The Icon of the Unfading Color also has a second name - Fragrant Color. It is considered very ancient. On April 16, a large number of Orthodox people come to honor this icon. This is a very powerful image that has created many different miracles.
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Many experts consider this icon to be the most beautiful of all kinds of other images. When pilgrims brought it (17th century), people began to celebrate its miraculous properties, which continue to this day.
Why pray to the Fadeless Color icon
People have long known that prayer to the Unfading Color icon helps all girls who dream of maintaining their beautiful appearance and youth for as long as possible. Protects them and gives them strength to stay clean and live a right life.
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The Mother of God, who is depicted on this icon, holds her small child in one hand, and with the other hand holds a sprig of a flower. Initially it was a bouquet of lilies, then a flower, nowadays they are painted with a twig. It symbolizes purity, virginity and purity. Girls who wear such an amulet on their chests are protected from the vicious temptations of our world.
Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Unfading Color helps a person gain additional strength so that he can overcome all the trials that life gives him. Saves marriage, strengthens family relationships, helps overcome various family difficulties that happen in almost every family.
Girls and women who want to get married often pray in front of this icon. They ask that they meet exactly the person who will be their support for the rest of their lives, reliable, kind and a true protector. Before the wedding ceremony, they ask that the future family be reliable and strong.
Sincere prayer directs a person on the right path, adds spiritual strength that may already be running low, and relieves him of despondency and heavy thoughts. Many sources say that prayer in front of this icon preserved youth and health for a long time.
origin of name
The Mother of God icon “Unfading Color” (“Fragrant Color”) received its name under the influence of the praising words of akathists (praise and thanksgiving chants). In them, the Mother of God and Christ are poetically compared to fragrant flowers that do not fade. This image is considered one of the most beautiful. On it the face of the Blessed Virgin Mary is full of calm and peaceful tenderness.
One of the variants of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”
How does prayer in front of the Unfading Color icon help?
Prayers in front of the Icon always add strength to a person, expel bad thoughts from his head, and also give him faith in the future. In front of the icon of the Unfading Color, people ask:
- help from higher powers for marriage;
- so that the decision in choosing a soul mate is not wrong;
- a life partner for life, who will be in both joy and sorrow;
- young, unmarried girls who are brought up in the faith, in prayer ask for protection from the vicious temptations that are so many in this world;
- girls also want to gain knowledge to properly raise the future generation.
Examples of miracles
In 2007, in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Novovoskresenovka, the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” was consecrated. Miracles happened to those who prayed and applied themselves: families were reunited, children were healed, quarrels were forgotten, loved ones were found.
On April 16, 2012, in the village of Chernovka, Sergievsky district, Samara region, this image of the Mother of God appeared on the window of one of the houses: when it became dark, it disappeared, and in the morning it gradually appeared. Clergy and believers visited the miraculous face. The atheists tried to erase the painting from the glass, but to no avail.
History of the icon
It is believed that the icon first appeared on the island of Kefalonia, near Athos, and it was from this image that many similar versions emerged. An amazing story happened in this place many hundreds of years ago.
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There was a tradition on this island that continues to this day. On the Feast of the Annunciation, people bring white flowers (tulips or similar ones) to the face of the Mother of God, where they lie until the Feast of Her Assumption. It is important to note that the flowers lie without water or sunlight for almost five months.
But many years ago a miracle happened: the stems of flowers similar to lilies suddenly began to fill with moisture and come to life. Instead of already withered flowers, new buds appeared and after a while lush bouquets of white flowers stood in this place. Master icon painters were inspired by this miracle, and this is how the Unfading Color icon appeared.
The Athos icon spread throughout the Orthodox world. But a little later, three main directions appeared that made copies of this icon - Russia, Greece, Bulgaria. It is thanks to this that an incredibly huge iconographic diversity appeared.
The Everlasting Color first appeared in Greece around the 16th century. Pilgrims brought the first list to Russia much later. The first monastery to have this icon was St. Alekseevsky in Moscow.
The first records about the icon are found only in 1757; celebrations are held in its honor on April 16. Unfortunately, there is no exact information about where it came from in our region, but presumably from the Balkans.
Many historians believe that lists created in the 19th century and later are inferior to more ancient ones. The old icons depicted a large number of attributes, there were flowers in the hands, and later they increasingly drew a twig. The coloring of the composition became more restrained, and the crown disappeared.
Description and meaning of the icon
The image “Fadeless Color” is also known as “Fragrant Color”. It depicts the Most Pure Mother of God holding the Divine Son in one hand. In her other hand she holds a white lily. This flower is considered a symbol of purity and childhood. The face of the Virgin Mary is shown tender and soft. Just by looking at it you can get rid of anxiety and sadness.
Initially, the Mother of God held a whole bouquet of lilies in her hand. But today she is painted with only one flower. Some icons depict the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms in a slightly different form. So, the lily can be replaced with a rose branch. The baby's location also changes. It appears either on the left or on the right hand.
Over time, the colors of the composition also changed. She became more reserved. The crown has also disappeared from the image. However, regardless of appearance, the icon does not lose its original meaning and miraculous power.
The Fragrant Flower icon is considered one of the most beautiful images. This image first appeared on the island of Kefalonia, which is located near Athos. There is a tradition here to bring white flowers to her face on the feast of the Virgin Mary. They lie in front of the icon until the feast of Her Dormition. Without water and in sunlight, the flowers lie for almost 5 months.
One day many years ago, when the flowers were lying in front of the image, a miracle happened: the flowers suddenly began to fill with moisture and gradually come to life. After some time, instead of withered flowers, a lush bouquet appeared.
The miracle that happened inspired icon painters. This is how this icon appeared. Then copies were written from it in Bulgaria, Greece and Russia. Thanks to this, many different images of this image have appeared in the world.
In Greece, the icon appeared in the 16th century. Pilgrims brought it to Russia a little later. She first appeared in the St. Alexeevsky Monastery in Moscow. More precise information about how exactly “Fragrant Flower” came to Russia has not been preserved. However, experts suggest that the icon was brought by believers from the Balkans. The first records of this image appeared in 1757. In our country, on April 16, a celebration is held in honor of this image.
The prayer to the Mother of God before the “Unfading Flower” is read in the following situations:
- the need to drive bad thoughts out of your head;
- to gain faith in tomorrow;
- the need for strength to face life's challenges;
- to receive help in getting married, as well as finding a true soulmate;
- to obtain protection from the vicious temptations with which today's world is rich;
- assistance in choosing the truly right path;
- assistance in acquiring family happiness;
- to obtain knowledge for the purpose of properly training the future generation.
Also, a prayer said in front of this image of the Virgin Mary helps young girls preserve their youth and beauty for many years. She protects women, gives them strength to live the right life and remain clean.
This image is considered very powerful, as it has created many different miracles over the past centuries. However, most often a prayer request helps in family matters, giving a woman strength to overcome all domestic troubles.
Anyone who sincerely believes and asks the Mother of God in front of this icon always receives help from her.
Text of the prayer to the holy image
O Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us 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; let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower 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 may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion, tone 5
Most blessed Virgin Mary, we worship Your most pure image, We sing a song of praise to You, We bring needs, grief and tears to You, But You, oh, our meek Intercessor, Earthly sorrows are so close to You, accept our sighs, help us and save us from troubles. Tirelessly and with tenderness let us call to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Greatness
We magnify Thee, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Thy holy image, through which we heal our illnesses and raise souls to God.
Prayer against the evil eye on beauty
The biological protection of each individual person is different: some are lucky to have a strong energy field, while for others it is subject to any external influence. Conflicts and quarrels have a negative impact on physical health, and as a result, on appearance.
When an unpleasant conversation occurred, or you felt a wave of hatred and anger penetrate your body, a strong protective prayer for beauty will help:
Envious eyes and lying lips, turn away from the servant of God (name), return from where you came. By the power of prayer to the Most Holy Mother of God, intercede, O Mother of God, for your servants, protect them from the slander of evil tongues, keep them in health and longevity. Amen
Who is it for?
The “Unfading Color” icon embodies the spiritual purity, chastity and tenderness of our Lady. Praying in front of the image, you involuntarily acquire a similar state of mind. It is desirable for all young girls to have this face. Entering adulthood, young beauties will have someone to confide in all their aspirations and hopes.
The prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon is considered very powerful; it will help build a strong family.
Prayers are offered before the icon:
- about not making mistakes in life;
- about protection from sin;
- about the election of a companion(s);
- about happy marital relationships;
- about the gift of offspring;
- about maintaining cleanliness;
- about victory over passions;
- about a successful marriage.
The Most Holy Theotokos will definitely respond to sincere prayer, to a call for help in finding a spouse, solving family problems, giving children, and much more. Couples in love divorced by fate can also turn to her about an early meeting and restoration of unity. The Most Holy Lady will “cover all those who pray and ask for mercy from her with her holy omophorion...”.
Prayer for the gift of youth
The following prayer for beauty is read over a basin filled with water:
I ask, Lord, by Your great power to help me return my body and face and not lose the great strength of youth, so that decrepitude and flabbiness do not come to me, and the bodily sufferings of old age do not overwhelm me. And may my faith drive away the fear of weakness, and may the body be filled with the power of Heavenly Light and acquire freshness and elasticity, restored youth, hot blood, strong muscles, young skin. And my gratitude will rise up - I will glorify the Lord’s miracle shown for my great renewal. Amen
Next, step into the shower or bathhouse to wash yourself with the sacred liquid.
How and when to read a prayer
The “Unfading Color” icon should be kept in your home prayer corner. Not every temple can now find this image. It is necessary to turn to the Mother of God in prayer as often as possible. It is better to do this during the prayer rule, morning or evening, and also when such a desire arises in the soul. You can ask the Mother of God for help in your own words or use ready-made texts of prayers borrowed from the holy fathers. They are easy to find in Orthodox prayer books, collections, and akathists.
During prayer, girls should wear a scarf on their heads. The body should be covered with long clothing that hides the shoulders, chest, and legs above the knees. During prayer, it is good to light candles, lamps, and incense.
But first you need to retire to a separate room. No one and nothing should interfere with spiritual contemplation. Before you start praying to the Mother of God, you need to gather your thoughts and drive away all unnecessary impressions accumulated during the day.
Spells for attractiveness and beauty
External attractiveness is the dream of every woman. After all, who doesn’t want to be beautiful and evoke admiring glances? But, as you know, you cannot be beautiful without sacrificing something.
To achieve the desired result, girls spend a huge amount of time. They use various cosmetics (not cheap, by the way), apply scrubs and masks, and go on severe starvation diets.
But there is a method that helps no worse than the above, and requires minimal effort. These are beauty spells - magic spells that have come down to us. They have been used since ancient times.
How to look younger
Over icy water say:
Water, water, take away all the wrinkles (pimples, spots...) from my face.
And wash the skin of your face and neck seven times. It is recommended to carry out the procedure immediately before bedtime. Don't miss a day to enjoy the effect.
