Icon helper in childbirth: where is it located and how does the image help, texts of prayers

The history of the appearance of the icon

Since ancient times, the pain of women in labor has been presented as the most severe suffering. To ease childbirth, women prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the old days, the only anesthesia was prayer. Mothers venerate the Virgin Mary as their patroness during pregnancy, birth and raising children, for the Mother of God went through all stages as an ordinary woman.

From Heaven, She helps her earthly sisters and prays to the Lord for them to ease their suffering. For special everyday needs, icon painters created two similar images: “The Blessed Womb” or “Helper in Childbirth” and “The Word Became Flesh.”

Barbara icon

For the first time in Rus', people learned about an icon that facilitated the birth of children in the 14th century. Its first author is unknown. But the image was found in the Italian town of Bari, on the tomb of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Based on its location, the icon was nicknamed Barbara. It became famous among the Russian people under the name “Help in childbirth.”

The image was taken to Moscow and treated with reverence. The icon was placed in the Annunciation Cathedral of the Kremlin, opposite the Tsar’s seat. In the 17th century, the “Assistant in Childbirth” was restored by Simon Ushakov, senior icon painter of the Armory Chamber.

Albazin icon

The plot of the icon “The Word became Flesh” is based on a line from the Bible. The Gospel of Luke says: “Blessed is the womb that bore You...”. The image was first received in the Amur fortress of Albazin from the hands of Hieromonk Geromogenes in the 17th century. Based on the name of the fortress, the icon was called Albazinskaya.

In the 18th century, the Amur land suffered raids from China. To protect the shrine, it was transported to Sretensk. By order of Bishop Benjamin of Kamchatka, the icon was dressed in a silver frame. Religious processions were performed with the “Helper”. During the plague epidemic, people were cured in front of the icon of the Holy Virgin Mary. After the manifestation of her miraculous power, the Bishop of Kamchatka, Gury, decided to read an akathist to the image daily and serve a prayer service.

Miraculous image

The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the uprising of the eastern people against the interference of foreign states in the internal affairs of China. Blagoveshchensk was shelled in an attempt to seize it. Unrest began in the city, and they tried to evict the peaceful Chinese. There is evidence that the icon of the Mother of God helped Blagoveshchensk survive the Chinese pogrom in 1900.

For 19 days the city was shelled and kept under siege, and in the temple an akathist was continuously read and services were held in front of the “Helper in Childbirth” icon. At that time, the Chinese repeatedly saw a woman in white clothes with a baby on the banks of the Amur. White color in China symbolizes mourning. The sudden appearance of a stranger frightened the invaders and meant a bad omen for them. Soon the Chinese left Blagoveshchensk. People believe that the Mother of God protected the city from enemies.

Prayers before the icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”

To the Mother of God, as we who are in trouble, / and to Her holy icon, now let us fall, / calling with faith from the depths of our souls: / soon hear our prayer, O Virgin, / as the Quick to Hear, / Your servants in need, / ready Helper to the Imam.

Translation: Let us turn to the Mother of God, those who are in trouble, and now let us kneel at Her holy icon, calling with faith from the depths of our souls: “Hurry to hear our prayer, Virgin, for you are called Quick to Hear, for You are a quick Helper in sorrows for Your servants.”

In the seas of life we are overwhelmed,/ we fall into the anxiety of passions and temptations./ Give us, O Lady, a helping hand, like Thy Son Peter,/ and hasten to deliver us from troubles, so we call Thee // Rejoice, O all-merciful One who is quick to hear.

Translation: In the stormy sea of life, we find ourselves in storms of passions and temptations. Give us, O Lady, a helping hand, as Thy Son did to Peter (Matthew 14:28-31), and hasten to deliver us from troubles, so that we cry to You: “Rejoice, all-merciful Quick-to-hear.”

Most blessed Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to God the Word more than any word for our salvation, and who received His grace more abundantly than all others! The sea of Divine gifts and miracles is an ever-flowing river, pouring out goodness to all who come running to You with faith! To Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the Humanity-loving Lord: surprise us with Your rich mercies, and speed up the fulfillment of our petitions brought to You, Quick to Hear, all that are arranged for the benefit of consolation and salvation for everyone. Visit, O Blessing, Thy servants with Thy grace, and grant to those who are ailing, healing and perfect health, to those overwhelmed by silence, to those captivated by freedom and various images of the suffering consolation. Deliver, O All-Merciful Lady, every city and country from famine, plague, cowardice, flood, fire, sword and other temporary and eternal punishments. By Your mother's boldness we turn away the wrath of God, and from spiritual relaxation, the overwhelm of passions and sins, free Your servants, as if, without stumbling in all piety, having lived in this world, and in the future, eternal blessings, we will be honored with the grace and love for mankind of Your Son and God, to Him belongs all glory and honor. and worship, with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Translation: Most Blessed Lady, Ever-Virgin Mother of God, who gave birth to God the Word above any word for our salvation, and who received His grace more abundantly than anyone else! Having appeared as a sea of Divine gifts and miracles, an ever-flowing river that pours out goodness to all those who resort to You with faith! Falling down to Your miraculous image, we pray to You, the all-generous Mother of the Humane-loving Lord: surprise us with Your very rich mercies, and our requests that we bring to You, Quick to Hear, speed up the fulfillment of everything that is for the benefit, consolation and salvation of everyone . Visit, O Blessing, Thy servants with Thy grace, and grant healing and impeccable health to the sick, silence to those exposed to the storm, freedom to those captured, and comfort to all those suffering from various misfortunes. Deliver, O All-Merciful Lady, all cities and countries from hunger, disease, earthquake, flood, fire, sword and any kind of temporary (see: Is. 7:8–12:31) and eternal punishment. By Your maternal boldness, turning away the wrath of God, and mental illness, confusion of passions and falls, free Your servants, so that they may live in piety in this century without being tempted, and in the future, eternal blessings will be worthy of the grace and love for mankind of Your Son and God, to Whom belongs all glory, honor and worship, with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy Spirit, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.

Description and meaning of the image in Orthodoxy

The icon “Assistant in Childbirth” belongs to the ancient type of “Immaculata” icons. The image is based on the first portrait of the Mother of God, painted by the Apostle Luke.

Common features that unite the lists of the “Helper” - the Virgin Mary is depicted with the Eternal Child in her arms. The type of icons is also called “Nicopean”. Translated from the ancient language of Byzantium, the word means “victorious.” “Helper in childbirth” refers to protective icons. In ancient times, images similar to her protected imperial palaces, and warriors prayed in front of them for protection from enemy weapons.

Features of iconography

Features of the attire of the Virgin and Child on the “Helper in Childbirth” icon:

the upper red cloak is decorated with gold edging at the neck;
on the shoulders - a gold star;
the sleeves of the lower green shirt are trimmed with gold braid, like a cloak;
Jesus is wearing a yellow shirt with a green tint on the chest.

In Orthodoxy, two types of images of the Virgin Mary are known, helping in childbirth:

in full height;
to the waist, bare-haired.

Under the hands of the Virgin Mary folded on her chest, a small blessing Christ is depicted. The second type differs in design. The image of the Mother of God is enclosed in a crescent. The writing of the “Helper” without a hood traces the Western traditions of iconography. In Orthodoxy, the Mother of God has always been depicted on icons wearing a long maforia covering her head.

Symbolism

The traditional version of “Helper in childbirth” is a related image of “The Word became flesh.” On the canvas, the hooded Virgin Mary holds an omophorion with Christ. The Eternal Child is enclosed in a vertical almond-shaped segment - the mandorla. The icon belongs to the “Oranta” or “Sign” type. The rounded mandorla resembles the womb of the Mother of God, and in it is the unborn Jesus. Therefore, for girls and women, the image has become a symbol of pregnancy.

Christ on the icon symbolizes the Sacred Word, which materialized in the womb of the Immaculate Virgin and turned into flesh.

A distinctive feature of the icon is the depiction of Christ’s blessing gesture. Little Jesus blesses the worshiper not with two fingers, but with five. The gesture is called a nominal blessing, since the name of Christ is encrypted in it.

The position of each finger on the icon symbolizes a letter:

raised up straight index - “I”;
the middle one bent perpendicular to the index finger - “C”;
crossed nameless and large - “X”;
rounded bent little finger - “C”.

"Ic Xc" is the Greek monogram of the name "Jesus Christ".

Meaning for Christians

The image of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth” has been famous for its miracles since ancient times. The Barbara icon adopted the healing power from the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was transferred to the copies. The image gives hope of becoming parents despite physiological problems and disappointing doctors' forecasts. If there is a suspicion of a frozen pregnancy, abnormal development of the fetus, the threat of premature birth due to uterine tumors and other complications, women can pray to the icon of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth”. People turn to the image with faith and hope in the following cases:

for infertility;
in despondency and fear of childbirth;
if your own maternal abilities are in doubt.

People turn to the Mother of God in difficult life situations: financial insolvency, quarrels in a family awaiting a new addition. The holy image of the “Helper” will give spiritual strength and help single mothers gain faith in themselves.

Image of the Virgin Mary

The essence of the Mother of God lies in motherhood, because it was her Son Christ who made her who she is. Her nature is the nature of a mother and she, like no one else, can understand every girl who carries a child under her heart. The prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth” helps the mother overcome fear and pain, and is also a request for the blessing that the Virgin Mary bestows.

Icon of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth”

In the icon “Helper in Childbirth,” the Mother of God stands with her head uncovered, and her hands rest on her chest above the Eternal Child. Christ blesses with one hand, and the other rests on his knee. The Holy One's outfit is red with splashes of gold with stars on the shoulders. Her underdress is a dark green shade with gilding and stars.

Where can I find the original and miraculous lists

The original icon of the “Assistant in Childbirth”, found in Bari, disappeared under the millstones of the military and political history of Russia.

Since the 14th century, the icon has had three frames: precious, gold and silver. The image was dressed in gold until 1812. After the city was burned by Napoleon's troops, riots began, and the salary disappeared in the hands of looters. The icon, dressed in a new silver frame, was overtaken by the events of 1918. The revolution devalued religious relics. The salary was confiscated, and then the icon disappeared. Until 1924, the image was in Blagoveshchensk. Since then, his fate is unknown.

In the 17th century, a list was made from the Italian original “Assistants in Childbirth”. The image was placed in the Novodevichy Convent. The copy is very close to the original in size and composition. The icon received the first precious frame. From the monastery the image moved to the Moscow Armory, where it has been located since 1927. The “Helper” icon “The Word became Flesh” is located in Blagoveshchensk, on the southern gallery of the cathedral. The list differs in the position of the Virgin Mary. The Blessed Virgin is depicted sitting on a throne, and there are no stars on her shoulders.

The Suzdal list of the 17th century, painted by Ioann Aksentiev, is known. The image is signed as the Khabarovsk Icon. From 1930 to 1999 it was kept in the local history museum, until it was returned to the care of the church. Since 2002, the icon has been in the Khabarovsk Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God. Other Russian churches that keep lists of the “Helper in Childbirth” icon:

Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, Moscow;
Saints Gleb and Boris, Borovsk, Kaluga region;
Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. Petersburg;
Nikopol Church, Serpukhov, Moscow region;
Cathedral of the Nativity, Yekaterinburg.

You can also pray in front of the holy image in Krasnoe Selo, in the Church of All Saints.

Prayers for a pregnant woman and a woman in labor. Orthodox patron saints of pregnant women and their icons

Every believing Orthodox pregnant woman needs to know what prayers to the Lord God and the Mother of God will reduce her suffering.
Pregnant women and women in labor should always have such prayers at hand and read them twice a day - morning and evening every day. Miracles exist only for those who believe in them. Whoever has faith in God in his soul will have more, but whoever does not have faith will have his last things taken away from him. Pregnancy is always a test, and childbirth is the peak, the culmination of the torment of every woman, doomed due to the original sin of Eve to suffer during the birth of children.

Not all women have a calm and prosperous pregnancy. And then it is important to know which patron saints you should turn to for help through official or your own prayer.

Even if the expectant mother’s pregnancy proceeds successfully, this does not at all guarantee a quick, easy, painless and problem-free birth of a healthy, smart, kind, beautiful, happy baby, blessed by the Lord God.

We must ask the Lord and the Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patron saints of pregnant women and women in labor, about this every day, every free moment. And they will definitely hear your spiritual prayer, prayer - you just need to sincerely and wholeheartedly believe that the Lord is merciful and omnipotent.

Some women give birth to children very easily, like from a machine gun - one after another. Some carry babies, as if in an incubator, up to 60 years old. But the Lord does not grant all ladies such joy - to safely endure the hardships of pregnant life and quickly and easily give birth to healthy babies.

Many young mothers who have gone through the hellish agony of a difficult pregnancy and childbirth with complications (when the baby is positioned with his pelvis towards the exit of the mother, when his neck is wrapped in an umbilical cord and the day before giving birth you cannot even sit down even once - because this means strangling the baby itself) come to faith in God, they seek protection from the patron saints, from the Mother of God, they find and read prayers for the health of their children, they buy in Orthodox churches an icon-patron of pregnant women and already born children.

It's never too late to turn to the Lord for help. But it is better, of course, to remember about Divine help and protection sooner rather than later.

Therefore, in this article I publish Orthodox prayers that will help pregnant women and women in labor alleviate their suffering and overcome doubts, I publish just below the patron saints of expectant mothers and their children, and also publish those icons that a pregnant woman should pray to.

All materials are taken from the official website of the Orthodox Church Pravoslavie.ru, as well as from a book purchased from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, entitled “Prayers for Children,” which was published by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Poltava Diocese in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Mgarsky Monastery in 2001 in the amount 40,000 copies.

How to ask correctly

In the upper rooms of Old Slavonic wealthy families and simple peasants there was an icon “Helper in Childbirth”. In front of the image, they fervently prayed for the life of the woman in labor. The icon was placed so that the woman could see it from bed. They directed their sufferings and prayers to the patron saint.

An icon that helps in childbirth was considered an attribute of midwives.

Before giving birth

In the modern Orthodox tradition, in order for the birth to go well, at the beginning of pregnancy you need to confess and come to communion. If it is not possible to visit the temple or there is no trusted clergyman nearby, you need to remember your sins before your home icon and repent without excuses, but with humility.

There are no written rules for addressing the “Helper in Childbirth” icon. The main thing in prayer work is sincerity and constancy.

Recommendations for prayer for pregnant women:

turn to the Mother of God at any free time, when the soul asks for it;
do not read the prayer forcibly, without understanding the meaning of the words, when you feel unwell, or under pressure from relatives;
Voluntary solitary prayer will help relieve anxiety;
be attentive to your state of mind, control anger and irritation. Feeling the approach of a negative emotion, you should mentally pray to the Mother of God and be alone;
if anger caused by a hormonal disorder is poured out on one of your relatives, you need to ask for forgiveness from Mother Theotokos and the unjustly offended person;
At the beginning of prayer work, you need to make a rule of reading prayer in the morning and in the evening. When, after frequent repetitions, the words are remembered, you can repeat them to yourself throughout the day;
the text of the prayer will be convenient to carry and read if you print it on a small piece of paper in small font;
one must approach the icon with repentance, with a request to pray to the Lord to perform a miracle for the unworthy. For there are no sinners on earth;
before reading the canonical text or making an address in your own words, you need to read the “Our Father” prayer three times, then the troparion of praise;
a troparion can begin or end a prayer;
it doesn't matter which canonical text to read. Choose a prayer option that evokes a response in the soul, suitable for circumstances or fears;
alternating prayers will help you understand which one is closer;
It is important to treat the image with respect and wear neat clothes;
You can pray alone or alone with your husband.

In front of the “Helpers in Childbirth” icon, relatives and friends can pray for the woman in labor and the child. Church shops sell small images and pendants. The body icon on a chain can be worn around the neck, not removed in the maternity hospital, and a prayer can be read over it before childbirth. In some hospitals that cooperate with churches, an icon “Helper in Childbirth” is placed in the corner of the maternity room.

After birth

Having safely been relieved of the burden, you need to thank the Lord for his mercy with a prayer of thanks, which is ordered in church, reading an akathist or prayer at home. Immediately after the birth of a child, a woman cannot enter the temple. She is given time to cleanse herself. The period lasts until the child is baptized. The mother is not allowed to attend the sacrament, so a godmother is appointed. After baptism, the priest blesses the mother to re-enter the temple and reads a cleansing prayer over her.

How to pray for the help of the Mother of God?

When reading the akathist, you should take the blessing of a priest. It is better for a young mother to pray during pregnancy, reading the akathist for 40 days in a row.

Before the “Assistant in Childbirth” they prayerfully ask for:

a calm and successful pregnancy;
health of the woman in labor and the child being born;
facilitating the course of labor;
correct position of the baby in the womb.

Some expectant mothers, not being able to read the entire akathist, add a prayer to the Queen of Heaven to their usual rule.

Read during childbirth

During childbirth, it will be almost impossible to read the akathist. After all, as the Holy Scripture says,

“When a woman gives birth, she suffers sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to a baby, she no longer remembers the sorrow for joy, for a man was born into the world” (Gospel of John, chapter 16, verse 21).

And it is very good if the father, instead of walking from corner to corner, exhausted from anxiety, stands in front of the icons and prayerfully helps his wife in the birth of their child.

Infertile spouses often pray in front of the “Helper in Childbirth” icon.

How to prepare for the birth of a baby

Spiritual preparation for pregnant women includes:

visiting a temple;
confession;
participle;
prayers;
communication.

Before giving birth, a woman must cleanse her soul in confession so that the child does not grow up under the yoke of her sins. Prayers, communion, confession will fill the soul with peace and joy. Being in grace and humility, it is easier to endure unpleasant physiological changes in the body: toxicosis, varicose veins, excess weight, mood swings. A conversation with your confessor will help you overcome fears and irritability.

A woman can feel the atmosphere of goodwill and joy, necessary during pregnancy and before childbirth, in the temple. Church communities organize special meetings. At thematic meetings, young women expecting their first child can ask the priest questions, and mothers with many children can share their experience of emotional overcoming, fighting fear, depression or other illness. By reading prayers, the expectant mother strengthens her spirit, detaches herself from the hustle and bustle and immerses herself in the blissful anticipation of the baby. She will feel spiritual unity and support before childbirth during a common family prayer with her husband, parents and friends.

In a church community, you can agree with other women to pray by agreement. Prayer at the appointed time will unite everyone with common hope, joy and love. When a child feels welcomed and loved, childbirth will be easy.

Since Old Slavic times, women in position were ordered to curb anger and pride. The midwives knew that anger and despondency were transmitted to the child. Hidden grievances are considered especially destructive. Therefore, an important step in spiritual preparation before childbirth is forgiveness. You need to make peace with the offenders or reconcile if reconciliation is impossible. Often, even the bright joy that the birth of a child brings cannot force close relatives to extend their hands to each other. While awaiting childbirth, you need to give up hostility and protect yourself from negativity. The expectant mother needs protection from worries, similar to the protection of Joseph the Betrothed.

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Theodorovskaya”

To whom will I call, Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow; to whom shall I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and earth. Who will pluck me from the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from bitterness and sorrows and all sorts of ailments and illnesses, from visible and invisible enemies, pacify the enmity of those who suffer me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice; Likewise, free me from your flesh’s vile customs. Cover me under the canopy of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I commend myself to your Motherly intercession; give me Mother and hope, protection and help and intercession, joy and consolation and a quick Helper in everything. Oh, wonderful Lady! Everyone who flows to You does not leave without Your all-powerful help: for this reason, even though I am unworthy, I come running to You, so that I will be delivered from sudden and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I am vouchsafed to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to You in the tenderness of my heart the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever. Amen.

Translation: To whom will I call, O Lady, to whom will I run in my sorrow; To whom will I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and Earth? Who will snatch me out of the mud of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of Life, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race? Hear my sighing, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from bitterness and sorrows and all illnesses and diseases, from visible and invisible enemies, calm those who bother me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice ; also free me from the vile lusts of my flesh. Cover me under the shadow of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I entrust myself to your Motherly intercession; be to me, Mother and hope, protection and help and intercession, joy and consolation and a quick Helper in everything. O wonderful Lady! Everyone who runs to You does not leave without Your all-powerful help: therefore, I, unworthy, run to You, so that I may be delivered from unexpected and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I will be worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven, and with the tenderness of my heart I will say to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever. Amen.

* * *

Prayerful sighs of a wife during pregnancy to the Most Holy Theotokos

Prayer 1, for a successful resolution

Oh, Most Glorious Mother of God, have mercy on me, Your servant, and come to my aid during my illnesses and dangers, with which all poor daughters of Eve give birth to children. Remember, O Blessed One among women, with what joy and love You went hastily to the mountainous country to visit Your relative Elizabeth during her pregnancy, and what a wonderful effect Your gracious visit had on both mother and child. And according to Your inexhaustible mercy, grant me, Your most humble servant, to be freed from the burden safely; Grant me this grace, so that the child who now rests under my heart, having come to his senses, with a joyful leap, like the holy baby John, will worship the Divine Lord Savior, Who, out of love for us sinners, did not disdain to become a baby Himself. May the unspeakable joy with which Your virgin heart was filled at the sight of Your newborn Son and Lord, sweeten the sorrow that awaits me amidst the pains of birth. May the life of the world, my Savior, born of You, save me from death, which cuts off the lives of many mothers at the hour of resolution, and may the fruit of my womb be numbered among the elect of God. Hear, O Most Holy Queen of Heaven, my humble prayer and look upon me, a poor sinner, with the eye of Your grace; do not shame my trust in Your great mercy and overshadow me. Helper of Christians, Healer of illnesses, may I also be honored to experience for myself that You are the Mother of mercy, and may I always glorify Your grace, which has never rejected the prayers of the poor and delivers all those who call on You in times of sorrow and illness. Amen.

Translation: O Glorious Mother of God, have mercy on me, Your servant, and come to my aid during my illnesses and dangers, with which all the poor daughters of Eve give birth to children. Remember, O Blessed One among women, with what joy and love You went hastily to the mountainous country to visit Your relative Elizabeth during her pregnancy, and what a wonderful effect Your gracious visit had on both mother and child. And according to Your inexhaustible mercy, grant me, Your most humble servant, to be freed from the burden safely; Grant me this grace, so that the child who now rests under my heart, having come to his senses, with a joyful leap, like the holy baby John, will worship the Divine Lord Savior, Who, out of love for us sinners, did not disdain to become a baby Himself. The indescribable joy with which Your virgin heart was filled when looking at Your newborn Son and Lord, may it sweeten the sorrow that awaits me amid the pains of birth. May the life of the world, my Savior, born of You, save me from death, which cuts off the lives of many mothers at the hour of resolution, and may the fruit of my womb be numbered among the elect of God. Hear, Most Holy Queen of Heaven, my humble prayer and look at me, a poor sinner, through the eye of Your grace; do not shame my trust in Your great mercy and overshadow me. Helper of Christians, Healer of illnesses, may I also be honored to experience for myself that You are the Mother of mercy, and may I always glorify Your grace, which has never rejected the prayers of the poor and delivers all those who call on You in times of sorrow and illness. Amen.

Prayer 2, to the wife before childbirth

Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, who weighed the birth and nature of mother and child, have mercy on Thy servant (name) and help at this hour so that her burden may be resolved safely. Oh, all-merciful Lady Theotokos, even though you did not demand help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this servant of yours who requires help, especially from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and grant her the birth of a child and bring her into the light of this world at the right time and the wisdom of light in holy baptism with water and the Spirit. We fall down before you, Mother of the Most High God, praying: Be merciful to this mother, the time has come for her to be a mother, and beg Christ our God, who has become incarnate from you, to strengthen you with his power from above. Amen.

Translation: Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, who knows the birth and nature of mother and child, have mercy on Thy servant (name) and help at this hour to resolve her burden safely. Oh, all-merciful Lady Theotokos, who did not need help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this thy servant, who requires help, preferably from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and grant the baby who is about to be born and come into the world of this world, at the right time, also worthy of intelligent light in holy baptism with water and the Spirit. We fall to you, Mother of the Most High God, praying: Be merciful to this mother, for whom the time has come to become a mother, and beg Christ our God, who became incarnate from You, to strengthen her with his power from above. Amen.

Days of Honor

On December 26, according to the old style, or January 8, according to the new style, the memory of the icon “Helper in Childbirth” is celebrated. On this day, the image was first brought to Moscow in the 14th century. In the Serpukhov St. Nicholas Church, water is blessed in front of the image. During those same winter days, the Barbara Icon was venerated. Also, the image of the “Blessed Womb” was commemorated on October 6 (19). The Albazin icon is venerated on March 9 (22). The memorial day of the “Helper in Childbirth” on January 8 coincides with the feast of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the festive service, women thank the Blessed Virgin for her help and intercession and pray for health and prosperity in the family.

Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Icon of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth”

January

1993

In Serpukhov, the Mother of God image “Helper in Childbirth” appeared into the world.

There is no original of this icon. The most revered list was brought to St. Nicholas Cathedral by an elderly woman. It was covered with a thick layer of dust, as it was stored in the attic. After restoration, the face of the Virgin Mary “Helper in Childbirth” was revealed.

The image depicts the Most Pure Virgin at the moment of the Mystery of the Incarnation. It is as if the inner Virgin Mary is revealed to us, in whose womb our Lord Jesus Christ was pleased to be incarnate.

Texts of prayers

Troparion to the Icon of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth”, tone 4:

“The faces of angels serve You reverently, and all the Powers of Heaven with silent voices please You, Helper in childbirth, we earnestly pray to You, Mother of God, that You may abide in the glory of the Lord, through the icon You have revealed and may the radiant ray of glory of Your miracles take you away from the darkness, with faith in You praying and crying out to God: Alleluia.”

Prayers to the icon of the Mother of God “Helper in Childbirth”

First prayer:

“Receive, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We see you in the holy icon, carrying Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in your womb. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, even though the mother weighed the sorrow and infirmity of the sons and daughters of human beings. With the same warmth falling upon Thy whole-bearing image, and kissing this tenderly, we pray to Thee, all-merciful Lady: to give birth to us sinners condemned in illness and to nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from a serious illness and deliver from bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy and deliverance accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, as we and our children will glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the faithful Hope of our race, forever and ever. "

Second prayer:

“Oh, Most Holy Lady and Lady Theotokos, who never leaves us in earthly life! To whom will I offer prayers, to whom will I bring tears and sighs, if not to You, Comfort to all the faithful! With fear, faith, love, Mother of the Belly, I pray: May the Lord enlighten Orthodox people to salvation, may He allow us to give birth to children for You and Your Son to please You, may He keep us in the purity of humility, in the hope of salvation in Christ, and grant us all, in the veils of Thy grace, earthly consolation. Keep us under the canopy of Thy mercy, Most Pure One, help those who pray for childbirth, turn away the slander of evil freedom, grave troubles, misfortunes and deaths. Grant us grace-filled insight, a spirit of contrition for sins, grant us to see all the height and purity of Christ’s teaching given to us; protect us from disastrous alienation. May we all, who gratefully praise Thy greatness, be worthy of Heavenly tranquility and there with Thy beloved, with all the saints, let us glorify the One God in the Trinity: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen".

Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “The Word became flesh”

“Virgin Mother of God, most immaculate Mother of our Christ, Intercessor of the Christian race! Standing before Thy miraculous icon, our fathers prayed to Thee to show Thy protection and intercession to the Amur country. In the same way, we now pray to Thee: save our city and this country from the finding of foreign freedom and from internecine warfare. Grant peace to the world, abundance of fruits to the land, and victory over our enemies against our enemies; keep our shepherds in sanctity, those who labor in holy temples; Autumn, Thy all-powerful protection of builders and their benefactors. Confirm our brothers in orthodoxy and unanimity; Give understanding to those who have gone astray and apostatized from the Orthodox faith and unite them to the holy church of Your Son. Be to all who come to your miraculous icon protection, consolation and refuge from all evils, misfortunes and situations: for you are healing for the sick, consolation for the grieving, correction and admonition for the erring. Accept our prayers and lift them up to the Throne of the Most High, as if we are protected by Your intercession and Your protection in the autumns. Let us glorify the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".

Prayers before the icon of the Mother of God “Healer”

Like the Most Bright Star, asking Your holy image for Divine miracles, O Healer. Grant us, Mother of God Mary, healing of mental and physical ailments, salvation and great mercy.

Translation: Like a bright Star, Your holy image, O Healer, shone with Divine miracles. Grant us, Mother of God Mary, healing of mental and physical illnesses, salvation and great mercy.

Accept, O All-Blessed and All-Powerful Lady Theotokos the Virgin, these prayers, now offered to You with tears from us, Your unworthy servants, who send up the singing of Your celibate image with tenderness, as if You yourself are here and heed our prayer. For every request you fulfill, you alleviate sorrows, you grant health to the weak, you heal the weakened and sick, you drive away demons from demons, you deliver the offended from insults, you cleanse lepers and have mercy on little children; Moreover, O Lady, Lady Theotokos, you free us from bonds and prisons and heal all manifold passions: for all things are possible through Your intercession to Your Son, Christ our God. Oh, All-Singing Mother, Most Holy Theotokos! Do not cease to pray for us, Your unworthy servants, who glorify You and honor You, and who worship Your Most Pure Image with tenderness, and who have irrevocable hope and undoubted faith in You, the Ever-Virgin, Most Glorious and Immaculate, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Translation: Accept, O All-Blessed and Almighty Lady Lady Theotokos the Virgin, these prayers, now brought to You with tears from us, Your unworthy servants, to Your celibate image, sending up the singing with tenderness, as if to You Yourself who are here and listening to our prayers. You fulfill everyone’s request, you ease sorrows, you give health to the weak, you heal the paralytic and sick, you drive out demons from those possessed, you deliver the offended from their insults, you cleanse lepers and have mercy on small children; Again, Lady Lady Theotokos, you free us from bonds and imprisonment and heal us from all manifold passions: everything is possible through Your intercession to Your Son, Christ our God. Oh, All-Singing Mother, Most Holy Theotokos! Do not cease to pray for us, Your unworthy servants, who glorify You and honor You, and worship with tenderness Your Most Pure Image, and have irrevocable hope and sincere faith in You, Ever-Virgin, Glorious and Immaculate, now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.