Icon “Holy Family”: meaning, what helps, where to hang, prayer

In literal translation, the word “icon” is used to mean “image.” Icon veneration is the honoring and respect of Orthodox images, which is carried out in accordance with the dogmas of the church. Although icon veneration is a distinctive and traditional feature of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Holy Family icon is controversial in theological circles. The attitude towards this image remains ambiguous to this day.

History of the creation of the icon

Many historians of Christianity and famous theologians agree that the icon of the Holy Family is actually a simple painting based on biblical motives.

Italy is considered the birthplace of this image. The painting was painted in the style of the great artist Raphael and became widely known in Italian lands. Later the painting was brought to Russia. This image is especially revered in the Israeli lands, which is why a tradition arose to honor this painting like an icon. Later, in the likeness of the painting, an Orthodox image was created, in the manner of icon painting in which Catholic traditions are discernible. Another icon, created on the basis of the image of the “Holy Family”, in the Orthodox tradition is called the icon of the “Three Joys”.

In the circles of clergy of the Orthodox Church there is still no consensus on the attitude towards the image of the “Holy Family”.

The meaning and “sphere of influence” of the icon

How can you briefly express the meaning of the Holy Family icon? Already based on its very name, one can assume that in this Christian (even if not recognized by the Church) picture it is logical to see a symbol - family love and mutual understanding, fidelity and constancy.

Thanks to the miraculous power of this image, all domestic and family problems are resolved. He can be considered a powerful patron of marriage and family. such an icon at home, especially in those families where there is a need to strengthen family ties, get rid of misunderstandings and return love.

How does the Holy Family icon help? They pray before her, if necessary:

Prayer to the image will save your home from quarrels. find the other half;
protect from family discord;
strengthen relationships between all family members;
bring back seemingly lost love;
stop the claims of a homewrecker or homewrecker;
discourage husband/wife from cheating;
free yourself from financial dependence, get out of debt;
in case of unfair slander, restore your good name by debunking lies and slander about yourself;
help convert criminals, prisoners and everyone leading an unworthy life to the righteous path.

This icon is a symbol of the family hearth and the inviolability of marital ties, therefore, in no case should you ask her for help in destroying someone else’s marriage and taking other people’s spouses away from the family. Even the thought of this is sinful. You can receive help and blessing only through a legal, righteous union.

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.

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.

The Sacred Family and Three Joys icons emphasize the importance of care and mutual respect in marriage. A good husband, like the wise Joseph, must treat his wife with care, care for her and protect her.

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.

Canonical aspects

Some theologians and priests express doubts about the canonical rules for writing the Holy Family icon. In particular, theologians ask: “Why does Joseph hug the Virgin Mary? Why does he look at Mary and not at Christ?” Such an image to some extent contradicts the strict canons of painting icons and Orthodox teaching, according to which Joseph did not enter into a marital relationship, but was only the guardian of the Mother of God.

In fact, the above reflections are the opinions of individual Orthodox people. But it should be said that in Orthodoxy there is a similar icon called the “Three Joys”.

In the center of the icon is the Mother of God. Her face occupies most of the icon. In her right hand she holds little Jesus Christ. Together they look at their guardian. Joseph on the right side is depicted in a reduced form. On the left side is John the Baptist with a cross.

Icon of the Mother of God of the Three Joys. Why three joys? At the beginning of the article, we looked at miraculous help for a woman. So she simultaneously received three joys:

husband returned home from prison;
the son was released from military captivity;
the state returned all property.

Who is the icon given to?

The icons described above are great for gifts:

newlyweds who are preparing for the Sacrament of Wedding;
for married couples on their wedding anniversary;
in honor of the birth of a child.

One of my favorite iconographic subjects is the “Holy Family.” This icon is one of those that “humanize” the images of biblical characters, bring them closer to us, and help us understand them. In it, a youthful Joseph hugs Mary and Jesus, as if protecting them from the dangers of his troubled time.

icon of the Holy Family.

Jesus is depicted here as a teenager, and this once again emphasizes the fact that Joseph raised Him and was His earthly father. It should not be forgotten that Joseph was also the guardian and support of the Virgin Mary. After all, Mary received the good news and became pregnant without being married. Having received divine testimony that Mary conceived immaculately, Joseph married her. There can be no doubt that the Savior was born in a legal marriage, sanctified by tradition.

The wedding of the Virgin Mary and Joseph. Perugino. OK. 1500

After Joseph's death, his sons and daughters, as well as Mary and Jesus, continued to live together. Who did Jesus leave his Mother with when he left home at age 30? Yes, to the same “brothers and sisters” according to Joseph. They subsequently joined the group of His companions, and Mary was with them. We already wrote about this friendly family in the post “Nazareth. Holy Family". The Mother of God stood at the cross of the crucified Son, and in His last minutes He entrusted the Mother to the care of His youngest and beloved disciple John.

Crucifixion. El Greco.

Thus, we see that next to the Virgin Mary all her life there was one of the men - Joseph, Jesus, the sons of Joseph, John. Women at that time could not exist independently. Left without a close male relative, the woman was doomed to ask favors from more distant relatives. Remember the story of Naomi and Ruth (Naomi and Ruth in the synodal translation). The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were left alone.

Naomi and Ruth. Engraving by William Blake, 1795

They returned together to Naomi's homeland, Bethlehem, and Ruth went to the field of a distant relative of her late husband to collect ears of corn. It’s good that Boaz (in Russian Boaz) noticed her and took her as his wife, otherwise things would have been difficult for the women. Every name in Hebrew necessarily means something. The name Boaz has the word "strength" in it. And it was not in vain that this strong man supported and warmed Ruth. The great-grandson of this couple was the great King David.

Ruth and Boaz. Julius Schnorr. London National Gallery.

In the light of these traditions, one can also recall the story of the resurrection by Elijah the prophet of the son of a widow from Zarephath of Sidon. According to religious law, the wife does not inherit her husband's property, it goes to the sons (https://www.get.what2do.co.il/צוואה-דין-תורה). If there are no sons, the daughters inherit the property (Num. 27:8-11). A widow who has lost her only son not only remains lonely, she also remains poor, her land plot goes to her husband's relatives, and she becomes dependent on them. By resurrecting the boy, Elijah not only returns his son to his mother, but also restores her socio-economic status (1 Kings 17:17-24). There is exactly the same story in the New Testament: Jesus resurrects a young man from the town of Nain (Luke 7:11-16).

Photo from the Orthodox Church in Tabor.

The icon shows how the widow is tearing her hair out of despair, and behind her the claimant to her son’s property with an indignant gesture objects to the resurrection of the boy. Today, on the site of the ancient town there is an Arab village with the same name - Nein, and in the center of the village there is a church dedicated to this miracle. The church was built back in the 4th century, existed during the Crusaders and was restored by the Franciscans in 1880. It is called the Church of the “Son of the Widow.” And the most famous miracle of resurrection - the resurrection of Lazarus - can be viewed from the same point of view. Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha lived in the vicinity of Jerusalem, in the village of Bethany. Lazarus fell ill, died, was buried in a cave, as was customary then, and lay there for four days. Jesus, who came at the call of the sisters, approached the crypt and cried out: “Lazarus! get out” (John 11:1-45). And Lazarus came out, wrapped in a shroud, but alive.

icon of the Raising of Lazarus.

And he lived another 30 years. Orthodox believe that he became a bishop in Cyprus. According to Catholic tradition, he became the first bishop of Marseille. But wherever he went, his sisters were always with him. The very name "Lazarus", in Hebrew "Eliezer", means "The Lord helped me." In this case, the Lord helped not only him, but also Mary and Martha. Well, it’s over that today a woman has equal rights with a man and can feed herself. And yet, it will be a pity if a man ceases to perceive himself as the most responsible person in the family, a support and protector. The icon “Holy Family” is included in the Orthodox canon called “Three Joys”. It is believed that it owes its origin to a painting by Raphael.

icon of three joys

For those who bring the “Holy Family” icon from the Holy Land, it will always remind them of what a good family should be like.

Website of guides Vlad and Yulia Poznyansky:

Image of the young Christ with his parents. The icon was first painted in Italy, then it was brought to other countries, including Russia. The image is especially popular in Israel; it is sold on almost every corner and is necessarily present in every temple. A work of art based on a biblical story does not belong to canonical icons, and there are serious reasons for this. In this article we will look at what is remarkable about the Holy Family icon, its meaning, why it helps and why it causes so much controversy.

How the image of “Three Joys” was created

One of the clergy of the Trinity Church was struck by the image of the “Holy Family” brought from Italy. On its basis, the Orthodox icon of the “Three Joys” was created. The image was placed on the porch in front of the entrance to Trinity Church.

The name of the new image is associated with a miraculous event that occurred 40 years after the icon was painted. One woman suffered many misfortunes, but she did not lose hope for the best and entrusted her fate into the hands of the Lord, praying daily and trusting in His mercy. In a dream, the Lord pointed her to this image of the Mother of God and ordered her to pray at this icon. The woman traveled to many churches, temples and chapels before she found the necessary image. Through the prayers of this icon of the Mother of God, three happy events occurred one after another in the life of a woman. After these incidents, the icon received a new name “Three Joys”.

Traditionally, this icon contains a half-length image of the Mother of God holding the Infant Jesus on her lap. To the right of the Mother of God stands Joseph the Betrothed, depicted as an elderly man: his image is associated with wisdom and Christian humility. On the left side of the Most Pure Virgin stands John the Baptist, who looks lovingly at little Jesus.

The image of the Mother of God expresses peace and tranquility. With one hand the Most Pure Virgin holds the Divine Infant, Her second hand is lowered, palm down. The Virgin Mary is dressed in traditional red and blue clothes.

Holy Guardian

The tradition of depicting the little Christ surrounded by his parents comes from Western art. Such a plot can often be seen in the works of medieval masters. There are also many paintings where Joseph is depicted together with Christ - both as a child and as a youth. For example, in G. Reni’s canvas, an old man with gray hair is holding a baby who is playing with his beard.

Saint Joseph is highly revered in Catholicism. There are even two holidays dedicated to the elder. I remember his hard work, patience and humility. How worthy must a person be to talk with an Angel? This did not happen to all earthly righteous people. The Holy Family truly deserves every respect.

It is believed that Jesus' earthly father died shortly after the campaign to Jerusalem, which is described in the Gospel. The life of the saint is described in more detail in the apocryphal (unrecognized) Book of Joseph the Carpenter. Experts attribute it to the 5th century.

When believers pray to the Most Pure Virgin and Joseph the Betrothed

They turn to Joseph and the Blessed Virgin in an effort to save the family from quarrels and troubles.
Wives whose husbands are prone to fornication and adultery ask the Most Pure Virgin to grant wisdom and restraint to their spouse.
You can pray at this icon not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones. Prayer at the icon of the “Three Joys” will help a lost soul return to the right path.
People who have not found a spouse turn to the Blessed Virgin and Joseph the Betrothed with prayer appeals asking for help in finding a soul mate.
The prayer is read in days of mental torment and sorrow.

How does an image help?

The image is more reminiscent of a painting that was made based on a plot from the Book of the Gospel. There are a colossal number of such works of art, the authors of which were the greatest masters of the brush. Many artists created paintings on biblical themes, but none of them can be called an icon (except for “The Three Joys”).

In Russia, this image is rapidly increasing its popularity.

The image of the “Holy Family” is considered as the guardian of home comfort, the usefulness of the family and the accompanying categories of marriage. The face helps in the search for the other half and removes those who want to ruin the union of a man and a woman. Prayers in front of the image help protect household members from causeless quarrels and maintain peace. Very Often they pray to the icon for deliverance from betrayal. This is relevant for those who have already experienced such marital betrayal. If a person is lonely for a long time and cannot find a partner, it is necessary to turn to this face with a sincere desire. The image has the power to relieve everyday troubles and restore faith and hope. After the petition, the believer experiences relief in his soul and continues on his way with a light heart. Prayers in front of the “Holy Family” icon protect people in dangerous professions (military, police, firefighters). The image brings back people who willfully left home, and also protects the lives of those returning from distant lands .People often pray to the image to help sinners take the righteous path. The icon returns bad debts and emotional strength during great upheavals. The “Holy Family” restores the honor of an unjustly slandered person.

The celebration of the day of this shrine falls on January 8 (NS). A large number of believers come to praise and petition the Mother of God, Christ and Joseph. Unfortunately, the original list was destroyed in the 30s of the last century during the invasion of atheistic and cynical people.

About the canonical icons of the Mother of God:

“Putivl” “Joy of all angels” “Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary” Note! The church class is extremely skeptical about this image and does not place it in the rank of canonized images. It was written in Italy in the manner of Raphael. When the shrine ended up in Russia, it immediately acquired the status of national treasure. The image is recognized only as a painting based on a story from the Gospel or a false icon.

Icon "Holy Family"

What prayers should be read

Most often, turning to the Most Pure Virgin and Saint Joseph, Christians read the following prayer text:

The Greatness of the Most Holy Theotokos before the Icon of Her “Three Joys”

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.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Three Joys”

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the all-merciful Son, the all-merciful Mother of the reigning city and the holy temple of this patroness, faithful representative of all who live in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses intercessor! Do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and beg Thy Son and our God, that He may grant to all of us, who with faith and tenderness worship before Thy miraculous image, according to our needs. Here is joy: consolation to those who are in sorrow and sorrow, mercy to those who are in need, and mercy to those who are in great distress. unexpected healing and strengthening. O Most Holy Lady, have mercy on all who honor Your all-honorable name and show to everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession: make haste in every work pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil work; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, to those who find invisible help and admonition were sent down from heaven. Raise babies, train young ones to be chaste, open their minds to accept every useful teaching. Protect and preserve from domestic warfare and from enemies visible and invisible. Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness and protect from enmity of half-bloods with peace and love. And give us all love, peace and piety, and health with long life. Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, create the lives of the angels and all the saints, so that all in Heaven and on earth may lead You as our steadfast and unashamed Representative, of the race of Christ Iansky, and, leading, they glorify Thee and Thy Son with Thee, with His Beginning Father and by His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Iconography

The appearance of the icon is wonderful and attracts you. Many people like her for her truly family-friendly appearance. It depicts three personalities: on the left the Most Holy Theotokos, on the right side the righteous Joseph and in the center the baby Jesus Christ. Righteous Joseph is depicted as an old man. After all, he was the guardian of the Virgin Mary and protected her from evil. In the icon, he tenderly hugs the Mother of God and presses his head to hers. The Blessed Virgin also bows her head as a sign of love and submission. The Christ Child blesses with his right hand and holds in his left hand a copy of the Law of God.

Features of correct prayer

The main condition for correct prayer is undoubted faith in the Lord and that the words of prayer will reach His Throne and be heard.
Before you start reading prayer texts, you should repent, praise the Lord and not hold evil in your soul.
Another prerequisite for good prayer is humility. The Lord can ignore the prayer of a proud and vain person.
The regularity of prayer calls is no less important. In Orthodoxy there is the concept of morning and evening prayer rules. A prayer to the Blessed Virgin and Joseph the Betrothed can be included in one of them.

Despite the fact that controversy continues to surround the canonicity of the image of the “Holy Family,” its growing popularity among the people and fame in Jerusalem make it possible to calm even the most militant skeptics. The image of the “Three Joys”, created according to the prototype of the “Holy Family”, is recognized by the official church. Anyone can buy it in the church shop.

When hanging an icon in your home iconostasis, you should not forget that prayers at this image should be accompanied by words of thanksgiving addressed to the Lord and the Most Holy Theotokos. Pure thoughts and good intentions will bring a sincere prayer to the Lord, even if it is said in simple words.

Canonicity

Many today bring this image from a trip to the Holy Land. But we should not forget that a huge number of denominations are collected there, and the state of Israel itself is not Christian at all (only 2% of the population is Christian). In fact, local residents are unlikely to understand Orthodox culture, so they can sell anything as long as it is in demand.

Therefore, before bringing a new image into your home, you need to think carefully. The icon “Holy Family” is not canonical, that is, it is not officially recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Strictly speaking, this is more of a religious painting, rather than an icon in the full theological sense.

What does the painting look like and what is its meaning? What confuses zealous advocates of the purity of Orthodoxy, since the icon looks like many others?

Prayer to the Holy Family icon

«Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the protection of the capital city and the holy temple of this temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins and sorrows! Do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, that He may grant to all of us, who worship Thy miraculous image with faith and tenderness, according to each need: to the sinner - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; for those who remain in troubles and embitterment - complete relief from them; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; to those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to God; to those in illness - healing and strengthening. Oh, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on all who honor Your honorable name and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession, protect and preserve people from visible and invisible enemies. Establish marriages in love and like-mindedness; raise babies; Young chastity, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching; Protect half-blooded people from domestic quarrels with peace and love, and give us all love, peace and piety, and health with long life, so that everyone in heaven and on earth will lead You as a strong and unashamed Representative of the Christian race and, this is true, glorify You and Your Son with His beginningless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".

Composition

The “image” contains the Virgin Mary, the betrothed Joseph and the Baby Jesus. Mary's clearly close relationship with her husband is demonstrated here - Joseph puts his arm around his wife's shoulders, their heads bowed to each other. The figures of adults serve as a frame for the little Christ.

The Savior is written seemingly traditionally - he makes a blessing gesture with his right hand. But the left one strives to connect with the palms of the parents. A very uncharacteristic arrangement of hands, but in the Orthodox icon-painting tradition, not only the relationship of figures, gestures, direction of gaze, but even shades of colors are important.

Usually the Lord holds a Book or a scroll in his left hand; these objects indicate the Holy Scripture. And here it turns out that His life is limited to being among relatives.

Many are also haunted by the fact that according to orthodox beliefs, Mary and Joseph were married only formally. It’s just that the Mother of God had already reached the age when it was customary in Israel to get married.

Therefore, a worthy patron was found for her, ready to bring the girl into his home and take care of her. According to Orthodox tradition, Joseph was a widower of advanced years.

His task was to protect the virgin’s chastity, and then to take care of God’s Son.

Interpretation of the image

According to the common people, this icon is important as the patroness of the family hearth. How does an image help? Find a husband or wife, maintain love and fidelity between them. Even for weddings, they began to give the “Holy Family” to the newlyweds, although traditionally the image of the Lord (Savior Not Made by Hands) and the Mother of God (usually this is “Kazan”) is needed.

In fact, Orthodoxy already has a similar icon called “Three Joys.” It is made in the Italian style, is miraculous, and has its own interesting history of veneration. But the most important thing is that all canons are observed in it. So is it worth inventing new shrines when there are already enough of them?

Holy Guardian

Saint Joseph is highly revered in Catholicism. There are even two holidays dedicated to the elder. I remember his hard work, patience and humility. How worthy must a person be to talk with an Angel? This did not happen to all earthly righteous people. The Holy Family truly deserves every respect.

How to treat?

Is it possible to keep a non-canonical image in the house? Depends, rather, on the attitude towards him. We must remember the first commandment - nothing should obscure the Lord from a person. Only Him can a Christian worship and serve. If the image causes embarrassment, it is better not to keep it in the apartment, but to tell the priest about your doubts in confession.

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Some priests say that you can pray in front of the Holy Family icon if you have the right attitude towards it. In any case, it is better to consult with your confessor. Orthodoxy has enough sacred objects that do not darken the mind and soul, so there is no need to specifically look for dubious new items. God bless you!

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