them partakers of the bliss of paradise.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 10 Though to save the world, Thy Son came down from Heaven to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. For this reason, pray to Your Son for my children, so that those saved by You may cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10 Be an indestructible wall, O Queen of Heaven, my child, so that under Your blessed protection they will be able to do many good deeds, for this reason I call You:
Raise my children in immaculate purity; raise my children to do the will of Your Son.
Raise my children to hate sin and all lawlessness; raise my child to love goodness and every virtue.
Raise my children who serve our God in obedience and chastity; raise my children to turn their hair to Your mercy in troubles.
Raise my children, as You are a quick Helper to all who flow to You with faith; raise my children, for I have no other help, no other hope.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11 Petit I vouchsafe Your irresistible intercession to my children, O Lady, and by Your grace open their mouths to cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11 Light-receiving light from above, melting day and night from love for You and Your Son and neighbor, create their belly and do not despise me, who calls to You:
Raise my children to look at the Cross and the suffering of our Savior; raise my children who have eyes to see those who suffer around them.
Educate my children, that they may remember the words of the apostle: Bear one another’s burdens; raise my children so that they may be like the merciful Samaritan.
Raise my children, who labor in the vineyard, as good servants; raise my children in the hope of the coming of Your Son.
Raise my children in unceasing prayer and sobriety; raise my children to stand before You in reverence.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12 Fill the hearts of my children with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that they may love Your Son and our God and You, O Blessed One, may they call the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 12 Singing Thy mercy, with whom my children are merciful and nourished, I cry to Thee, that Thou mayest not cease to pray for them to Thy Son, for I believe: Thou canst do all things, and may Thou fulfill my prayers as follows:
Raise my children to be filled with the Holy Spirit; raise my child Togo with grace firmly on the right path.
Raise my children, guiding them with the morning star, who is your Son, in the abode of the righteous; raise my children so that they may dwell in the house of the Heavenly Father.
Raise my meek child, silent and trembling at the words of God; raise my children to open their lips only to glorify the goodness of the Creator of all things.
Raise my children to honor their father and mother, according to the commandment; raise my children, that I may also become like a fig tree, bearing good fruit.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 13 O All-Sung Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer for my children, take me under Your grace-filled protection, grant them to think, speak and do things that attract You and Your Son, and send them in this timely life everything that instructs them to save their souls, so that they may call to God : Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angel from Heaven...” and the 1st kontakion “To the Chosen Voivode...”.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ
Sweetest Jesus, God of my heart! You have given me children according to the flesh, but their souls are Your essence, as You redeemed us with Your priceless Blood. For this reason, I beg You, my Sweetest Savior: with Your grace, touch the hearts of my children (names) and my godchildren (names), protect them with Your Divine fear, keep them from bad inclinations and habits, direct them to the path of truth, goodness and beauty, arrange their lives , as You yourself want, and save their souls, in the image of fate. Amen.
Prayer to the Mother of God
O Most Holy Lady Virgin Theotokos, save and preserve under Your roof my children (their names), all youths, young women and infants, baptized and nameless and carried in the womb of their mother. Cover them with the robe of Your Motherhood, keep them in the fear of God and in obedience as a parent, pray to Your Son and our Lord to grant them what is useful for their salvation. I entrust them to Your mother’s supervision, for You are the Divine protection of Your servant. Amen.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Venerable Ambrose of Optina
Lord, You are the only One who weighs everything, who is able to do everything, and who wants to save everyone and come to the mind of Truth. Enlighten my child (name) with the knowledge of Thy truth and Thy holy will, strengthen him to walk according to Thy commandments and have mercy on me, a sinner, through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, the Mother of God and the Ever-Virgin Mary, and Thy saints (all the patron saints of the family are listed), for Thou art glorified with Your beginningless Father and with Your Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Venerable Ambrose of Optina
Merciful Lord, Jesus Christ, I entrust to You my child, which You have given to me, fulfill my prayer. I ask You, Lord, save him in ways that You Yourself know. Save him from vices, evil, pride, and let nothing contrary to You touch his soul. But grant him faith, love and hope for salvation, and may his life path be holy and blameless before God. Bless him, Lord, that my child may strive at every moment of his life to fulfill Your holy will, so that You, Lord, may always be with him by Your Holy Spirit. Lord, teach him to pray to You, so that prayer may be his support, joy in sorrow and consolation of life, and so that we, his parents, may be saved by his prayer. May Your angels protect him always. May my child be sensitive to the grief of his neighbors and may he fulfill Your commandment of love. And if he sins, then, Lord, vouchsafe him to bring repentance, and You, in Your ineffable mercy, forgive him. When his earthly life ends, take him to Your heavenly abode. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Holy Guardian Angel of my child (name), cover him with your protection from the arrows of the demon, from the eyes of the seducer, and keep his heart in angelic purity. Amen.
Miracles performed with the help of an icon
Due to the fact that information about this icon is very scarce, it is difficult to give many examples of miracles. However, in the church under construction in Nekrasovka, the icon of the Mother of God “Education” helped in one matter. The prayer before her was so earnest and sincere that the problem was solved very quickly. Its essence was that it was necessary to allocate a plot of land for a new temple. Faith and prayer to the Mother of God did their job, the plot was received without any problems.
For the icon, which was in the Kazan Cathedral, there is also a story of miracles. Parents who prayed to this icon for their children received help from it. Their children repented of what they had already done, and also became calmer and returned to the true path (both spiritual and worldly). The same children for whom prayers were made from birth went through their life’s path more worthily.
"Education" icon of the Mother of God5 / 18th of March
This icon is a copy of an ancient Byzantine icon, which was called “Education” in Russia, since those praying in front of it received help from the Mother of God in raising children. The icon, famous throughout Russia for its miracles, was located in the Kazan Cathedral. The Mother of God is depicted with the baby Jesus sitting on Her left hand.
AKATHIST
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and Good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write a thank you to Thy servants, the Mother of God, who has an invincible power, free my child from all troubles and cry to Thee with tears:
Raise, O Lady, my child (name) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Ikos 1
Send an angel from heaven to my child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Your Son and God, just as a mighty guardian, Gabriel the Archangel, was sent to You and grant me the power to cry out to You: Raise my child as an earthly angel.
Raise my child to be a heavenly man.
Raise my child to be pleasing to You. Raise my child with a contrite spirit and heart.
Raise my child to be Your servant.
Raise my child calling to You:
“Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you!”
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2
Seeing my maternal prayer for my child, asking You for only help: take him under Your honest and merciful protection, so that I may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Give my child reason to think about how to serve You well and fill his heart with Heavenly wisdom, giving it alone to love, but to despise earthly things, and do not forbid with my mouth the cry like this:
Raise my child to be wise, like serpents, and simple, like doves.
Raise my child to have a mind for good and not to seek sin.
Raise my child to be wise against the wiles of the devil.
Raise my child to grow in the knowledge of the wisdom of the Eternal Kingdom.
Raise my child to wisely organize his life in the image of the saints.
Raise my child, feeding him with the milk of God’s hidden Wisdom, so that he may seek You in all his belly.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3
May the power of the Most High overshadow my child of Yours for the sake of vigilant intercession before Your Son, and therefore, having recognized Your maternal mercy for all who flow to You with faith, I will cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Even though my child has received from God, I do not want to see him in eternal torment, but rather than what is written in the Book of Life and inheriting an eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure Virgin, incline your ear to my prayer, crying out to You:
Raise my child to avoid eternal torment.
Raise my child to inherit an eternal life.
Educate my child to lead the path of life in repentance.
Educate my child to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit with great difficulty.
Raise my child to strive to delight the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my child so that he may be written in the Book of Life.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm within me with doubtful thoughts, whether you would like to take my child into the eternal belly, I weep, but remembering Your abundant mercies, in hope and tenderness of heart I sing to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing Your voice saying to Your Son: “Keep those given to Me by You as an inheritance forever,” I stretch out my hand and heart to Your mercy, so that you may take my child into Your servants and fulfill this request:
Raise my child in Your glorious inheritance.
Raise my child with all Your saints.
Raise my child to be a servant who does all Your commandments.
Raise my child to walk the narrow path of the commandments of Your Son to Jerusalem on High.
Raise my child to seek help from You alone.
Raise my child to be fed into the eternal belly.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 5
May the morning star, that is, Your Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine with an unevening light in the heart of my child, so that I may cry to him to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing my diligent prayer offered up to Your glory, like fragrant incense, do not turn Your face away from my child, even if he turns away, hear the words of my lips crying out to You:
Raise my child to be poor in spirit, as the Kingdom of Heaven is for them.
Raise my child to cry, so that they will be comforted.
Raise my child to be meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Raise my child to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied.
Raise my child to be merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Raise my child with a pure heart, so that they will see God.
Raise my child to be a peacemaker, as these sons of God will be called.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 6
The entire Christian world preaches Your constant intercession of orphans, widows and mothers, for their children praying and crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shine the rays of grace upon the soul of my child, so that the one enlightened by You from above will see the path leading to the eternal life, and follow it, nourished under Your all-powerful protection, to the Kingdom of Your Son, where there is endless life, and for this sake, hear me calling to You:
Raise my child with the light of the world, may the light shine before people, and may their good deeds, when they see them, glorify the Heavenly Father.
Raise my child to be enlightened by Your Son, so that in His light he will see the light and direct his feet towards Him.
Raise my child to turn the eyes of his heart to the Creator of all things.
Raise my child, guiding by the morning star who is Your Son in the abode of the righteous.
Raise my child to be meek, silent and trembling of the Word of God.
Raise my child to love You and Your Son not only with his mind, but also with his heart.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 7
I desire for my child eternal salvation to appear with tears before Your venerable icon, O Lady, may you not despise my prayer, calling to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Thy Son, I have drawn my child with Thy merciful hand under Thy grace-filled cover, and with zeal I call to Thee:
Raise my child to seek first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness.
Raise my child to enter through the narrow gates leading to the eternal belly.
Raise my child in every place of the will of Your Son and God.
Raise my child to be silent and to think blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
Raise my child among the few of Your chosen ones.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 8
Wandering in this earthly vale, much sorrowful and much rebellious, my child, where will you find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One? Guide him and guide him on the true path, so that he may call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You are the Mother of mercy to everyone, You, Mother of God, and I want you to be Her to my child. Behold, I entrust it in Thy hand and in humility I ask Thee:
Raise my child to be watchful and praying so that he will not fall into temptation.
Raise my child to be merciful, just as the Heavenly Father is merciful.
Raise my child in the tenderness of an infant, as children are the Kingdom of God.
Raise my child to be the least of all, so that he will be great before God.
Raise my child to be a partaker of the bliss of heaven, observing the word of God.
Raise my child to be trustworthy for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 9
Fill his soul and heart with every good thing, giving from Your bounty to everyone according to their every need, and calling to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The leader of the worldly communication, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver him and look upon me, who truly cry out:
Raise my child in chastity and obedience.
Raise my child to escape the joys of the world and the delights of this age.
Raise my child to shun evil and do good.
Raise my child to produce good fruit.
Raise my child to love and pray for everyone.
Raise my child to be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 10
Save the world at least. Your Son came from Heaven to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. For this reason, pray to Your Son and say about my child, so that the one saved by You will cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Become an indestructible wall, O Heavenly Queen, to my child, so that under Your blessed protection he can do many good deeds, and with this I call to You:
Raise my child to lead to do the will of Your Son and God.
Raise my child to hate sin and all lawlessness.
Raise my child to love goodness and every virtue.
Raise my child in immaculate purity.
Raise my child to ascend the ladder of his belly every day.
Raise my child in his sorrow by turning his eyes to Your mercy.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11
Vouchsafe my child Your irresistible intercession, and with Your grace open his mouth to cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Make a light-receiving lamp, flaming and melting away from love for You and Your Son and neighbor day and night, into his belly and do not despise me, who calls to You:
Raise my child to love You with all my heart and mind.
Raise my child to always look at the cross and the suffering of Your Son.
Raise my child to open his mouth only to praise and glorify Your goodness.
Raise my child to await the coming of Your Son with tears.
Raise my child in sober and unceasing prayer.
Raise my child in reverence for always coming to You.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12
Fill the heart of my child with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that I may love only Your Son and God, and You, the Most Gracious One, may, having been moved by You, call to the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thy mercy, with which you love and nourish my child, do not stop asking Thy Son for him, for I believe that all the essence is accessible to You, and fulfill my prayers for the good:
Raise my child to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Raise my child by finding Your Son at the right hand at the Judgment.
Raise my child to live holy.
Raise my child with the grace of the Spirit of God, firmly on the path to return to abiding.
Raise my child to spend his life in tears and groaning about sins.
Raise my child to be insatiably hungry and thirsty for the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit.
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to eternal blessings.
Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer into the stench of spiritual fragrance for my child, and take it under Your merciful protection. Also grant him to think, know, hear, speak and do only that which brings him closer to You and Your Son and promotes eternal salvation. And send him in this life everything useful for the salvation of his soul, let him call to God: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
PRAYER
Oh, Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, Most Merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your shelter our children (names) , all youths, young women, babies, and those born in the womb of their mother. Cover them with Your cut, keep them in the fear of God and obedience to the parent, begging our Lord and Your Son to grant them everything useful for spiritual salvation. We entrust them to Your Maternal supervision, for You are the Divine protection of Your servant. Amen.
TROPARION
Ikos 1
Send an angel from heaven to my child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Your Son and God, just as a mighty guardian, Gabriel the Archangel, was sent to You and grant me the power to cry out to You:
Raise my child to be an earthly angel.
Raise my child to be a heavenly man.
Raise my child to be pleasing to You.
Raise my child with a contrite spirit and heart.
Raise my child to be Your servant.
Raise my child to cry to You: “Rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with You!”
Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and Good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil, let us write a letter of gratitude to Thy servants, the Mother of God, who has an invincible power, free my child from all troubles and cry to Thee: Raise, O Lady, my child (name) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and Make him an heir to eternal blessings.
CANON
(Before the icon of the Mother of God “Education”)
Troparion, tone 4
Raised in the temple in the Holy of Holies,/ clothed in faith and wisdom and immeasurable virginity,/ Archangel Gabriel brought a kiss from heaven/ and Rejoice, O Blessed One,/ Rejoice, O Most Glorified One, the Lord is with Thee.
Canon, voice 3
Song 1
The sea of old / Israel passed through with waterless feet, fleeing the captivity of Pharaoh, / vouchsafe, O Lady, with Thy prayers, / our children to pass unharmed // the sea of this life.
Chorus: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The slavery of sin is rejected by our children who have the boldness, guided by the flame of the prayer of the Mother of God, may they reach the promised land of Your Kingdom.
Glory:
Having thickened the sea, marveling at the victorious procession, praying to the Mother of God, our children, the Lord to ever descend, conquering sinful thoughts with prayer.
And now:
Prenaturally, Israel passed through the sea, opening the door of salvation, the Virgin at the Nativity of the Savior remained immaculate, opening the door of Heaven, keeping our children in chastity through the prayers.
Song 3
Wisdom and wealth / are not sufficient for salvation, / through Thy prayers, Mother of God, / instruct our children, / to acquire the knowledge of God // and thereby improve the Kingdom of Heaven.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Every one is barren / lift up your heart, / through Thy prayer, O Mother of God, / make our children fruitful, // through humility the wisdom and strength to acquire.
Glory:
Even if we are killed by passions, / fearing righteous judgment, / but we are strengthened by faith in God’s mercy, / so that our children will find // the life-giving power of repentance.
And now:
Even as you gave birth to the Infant of the Strong God, O Mother of God, / who put hell to shame / with your condescension, / pray to our children to seek strength in the One God, // rejecting the temptations of the world.
Song 4
Cover the heavens with the glory of the Lord, / cover the Lady, our children, // delivering enemies from misfortunes.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Even if the path leading to the Kingdom of Heaven is narrow, / yet grant our children the privilege to walk this path with patience, // through faith, salvation improves.
Glory:
Vouchsafe, O Lady, our children to be children of God, and always place the knowledge of the path of the Lord before us.
And now:
From the Mountain, preached of old, / the Lord passed, granting salvation to the human race, / to grant it to our children, / help the Mother of God // with Your prayers.
Song 5
Illuminate, O Lady, the souls of our children / with the light of God’s truth, / instruct them to seek the One God // and in His name to overcome all adversity.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
When sorrows come upon us, our children, become wise, and in sorrows see the way to salvation.
Glory:
Christ, by His condescension, revived the dead, / fulfilling what was prophesied, / vouchsafed, O Lady, for our children’s souls // to escape death.
And now:
Conquering the order of nature, God came from the Unskilled Virgin, granting salvation to the human race.
Song 6
By Thy prayer we strengthen, / that our children may reject / those who guard the vain, // the wordless womb, running in every possible way.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Help, O Lady, with Your prayers, our children in sorrow cry out to the Lord, seeking salvation from Him, always repaying vows.
Glory:
Even if the last abyss of our children passes, / Most Holy One, You will not leave them // to perish in this.
And now:
Most Holy Lady, who gave birth to the Savior above words and reason, do not abandon our children, overwhelmed by vain misfortunes.
Song 7
Pray, O Lady, / to establish the hearts of our children in God // and always burn for Him.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Even if you do not understand your own good, which is keeping the commandments, grant, O Lady, to our children a contrite heart, so that they may find the Lord’s mercy in repentance.
Glory:
Right are Your ways, Lord, grant that through the prayers of the Mother of God, our children will always follow into Your Kingdom.
And now:
Fire, the bush that does not burn, / proclaim Your Christmas, / save, O Lord, our children of the fire of passions, / giving them everlasting help, through the prayers of the Mother of God.
Song 8
Grant, O Lady, / to our children / faith and reason / to bless all the works of the Lord / and firmly believe / that they will contribute to their salvation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Death is perished, overcome by the good hand of the Lord, / pray to our children to preserve their living souls / by Your mercy / from every sin that destroys them // covering.
Glory:
The Lord, by His condescension, fulfilling the will of the Father, extracted and saved our souls from hell, always guiding us to Heaven with the Holy Spirit.
And now:
Blessed be Thy name, O Theotokos, for Thou hast appeared to Heaven and the Temple of the Divine, in the autumn of our children Thy Motherly cover.
Song 9
Enlighten, O Lady, / lead the hearts of our children, as humility only lifts to Heaven, // teach them to sweep away their pride.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Make our children hungry for the truth of God, O Mother of God, so that, remembering Your help, they will please You all the days of their lives.
Glory:
The Temple of the Divine appeared, O Mother of God, granting our children the grace of the Holy Spirit to be in the temples, constantly driving away all filth from the soul.
And now:
The angels were amazed at Your ineffable incarnation, O Lord, and people rejoice at the ineffable mercy of the Mother of God; do not deprive our children of Thy prayers.
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The meaning of the icon for the Orthodox
Every parent should have an icon of the Mother of God “Education”. Its importance for children is difficult to overestimate, since many qualities in a child are formed in childhood. It is believed that a child’s character is mainly formed before the age of three, and if you surround him with piety and also place appropriate icons in the house, this will have a positive effect on him.
Love, compassion, humility and other wonderful qualities that are so lacking in this world - all this can be instilled only with proper upbringing, as well as with the intercession of the saints and the Lord. Everyone understood this in the old days, which is why this icon was so valued. And now many people come to kneel before her and offer prayer.
Words of the saints about education and love
The Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing” also has a special meaning for elders and saints. All of them perfectly understood the need for proper education of the younger generation, as well as teaching them love for their neighbors, rigor in matters of morality, etc. Therefore, they treated education with special rigor and trepidation.
For example, Saint Theophan the Recluse speaks of the love of a mother and father for their child, and each shows it in their own way. A woman is softer by nature, so her love is warming and indulgent. A man is more firm, therefore his love is more strict. Both must be dosed correctly, then education will be good.
The words of Ambrose of Optina are also very significant. He says that children should be raised in the fear of God, taught Orthodox concepts, and also taught and protected from what is not accepted by the church. This is necessary so that later, as adults, they strive for spiritual life and the Kingdom of God.
It is also necessary to read prayers for the upbringing of the child and his protection. Many believe that it is also very important to surround the child with Orthodox figures, who will show spirituality and desire for the Divine.
№9 (186) / March 1 '02
Church calendar
In this topic:
Church calendar
March 17. Memory of the martyrs Paul and Juliana
Church calendar
18th of March. Discovery of the relics of the noble princes Theodore of Smolensk and his children David and Constantine, Yaroslavl wonderworkers
“I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and to Your, Most Pure, heavenly protection.”
(prayer).
On the icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing” the Mother of God is depicted with the Eternal Child sitting on Her left hand. The right hand of Christ is stretched upward to the face of the Most Pure Virgin.
This holy icon became famous throughout Russia for its miracles. Lists from it are in many churches across the country.
The name of the icon speaks for itself. In front of her, parents pray for their children, asking the Most Holy Theotokos for help in their upbringing.
Saint Theophan the Recluse on love and education
“Motherly love is not only an image, but also the very action of God’s providential care for us. Without it, the spread and preservation of the human race is unthinkable. A mother who does not love her children is a rejecter of both God and people.”
“Fatherly love is not inferior, perhaps, in strength to maternal love, but in detection it has its own nuance. The father has more sobering severity, and the mother has more warming condescension. Both together, within the limits of prudence, truly achieve the goal of raising children well.”
“As much as someone loves their parents, so much will they be loved and respected by their children when God sends them. This is the lesson of experience everywhere.”
On the Christian education of children (from the letters of the Optina elder Ambrose)
“You are burdened by the concern of how to give your children a Christian education... it will be enough for you if you take care to raise your children in the fear of God, instill in them the Orthodox concept and... protect them from concepts alien to the Orthodox Church... You must take care to instill the custom in your children more often protect yourself with the sign of the cross... <this> saved many from great troubles and dangers.”
“You write: “I would like my husband and I to avoid that disastrous disagreement in the matter of education, which I see in almost all marriages.” Yes, this is a really tricky thing! But arguing about this in front of children... is not useful. Advice and discussion about this should be in private, and as calmly as possible, so that it is more effective.”
“...You notice in your son dryness or little feeling and other shortcomings. But in childhood, not many people have a true, real feeling: for the most part it manifests itself at a more mature age, already when a person begins to understand more and experience something in life. Moreover, an excess of inner feeling imperceptibly serves as a reason for secret exaltation and condemnation of others, and a lack of feeling and dryness involuntarily humbles a person when he begins to understand this.”
“You are obliged to teach children, and from children you yourself must learn, according to what was said from the Lord Himself: “Unless you are like children, you will not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3). And the holy Apostle Paul interpreted it this way: “Do not be children in understanding, but be childish in malice, and have perfect minds” (1 Cor. 14:20).
Parents' prayer for children is the key to successful education
“Ask and it will be given to you...” (Luke 11:9).
“The first condition for the success of raising children is the intense prayer of parents for them. And if we feel the weakness and inattentiveness of our prayer, then, according to the teachings of the holy fathers, we must... make up for the quality of our prayer with quantity. ...What should parents pray for first of all regarding their children?
It is obvious that the main desire of parents should be aimed at raising their child as a living member of the Militant Church of Christ. And the Lord will fulfill the prayer for this in due time. But when this time comes, we are not given to know; There are cases when the Lord did not lead young men along the straight path, but saved them from pride and allowed them to temporarily deviate from the straight path and fall. Let parents not despair in such cases, but let them beg the Almighty even more diligently... We must remember that the prayer of parents for their children has special power before God: ardent love also motivates ardent prayer. And fervent prayer will not go unheard by God...
I heard such a story from the life of our days. The parents sent their son away from them for three years into an environment full of danger for both his body and his spirit. “Our son,” his father told him, “wherever you are, at 12 o’clock at night always remember that your parents are praying for you to St. Seraphim at this time.” And at midnight, when everything was quiet, the son remembered his parents. He knew that his parents offered their nightly prayer for him to the Reverend. Being in many dangers, he always felt the protective power of his parents' prayers. And when he returned 3 years after separation, his first words to his father were: “Dad, St. Seraphim saved me with your prayers”...
We come to... the main conclusion that should sink deep into our hearts - the hearts of our parents: the fate, happiness, salvation of our children depend primarily on us - their parents... In fact, we will prove our real active love for them and resort to warm, constant, fervent prayer to God for our children and for the granting of wisdom to us in the most important matter for us - in the matter of their spiritual education.”
In other rooms:
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”, which is located in Nekrasovka
There is also an Orthodox church in honor of this icon. It is located near Moscow, in the village of Nekrasovka. Initially, there was a temporary temple named after Sergius of Radonezh, the construction of which was welcomed by the residents, since before that there was nothing there at all. After some time, due to the increase in the parish, a new temple complex was required.
The name of the new temple was supposed to be the same as the old one, but problems arose with this. Therefore, it was very opportune to remember the words of the Patriarch about the need to educate young people in accordance with God’s laws. This is how the temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “Education” appeared, and also an icon was placed that had already created a miracle (it is written about above).
Temple architecture
In the project, the temple was to have a consecrated main altar in honor of the Mother of God “Education” icon. There will also be two other thrones - in honor of St. Stylian, and also St. Sergius. The temple, which will be located on the ground floor, will be dedicated to the Nativity of Christ. This coincides with the fact that the first liturgy in Nekrasovka was held on this very holiday.
An interesting point is that the interior walls of the temple are going to be decorated using an ancient technique - encaustic. Its essence lies in the fact that wax is added to the mixture of paints to bind them, so a unique image is obtained. Colored mosaics will be laid on the dome and vaults.
Also now in the temple there is an Athos stone from the monastery of the Great Martyr Panteleimon. And this is very symbolic, since the design of the cathedral itself is in the late Byzantine style. Also in the temple there is an icon of St. Stylian, which was also brought from Athos.
They plan to decorate the iconostasis of the future cathedral with icons that will be hand-embroidered with beads. Women are already working on this. And in the temporary temple there is a miraculous icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov, which has already been decorated by the residents of the village (with earrings, a pendant and a ring). This is gratitude for help in prayers.
Also, some icons were brought by parishioners. One of them is the “Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. This is the largest icon, next to it is the Virgin Belt, beautifully decorated with beads.
Today, the construction of the temple is coming to an end. A cross has already been installed on the dome, which in its manufacture is a copy of the cross located on Mount Athos. It was installed on the famous mountain by Russian Orthodox Christians in 1882. Just like the original, it has a sapphire ball in the center, illuminated in the dark.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the “Education” icon
The text was approved by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church
December 29, 2022 (magazine no. 131)
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and the zealous Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, from all evils Let our children be free, let us call You:
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Ikos 1
Send an angel from Heaven to be our child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Your Son and our God, just as the Archangel Gabriel was sent to You, and grant us the power to cry out to You:
Rejoice, you who made your parents happy with your birth; Rejoice, you have asked God with many tears.
Rejoice, prayers and fasting for bright vegetation; Rejoice at the pious life, red fruit.
Rejoice, thou filled with holy obedience from infancy; Rejoice in piety from your mother's breast.
Rejoice, loving all-bright Dwelling; Rejoice, Treasure of the Lord's mercies.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 2
Seeing our tearful parental prayer, be merciful, O Lady, for our children, take them under Your honest and blessed cover, so that they may cry out to God in joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Let the minds of our children descend, if only to serve thee well, and fill their hearts with heavenly wisdom, giving one to love her and despise earthly things, and do not forbid our lips to the name is:
Rejoice, you who spent your childhood at the temple; Rejoice, you who have ascended into the Holy of Holies.
Rejoice, dedicated to the only God; Rejoice, you who prayed to Him day and night.
Rejoice, thou who loved purity and chastity from childhood; Rejoice, you who diligently guarded your humility.
Rejoice, ever-flaming with prayer to God; Rejoice, Praise and Joy of the parents of the saints.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 3
May the power of the Most High overshadow your children for the sake of vigilant intercession for them before your Son, so that having known your motherly mercy towards all who flow to you with faith, they will cry to God: Alli Luia.
Ikos 3
Although our children are from God, we do not want to see them in fiery hell, but living creatures written in the book. For this reason, Most Pure Virgin, bow to the voice of our prayer, I cry to You:
Rejoice, Mother of God and the Word; Rejoice, Greater Holy of Holies.
Rejoice, Educator of the Son of God; Rejoice, Nurse of the Lord of strength.
Rejoice, for you are giving birth to the Savior of the world; Rejoice, for you have raised a Savior to the captives.
Rejoice, for you carried a Teacher to the lost; Rejoice, for Thy Son is the Lord.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 4
Seeing the storm of many different temptations, which have multiplied like pestilence, flies and scoundrels, within our borders, to You, O Gracious One, we cry out for our children, that they may escape these and cry out to God: Halleluah ia.
Ikos 4
Hearing Your voice saying to Your Son: Accept everyone who prays to You and calls on My name for help, we stretch out our hands in prayer to Your mercy, so that you may raise children for put them under Your protection and fulfill our petition as follows:
Rejoice, thou who deliverest our children from the despondency of evil; Rejoice, protecting them from crazy joy.
Rejoice, you who strengthen them in bearing the cross; Rejoice, you who strengthen them in their struggles of piety.
Rejoice, thou who mercifully preserves them under Thy protection; Rejoice, you who give them health of souls and bodies.
Rejoice, zealous Teacher of chastity; Rejoice, merciful seeker of the lost.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 5
Let the God-bearing Morning Star, Thy Son, Most Holy Virgin, shine with an eternal light in the hearts of our children, so that they may cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing our diligent prayer, do not turn Your face away from our children, lest they turn away from You, and hear the words of our mouth crying out like this:
Rejoice, for you teach our children to have a mind for good; Rejoice, thou who stumbling them on the path of sin.
Rejoice, you who teach them the right way; Rejoice, you who protect them from the wickedness of evil people.
Rejoice, you who strengthen them in their suffering; Rejoice, thank God for everything you teach.
Rejoice, O good Intercessor who has come to His Son for our children; Rejoice, their Supporter before the Creator and God.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 6
The whole Christian world preaches Your constant intercession for those who pray to You. Even now, hear this much-painful parental prayer for our children, whose name is God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
May a ray of grace shine in the souls of our children, and, enlightened by You, they will see the path leading to eternal life, and follow them, keeping them under Your almighty protection. For this reason, hear us calling Ti like this:
Rejoice, you who strive for the good of your children to love their children; Rejoice, hearts of children, who honor their parents, touching one.
Rejoice, you who give reason to those who ask; Rejoice, thou illuminating the meanings of the faithful.
Rejoice, Joy to all who mourn; Rejoice, Softening of evil hearts.
Rejoice, Otrado and Consolation; Rejoice, increase in mind.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 7
Although we are our children of eternal salvation, we stand with tears before Your honorable icon, O Lady, may you not despise our prayer, calling to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Show new mercy to our children, O Lady, and by the unsearchable destinies of Your Son draw them under Your gracious protection, so that we diligently call You:
Rejoice, Raising our children, who will be protected from eternal torment; Rejoice, Raising our children, so that they may inherit unceasing bliss.
Rejoice, Awakening the conscience of our children to repentance; Rejoice, you who feed them with the fruits of the love of philosophy.
Rejoice, most merciful Comforter of all those who mourn and are burdened; Rejoice, never-ending Teacher of all the lost and blinded.
Rejoice, Judge of the righteous supplication; Rejoice, many sins have been forgiven.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 8
Wandering in this vale of much sorrow on the sea of many rebellious passions, where will our child find a solid refuge, if not in You, Most Pure One? Travel with them and guide them on the true path, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Thou art the merciful Mother of all, the Most Pure Virgin, as Christ the Savior speaks unto Thee at His coming cross: Behold Thy son,” pointing to the chosen one from man. For this reason we entrust our child into Thy hand and in humility we call upon Thy:
Rejoice, children of our compassionate Guide; Rejoice, merciful Eradicator of thorns of sinful passions.
Rejoice, you who provide solace in the desert of sin; Rejoice, consoling one in a moment of sorrow.
Rejoice, traveler to the land of promise; Rejoice, joyful one on the water of rest.
Rejoice, perfect mind of mentors and schoolmasters; Rejoice, Blessing of the houses and families of the pious.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 9.
Fill the hearts and souls of our children with every good thing, driving away from them the spirit of evil atheism, wickedness and fornication that dominates this world. Keep Your servants in purity and chastity, so that they cry out to God in tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Vitiy of the vain, who lie in response to Your all-powerful intercession, cast away, Mother of God, from our children, let them not crawl with their minds into stifling doctrines and turn their hearts to placeless lusts, but look to we, truly crying out:
Rejoice, you who teach our children good morals; Rejoice, thou who deliverest them from evil habits.
Rejoice, you who send wise mentors to Your servants; Rejoice, you who turn them away from bad communities.
Rejoice, you who calls you to heed good teaching; Rejoice, you who help despise vain fables.
Rejoice, God has favor with sinners; Rejoice, strong intercession of those who repent before the Lord.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 10
Although Christ God called not the righteous, but sinners to repentance, to save the world. For this reason, let us pray to Your Son for our children, even if they go to a faraway country, yet, seeking Your Mother’s intercession, they will return in contrition of heart to the Heavenly Father and call on Him ́: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
With an indestructible wall, O Heavenly Queen, may our children, through Your intercession, avoid the serpent’s offering, the red for food, and after the deadly, and be able to sing with a pure heart This is for you:
Rejoice, thou who deliverest our children from the poisonous potion; Rejoice, you who save them from soul-destroying drink.
Rejoice, you who preserve them from fornication; Rejoice, you who teach them chastity.
Rejoice, consumption of all deception; Rejoice, deliverance from all confusion.
Rejoice, champion of sobriety; Rejoice, intercessor of wisdom.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 11
I will sing Your irresistible intercession and bless our children, so that they may find You a strong Helper, and through Your grace they will open their mouths to sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Make the life of our children a light-receiving one, so that they may ever burn with love for You and Your Son, and do not despise us who call upon You:
Rejoice, you who disperse the smoke of temptations; Rejoice, enlightener of the darkness of passions.
Rejoice, thou who teachest to preserve sight; Rejoice, guarding feelings, admonishing one.
Rejoice, Mother of unspeakable generosity; Rejoice, thou who encouragest our children to stand before Thee in reverence.
Rejoice, life-giving consolation to them in sorrow; Rejoice, immutable refuge from the attacks of the evil ones.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 12
Fill the hearts of our children with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, to love only Your Son and God and You, the Most Blessed Intercessor, so that, having been moved by You, they call the King of all: Alli Luia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your mercy, who have mercy and nourished our children, we pray: do not cease to ask Your Son for them, for all things are possible for You, and hear our prayers as follows:
Rejoice, from the font of Holy Baptism of our children to the Receiver; Rejoice, to the light of truth, their Guide.
Rejoice, Thou who givesst the dew of Thy grace to them; Rejoice, you who feed them with the milk of truth.
Rejoice, for you are the angels who create our children; Rejoice as you transform them into heavenly people.
Rejoice, heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, showing them; Rejoice, thou who hostest them in the Heavenly Abodes.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 13
O All-Singing Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small prayer for our children into the aroma of the spiritual fragrance and take them under Your merciful protection. Also, grant them to think, speak and do things that are pleasing to You and Your Son, and send them in this life all that is useful for the salvation of their souls, so that they may sing to God: Alli Luia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.
Ikos 1
Send an angel from Heaven to be our child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Your Son and our God, just as the Archangel Gabriel was sent to You, and grant us the power to cry out to You:
Rejoice, you who made your parents happy with your birth; Rejoice, you have asked God with many tears.
Rejoice, prayers and fasting for bright vegetation; Rejoice at the pious life, red fruit.
Rejoice, thou filled with holy obedience from infancy; Rejoice in piety from your mother's breast.
Rejoice, loving all-bright Dwelling; Rejoice, Treasure of the Lord's mercies.
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and the zealous Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, from all evils Let our children be free, let us call You:
Rejoice, good Educator, brought up in the Holy of Holies.
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, hear us, Your unworthy servants, who diligently come to You. Lord, in Thy merciful power are our children, Thy servants (names). Have mercy and save them in Your name, forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, committed by them before You, Lord. Guide them on the true path, enlighten their minds with Your light, warm their hearts with Your love. Lord, bless them in the house, in the teaching, on the road and in every place of Your dominion. Lord, save them under Your holy roof from a flying arrow, from fire, from a sword, from a deadly plague and from vain death. Lord, protect them from all visible and invisible enemies, heal them from every illness, cleanse them from all filth and ease their mental suffering. Lord, grant them the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health, chastity and piety. Lord, multiply and strengthen their mental and physical strength, which You have given them. Grant Your blessing to our children for a pious and, if You please, family life. Lord, grant us, your unworthy and sinful servants (names), a blessing for the upbringing of our children and enable us all to achieve the eternal Kingdom and thereby glorify the most honorable and magnificent e Your name, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer to the Mother of God
O Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, most merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your blood our children (names), all youths, young women, infants and in the womb of the mother. ours. Cover them with Your robe, keep them in the fear of God and obedience to their parents, beg our Lord and Your Son to grant them everything useful for spiritual salvation. We entrust them to Your maternal supervision, for You are the Divine cover of Your servant. Amen.
Troparion, tone 4
Brought up in the temple in the Holy of Holies,/ clothed in faith and wisdom and immeasurable virginity,/ Archangel Gabriel brought a kiss from heaven/ and rejoice, rejoice, O Blessed One,// ra Glory be to you, the Lord is with you.
Kontakion, tone 6
The representation of Christians is unshameful, / intercession to the Creator is immutable, / do not despise the voices of sinful prayers, / but advance, like the Good One, to the aid of us, / faithfully calling to You: / hasten to prayer and labor come to supplication, // interceding ever since, the Mother of God, who honor Cha.
Greatness
We magnify You,/ Most Holy Virgin,/ God’s chosen Youth,/ and we honor Your holy image,/ which is the source of healing// to all who come with faith.
Temple Education
The most important place in the cathedral is occupied by “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God, so it is no coincidence that the spiritual education of youth is in first place. There is already a Sunday school for children there. In addition, children's creativity is also developed there - young parishioners are allowed to fantasize about their future church and make small models.
There is also a Sunday school for adults, which is not the first time it has accepted students. They study there for three years until graduation. The school for adults is very popular, as students are recruited every year.
The construction of the temple greatly influenced the residents; the basics of Orthodox culture began to be taught in two schools. This does not mean at all that part of the Sunday school appeared there, nor is it considered to be teaching the law of God. This is rather a more scientific approach, which, however, affects Orthodoxy, forcing us to perceive it as our heritage (after all, our ancestors used to be all baptized and attended churches, they were afraid of God's punishment).
The icon, which is located in the Kazan Cathedral
The first miraculous icon was lost, as was written above, after the revolution in Russia. An exact list was written from her. Today the icon of the Mother of God “Education” is located in Moscow, in its old place - in the Kazan Cathedral. Since its restoration, numerous Orthodox Christians have flocked there to pray before the image and ask for the protection of the Mother of God for their children.
In addition to her, there are other shrines in the cathedral. This is the revered icon of the Kazan Mother of God, her reliquary. After restoration, divine services and liturgies are held in the cathedral, and on Fridays an akathist is read to the main icon of the cathedral and a prayer service is held.
