The formation of a highly moral and culturally enlightened personality has long been the highest principles that have always guided and continue to guide young Russian Orthodox families in the process of raising their children. Showing a humane attitude towards elders, providing the necessary help and support to those in need, are important human actions that children should be taught to do, starting from their early age.
Date of celebration: March 18
That is why the icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing” is one of the most revered sacred images in Russia. After all, it is she who, with the help of her unique miraculous properties, helps people to properly educate their young talent.
What does the “Education” icon help with?
The Nurture icon is believed to be important for the development of healthy and happy offspring.
In the future, their reflection will be directly manifested in the performance of good and significant deeds for society. In the future, their reflection will be directly manifested in the performance of good and significant deeds for society.
In addition, in the lives of many families, sometimes sad circumstances occur, the consequences of which can cause serious mental trauma to parents and other relatives. Their manifestations may involve health problems, or the commission of any illegal acts that influenced someone’s children. But even despite all of the above, people can still turn to the Mother of God for help, counting on her further support. After all, the icon of the Mother of God “Education” helps to maintain health and ensure the safety of growing children, guiding them only along the right path in life.
Description and location of the “Education” icon
The icon depicts the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus sitting on her left hand. The baby pulls his right hand up to the face of the Mother of God. The Mother of God points to her Son with her right hand. On some lists, Jesus extends both hands to his Mother with open palms. The icon belongs to the Hodegetria type. In the icon, everyone sees the tenderness and love of the Holy Mother for her Baby and all humanity. The Mother of God is depicted in a red robe with a gold border, and Jesus is dressed in a cloak. The icon is not very common, but copies of it can be found in temples and churches of Bryansk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Karelia, Moscow, St. Petersburg. The most reliable list to this day is located within the walls of the Kazan Cathedral.
Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Nurturing”
It is difficult to overestimate the role of raising children in the family and society. Today's children will become tomorrow's heirs and leaders of society, carrying into it the values that have been instilled in them since childhood.
The Icon of the Mother of God “Education” is a faithful assistant to parents in solving difficult problems when communicating with children, a reliable adviser and guide in the world of vanity and temptation.
Description of the Holy Face
The iconostasis of an Orthodox family must preserve this unique image of the Mother of God, which helps at any moment to solve difficulties that arise when communicating with children.
Some holy images of the Mother of God were painted during her lifetime. Among the icon painters, Evangelist Luke stood out, who saw the Most Pure Virgin with his own eyes.
An eyewitness of that time writes that in the presence of the Mother of God, wonderful aromas and amazing calm were felt. Her hair the color of ripe wheat shone gold, and her eyes filled with kindness and tenderness. The pink lips on the elongated face exuded sweet words.
The artist managed to convey the beauty and divinity of the Mother of God in the “Nursing” icon, which appeared in Russia a long time ago from Byzantium under unknown circumstances. Initially, the holy image was kept in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow; after the loss of the original, there is now a copy of it there.
The holy image of “Education” refers to the icons of Hodegetria, guidebooks.
The Virgin Mary depicted on canvas is filled with love, her tenderness extends not only to the Son sitting on Her left hand, but to all humanity. The baby extends his hand (sometimes both) to the Mother.
The sophistication of the palette makes the image especially bright. The Virgin Mary is dressed in a dark red maforium, decorated with three stars and a gold border along the edge of the robe. A golden cloth is draped over Jesus; many consider it to be a prototype of the shroud; His torso is naked.
Jesus Himself said that everyone should trust Him with childlike trust, accept His instructions in order to enter the Kingdom of God.
What is the significance of the icon of the Mother of God “Education”
The holy image “Education” and the prayer to the Mother of God help in raising children.
The character of a child and his attitude towards the world around him is formed in childhood. They say that a child “absorbs” basic values with mother’s milk until the age of 3. Only by seeing the pious behavior of the parents, their prayers at the home iconostasis, will true Christian values settle in the child’s heart forever, his soul will be filled with compassion, love, humility and reverence for elders.
Correct upbringing is possible only under the auspices of the Creator and the saints; this was clearly adhered to in past centuries, valuing images, prayers and worship of God.
Important! The surest way to protect your child on the path of Christianity is prayer, petitions to God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit and the Most Pure Mother of God.
The Mother of God is a symbol of motherhood; she is the patroness of family relationships, including between parents and children.
In front of the “Education” icon, it is enough to constantly say a prayer, saying that you are entrusting your child completely to the will of God under the protection of the Most Pure Mother of God.
What is the power of an icon?
Parents have to meet the influence of the outside world while raising their child:
- temptations;
- bad companies;
- grievances;
- children's maximalism;
- cruelty;
- disappointments.
Reading the prayer of the Mother of God at the image “Education”, parents ask for the intercession of the Mother of God for children of any age, and even those who are still in the womb. The akathist to the holy image, in which the hymn to the Most Pure Mother of God, who dedicated Her life to wonderful motherhood and patronage, will also strengthen the power of prayers.
Advice! When reading a prayer and akathist, it is important not just to pronounce the words, but to pass them through your heart and mind, completely trusting the protection of the Mother of God.
Protecting children on the “slippery” path of growing up, prayer helped teenagers repent of unseemly actions, repent before the Creator and return to their father’s home with love and reverence.
Holy elders such as St. Theophan the Recluse and Ambrose of Optina devoted a lot of time to researching and writing messages on raising children.
On a note! On March 18, every year the Orthodox world celebrates the day of the “Education” icon.
This holy face of the Mother of God is not often found in churches, so there is no large list of miracles performed on her list.
According to the testimony of ministers and parents, in whose churches and homes there is a bright image, help through the prayer of the Most Pure One always came on time.
Icon of the Mother of God of the Three Joys
The memory of the icon is celebrated on December 26 (January 8).
The story of the “Three Joys” icon of the Mother of God is truly amazing. This famous and revered image of the Mother of God in Rus' is a copy from the “Bright Family” by the Italian artist Raphael. A copy of the famous painting was brought to Russia by a pious artist who, as was customary at that time, studied abroad.
The painting was presented to the rector of the Holy Trinity Church on Gryazekh in Moscow and was subsequently placed on the porch above the entrance to the temple.
The icon received its name after an amazing incident that occurred 40 years after that. Three misfortunes befell one woman at once. Her husband was innocently convicted and sent into exile. All property went to the treasury, and the son, participating in hostilities, was captured. The unfortunate woman constantly prayed for help for her family, and in a dream she had a revelation. The Most Holy Theotokos ordered to find the icon of the Holy Family in Moscow and pray in front of it.
The woman walked around many churches and finally found the desired icon in the Trinity Church. After fervent, sincere prayer, she received three joyful news: her husband was acquitted and returned from exile, her son was rescued from captivity, and all previously confiscated property was returned to the owners.
After this, the icon began to be called the “Three Joys” icon. And believers reached out to her with prayers for deliverance from troubles and sorrows. The icon began to be revered as miraculous.
The icon depicts the Infant God on the knees of the Most Holy Theotokos with a white flower in his hands. To the right of the center is Joseph the Betrothed, and to the left is John the Baptist at a young age. Both look lovingly at the Divine Child.
Historical reference
According to surviving historical information, the main place of origin of the icon is considered to be the largest state - Byzantium. From there, later, it was taken straight to Russia, taking its place in the Kazan Cathedral. Later, after a series of destructive and illegal actions that were actively taken during the 1917 revolution, the cathedral building was severely destroyed. And at the same time, the original image of the icon of the Mother of God was completely lost. Subsequently, he could not be found.
However, later, in place of the main shrine, in the same place, a list of the stolen icon was installed, which was recreated in the most accurate form. It clearly shows the Mother of God holding her little son, Jesus Christ, with her left hand. The baby himself points his right hand towards the mother. It should also be noted that, along with the Kazan Icon, there are other prototypes of it in Russia that have the same miraculous properties.
Icon of the Mother of God Education
(5/18 March)
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Education” they pray for the education of their children in faith and piety.
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, hear us, Thy unworthy servants, who diligently flow to You. Lord, in Your merciful power, our children, Your servants (names), have mercy and save them for Your name’s sake, forgive them all sins, voluntary or involuntary, committed by them before You, Lord. Guide them on the true path, enlighten their minds with Your light, warm their hearts with Your love. Lord, bless them in the house, in the teaching, on the road and in every place of Your dominion. Lord, protect them under the shelter of Your Saints from a flying arrow, from fire, from a sword, from a deadly plague and from vain death. Lord, protect them from all visible and invisible enemies, heal them from all illnesses, cleanse them from all filth and ease their mental suffering. Lord, grant them the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health, chastity and piety. Lord, multiply and strengthen their spiritual and physical strength, which You have given them. Grant Your blessing to our children for a pious and, if You please, family life. Lord, grant us, Thy unworthy and sinful servants (names), a blessing for the upbringing of our children and make us worthy to collectively achieve the eternal Kingdom and there glorify Thy most honorable and magnificent name, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer to the Mother of God O Most Holy Lady Virgin Theotokos, most merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your roof our children (names), all youths, young women, infants and those carried in the mother’s womb. Cover them with Your robe, keep them in the fear of God and obedience as a parent, pray to our Lord and Your Son to grant them everything useful for spiritual salvation. We entrust them to Your Motherly supervision, for You are the divine protection of Your servant. Amen.
Troparion, tone 4 To the one who was brought up in the temple in the Holy of Holies, clothed in faith and wisdom and immeasurable virginity, the Archangel Gabriel brought from heaven a kiss and a hedgehog “Rejoice, rejoice, Blessed One, rejoice, O Most Glorified One, the Lord is with Thee.”
Kontakion, tone 6 There are no imams of other help, no imams of other hope, except for You, the Lady. Help us, we rely on You, and we boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.
Greatness We magnify Thee, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Thy holy image, through which we heal our illnesses and raise our souls to God.
The meaning of the Mammal icon
Many clergy and scientists tried to describe the image of the Mother of God, the meaning and symbolism that she hides within herself. She is a helper, she is an intercessor, she is a patroness, she is a rare icon of iconography.
Mother's milk is the greatest value that every woman can give after the birth of a baby. The Mother of God feeds her child, Jesus, performing an incredible, secret sacrament.
This shrine is classified as one of the most ancient images. Initially, it was kept for a long time in the Holy Place - Jerusalem, in the Church of the Sanctified Laurus Sava. Then, it was transported to Mount Athos, to the Church of the Karelian Kelia of the Hilandar Monastery.
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There are a large number of miraculous lists from the image of the Virgin Mary, which are truly magical, they work miracles. Mandatory symbols inherent in all lists of shrines are the image of the moon and the sun.
According to legend, every woman who is going to become a mother should have such a face, then she will experience only the joy of motherhood, without knowing unnecessary troubles and troubles, and breastfeeding will not cause the slightest worry.
Miracles and healings given by the Mother of God
The history of the holy face includes at least 600 miraculous acts and healings. Let's look at a few of the most interesting of them:
- In 1664, trouble came to the house of the nobleman Zhabokritsky - his son died. The grandmother, not wanting to come to terms with the death of her beloved grandson, spent the whole night in prayer. When the sun rose, the dead boy came to life.
- During the siege of Pochaev, believers asked for help and protection from the Lord God and His Mother, reading prayer petitions before the face of the Most Pure Virgin. Suddenly the face of the Mother of God appeared before the attackers. Frightened by what they saw, the Turks lost their minds and began to maim their own brothers.
- In 1950, a miracle happened in the healing of the crippled nun Varvara, who lived in the city of Orenburg. For 48 years, the unfortunate woman could not walk. Desperate, the nun turned to the Most Pure Virgin with prayerful speeches. After the prayer, a miracle happened: the woman stood up and walked on her own feet. The crutches of the nun Varvara are still located near the icon.
- Blind from the moment of birth, Anna Yakimchukova came from the city of Kamenets-Podolsky to the top of the mountain, where the Mother of God appeared to the pilgrims. After washing herself with spring water from a footprint, the woman instantly regained her sight.
- After suffering an infectious disease, a boy named Yura lost his hearing. This grief happened in our days. The child was hospitalized, but he spent only one night in the hospital. All night the child held in his hands the icon of the Mother of God given by his grandmother. In the morning, doctors examined and discharged the boy as he was healthy.
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Where to place the icon in the house
Traditionally, icons in the house are placed in the “red corner”. For this, the eastern side of the house is chosen. However, in modern apartments it is not always possible to place an iconostasis in accordance with this rule. Therefore, you can organize another corner or shelf, but not on the western wall.
It is recommended to place the image of Our Lady of Education in the children's room. Then the child will be under the protection of the Mother of God. When they pray in front of an icon, they light a candle or lamp. The lamp can be left lit during the day. To please the Queen of Heaven, the image can be decorated with flowers and incense can be burned in front of it.
It is not recommended to place mirrors, posters and souvenirs next to the image. During prayer, a person turns to God, and worldly objects can distract his attention and inspire vain thoughts.
The appearance of the image in Rus'
As documentary evidence tells us, in the mid-16th century (1596), landowner A.E. lived not far from the place where the Pochaev monks built their monastery. Goyskaya. At that time, Bishop Neophytos, the Greek metropolitan, was passing through the Volyn lands. He found himself in these parts on some church business and decided to stop by Pochaev on the way, venerate the shrine and pray.
The pious landowner hosted the guest of honor with all honors. In gratitude for the respect and hospitality shown, Neophyte gave Goyskaya the image of the Mother of God and Child, with which he had never parted before. After the Metropolitan’s departure, the landowner saw that the iconographic face at times radiated a wondrous light.
She had a brother, Porfiry, who was born blind and has remained ill ever since. When they were sure that the difficult image had entered the house, they decided to pray for the healing of the unfortunate man. And the long-awaited joy happened,” Porfiry saw the light.
The healing of her brother, which took place in front of many people, shocked Anna. She made a will in favor of the monastic monastery, allocating part of her property to it. And the holy image, the significance of which was great for all Orthodox people, accompanied by monks, priests and other believers, was transferred to Pochaevskaya Mountain. So the landowner transferred it to the holy monastery for eternal storage.
The heirs of Anna Goyskaya plundered the monastery and took away the iconographic face with them. The litigation between the monastery and the nobles for the return of the stolen goods lasted for a long time, almost a quarter of a century. Victory remained on God's side. The Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God returned to its rightful place, and again lines of people reached out to it for help and healing.
More than 4 centuries have passed since the appearance of the icon of the Pochaev Mother of God. Every day at five o'clock in the morning, in the fragile pre-dawn silence, the miracle of a living sacrament invariably occurs. The iconographic face of the Mother of God begins its movement towards people solemnly and strictly. The same ancient one, famous for its miracles. The icon stops its movement at the height of human growth. You look at the image of the Mother of God, which is so close, and you believe that a miracle is possible. It makes you want to touch him.
In this early pre-dawn hour, people go and go to the temple. They believe in the protection and patronage of the miraculous face of the Pochaev Mother of God, as evidenced by their prayers and worship. The image again ascends to the top of the temple, as if taking with it the memory of the countless miracles it created.
The story of another miracle
The year was 1759, when one incredible incident occurred with Count Nikolai Pototsky and his servant, who became the unwitting cause of what happened. The culprit of the incident himself tells: “My master did not sit still. He traveled all over his property. One day we were driving past Pochaev. The horses are beasts, and the carriage is new. There is God's beauty all around, and the gentleman is cheerful. And then they lied to us. The horses were afraid of something, but they would carry them. I told them: “Whoa! Whoa!”, and they got even worse - the reins were torn out of my hands, the carriage turned over. And I’m head over heels downhill from it, I look and my gentleman is lying there, obviously hurt.
Here my hands and feet went cold. I know the gentleman won’t let this happen. Well, I think that's it, I'm finished. All he had time to do was turn towards the monastery and say a prayer: “Save and have mercy, Mother of God!” And the gentleman pointed the pistol at me and pulled the trigger. The first, second, third time - everything is a misfire. The sir can't shoot. He realized that some Power that was higher than him was preventing him from doing this. And his anger disappeared somewhere, and he shouted: “I want to see this icon! Go to Pochaev immediately!” We rushed to the church that stood at the foot of the mountain. Pan entered, found that miraculous image with his eyes, and with tears and prayer, he knelt down before it.”
Count Pototsky, after everything that happened, came to faith. He began the construction of the Assumption Cathedral and became the soul of construction. While the temple was being built, the count lived in the monastery as a simple monk, and he himself supervised all the work. Eleven years later, the temple showed its splendor to the world. And Count Pototsky ended his days there in the monastery.
The entire sacred history of the Old and New Testaments is permeated with miracles. The Lord does not cease to perform miracles in his holy church to this day. And always the most majestic and amazing miracle is a person’s turning to God, his repentance, changing his sinful life towards the eternal path to his Heavenly Father.
Meaning
The bright face of the Mother of God “Education” is considered an important symbol of family and social values that are taught to children from an early age. Orthodox canons call on parents to instill in their children from childhood an understanding of love, respect for parents and worthy members of society. Cultivate feelings of love, compassion, empathy, tolerance and empathy for others. In order to do useful things in later life, good deeds for the benefit of family and people.
- The Icon of the Mother of God “Education” is a symbol of family spiritual values.
When turning to the icon, a mother or father must understand that they are responsible for the safety of their children, their well-being, thoughts and behavior. In this they can ask for help and guidance.
After all, the basic concepts and values of life are laid down in the family circle and adopted by children from their parents. Only by following the pious actions of the older generation, constantly observing their sincere prayers in church and in front of the home iconostasis, genuine Orthodox values are born and developed in the soul of a child, which educate true Christians, worthy members of society.
Education, laid down from early childhood and supported in adolescence, will invariably manifest itself in all areas of adult, respectable life.
Four-part icon of the Mother of God
In the Orthodox world there are many icons, each of which has a specific meaning and purpose. Many icons are associated with gospel history or holidays.
A four-part icon is not one icon, but four at once, and several scenes can be depicted on the canvas at once. There are many types of four-part icons, but the most common is the icon that you should definitely have in your home - “Motherhood”. It began to be written around the 6th century in Byzantium.
History and description of the icon
In Rus', this icon appeared only in the second half of the 17th century. The discovery took place in the Minsk region. According to legend, the icon was found on a tree, and subsequently a temple dedicated to the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built on that very spot.
This icon is quite rare even by the standards of ordinary icons, not four-part ones. If in Christianity and Orthodoxy in particular there is a conversation about such images, then it is the “Motherhood” icon that comes to mind. It consists of the following icons.
"Baby Leaping" Located at the bottom left in the four-part icon. It shows the Baby Jesus playing with his Mother. He is trying to reach the face of the Virgin Mary.
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"Upbringing". This icon depicts Jesus sitting on the left hand of his Mother. Located at the bottom right.
"Mammal". At the top left is this icon of the baby Jesus feeding on his Mother's milk.
"Assisting childbirth." This icon helps women in difficult childbirth. While the child is in the womb, she protects any mother from harm. On the four-part icon it is located at the top right.
These four icons are combined into one to save any mother and her child from harm. Such an icon is usually given as a gift for a wedding or when they find out that a woman has become pregnant. However, it is also presented as a gift to mothers who already have adult children.
There is also a crucifix on the icon. These are mandatory components of such a combined image. The writing style may vary, but everything else is always the same.
What does an icon help with?
As mentioned above, any mother should have at home such a four-part icon as “Motherhood”. It helps with literally everything related to family and children. Prayers for health in front of such an icon help children avoid serious illnesses. The “Living Help” prayer will help you bear a child without complications.
The icon's help is comprehensive. This is a reliable protection for your happiness. It is best to give such an icon for the Dormition of the Virgin Mary or for the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
Date of celebration of the icon
The date of celebration of the icon is January 25. You can give such an icon on this date. This day should be some kind of analogue of Mother's Day for everyone who knows about it. Pray to God for the health of your parents and children on January 25 of every year. Try not to forget this day.
Prayer to the Mother of God before the icon
“Mother Intercessor, appear to us sinners to save our children and our mothers from all evil, for only they can continue our family. Forgive us our sins, voluntary and involuntary, forever and ever. Cover me with your veil, give my children your grace. Give us all the opportunity to touch You, Lady, for each of us is a child before You. Amen".
Read this prayer not only on the day of veneration of the icon, January 25, but every day, remembering the happiness our children give us. May this icon always protect you.
This is the greatest composite image of the Mother of God, which should be in your home along with the Kazan Mother of God. Don’t be too lazy to give the icon to your loved ones or buy it for yourself. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
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Prayer to the icon
In order for the patron saint to be able to fully hear all the prayers said by people, it is necessary to turn to her, having first learned the words of the akathist to this icon.
It should be remembered that during the performance of the akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “Education”, Orthodox believers are required to mention a number of praises that are dedicated to the Mother of God. The lyrics of the song begin with the word “Rejoice.”
It is always worth remembering that caring for children is a vital responsibility that will have to be carried out by those who have been around for a long time. However, in the process of socialization, on the path of life of a growing talent, something can happen that is sometimes beyond the control and attention of parents. And only then, the only salvation is prayer in front of the icon of education, which must be said with genuine faith in true well-being.
Her words are as follows:
How does the Mother of God help?
The holy face is miraculous. People turn to him with requests for help in raising babies, giving them health and the protection of the Higher Powers. Maternal prayers have enormous power and, supported by the miraculous properties of the icon, are the strongest protection for newborns. Parents also offer prayers for increased intelligence and guidance for their grown-up children on the true path. They ask the Mother of God to ward off adversity and help children begin an independent life, fight temptations and negativity, both external and internal.
Celebration date
The festive liturgy is celebrated annually on March 18 (March 5, old style). Heaven is open for requests, and everyone can pray to the Mother of God for their children.
Prayer before the icon “Education”
“Most Holy Mother of God, we turn to You in sincere prayers for the children of our beloved. Do not leave a single baby without protection and guidance on the true path. Take troubles away from unintelligent children, leave them happiness and joy, help their parents raise them in severity and the Orthodox faith. Grant, Most Holy Theotokos, your blessing to every child on earth, pray to the Lord with us, so that he may forgive our sins and help in raising our beloved children. Amen".
In Orthodoxy there are many prayers that help mothers in raising their children. They are able to protect from any adversity, ward off troubles and heal babies. Remember that education is the sacred responsibility of every parent. Lead your offspring along the righteous path and help them gain faith. We wish you happiness, and do not forget to press the buttons and
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Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Education”
To make the life of our children as good as possible, parents are ready to do a lot. Orthodox believers turn to numerous saints for help. Even for support in raising their own children, they use prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos to the “Education” icon.
History of the icon
They say that the icon originated in ancient Byzantium. Later it was transported to Russia, to the Kazan Cathedral. The Mother of God is depicted with a baby in her arms. This image was in the cathedral until 1917. When the cathedral on Red Square was destroyed, the icon was lost. Now the copy of the miracle icon has been recreated on site.
The name speaks for itself. Parents say prayers in front of the “Education” icon for their children, so that the Virgin Mary will take them under her wing, help bring them to their senses and guide them on the right path.
The meaning of the “Education” icon
Almost all Orthodox believing parents have this image of the Mother of God. Since ancient times, believers have read a prayer so that children receive a competent and correct upbringing. Love, sympathy, and understanding should be instilled in a child from infancy.
What do they pray for in front of the icon?
Parents are always worried about their children, because throughout their entire life they encounter many obstacles, negativity, cruelty, evil and resentment. So that all this passes by and nothing threatens the child, prayers are read to the “Education” icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The image endows the child with moral qualities. It also improves health and ensures safety from the outside world. The Mother of God will not leave you and your children unattended in difficult times.
Texts of prayers in front of the “Education” icon
Troparion, tone 4
Brought up in the temple in the Holy of Holies,/ clothed in faith and wisdom and immeasurable virginity,/ Archangel Gabriel brought a kiss from heaven/ and rejoice, rejoice, O Blessed One,// ra Glory be to you, the Lord is with you.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Nurturing”
Oh, Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, save and preserve under Your roof my children (their names), all youths, young women and infants, baptized and nameless and carried in their mother’s womb. Cover them with the robe of Your Motherhood, keep them in the fear of God and in obedience to their parents, beseech Your Son and our Lord to grant them what is useful for their salvation. I entrust them to Your maternal supervision, for You are the Divine cover of Your servant. Amen.
Prayer for the gift of a child
The “Mammal Nurse” is also approached with a request to conceive for couples who, for a number of reasons, have been unable to give birth to children for a long time.
The words of this prayer are sincere and simple, but very effective and help many women get pregnant.
It begins with an appeal to the Most Holy Theotokos. Then follows a request for hope to heal the womb, for the manifestation of a trembling desire to give birth to a baby. Give strength and hope for this great Gift. And in response to the request, send a ray of sunshine. Let the gift of motherhood come to hear the cry of your baby.
A request to the Queen of Heaven to hear crying and prayer for healing and revitalization of the womb. So that a living heart and soul would be sent down into him, which wants to be embodied on the earthly plane through the flesh. Let this be for joy and for the prolongation of the human race. Please give happiness, turn and smile with the hope of happiness of motherhood to the one asking. And do not deny the hope of becoming a mother.
And in conclusion, a promise is made of eternal gratitude and prayer for the Omnipotence of the Mother of God and the glorification of Her Name.
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.
Description and meaning in Orthodoxy
The Education icon belongs to the Hodegetria type, which translated from Greek means “Guide”. The Virgin Mary holds the Child Christ in her arms. Jesus reaches out his hand to the Mother's face. One of the main features of the painting is the naked chest of Christ, symbolizing self-sacrifice and rejection of the vanity of the world.
The color scheme of the icon is traditional: the Mother of God on a greenish or golden background with a purple and red mophorium and a light shroud entwining the body of Christ. The face of the Virgin Mary, as in other Greek icons, is thoughtful and sad. Contemplating this image, we experience sublime and sad feelings.
“Nurture” reflects the emotional content of Scripture. Unfortunately, sometimes words are not as important to people as images. When we see the gaze of the Mother of God directed at us, we sympathize with Her spiritual exploits, we feel Her love, we experience remorse and repentance. For Our Lady gives Her Son to humanity. She sacrifices herself and her child so that centuries later people can hope for spiritual salvation.
Just as the Queen of Heaven humbly accepted her duty and entrusted her life into the hands of God, so people rely on Christ. Children are not property. Children come into the world to do the will of God. Therefore, the best thing parents can do is to pray for the child to the Lord and the Mother of God.
The “Care” icon is traditionally considered the image in front of which such prayers will have the greatest power. Priests recommend placing it in the house so that at any time you can turn to the Mother of God and ask for intercession.
Miraculous lists of the Holy Image
Lists of shrines are presented all over the world, including Orthodox churches in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia and Bosnia. However, the most famous are the images that are located in the following temples, churches and monasteries:
- Demetrius of Thessalonica Church in Moscow;
- St. John the Vvedensky Monastery for women, located near Tobolsk;
- Trinity Cathedral, located on the territory of the St. Daniel Monastery in Moscow;
- Church of the Holy Apostles in Lefortovo.
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Peter and Paul Church (Moscow)
St. John the Vvedensky Monastery (Priirtyshsky village)
Demetrius of Thessaloniki Temple (Moscow)
History of the image
The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Mammal" (in Greek - "Galactotrophus" is also called the Hilandar "Typikarnitsa".
Rice. 2.The first image of the Mother of God “Mammal” appeared in the 5th century on Athos.
This image ends up with the Monk Sava the Sanctified (439-532), who founded the Lavra near Jerusalem, which later began to bear his name. Saint Sava the Sanctified, departing to the Lord, said that this miraculous image of the Mother of God would need to be given to a person of royal origin who would visit this Lavra, his name would be the same as his.
What St. Savva said came true in the 18th century. This man turned out to be Saint Sava of Serbia, who was the son of the Serbian Grand Duke Stefan Nemanja. According to the will of Saint Sava, he was given the image of the “Mammal Mother”, as well as the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Three-Handed”.
When Saint Sava was returning from Palestine to his homeland, he visited the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos, which he himself founded. The saint transfers the icon into the ownership of the monastery, where it remains to this day.
Rice. 3. Wanting to show the significance of the miraculous Face, the saint places it on the iconostasis of the temple not on the left side of the Royal Doors, but on the right, instead of the icon of the Savior. He places the icon of the Savior to the left of the Gate.
The church where the holy image is kept later began to be called Typikarnitsa, because the special charter of St. Sava of Serbia is kept there.
Later they began to make copies of the icon, which also became famous for many miracles. The most famous of them are in Russia (Moscow and Odessa), Greece and Mount Athos. In our country, such miraculous lists appeared thanks to St. Gabriel of Athos.
Rice. 4. One of these lists is kept in the Elokhovsky Epiphany Cathedral in Moscow.
There is an inscription on the icon: “This holy icon was written and consecrated on the Holy Mount Athos in the skete of the holy prophet Elijah and is sent as a gift and blessing to the reigning city of Moscow to the Church of the Epiphany, which is on the Field of Elohov. In unforgettable memory of the 2-month stay in this temple of the miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Mammal,” which belonged to the above-mentioned monastery when Archimandrite Gabriel was its rector. 1894."
Rice. 5. The Odessa copy of the “Mammal,” which was also brought by Saint Gabriel of Athos, resides in the Holy Dormition Monastery.
Another miraculous image of the “Mammal” was found in 1650 on a tree in the Krestogorsk tract near Minsk. At the site of the appearance of this icon, the Assumption Church was subsequently built.
Rice. 6. This miraculous icon is placed above the Royal Doors. And in order for anyone praying to venerate it, a special mechanism was installed by which it goes down.
The icon became famous for its many miracles, through prayers before which believers received healing from various ailments, received help in various needs and deliverance from troubles and misfortunes.
