This icon is quite rare on sale, but strong in its symbolism. The Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God should be in the home of every Orthodox person. And in order for it to protect the home from all evil, witchcraft and crafty people, it must be placed at the entrance to the house. Most often you can see this icon right above the front door of the house. She looks into the room, not out of it. When a person comes in, she seems to follow his gaze into the house and stay strictly above his head.
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History of the Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God
This shrine is equally highly revered by both Orthodox and Catholics around the world. It is called Ostrobramskaya because it is located in Vilnius, on the city gate (Ostraya Brama).
There are several versions regarding the origin of the miraculous icon. According to one of them, in 1431, on April 27, this icon itself appeared on the fortress fence of the “Sharp Gate” of the large city of Vilna. The Mother of God in the icon is depicted alone, in very magnificent and rich clothes. As in other images, her head is slightly tilted to the side, her hands are in a cross-shaped position, which indicate prayer and humility.
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This icon has a rather complicated fate, as it has been transferred from state to private ownership more than once and vice versa. Over time, it became highly revered in both Catholicism and Orthodoxy, because for some time it was in the possession of both Catholics and Christians.
According to the second version, such an icon could have been brought by the ruling princes of that time from the captured Crimean lands, namely the city of Korsun. Another version indicates that the icon was presented by the Byzantine Emperor Palaiologos to Prince Olgerd, who at that moment received holy baptism.
In 1655, Vilnia was under occupation by Russian troops, which lasted until 1661. At that time, it was customary to take the shrine to an unknown place. As the story goes, when they were transporting the icon, they were robbed on the way by Russian Cossacks, who took the icon in an unknown direction.
But by a miraculous coincidence, in 1661, the icon was returned to its original place in Vilnius. But this time she was placed in the Church of St. Theresa. 10 years later, in 1671, the first miracle associated with the salvation of a child happened, after which miracles began to occur regularly and believers from all over the world reached out to the shrine with their prayers and petitions.
The icon “survived” 2 fires, which took place in 1706 and 1714. It is curious that everything around it burned to the ground, but the icon itself remained unharmed in both the first and second cases.
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In 1795, the governor of Vilna issued a decree that stated that every man passing through the Sharp Gate had to take off his headdress and look up at the miraculous image. This is how honor was given to the Holy Face. All trade at this gate was also prohibited, out of deep veneration and respect for the shrine.
At the moment when the reconstruction of the frame (the upper part of the icon) began, the most famous song of praise to date in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos, “The Most Honorable Cherub,” was discovered. The artists made a new frame (chasuble), which was particularly luxurious and splendid.
There is an opinion that this icon is just part of a large image, the second part of which depicts the Archangel Gabriel, who brought the good news to the Mother of God that she would give birth to the Son of God from the immaculate conception. It is believed that the second part was presented by Prince Olgerd to someone from high ranks, but reliable evidence that confirms this theory has not yet been found.
The miraculous properties of the face of the Mother of God and history
There are two options for the appearance of this image. According to one, the face of the Mother of God appeared in the city of Vilna on the “sharp gate” on April 27, 1431. It was thanks to the place where it appeared that the icon got its name. This icon is not only incredibly beautiful, but also has a rich robe.
According to the second version, it was received as a gift in honor of the adoption of Christianity from the Emperor of Greece to the prince.
December 26 is considered the day of remembrance of this image. But Catholics celebrate April 14th.
The prayer of the Ostrobramskaya Mother of God is aimed at creating the following miracles:
- the return of a kidnapped child,
- healing from infertility,
- search for missing people.
Most often, what the Mother of God of Ostrobramskaya helps with is protection from dark forces and ailments. In order for the image to fulfill its intended purpose, it should be hung directly above the front door. Often she is also responsible for:
- improving home energy,
- finding solutions to some problems,
- bringing good luck in your endeavors,
- preserving family feelings for a long time,
- cure mental and other illnesses,
- avoiding premature death,
- protection from gossip, evil eye and envy.
Most often she is approached with the following requests:
- during times of despondency or sadness,
- about the removal of curses, damage and the liberation of the family,
- about peace in the baby’s soul,
- about states of depression,
- about mental disorders.
Also read: Orthodox strong prayer for fear
Where to place this face
It is recommended to hang it in the right corner opposite the front door. Other objects should not be located near it. In addition, it should always be kept clean and tidy.
What do they pray for in front of the Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God?
Before this icon, prayers are offered for the protection and protection of God. Prayers are also extolled for the protection of the married couple from attacks and all temptations. This icon also helps those who cannot conceive children for a long time. But most often they pray to her for protection from all evil, so that there will always be peace and tranquility in the house, as well as love and understanding.
Those who suffer from mental disorders, depression, panic attacks, despondency and other mental illnesses also need to say prayers in front of this icon . Order a prayer service more often and submit notes for the health of the sick and ailing.
Prayers to the icon
There are several canonical texts read before the icon. Prayers are said in the temple and at home. Kontakion and Ikos are sung on the day of honoring the image of the Framed Mother of God.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Ostrobramskaya Vilna Icon
Second prayer
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the Ostrobramskaya Icon
Kontakion 1
Ikos 1
Kontakion 2
Ikos 2
Kontakion 3
Ikos 3
Kontakion 4
Ikos 4
Kontakion 5
Ikos 5
Kontakion 6
Ikos 6
Kontakion 7
Ikos 7
Kontakion 8
Ikos 8
Kontakion 9
Ikos 9
Kontakion 10
Ikos 10
Kontakion 11
Ikos 11
Kontakion 12
Ikos 12
Kontakion 13
WE RECOMMEND: Icon of the Mother of God “Healer”.
In what cases should you turn to the Pointed Frame Icon of the Mother of God?
The Virgin Mary from the pointed-framed icon primarily protects family and children. Many cases have been recorded when lost offspring returned home, seriously ill people recovered after the mother asked for help from the Mother of God. They pray to the image in cases where: 1. They want to return understanding, peace and prosperity to the family. 2. If the feelings of the spouses have cooled. 3. In case of conflicts between husband and wife.
It has been noticed that in houses where there is an Ostrobramskaya icon, peace and love usually reign.
Should only written prayers be read?
No. When there is a problem with a child or the family urgently needs help, there is no time to look for and study canonical texts. You can address the Mother of God in your own words. If they are sincere, then the prayer will be heard. Do not forget to thank the Virgin Mary when the request is fulfilled.
The Ostrobramskaya Mother of God went through difficult periods in history. They tried to destroy it by fire and break it, steal it and take it away from other church employees. But despite this, she works miracles and is revered by all Christians.
