The Gospel of Mark (10, 13-16) describes a very significant story from the earthly life of Christ:
They brought children to Him so that He could touch them, but the disciples did not allow those who brought them. Seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such is the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. And he embraced them, laid his hands on them and blessed them.
It is this episode that is reflected in the “Blessing of the Children” icon.
Several points should be noted here, and first of all, the people’s faith in the miraculous power of Jesus’ touch. The position of the disciples seems somewhat strange, they did not want to allow children to come to Him, considering them foolish and unable to perceive the Word of the Savior. However, Jesus had a very special attitude towards children: He valued the purity and simplicity of children's souls and believed that only such souls are capable of accepting the Kingdom of Heaven and entering it.
On the concept of the homuncular Jesus
Typically, in the Middle Ages, children were depicted according to a concept that existed at the time called the “homuncular Christ.” The portrait of a child was usually created by order of the church. Thus, the range of images narrowed to almost one single image - the image of the baby Jesus. Occasionally, the artist could still focus on children taken from biblical stories.
Texas surgeon compares smoker's lungs to post-COVID lungs
Pastry chefs in Dortmund create syringe-shaped cakes as they celebrate vaccine arrival
A cup of cocoa can improve cognitive function of the brain: study
The understanding of Christ in the medieval consciousness was influenced by such an image as the homunculus. Literally translated, this means “little man.” This idea was that the son of God, immediately after birth, already has a ready-made body. Its features do not change over time.
Art historians compare this concept with the tradition of Byzantine painters, where in many images the baby Jesus looks bald. Over time, a tradition developed of depicting the little Christ as an adult, which later became mandatory. And people began to think that the child should be portrayed this way.
A short prayer for the blessing of children
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless, sanctify, preserve with the power of your life-giving Cross. (And put the sign of the cross on the child).
Morning prayer for the blessing of children
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, pray for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, hear me, Your unworthy servant (name). Lord, in Your merciful power, my children (names), have mercy and save them, for Your name’s sake. Lord, forgive them all the sins, voluntary and involuntary, that they committed before You. Lord, guide them on the true path of Your commandments and enlighten their minds with Your light, for the salvation of the soul and the healing of the body.
Lord, bless them in every place of Your dominion. Lord, save them by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross, under Your holy roof, from a flying bullet, arrow, sword, fire, from a deadly wound, water drowning and vain death. Lord, protect them from all visible and invisible enemies, from all misfortune, evil, misfortune, betrayal and captivity. Lord, heal them from every illness and wound, from every filth, and ease their mental suffering. Lord, grant them the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health and chastity in all piety and love, in peace and unanimity with the rulers around them, those near and far.
Lord, increase and strengthen their mental abilities and physical strength, return them healthy and safe to their parents’ home. All-merciful Lord, grant to me, your unworthy and sinful servant (name), a parental blessing on my children (names) at this time of the morning (day, evening, night), for the kingdom is yours - eternal, omnipotent and omnipotent. Amen.
Description and meaning in Orthodoxy
The icon depicts a biblical story from the life of God. The Savior in the form of a preacher blesses the children brought to him by their mothers. The women of Judea were deeply imbued with the sermons of Jesus and asked the Messiah to give their children God's grace. The Savior, sitting on a chair (bench), looks at the children with eyes full of parental love. Jesus raised his hand to bless the little boy standing next to him.
There are several interpretations of the “Christ and the Children” icon. In some drawings, behind the Savior stand the most holy apostles, who look at Jesus with bewilderment. After all, Christ’s disciples do not understand why the Lord communicates with children who do not know adult truths and God’s commandments. Behind Jesus’ back, icon painters often depict a tree as a symbol of the fact that God’s teaching has strong roots. Faith in Christ will put a person on his feet and lift him out of any swamp. After all, the Lord is merciful, he can forgive a repentant sinner.
The icon “Christ and the Children” (another name is “The Blessing of the Children”) is of great importance in Orthodoxy. After all, the very plot of the holy image reflects one of the main Divine commandments - love for the Heavenly Father. All followers of faith in Christ are children of God, regardless of age. Christians need God's protection and receive it by sincerely believing in the Savior.
Jesus wants people to maintain a childlike purity of soul throughout their lives. After all, only believers undefiled by sin will be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The Savior treats all Christians as His children. True, Jesus, as a just Father, punishes believers who deviate from his Divine commandments. The Holy Icon also reminds parents that their child needs to be introduced to faith in Christ from early childhood.
Wonderful Orthodox icons of saints with children and holy children
Venerable Stylian of Paphlagon with babies
In continuation of the series of publications about amazing, rare or unusual Orthodox icons, I invite readers to consider today the canonical iconographic images of the patron saints of children, as well as holy youths and infants.
“Christ and the Children” - icon
The most famous image, which has several spelling options, where children are depicted on the icon, is the icon “Christ and the Children.” It refers us to the events of the tenth chapter of the Gospel of Mark, as well as to a parallel episode in the Gospel of Matthew, where the Savior himself especially notes the purity of a child’s soul and the child’s complete trust in the love of his parents:
“They brought children to Him so that He could touch them; The disciples did not allow those who brought them. Seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such is the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. And he embraced them, laid his hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16).
Icon "Joseph the Betrothed with the Child of God"
Traditionally, it is the Most Pure Virgin who is depicted holding the Savior in her arms. But occasionally there are also variants of the image, when the youth Jesus is held in the arms of his adoptive father Joseph the Betrothed.
Image of Simeon the God-Receiver with Christ in his arms
The Gospel of Luke describes a meeting in the Jerusalem Temple of Elder Simeon the God-Receiver, who, according to Tradition, was one of the seventy-two translators of the Septuagint, doubted that “a virgin would give birth” and, by the will of God, lived for a very long time in order to see the Savior with his own eyes.
The icon depicts the moment when Simeon says to the Lord: “Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all nations, a light for the enlightenment of the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32).
Image of St. Stylian of Paphlagonia
The Monk Stylian of Paphlagon, also known as Stylian the Intercessor of Children, had special boldness before God in prayer for children. Mothers brought sick babies to him in the thousands, and through the saint’s prayer they all received healing.
The saint is especially revered in Greece, but parents in other countries also pray to him for their children. The monk is almost always depicted on icons with one or more babies.
Icon of St. Julian of Campania
This saint is also often prayed to for the well-being and recovery of children. According to his life, Saint Julian not only healed children from illnesses, but also resurrected infants who suddenly died.
On icons of St. Julian, they are also usually depicted with a baby in his arms praying to the Lord.
“The Cathedral of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem” - icon
Another image that refers us to the gospel events is the “Cathedral of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem.” Those same 14,000 pure souls under the age of two, whom the tetrarch Herod the Great ordered to exterminate in a vain attempt to compete with the Creator himself and prevent the Messiah promised to the Jews from coming to maturity.
However, we know that an angel of God warned Joseph the Betrothed about the danger in advance and he fled to Egypt with the Most Holy Theotokos and the Child of God for several years.
The children's deaths were not in vain. The Church honors them as the first martyrs for Christ. That is why, in the icon, they are led by God the Son himself.
Today this image is prayed to by parents who acted with their children following the example of Herod and destroyed them in the womb for the sake of one or another earthly consideration.
Righteous Artemy Verkovlsky
From childhood, this youth was distinguished by piety, obedience and kindness to everyone around him. When he was 12 years old and he and his father were walking across a field in a thunderstorm, the boy was struck to death by lightning.
Superstitious fellow villagers considered the child cursed by God and forbade not only his funeral service, but even his burial...
The child’s remains lay in the field for 32 years until they were found incorrupt. And soon numerous healings began to occur from the relics of the righteous man. Today, parents pray to this saint for the cultivation of righteousness in their children.
Martyr Gabriel of Bialystok - icon
A six-year-old boy became a martyr for the faith in Poland at the end of the 17th century. The son of pious peasants was stolen from his home by a certain Shutko, a member of a savage Jewish sect.
Jokingly, he and his comrades tortured the baby to death, and then threw the body into a field, where it was discovered and guarded by dogs. They helped people discover it.
Subsequently, the baby’s relics were found incorrupt, and residents of the surrounding villages witnessed many miracles through his prayers. Today Gabriel of Bialystok is venerated as a martyr by the Polish Orthodox Church.
"Holy Righteous Tsarevich Demetrius of Uglich"
The son of Ivan IV the Terrible from Maria Nagaya, upon the accession of his brother Theodore Ioannovich, was sent to settle in Uglich along with his mother and other relatives.
According to the most likely version of his violent death, the little prince was killed right in the courtyard of his residence, as a potential contender for the Russian throne, by political opponents.
The Church glorified the pure soul in the ranks of the holy passion-bearers. Numerous healings occurred from his relics. Especially a lot - from eye diseases.
“The Holy Passion-Bearer Tsarevich Alexei” - icon
Tsarevich Alexei was 14 years old when he, his sisters and crowned parents became victims of a brutal political murder in Yekaterinburg.
Before their death, the couple and their children prayed a lot, participated in the Sacraments of the Church, and even forgave their future executioners. For the feat of goodness in accepting violent death, the Church glorified the royal family in the guise of the holy passion-bearers.
“Holy Martyr Basil of Mangazeya” - icon
Once upon a time, the city of Mangazeya in the middle reaches of the Ob was the largest fur trade center in Russia. Young Vasily, the son of a pious Yaroslavl merchant, found himself in this town on trade business.
Vasily became a clerk for a rich local merchant, who turned out to be a homosexual and began to persuade a boy (14 years old) to sin.
When Vasily indignantly rejected the advances, the merchant slandered him before the local governor, accusing him of theft. And together they tortured and killed the child.
After 50 years, the saint’s relics were found incorrupt, and in a vision, through the prayer of local residents, he revealed his name and promised to intercede with God for the inhabitants of the region. Soon, due to the abundance of healings and miracles, the Church glorified the righteous Basil as a saint.
“Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace” - icon
Christians often pray to this image to protect their home from fire.
The Prophet Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Azariah and Mishael, were selected as children from among the Jewish children to the court of King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon.
Here, envious people accused the youths of violating the royal order, and Nebuchadnezzar threw them into a giant red-hot furnace. But in the oven, the pious youths were protected from the fire by the Archangel Michael, and they came out unharmed.
If you know icons of other patrons of children, unusual images of saints with children (excluding the Mother of God, since we consider Her images separately) and icons of holy children, you can indicate them in the comments to complete the review!
Original publication on the author's blog. We also recommend: “Wonderful icons of Orthodox saints with animals.”
What does the holy face help with?
The Blessing of the Children imagery is a reminder to parents that children are receptive to the Word of God at a very early conscious age. We need to introduce them to faith and church from an early age. It is advisable for families with children to have such an icon.
Parents can pray in front of the image in a variety of situations related to the well-being of their children. You can ask for a speedy recovery, success in studies, good relationships with others, and a happy married life for your children. For teachers and educators who are in contact with the younger generation, prayer in front of this image will also provide support and allow them to derive joy from performing their professional duties.
Just as the Lord takes care of his creatures, so the head of the family must protect his household from everything bad, praying for their well-being in front of the icon and asking to send a blessing.
Important! No matter what age the children are, parental appeal to the Almighty will help them choose the right path in life, protect themselves from the temptations of such a complex world and always be guided by God’s commandments
How did the relic appear?
| Icon Blessing of Children 1890s I. Repin |
In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark there are references to the fact that children repeatedly came to the Savior, carefully listening to the sermons of the Son of God. The children who were pure in heart felt especially keenly the light emanating from Jesus Christ and enjoyed His attention, love and kindness. The Lord even set them as an example to his disciples: “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven... and whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.” Since then, in the Holy Scriptures, an innocent child, with joy and tenderness absorbing the grace reigning in the temple, is the personification of sincerity, meekness, humility and selfless faith in the Creator.
In memory of this biblical episode, shrines were created where the Creator speaks to children. They can be very different - for example, you can buy the “Blessing of the Children” icon, made in the canonical Orthodox tradition, in our online store. This image demonstrates the deep connection between man and God, because the omnipotent and omniscient Lord tirelessly takes care of all people as if they were his own children, warning them against rash actions, vicious passions and sinful thoughts.
What is a blessing
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). And today the “good word” gives people God’s mercy and grace. This happens in blessing. Christians call on God's blessing in their works and ask the priest for it. From the lips of an Orthodox person one often hears wishes for good things for his family. And also a prayer for the blessing of children.
Parents and child
The word “blessing” has several meanings.
First of all, this is God’s sending down to man of special gifts and grace, His mercy and bounty. Christians resort to the Lord with prayer for the blessing of important undertakings and responsible matters.
The blessing is given by priests who, through the Sacrament of Priesthood, receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to perform pastoral service. They are asked for blessings on important life events, believing that grace is given by Christ Himself. At every service, the priest, with the sign of the cross, invokes Divine grace and blessing on all those present.
The Lord always pours out His mercies on the person who comes running to Him with faith and love. Therefore, a Christian should always thank God and praise him. This is also called a blessing in Orthodoxy.
The blessing of parents plays a huge role. In prayer they call on God's help and mercy for their children. Let us take a closer look at what kind of prayer for blessing children exists in Orthodoxy and how to bless children.
Prayer for the blessing of children
Parental blessing plays a huge role in the lives of children. Its importance is emphasized in the Old Testament. The blessing of the Old Testament patriarchs Noah and Isaac still affects their descendants today.
One should not think that prayers for the blessing of children are offered only at important moments in life, for example, when getting married.
Of course, in such a fateful decision, the child needs the approval of his parents. In such cases, according to tradition, the newlyweds are overshadowed with icons: the groom - with the image of Christ the Savior, the bride - with the face of the Virgin Mary. Often these icons become family shrines and are passed on from generation to generation.
“By presenting icons, parents express the lofty thought that now that the time of raising children is over for them, they with faith and hope entrust them to the all-powerful intercession of the Lord and Mother of God” (priest Afanasy Gumerov).
However, parents do not need icons for blessing. A short prayer for the blessing of children with the sign of the cross also calls on God's grace. Orthodox doctor A.N. Novikov puts it this way:
“Parents do great good for their child, calling upon him God’s blessing. A child leaves the house - let’s bless him: “Lord, bless!”, or “God bless”, or “Guardian Angel, good luck!”.
Every day, in any significant situations, a parent must ask for God’s grace for his Child.
Parental blessing is like a lens. It transmits rays of Divine Light and is capable of igniting the fire of love and piety in the soul of a child.
However, for this to happen, the lens of the parent’s heart must not be clouded by sin and passions. Therefore, father and mother should set an example of a pure, godly life for their children. They must teach by participating in the Sacraments and keeping God's commandments.
Saint Philaret of Moscow (Drozdov) spoke about this this way:
“Parents should bless their children with a loving heart and try to increase the power of their natural blessing, attracting the power of grace through piety and faith.”
What does it look like
At different times, images were created that describe this event in the life of Jesus Christ. People really liked the Gospel story, and they wanted to capture the Savior’s love for those whose souls had not yet been stained by worldly worries and sins - for children.
Icon of Jesus Christ “Blessing of the Children”
There are a huge number of interpretations. But all of them invariably depict the Messiah laying his hand on the heads of children in a gesture of blessing.
Each icon carries a certain symbolic meaning. In some images you can see a desert in the background, in others - a city or a tree. This is no coincidence. For example, a tree means that without a strong root, nothing in the world can rise up. The city indicates human preoccupation with worldly vanity, which does not allow a person to be imbued with love for God.
In addition, you can notice that some icons contain images of women and apostles. According to legend, Jesus' disciples wondered why he was wasting his time on children who did not understand His teachings. In response to such an opinion, the Savior replied that the purity of a child’s soul is a thousand times more valuable to him than the knowledge of all the scribes of the world. It is the misunderstanding on the faces of the apostles that is captured by many icon painters. They stand behind Christ and talk among themselves.
We advise you to study Prayers to Peter and Fevronia
This is interesting: Icon of the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky
Icon of the Lord “Jesus Christ Blessing the Children”
Icon “Jesus Christ Blessing the Children.”
This year's icon rating:
0 (previously: 3). If this is your favorite icon, vote for it!
The section was founded by member [ tol
] 2011-12-25.
Description of the icon Jesus Christ Blessing the Children
The icon depicts an evangelical event. Gospel of Mark 10:13-16. They brought children to Him so that He could touch them; The disciples did not allow those who brought them. Seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such is the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. And he embraced them, laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Christ Blesses the Children - West Benjamin
Description of the work
Christ Blessing the Children is a devotional piece by renowned artist Benjamin West. The painting depicts Jesus Christ sitting on stone steps surrounded by children. It is known that the Lord loved children and always tried to devote time to them when they were brought to Him. West was able to convey the mercy and tenderness that is reflected in the gaze of Christ. One baby sits on His lap, with His right hand He gently touches the head of the other. The Lord appears here not only as a Teacher, but also as a loving Father. You can see that children, who often shy away from strangers, themselves are drawn to Jesus, feeling His inner light.
Women with babies in their arms and older children stand awaiting blessings from the Lord. The disciples crowded behind Him. They seem confused and wondering why the Savior gives so much attention to children. In the background of the plot is a typical Israeli landscape, the vague outlines of the city and the delicate shades of the sunset sky. B. West's painting is very colorful due to the artist's use of rich colors in the clothing of the people and Christ. A trembling feeling arises when looking at the Lord blessing innocent children.
History of creation
Benjamin West painted Christ Blessing the Children in 1781. During this period, the painter had already finally moved to London and painted paintings, being one of the main royal artists. Spiritual motives inspired West throughout his life, although he began to turn to them more often at the beginning of the 19th century. West painted Christ Blessing the Children in oil on canvas, measuring 116.6 x 214.9 cm.
When creating the painting, the artist turned to the gospel story, which was recorded by the apostles Matthew, Mark and Luke in approximately the same version: “ They brought children to Him so that He would touch them; The disciples did not allow those who brought them. Seeing this, Jesus was indignant and said to them: Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such is the Kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. And he embraced them, laid his hands on them and blessed them
"(Mark 10:13-16).
B. West figuratively reveals the words of Christ about the purity and depth of children's faith, about the sincerity of their acceptance of the Savior. Jesus thereby sets an example for His disciples and other people of how to believe in the Lord. This work by Benjamin West is now kept in the Royal Academy of Arts in London, in the opening of which he was directly involved.
The author's attitude towards faith
The talented Anglo-American artist Benjamin West was born into a family of immigrants from England who were Quakers - members of the religious Protestant movement "Society of Friends", which originated in England in the middle of the 17th century, when the Anglican Church began to lose its influence. From childhood, the boy was instilled with the spiritual and moral values of Christianity. Later this found expression in his work. B. West is not only the author of portraits and numerous paintings on historical themes. Biblical painting occupies a special place among his works.
B. West began painting pictures with religious themes at the beginning of his creative career, but the master began to work more fruitfully on spiritual works starting from the last decade of the 18th century. He not only created individual paintings, but also painted churches. So, around 1786, West painted the altar in St. Paul's Church in Birmingham. Another significant work was carried out by him for the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul in London Greenwich.
Until the last days of his life, the artist did not stop painting pictures illustrating scenes from the Old and New Testaments. There is no exact data about what place Christianity occupied in West’s life, but his paintings tell us that the author, at a minimum, knew the Scriptures very well and, turning to biblical subjects, most likely reflected on them in the creative process. That is why B. West’s works are so deep in content and expressiveness of performance.
Biography
Benjamin West was born on October 10, 1738 in Springfield, USA, into a large family. It is believed that the first drawing made by the boy was a portrait of his younger sister Sally. West himself said in his memoirs that he was taught to draw by the Indians, who showed him how to mix clay and bear fat to make paints. The artist did not have a professional creative education, but this did not stop him from painting mainly commissioned portraits in Pennsylvania until 1759. After the priest William Smith saw his painting “The Death of Socrates,” he suggested that West develop his talent and take lessons from professionals. So the artist went to Philadelphia, where he studied painting techniques with John Wollaston, and in 1760 - 1763 he traveled around Italy, getting acquainted with the works of Renaissance masters.
After Italy, B. West moved to London, where he took part in the creation of the Royal Academy of Arts. In 1772 he was appointed history painter to the court of King George III. His most famous work of that time is “The Death of General Wolf” (1770).
Benjamin West died on March 11, 1820 in London at an advanced age, leaving behind many talented students.
Author of the text: Abramova Tatyana Aleksandrovna.
Prayer for the blessing of children by mother to Jesus Christ
The blessing of a son or daughter is an immeasurable helper for a child, because a mother’s prayer is the most powerful in the world
The importance of a mother can hardly be overestimated; it is not for nothing that she is connected with her child with invisible threads until the end of her days. Psychics claim that each of us is influenced by our mother at the level of subtle matters.
Energetically, a child is an extension of the mother. That is why she can change his fate. And his future life depends on the direction in which she wants to direct this very destiny.
The result of the prayer will not be slow to manifest itself, because the Lord will definitely hear every word coming from the mouth of a mother with concern for her child.
Mother's prayer for blessing children
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, hear me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant. Lord, in the mercy of Your power my child, have mercy and save him for Your name’s sake. Lord, forgive him all the sins, voluntary and involuntary, that he committed before You. Lord, guide him on the true path of Your commandments and enlighten him and enlighten him with Your light of Christ, for the salvation of the soul and the healing of the body. Lord, bless him in the house, around the house, at school, in the field, at work and on the road, and in every place of Your possession. Lord, protect him under the shelter of Your Saints from a flying bullet, arrow, knife, sword, poison, fire, flood, from a deadly ulcer (atomic rays) and from vain death. Lord, protect him from visible and invisible enemies, from all troubles, evils and misfortunes. Lord, heal him from all diseases, cleanse him from all filth (wine, tobacco, drugs) and ease his mental suffering and sorrow. Lord, grant him the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health and chastity. Lord, increase and strengthen his mental abilities and physical strength. Lord, give him Your blessing for a godly family life and godly procreation. Lord, grant me, Thy unworthy and sinful servant, a parental blessing on my child at this time of morning, day, evening and night for the sake of Thy name, for Thy Kingdom is eternal, omnipotent and omnipotent. Amen.
How does the Blessing of Children icon help?
The holy image protects believers from all evil, troubles, illnesses and troubles. Adults and children can pray in front of the icon. It is advisable that in every home there should be an image of Christ blessing the children on the wall. Indeed, in any difficult situation, with requests for help, first of all, you need to turn to the Savior. Only the Lord can save, protect and give hope for a better future.
Situations in which you can pray before the image of Christ blessing:
- serious illness;
- difficulties in education;
- before the start of the school year;
- before an exam at school;
- if there are troubles in the family,
- for problems in learning.
Teachers, educators, and nannies can pray before the holy icon. Prayers to the Lord will help adults establish relationships with students, find an approach to each student, and avoid conflicts. If difficulties arise when communicating with their students, it is better for teachers to immediately turn to Jesus for help.
Parents can pray in front of the image and ask the Lord to enlighten their children. Parental prayer will guide a teenager on the path of a righteous life and help him choose the right decision in a difficult situation. Parents can ask the Savior to protect their loved ones from evil people and to warn them from doing wrong things.
Even a small child who has just learned to speak can pray in front of the icon. It is allowed to turn to the Lord with the words of the “Jesus Prayer” (“Lord, have mercy”). You can read "Our Father". There is a special parental prayer that is read before the icon of Christ blessing.
Parents must remember that the sooner the child joins the faith of Christ, the better for him. Only the Lord can save a person from evil, illness, and help him in a difficult situation. You just need to sincerely believe in the Savior and love him with all your heart. An icon of the Lord blessing you can be seen in the church. Children coming to the temple can pray in front of this image and even light a candle in the nearby candlestick themselves.
Icon “Blessing of Children”: what it helps with
This relic has long served as a revered family amulet. In temples it was even placed on a special low lectern so that even very tiny children could approach the shrine. The image protects newborns, older children, teenagers, and boys and girls. He will protect your offspring from illnesses, injuries, temptations, disappointments, quarrels, bad habits and bad acquaintances, promote normal development and maturation, guide them on the right path, and warn against mistakes and sins.
The icon is also useful for parents - it will give empathy (the gift of sharing a child’s experiences and listening to his needs), patience, tact, the ability to cope with difficulties and misunderstandings, and a balanced combination of discipline, respect and love for the baby. In addition, the image brings harmony, peace and tranquility to the family - so it will be a welcome surprise for those who are just planning to acquire an heir.
It is known that a mother’s heartfelt prayer is a blessing to children. Therefore, bowing before the shrine, you can ask the Lord for your child’s happiness, prosperity, prosperity, good health, good mood and well-being. Your words will protect your baby from adversity, illness, insurmountable obstacles, and negative emotions.
The relic is often used to overshadow children who are facing some kind of challenge - admission to kindergarten, school, college or institute, long and difficult treatment, transfer exams, change of place of residence. The shrine is also used to bless the bride and groom, instructing them before marriage.
And the image will also be useful to everyone who is involved in raising or teaching children - nannies, coaches, teachers, lecturers and heads of various sections. By offering prayers to him, you will overcome the laziness, mistrust and apathy of the kids, find a common language with them, and instill in the children true Christian values.
Buying the “Blessing of the Children” icon is very simple - you just need to contact our manager to choose the work of the desired size, and soon a precious amber relic, handmade from radiant Polesie gems and small stone chips in strict accordance with Orthodox canons, will decorate your home!
From the history of the icon of all saints
In Orthodoxy, a special holiday has been established - All Saints' Day, which is celebrated a week after Trinity, and the holiday of Trinity, as is known, is associated with the establishment of the Church. All Saints' Day is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost and serves as a kind of milestone, the completion of the annual liturgical cycle, when the period of chants of the Colored Triodion ends, and the period of Octoechos begins instead.
The earliest known icon on this topic dates back to the 10th century. According to the Apostle Paul, the Church of God honors all who have been granted the gift of the Holy Spirit by their life or death for the glory of the Lord. This means that we need to glorify not only the saints we know, but also the unknown ascetics and passion-bearers who remained faithful to Christ even in the face of death.
Christians have revered saints since the earliest period of the spread of Christ's Teachings: apostles, martyrs for the faith, saints, ascetics, rulers who contributed to its establishment.
Apparently, this is connected with the sermon of John Chrysostom in memory of “all the saints who suffered throughout the world.” It is characteristic that the day of celebration was also established by this sermon.
Over the long centuries of Christianity, the number of saints has constantly grown; it also grew in Rus', where its Orthodox saints appeared. Therefore, in the middle of the 16th century, the celebration of the Council of All Saints, who shone in the Russian land, was established, timed to coincide with the second week after Pentecost. During the synodal period it was forgotten and restored only in 1918, when the period of persecution of the church began. Since 1946, it has been solemnly celebrated again, as is the icon dedicated to the saints of the Russian Land.
What does the image of the “Holy Family” look like?
The original painting depicts Joseph the Betrothed, the Blessed Virgin and the Child of God. Many theologians reproach the author of the Catholic painting for deliberately distorting reality:
- Joseph was no longer young at the time when the Son of God appeared to the world, and in the picture he is depicted quite young;
- in addition, it is known that the relationship between Joseph and Mary was more like patronage than an equal marriage;
- According to church tradition, Joseph the Betrothed was betrothed to the Virgin Mary, but was not Her husband. In the picture, Joseph hugs the Most Pure Virgin by the shoulders, which is unacceptable for the canonical depiction of people who are not officially married.
We advise you to study Prayer before the Icon of the Mother of God “The Tsaritsa”
The Orthodox image of the “Three Joys”, created based on this painting, was written in accordance with all canonical norms. On this icon, Joseph is depicted as a senior adviser and wise mentor to the Most Pure Virgin, called upon to protect and instruct Her, without being Her husband in the physical sense of the word.
Priests remind believers that they should be wary of such images. You should look at the problem more broadly, see not only the image of a happy family, but also remember the Gospel story about these events
The story of Joseph and Mary is much deeper than the story of a happy and beautiful married couple. This is an ode to morality, spiritual work, wisdom, respect and trust. And, of course, at the head of the union of Joseph and Mary was a deep and sincere faith in the Almighty, the desire to live a godly life.
Why are children a blessing?
Dear N.?
Thanks for the interesting question.
Indeed, in many places in the Tanakh blessing is mentioned, and commentators explain that the reference is to children. In the old days, the fact that children are a blessing was clear to everyone without explanation. But in our time, when the concept of a family union, the relationship between a man and a woman, has been monstrously distorted, when all sorts of theories of “overpopulation” are in circulation and the childfree movement is becoming more and more fashionable, the desire to have children for many is no longer taken for granted.
If you look closely, you can see that in many ways behind these newfangled “philosophies” there is ordinary egoism, a reluctance to take on additional responsibilities and limit oneself in any way.
Caring for and raising children is hard work every day, without days off or vacations. Pregnancy, childbirth, caring for a baby, efforts to raise a child according to his age, age-related crises, constant financial costs and, often, the lack of any gratitude. Few people would agree to take on such work even for a lot of money, not to mention making it a “hobby” and shelling out considerable sums for the opportunity to do it.
In the modern world, focused on “personal freedom”, career growth and independence, combined with an unbridled search for pleasure and the desire for one’s own comfort (let’s not forget about the atheistic worldview), there is a widespread view of children as a meaningless burden that limits a person in all areas life. What kind of blessing can we talk about here!
Judaism views the role of a parent completely differently. From the point of view of Jewish Tradition, children are an obvious blessing that is not given to everyone. Children are a kind of continuation of a person in this world, make his name immortal and often continue the work of his life. But not only that. Children are another link in the chain of generations that connects us with the entire Jewish people and allows them to survive into eternity.
But the most important thing is the influence that children have on our own personality. The process of caring for children, from beginning to end, is continuously connected with the constant work of each parent on their spiritual qualities, developing positive character traits. Strictly speaking, children cannot be called a “gift from above”; parents, rather, are guides of immortal souls to the place of their correction.
Children are not our property, but through the “hardships of raising children” we are given the opportunity to correct our own soul, for which we are entitled to an eternal reward. And also a “bonus”: an incomparable pleasure, one of the strongest in this world - the happiness of participating in the birth of a new life, seeing how the baby grows and develops, takes its first steps, speaks its first words, achieves success in studies and grows into a Human Being .
And in our time, for the Jewish people, children - offspring - have another meaning that did not exist before: this is... revenge! The kind of revenge that is permitted by the Torah: revenge on the enemies of the Almighty! 70 years ago, Adolf Hitler (may his name be erased!) planned to wipe out the entire Jewish people from the face of the earth. And he and his followers managed to destroy 6 million innocent people, including small children (not to mention how much evil and death he caused to many other nations).
But the end came for both him and his followers - they fell, which sooner or later happens to all enemies of the people of Israel. And the surviving Jews began to revive the people quantitatively and, if possible, qualitatively. Numerous offspring following the path of the Torah is the best “revenge” on those who dreamed of destroying us. Here is one such example - the family of a Holocaust survivor.
Our task and greatest honor is to bring immortal souls into the world and help them fulfill their destiny to the fullest, thereby leading the world to complete correction.
Prayers for blessing children
Mother's prayer to the Lord God for children
God!
To the Creator of all creatures, adding mercy to mercy, You have made me worthy to be the mother of a family; Your goodness has given me children, and I dare to say: they are Your children!
Because You: - gave them existence, - revived them with an immortal soul, - revived them through baptism for a life in accordance with Your will, - adopted them and accepted them into the bosom of Your Church, Lord!
Keep them in a state of grace until the end of their lives;
grant them to be partakers of the sacraments of Your covenant;
sanctify by Thy truth;
may Thy holy name be sanctified in them and through them!
Grant me your gracious help in educating them for the glory of Your name and the benefit of your neighbor!
Give me methods, patience and strength for this purpose!
Teach me to plant in their hearts the root of true wisdom - Thy fear!
Illuminate them with the light of Your Wisdom that governs the universe!
May they love You with all their souls and thoughts;
may they cleave to You with all their hearts and throughout their entire life may they tremble at Your words!
Grant me the understanding to convince them that true life consists in keeping your commandments;
that work, strengthened by piety, brings serene contentment in this life and ineffable bliss in eternity.
Open to them the understanding of Your Law!
May they act until the end of their days in the feeling of Your omnipresence!
Plant in their hearts horror and disgust from all lawlessness;
let them be blameless in your ways;
May they always remember that You, All-Good God, are a champion of Your law and righteousness!
Keep them in chastity and reverence for Your name!
Let them not discredit Your Church by their behavior, but let them live according to its instructions!
Inspire them with a desire for useful teaching and make them capable of every good deed!
May they acquire a true understanding of those objects whose information is necessary in their condition;
may they be enlightened with knowledge beneficial to humanity.
God!
Manage me to impress with indelible marks on the minds and hearts of my children the fear of partnerships with those who do not know Thy fear: to instill in them every possible distance from any alliance with the lawless.
Let them not listen to rotten conversations;
Let them not listen to frivolous people;
May they not be led astray from Your path by bad examples;
May they not be tempted by the fact that sometimes the path of the wicked is successful in this world!
Heavenly Father! Grant me the grace to take every possible care to tempt my children with my actions: but, constantly bearing in mind their behavior, to distract them from errors, correct their mistakes, curb their stubbornness and obstinacy, refrain from striving for vanity and frivolity;
Let them not be carried away by foolish thoughts, let them not follow their hearts, let them not become proud in their thoughts, let them not forget You and Your law.
May iniquity not destroy their mind and health, may sins not weaken their mental and physical strength.
Righteous Judge, punishing children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generation: turn away such punishment from my children, do not punish them for my sins;
but sprinkle them with the dew of Your grace, that they may prosper in virtue and holiness, that they may increase in Your favor and in the love of pious people.
Father of generosity and all mercy!
According to my parental feeling, I would wish for my children every abundance of earthly blessings, I would wish them blessings from the dew of heaven and from the fatness of the earth, but may Thy holy will be with them!
Arrange their fate according to Your good pleasure, do not deprive them of their daily bread in life, send down to them everything they need in time to acquire a blissful eternity,
be merciful to them when they sin before You, do not impute to them the sins of their youth and their ignorance, bring their hearts into contrition when they resist the guidance of Your goodness;
Punish them and have mercy, directing them to the path pleasing to You, but do not reject them from Your presence!
Accept their prayers with favor, grant them success in every good deed;
do not turn Your face away from them in the days of their tribulation, lest temptations befall them beyond their strength.
Overshadow them with Your mercy, may Your Angel walk with them and save them from all misfortune and evil path.
All-merciful God!
Make me a mother who rejoices over her children, so that they will be my joy in the days of my life and my support in my old age.
Honor me, with trust in Your mercy, to appear with them at Your Last Judgment and with unworthy boldness to say: Here I am and my children whom You gave me, Lord!
Yes, together with them glorifying Your ineffable goodness and eternal love, I extol Your Most Holy Name, Father, Son and Holy Soul, forever and ever.
Amen.
Variety of images
View gallery
As you can see from the photos offered in the article, the “Blessing of the Children” icons are very numerous and unique in their writing. This is explained by the fact that at different times in different places people tried to capture the story they liked. They show the Lord’s love not only for the great of this world, but first of all for those who can accept His love without any conditions dictated by this world.
In some images we see a city in the background, and in other icons we see a desert, a rock or a tree. Each image carries a symbolic meaning. The tree in the icons means that nothing can grow tall unless it has deep roots. That is, if the soil is not clogged with everyday troubles, then the grain that falls on it will take deep roots and grow into a mighty fruitful tree. The city symbolizes a certain opposite. In cities, people are concerned about the opinions of others, of which there are a huge number, and everyone needs to please. Everyone around knows how to live, any deviation is punishable by the Law. In such vanity, it is difficult for a person to accept the teaching of God’s Love for people. The life of such people is overloaded with worldly worries. And only children remain with pure souls until they embark on the path of growing up.
We advise you to study Prayers to Seraphim of Sarov about work
And the Lord teaches those gathered: to seduce a soul as pure as a child’s is a sin seven times more serious than to be tempted yourself. He calls on adults not only to take care of the integrity of children's souls, but also to become like them themselves.
Meaning of the icon
The meaning of the event that the “Blessing of Jesus Christ” icon depicts is important and deeply symbolic . The children were brought by their mothers, imbued with the spirit of Christ's preaching.
They want their children to be blessed by this extraordinary man (for the Divine Essence of Jesus had not yet revealed itself and was hidden from everyone). At this moment, the students are talking behind his back, not understanding what is happening. The Savior always showed special care for the souls of children unsullied by sin and considered them an example for adults.
It is not for nothing that all people are children of the Lord to Him, to whom He treats as a stern but fair Heavenly Father
In the icon “Blessing of the Children” there is peace and grace on the face of the Savior, and the blessing gesture is full of promise and fatherly care. The meaning of the icon “Children and Christ” lies precisely in the visual evidence of His attitude towards children.
Parting words to the son and “new” daughter from the groom’s father and mother
If all the previous speeches of the parents made before the wedding were relatively brief, then after the marriage the parents can allow a few more words and wishes.
From father
- Dear daughter, dear son! We lived with (name of the bride's mother), my wife, for many happy years. There was harmony and harmony in our family. We raised a wonderful daughter who always tried to help us and pleased us with our successes. And now you, daughter, have become an adult and found a man who has become your husband. You will have a new family, a separate one. But know that your mom and I will always support you if you need help. At the same time, I am sure that (name of the groom), your husband, will be able to cope with any problems. He is a strong and worthy person. We are happy that now we also have a wonderful son. Children, be happy with each other, give love and joy, and give your mother and me grandchildren. May you live happily ever after!
- Dear (names of the newlyweds), children! Today you begin building a beautiful structure - your family. My wife and I, having lived in harmony (the time that the bride's parents have been married) for years, know that it is not always easy. Therefore, it is a little sad that you, daughter, no longer fully belong to our family, that you need to go your own way. Whatever it is, I am sure that your husband will be able to support and understand you in everything. He's a good guy, we're glad we can call him our son. Build your life like a beautiful, bright and warm home, in which there is a place of love, joy and children, which is full of peace and tranquility. Having invested your soul in building your family, you will definitely be rewarded with happiness and prosperity. Joy and all the best to you!
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the Christian cross and what it means
From mother
My beloved daughter and (name of the groom), my new son! Don’t look that I’m crying - it’s out of joy for you, my dear children. Your family was born today. Let this day be just the first of an endless number of happy days warmed by your love. Live together, enjoy every minute, try never to leave each other for more than a few hours.
At the holiday itself, the groom's parents also give their blessing; here it is more like a parting wish.
From mother
Dear children! Today means a lot to all of us. I thought I was losing my son, but in fact I had found a wonderful daughter. Now my family has grown, this is also happiness. I bless you, live in harmony and appreciate each other. Let ringing laughter always be heard in your home, and let the smiles of two loving people give light. I wish you healthy children, to the delight of grandparents, to help mom and dad. Cherish the love!
From father
My dear son and (name of the bride), his wife. Thank you! Today has made me much richer - now I have a daughter. Son, look at this girl who has become your wife. She's beautiful. You must be worthy of her, be a protector and support. Love each other, children, keep your feelings for life.
Prayer for children
Holy Father, Eternal God, from You comes every gift or every good. I diligently pray to You for the children whom Your grace has given me. You gave them life, revived them with an immortal soul, revived them with holy baptism, so that in accordance with Your will they would inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, preserve them according to Your goodness until the end of their lives. Sanctify them with Your truth, may Your name be hallowed in them. Help me, by Your grace, to educate them for the glory of Your name and for the benefit of others, give me the necessary means for this: patience and strength. Lord, enlighten them with the light of Your Wisdom, so that they love You with all their soul, with all their thoughts, plant in their hearts fear and disgust from all lawlessness, so that they may walk in Your commandments, adorn their souls with chastity, hard work, patience, honesty, protect them with truth from slander , vanity, abomination, sprinkle with the dew of Thy grace, that they may prosper in virtues and holiness, and may they increase in Thy good will, in love and piety. May the Guardian Angel always be with them and protect their youth from vain thoughts, from the temptations of this world and from all evil slander. If, when they sin before You, Lord, do not turn Your face away from them, but be merciful to them, arouse repentance in their hearts according to the multitude of Your bounties, cleanse their sins and do not deprive Your blessings, but give them everything necessary for their salvation, preserving them from all illness, danger, troubles and sorrows, overshadowing them with Your mercy all the days of this life. God, I pray to You, give me joy and joy about my children and grant me the ability to appear with them at Your Last Judgment, with shameless boldness to say: “Here I am and the children whom You gave me, Lord. Amen". Let us glorify Your All-Holy Name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
( 5 ratings, average: 2.60 out of 5)
