Akathist before the “Education” icon: read and listen to the doxology of the Mother of God

Description and text of the akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “Education”

Kontakion 1

To the chosen Voivode and good Educator of the Christian race, as having gotten rid of the evil ones, let us write a letter of gratitude to Thy servants, but as having an invincible power, free my children from all troubles, and with tears I call to Thee: raise my children (names) worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and eternal heirs do them good.

Ikos 1

Send an angel from heaven to my children, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Thy 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 children as earthly angels;
Raise my children to be heavenly people.
Raise my children to be Your servants;
Raise my children to cry to You: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with You.”
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 2

Seeing my maternal prayer for my children, I ask You for the only help: take them under Your honest and merciful protection, so that they may cry to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Send me thought to my children, how to serve You well and fill their hearts with heavenly wisdom, grant them to love it alone, and despise earthly things, and do not forbid with my mouth the cry like this:

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 to be wise against the wiles of the devil;
Raise my children to wisely organize their lives in the image of the saints.
Raise my children to nourish them with the milk of God’s hidden wisdom, so that they may seek it in all their lives;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them 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, and therefore, having recognized Your motherly mercy for all who flow to God with faith, they will cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having my children from God, I do not want to see them in eternal torment, more so than those written in the Book of Life and inheriting eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure Virgin, incline your ear to my prayer, crying to You:

Raise my children to avoid eternal torment;
Raise my children to inherit an eternal life.
Educate my children to lead the path of life in repentance;
Raise my children, who through difficulty acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to strive to capture the Kingdom of Heaven;
Raise my children to be written in the Book of Life.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm within me of doubtful thoughts, ascending to feed my children into the eternal belly, I weep, and, remembering Your abundant mercies, in hope and tenderness of heart I sing to the 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 raise My children among Your servants and fulfill my request:

Raise my children in Your most holy inheritance;
Raise my children with all Your saints.
Raise my children to be slaves who do all Your commandments;
Raise my children to walk the narrow path of the commandments of Your Son to Jerusalem on high.
Raise my children to seek help from You alone;
Raise my children to be accepted into the eternal belly.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 5

May the morning star, that is, Your Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine with an unevening light in the hearts of my children, so that I may cry 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 children to be poor in spirit, for they are the Kingdom of Heaven;
Raise my children to weep, so that they will be comforted.
Raise my children to be meek, for they will inherit the earth;
Raise my children to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied.
Raise my children to be merciful, for they will receive mercy;
Raise my children to be pure in heart, so that they will see God.
Raise my children to be peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 6

The entire Christian world preaches the constant intercession of orphans, widows and mothers, praying for their children and crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Raise the rays of grace in the souls of my children, so that those enlightened by You from above will see the path leading to the eternal life, and follow it, nourished under Your almighty Protection, into the Church of Your Son, where life is endless, and for this sake, hear me calling to You sitse:

Raise my children with the light of the world, may their light shine before people, and may they see their good deeds and glorify the Heavenly Father;
Raise my children with enlightenment from Your Son, so that in His light they will see the light and direct their feet towards Him.
Raise my children, turning the eyes of your heart to the Creator of all things;
Raise my children, guiding the morning star who is Your Son in the abode of the righteous.
Raise my children to be meek, silent and trembling at the words of God;
Raise my children to love You and Your Son not only with their minds, but also with their hearts.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 7

I want eternal salvation for my child, I stand with tears before Your honorable icon, Lady, may you not despise my prayer, calling to Your Son: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Your Son, you have drawn my children of mercy with your howling hand under Your gracious Protection, so that with zeal I call to You:

Raise my children to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness;
Raise my children to walk through the narrow gates leading to the eternal belly.
Raise up my children in every place to do the will of Your Son and God;
Raise my children to strive to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to be ignorant and to think blasphemy against the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children among the small number of Your chosen ones.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 8

Wandering in this earthly vale of many sorrows and many rebellions, my children, where they will find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One, travel 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 my child. Behold, I entrust them in Thy hand and in humility I ask Thee:

Raise my children to be watchful and praying, so that they will not fall into temptation;
Raise my children to be merciful, just as the Heavenly Father is merciful.
Raise my children in the tenderness of infancy, as children are the Kingdom of God;
Raise my children to be the least of all, so that they will be great before God.
Raise my children to keep the Word of God, making them partakers of the bliss of heaven;
Raise my children to be trustworthy for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 9

Fill them with all the goodness of their souls and hearts, driving away from them the spirit of evil-smelling atheism, giving from Your bounties to everyone, but each time according to need, so I call to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The branch of those who are unwise in communication, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver them and look upon me, who truly cry out:

Raise my children to vigorously resist the atheists;
Raise my children to stand firmly against God-hating teachings.
Raise my children to reject the false instructions of unbelieving teachers;
Raise my children to not accept the spirit of the sons of disobedience.
Raise my children to escape the joys of the world and the delights of this world;
Raise my children to shun evil and do good.
Raise my children to love and pray for each of them;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 10

Although to save the world, 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 children, so that they may cry out to God for salvation through You: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Become an indestructible wall, O Heavenly Queen, to my children, so that under Your blessed Protection they can do many good deeds, and with them I call to You:

Raise my children to lead them to do the will of Your Son and God;
Raise my children to hate sin and all lawlessness.
Raise my children to love goodness and every virtue;
Raise my children in immaculate purity.
Raise my children to ascend the ladder of your belly every day;
Raise my children in their sorrow by turning their eyes to Your mercy.
Raise my children in obedience and chastity who serve You;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 11

Make my children (names) worthy to sing Your irresistible intercession, and by Your grace open their mouths to cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Make their life day and night a light-receiving light from above, burning and melting from love for You and Your Son and neighbor, and do not despise me when I call You:

Raise my children to love You with all their hearts and thoughts;
Raise my children to always look at the cross and the suffering of Your Son.
Raise my children to open their mouths only to praise and glorify Your goodness;
Raise my children to await the coming of Your Son with tears.
Raise my children in more sober and unceasing prayer;
Raise my children to always stand in reverence for You.
Raise my children to produce good fruit;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 12

Fill the hearts of my children with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that I may love only Your Son and God, and I, the Most Gracious One, moved by You, call to the King of all: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Thy mercy, with which you have mercy and nourishment of my children, I pray, do not stop asking Thy Son for them, for I believe that everything is available to You, and fulfill my prayers for the good:

Raise my children to be filled with the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children to be present at the Judgment of Your Son at the right hand.
Raise my children to live holy;
Raise my children with the grace of the Spirit of God, firmly on the path to return to abiding.
Raise my children to be insatiably hungry and thirsty for the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children to be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer into the stench of fragrance for my children (names) and take them under Your merciful Protection. Also grant them to think, know, hear, speak and do only that which brings them closer to You and Your Son, and contributes to eternal salvation. And send them in this life everything useful for the salvation of their souls, let them call to God: Alleluia. (This kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1)

Ikos 1

Raise my children as earthly angels;
Raise my children to be heavenly people.
Raise my children to be Your servants;
Raise my children to cry to You: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with You.”
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.

Kontakion 1

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.

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 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. 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).

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.

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.

Iconography of the image

The icon of the Mother of God “Education” (photo 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.

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.

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.