In the akathist to the Mother of God, the Most Pure Virgin is called “You are the Root of Virginity and the Unfading Color of Purity.” And the artistic embodiment of this romantic and tender appeal was the 17th century icon “The Unfading Color.” It is celebrated on April 16, at the best time of the earth’s awakening from winter sleep, the beginning of flowering and new life. It is not without reason that the prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is read with a request for the gift of love, a family hearth and a betrothed.
Date of celebration: April 16
The history of the appearance of the akathist to the icon “Unfading Color”
The exact information about the creation of the Fadeless Color icon has not been preserved. Some researchers believe that the image of the Virgin Mary is the creation of the Byzantines. But most art historians are inclined to believe that the creators of the image were Athonite monks.
In Greece, not far from Mount Athos, there is the island of Kefalonia. Since ancient times, the islanders have had a tradition of decorating the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary with flowers during the celebration of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Snow-white lilies were left in storage near the icon, near the face of the Queen of Heaven. Flowers must not be removed until August 8, the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the bouquets must not be exposed to sunlight or humidity.
Gradually the flowers wither and dry up. But when the party comes, the bouquets turn out wonderfully fresh, as if freshly picked, dried flowers are blooming again, and new buds are appearing on the revived stems.
This miracle was called the “unfading color,” which inspired the Athonite monks to create a beautiful painting. In his features were the words of an akathist praising the Blessed Virgin Mary. And after some time, they compiled a separate akathist intended to glorify the face of the Mother of God “The color that does not fade.”
Subsequently, many copies were written with the Athos icon, which were distributed throughout the world. In general, the images were the same. The differences could only concern the colors depicted on the icon. It could be not only white lilies, but also red roses. Flowers are arranged in pots, woven into the halos of the Child of God, and wrapped around the pedestal under the Virgin Mary.
One of the lists arrived in Russia in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The oldest copy was kept in the Krasnoselsky St. Alexeevsky Monastery. After 1757, the fate of this image is unknown. But in its place another copy was placed, possessing the same miraculous power.
In addition, many temples were erected in the name of the sacred image. The most famous of them is the Rublevsky Cathedral, where on Sundays they honor the akatyst in the name of the Virgin Mary.
Many miraculous phenomena are known that occur during prayer in front of the Holy Face of the Mother of God; one of the lists of the shrine located in the temple of the Kherson region was pacified several years ago. Subsequently, many pilgrims began to flock to the miraculous icon. According to eyewitnesses, many sick people were healed by worshiping the miraculous image.
Prayers before the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”: text
In the akathist to the Mother of God, the Most Pure Virgin is called “You are the Root of Virginity and the Unfading Color of Purity.” And the artistic embodiment of this romantic and tender appeal was the 17th century icon “The Unfading Color.”
It is celebrated on April 16, at the best time of the earth’s awakening from winter sleep, the beginning of flowering and new life.
It is not without reason that the prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is read with a request for the gift of love, a family hearth and a betrothed.
Date of celebration: April 16
History of the “Fadeless Color” Icon
On Sacred Mount Athos there is one of the most ancient icons of the Virgin Mary. And on the day of the Annunciation, many fresh flowers are brought to her, especially lilies. After all, it was the lily that Archangel Gabriel handed to the Virgin Mary when he announced to her that she had been chosen to give birth to the Savior Jesus Christ.
After the celebration of the Annunciation, the lilies at the icon remain as fresh and unfading for 5 months, until the Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. At the same time, they lie without water and light.
This miracle proves the truth of our faith and the sincerity of the prayers that are offered in front of the “Unfading Color” icon.
The lily on the icon symbolizes the purity and immaculateness of the Mother of God, the unfading color of the virginity of the Chosen One for the most important mission on Earth. And therefore, in her other hand she holds the Divine Child, who says that everything happened according to God’s Will, and no one can dispute this.
Since ancient times, many miracles have been associated with this icon. It is worth talking about the image located in Israel on Mount Tabor. It differs from all others in that it is made on paper using a typographic method. And it appeared like this: one of the deeply religious residents of the island of Crete bought a paper icon in a church shop.
And, reading prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the “Unfading Flower” icon, he relied on God’s will and decided to ask to be prayed for in the Holy Land. Taking the bottle, he rolled up the paper icon and inserted a note asking him to pray for him in the Holy Land, where this icon must go.
Having sealed the bottle, he threw it into the sea. As a result, after a few months, this icon with a note actually ended up in the city of Nazareth, where, by order of the bishop, it was inserted into an icon case and transferred to a Greek temple. It was soon discovered that this paper icon was miraculous and healing.
Thousands of people prayed for a believer on the island of Crete. And as a result, he lived a long peaceful life, more than 100 years.
There is another miracle associated with this icon. The miraculous image appeared on the glass of a window of one of the houses in the village of Chernovka, Samara Region. It disappears in the evening and appears again in the morning. This phenomenal case was studied by both clergy and scientists. Many pilgrims come to look at a real miracle - the miraculous image of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”.
How do prayers in front of the “unfading color” icon help?
There were many copies of this icon in Russia. She was especially revered by young people who read the prayer to the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” about marriage or marriage, so that she would send them a worthy life partner.
After the revolution, some of the icons were lost, but there are several icons in churches in the Moscow and Voronezh regions. For example, in the village of Otradnoye, Novousmansky district, Voronezh region, in the Church of the Intercession there is a miraculous image.
Prayers in front of the “Unfading Color” icon help both when creating a family and in illness and sorrow. The main thing is to try to ask for immaculate things, without having any bad thoughts in your soul, about profit, about wealth and a career.
Prayers should be pure, like a lily flower in the hand of the Blessed Virgin.
The most important thing that prayer can help with is the preservation of the family. To overcome misunderstandings, stop quarrels and return love and happiness to the family - isn’t it a miracle if it happens these days?
Texts of prayers
Troparion, tone 5
Rejoice, Bride of God, secret rod, / Blooming unfading color, / Rejoice, Lady, with Her we are filled with joy // and we inherit life.
Translation: Rejoice, ignorant of God, mystical Rod, blossoming Unfading Flower, Rejoice, Lady, with You we are filled with joy and inherit life (eternal).
Prayer
Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect everyone who comes running to You in misfortune, hear our groaning, incline Your ear to our prayer.
Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten and teach us, do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful Protection.
Lead us, sinners, to a quiet and serene life, so that we may pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most kind and quick Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession, protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.
Oh, Mother of the Lord our Creator! You are the Root of Virginity and the Unfading Color of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we can see the ways of God’s truth.
By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we may be delivered from all misfortune and misfortune and be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son, to Him We give glory, honor and worship now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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Why is the akathist “Unfading Color” to the Blessed Virgin Mary needed?
The joyful and gentle image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, depicted on the “Unfading Flower” icon, symbolizes the mother and wife and the lilies in the hands of the Mother of God: purity and innocence. Therefore, women often pray in front of this holy face.
Married women ask the Mother of God to help strengthen and preserve their family. Many women, after praying to the Mother of God, establish relationships with their husbands, and love and happiness reign in the family again.
Unmarried girls pray for the gift of a reliable, faithful and caring spouse. Reading Akatista helps women strengthen their spirit and resist temptation while maintaining chastity. For any woman, external beauty is of no small importance. Prayers to the Mother of God not only guarantee the health of the body, but also contribute to the preservation of youth and beauty.
Not only women, but also men can turn to the holy face. An ode of praise helps solve many problems:
- get rid of desire, sadness;
- improve family relationships;
- find peace of mind;
- overcome pain.
Reading Akatista brings comfort and strength to overcome adversity. After the prayer service, the believer is overwhelmed by divine grace, and confidence in the future comes.
Celebrations dedicated to the “Unfading Flower” icon take place on April 16 according to the new style (April 3 according to the Julian calendar).
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil, let us write thanks to Thy servants to the Mother of God: but as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Thee: Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.
Ikos 1
A representative angel was sent from heaven, saying to the Mother of God: Rejoice! and with an incorporeal voice you are embodied in vain, Lord, terrified and standing, calling to Her like this: Rejoice, Her joy will shine: Rejoice, Her oath will disappear. Rejoice, proclamation of fallen Adam: Rejoice, deliverance of the tears of Eve. Rejoice, height incomprehensible to human thoughts: Rejoice, depth inconceivable and beyond the eyes of angels. Rejoice, for you are the King's seat; Rejoice, for you bear all the One Who Bears. Rejoice, star revealing the Sun: Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation. Rejoice, by Her the creation is renewed: Rejoice, by Her we worship the Creator. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the holy one in purity, he says to Gabriel boldly: the glorious voice of yours is inconvenient to my soul: the birth of the seedless conception, as you say, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Misunderstood mind, understand the Virgin, seek, cry out to the servant: from the side is pure, how can a son be born powerfully, O Lord? He spoke to Neyzha with fear, both calling to her: Rejoice, ineffable advice to the mystery: Rejoice, silence of those asking for faith. Rejoice, the beginning of Christ’s miracles: Rejoice, His commandments are the main thing. Rejoice, heavenly ladder, with which God descended: Rejoice, bridge leading those who exist from earth to heaven. Rejoice, prolix miracle of angels: Rejoice, much-weeping scab of demons. Rejoice, who gave birth to the Light ineffably: Rejoice, who taught you not a single thing. Rejoice, you who surpass the understanding of the wise; Rejoice, you who illuminate the meanings of the faithful. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High autumn then leads to the conception of the unskillful one, and the fertile Toya is false, like a sweet village of showing, to all who want to reap salvation, never sing to the mother: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having the God-pleasant womb, the Virgin rose up to Elizabeth: the baby, having known this kiss, rejoiced, and played like songs and cried out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, branches of unfading roses: Rejoice, acquisition of the immortal fruit. Rejoice, O worker who makes the Lover of mankind: Rejoice, O one who gave birth to the Gardener of our life. Rejoice, field, growing the bounty of bounty: Rejoice, table, bearing an abundance of cleansing. Rejoice, for you are flourishing as a food paradise; Rejoice, for you are preparing a haven for souls. Rejoice, pleasant censer of prayer: Rejoice, purification of the whole world. Rejoice, God's favor towards mortals: Rejoice, mortals' boldness towards God. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm inside with doubtful thoughts, the chaste Joseph was confused, to You in vain the unmarried one, and thinking about the stolen marriage, Immaculate One: having taken away Your conception from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the shepherd angels singing the carnal coming of Christ, and flowing as if to the Shepherd, they see this as the blameless Lamb, fallen in the womb of Mary, and sing: Rejoice, Lamb and Shepherd of the Mother: Rejoice, courtyard of verbal sheep. Rejoice, torment of invisible enemies: Rejoice, opening of the doors of heaven. Rejoice, as the heavenly rejoices in the earthly; Rejoice, as the earthly rejoices in the heavenly. Rejoice, unsilent lips of the apostles: Rejoice, invincible boldness of the passion-bearers. Rejoice, firm affirmation of faith: Rejoice, bright knowledge of grace. Rejoice, Who has laid bare hell: Rejoice, Who has been clothed with glory. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 5
Having seen the divine star, it followed the dawn: and like holding a lamp, I tested the mighty King: and having reached the Incomprehensible, I rejoiced at Him crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the youths of Chaldeystia at the hand of the Maiden, who created the hands of men, and the Lord who understands Him, even if the slave’s form is accepted, they strive to serve Him freely, and cry out to the Blessed One: Rejoice, never-setting stars Mother: Rejoice, dawn of the mysterious day. Rejoice, thou who has extinguished the delights of the furnace: Rejoice, thou who enlightenest the mysteries of the Trinity. Rejoice, thou who has driven away the inhuman tormentor from the authorities: Rejoice, thou who hast shown Christ the Lord, the Lover of Mankind. Rejoice, thou who deliverest barbarous service: Rejoice, thou who taketh away the work of the barbarians. Rejoice, thou who has extinguished the fire of worship: Rejoice, thou who hast changed the flame of passions. Rejoice, faithful teacher of chastity: Rejoice, joy of all kinds. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 6
The God-bearing preachers, who were once wolves, returned to Babylon, having finished Thy prophecy: and having preached Thy Christ to everyone, leaving Herod as if he were talking, not leading the song: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Having shone forth in Egypt the illumination of truth, Thou hast driven away the darkness of lies: for the idols are His Saviour, not tolerating Thy strength, O fallen one. Those who have been delivered cry out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, correction of men: Rejoice, fall of demons. Rejoice, you who have trampled down the charms of the power; Rejoice, you who have exposed the idolatry of flattery. Rejoice, the sea that drowned the mental Pharaoh: Rejoice, the stone that gave water to those thirsty for life. Rejoice, pillar of fire, instruct those who are in darkness: Rejoice, covering the world, covering the clouds. Rejoice at the food, the receiver of manna: Rejoice, the sweets of the holy servant. Rejoice, land of promise: Rejoice, from nowhere flows honey and milk. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 7
I want Simeon from this present age to become adorable, and you appeared like a Child to him; but you also became known to him as a perfect God. I was also amazed at Your ineffable wisdom, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Creator appeared to us as a new creature, who came to us from Him, from the seedless vegetative womb, and preserved it, as if it were imperishable. Yes, seeing a miracle, let us sing Yu, crying out: Rejoice, flower of incorruption: Rejoice, crown of abstinence. Rejoice, you who shine upon the image of the Resurrection: Rejoice, you who reveal the life of angels. Rejoice, tree of bright fruit, from which the verlies feed; Rejoice, tree of blessed leaves, with which many trees are covered. Rejoice, who in your womb carried the Deliverer to the captives: Rejoice, who gave birth to the Mentor to the lost. Rejoice, Judge of the righteous supplication: Rejoice, forgiveness of many sins. Rejoice, robe of the naked of boldness: Rejoice, love conquering every desire. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 8
Having seen a strange Christmas, let us withdraw from the world, turning our minds to heaven: for this, for the sake of the high God, a humble Man appeared on earth, although he attracted to the heights, To him crying: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All in the lower, and in the upper, the indescribable Word departed in no way: the descent was divine, not a local passing away, and the birth from the Virgin of God, hearing this: Rejoice, God is the inconceivable container: Rejoice, the honorable sacrament of the door. Rejoice, doubtful hearing of the unbelievers: Rejoice, well-known praise of the faithful. Rejoice, most holy chariot, existing on the cherubim: Rejoice, glorious village, existing on the seraphim. Rejoice, you who have gathered in the same way: Rejoice, you who have combined virginity and Christmas. Rejoice, for the crime was resolved: Rejoice, for the heaven was opened. Rejoice, key of the Kingdom of Christ: Rejoice, hope of eternal blessings. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 9
Every angelic nature was amazed at the great work of Your incarnation: for the unapproachable One, like God, who is seen to be approachable by all, is present to us, hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The prophets of many things, like mute fish, we see about You, Mother of God: they are perplexed to say, how did the Virgin remain, and were you able to give birth? We, marveling at the mystery, truly cry out: Rejoice, friend of the wisdom of God: Rejoice, treasure of His providences. Rejoice, you who reveal the wisdom of the unwise; Rejoice, you who denounce the cunning and wordless; Rejoice, for you have overwhelmed the wicked seeker; Rejoice, for you have withered the creators of fables. Rejoice, thou of Athens, who tears apart the weaving; Rejoice, thou who fulfillest the fishermen's dreams. Rejoice, thou who bringest forth from the depths of ignorance: Rejoice, thou who enlightenest many in the mind. Rejoice, ship of those who want to be saved: Rejoice, haven of worldly voyages. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 10
Although He has come to save the world, Who is the Decorator of all, He has come to this self-promise, and this Shepherd, like God, has appeared for us for our sake: having called upon like like, as if God hears: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thou art the wall of the virgins, the Virgin Mary, and of all who come running to Thee: for the Creator of heaven and earth made Thy Most Pure One, dwelling in Thy womb, and teaching all to invite Thee: Rejoice, pillar of virginity: Rejoice, door of salvation: Rejoice, head of the mental creation: Rejoice, giver of Divine goodness. Rejoice, for you have renewed those who were conceived in cold; rejoice, for you have punished those who were stolen by the mind. Rejoice, thou who exercisest the smolder of meanings: Rejoice, thou who has given birth to the sower of purity. Rejoice, thou who art of seedless disgrace: Rejoice, thou who hast united the faithful of the Lord. Rejoice, good nurse of young virgins: Rejoice, bride-blesser of the souls of saints. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 11
All singing is overcome, striving to meet the multitude of Thy bounties: songs equal to the sand of the sand, if we bring to Thee the Holy King, we do nothing worthy of what Thou hast given to us crying out to Thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
We see the holy Virgin, a light-receiving candle that appears to those who exist in the darkness: the immaterial one, burning fire, instructs all to the Divine mind, illuminating the mind with the dawn, and revered by the title, these. Rejoice, ray of the intelligent sun: Rejoice, luminary of the never-setting light. Rejoice, lightning of the soul enlightening: Rejoice, like thunder, terrifying enemies. Rejoice, for you have illuminated enlightenment with much light; Rejoice, for you have flowed from a multi-flowing river. Rejoice, thou who paintest the image of the font: Rejoice, thou who taketh away sinful defilement. Rejoice, bath, washing the conscience: Rejoice, cup, drawing joy. Rejoice, smelling the fragrance of Christ: Rejoice, belly of the secret joy, rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 12
The grace of giving, having rejoiced the debts of the ancients, the resolver of all debts by man, came with Himself to those who had departed from that grace: and the handwriting was discorded, and heard from everyone: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your Nativity, we all praise You, like an animated temple to the Mother of God: in Your womb, the Lord upholds everything with His hand, sanctify, glorify, teach everyone to cry out to You: Rejoice, village of God and the Word: Rejoice, great holy of holies. Rejoice, thou art gilded by the Spirit: Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of life. Rejoice, honorable crown of pious kings: Rejoice, honest praise of reverent priests. Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church: Rejoice, unbreakable wall of the kingdom. Rejoice, through whom victories will rise; rejoice, through whom enemies will fall. Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, salvation of my soul. Hail Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 13
O all-sung Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word, having accepted the present offering, deliver everyone from all misfortunes, and remove future torments, who cry out to You: Alleluia. This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos: Intercessor Angel... and the 1st kontakion: To the Chosen Voivode...
You can also read the akathist for private reading.
Reading rules
The Orthodox Church considers it obligatory to perform the akatist at the Saturday service, which takes place in the fifth week of Lent. Sometimes the reading of a solemn song is timed to coincide with some holiday. There are no other special days for performing the ode of praise. Each believer decides for himself when he is ready to perform the act of prayer.
Here are just a few rules that are recommended to be followed during the prayer service:
- A hymn of praise is sung before the icon of the Mother of God; in her absence, one is allowed to pray while standing at the window facing east. The sick and infirm, who cannot stand for a long time, can read the akathist while sitting.
- The performance of the song is preceded by the reading of initial prayers, which vary depending on the hour of prayer. In the prayer book you can find out which texts of prayers are read from Easter to Ascension and from Ascension to Trinity.
- Then follows the execution of the akathist itself according to the established order of kontakion and ikos.
- Following Akatista, they say the prayer “He is worthy to eat.”
- The prayer service ends with a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord and the sign of the cross.
If the solemn singing is performed during the morning or evening rule, additional reading of the opening prayer before the akatista is not required.
