The "Seven Arrows" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the well-known Orthodox shrines. She is revered as a Charm for the space of the dwelling, she is prayed for reconciliation and softening of hearts, as well as for healing from diseases. This is a fairly ancient example of icon painting, which was first discovered in the 17th-18th centuries on the territory of Russia.
Description
This shrine is also called the Icon of "Softener of Evil Hearts". It is revered as miraculous and healing not only from diseases, but also from anger, intolerance, feelings of anxiety.
Prayer to the Queen of Heaven, depicted on the image, gives a feeling of peace and tranquility, protects from bad thoughts and negative-minded people who came to the house, from scammers and thieves.
Every truly believing Christian has an icon of the “Seven-shot” Mother of God. It is usually carried with you (in a small format) or placed in the house opposite the entrance.
History
According to legend, the image was found on the bell towertemple in the vicinity of Vologda - on the river Toshni.
One peasant had a dream in which the Mother of God asked to find the icon among the boards that were placed on the landing leading to the roof of the church where the bells were.
The abbot of the temple believed this poor man only the third time. When the Icon of the "Seven Arrows" Mother of God was indeed found, cleansed of dirt and bird droppings, believers felt grace, and some of them, including a good peasant, found spiritual and physical healing.
And in the 30s of the 19th century, when cholera raged everywhere, the image of the Virgin protected from illness all those who came to the temple to pray before it. Since then, the shrine has also been a protector of serious infectious diseases.
Meaning
The "Seven Arrows" icon depicts the Mother of God, which is pierced by 7 (sometimes 6) arrows. This is a symbol of the pain that Mary experienced in her earthly life, when Jesus Christ was subjected to the most severe condemnation and execution - for preaching the good news about God.
This face reflects all the pain and torment for every person that the Queen of Heaven endured with her Son.
According to the spiritual teachings, as well as the laws of Orthodoxy, the number of arrows (swords) - seven (sometimes there are six) also have their sacred meaning:
- This is a symbol of fullness, abundance, we alth.
- Sins from which a person needs to be healed (pride, anger, discouragement, adultery, envy, greed, gluttony).
This is where the meaning of the “Seven Arrows” Icon is manifested (which helps) – to “see” the vicious in every converted heart and help get rid of it, as well as strengthen the positive qualities and areas of life of a believer.
Where posted
Several miraculous images are in the churches of the Russian Federation:
- in the Moscow monastery of the Archangel Michael;
- in the church, which is in the village of Bachurino (Moscow region);
- in Vologda - in the church of St. Lazarus.
The shrines were miraculously found, they are taken to different cities and villages of Russia, and pilgrims come to the faces every year.
The icon of the "Seven-Arrowed" Mother of God or "Softener of Evil Hearts" is in one of the Venetian chapels.
Important shrine
Modern Christians consider the icon one of the most important images of the Mother of God, and everyone keeps it in their home, workplace space.
After all, the face protects:
- From enemy swords that can threaten a loved one in a war zone.
- From outbursts of envy, irritation, anger and despondency.
- From gluttony and lack of patience with anything or anyone.
- From the meanness of ill-wishers who intend to destroy a person's well-being, humiliate, rob.
- Protects the dwelling (especially if you place the icon opposite the entrance), "chasing out" or softening everyone who comes into itwith bad intentions.
- From disbelief in God - sincere and ardent prayer before the image helps a person who has gone astray, who has lost faith for a while, return.
- From diseases of the physical plane, infections, severe illnesses.
Prayer before the Icon
Every woman has a special advantage in life - she is given the opportunity to help (relatives, acquaintances, all people) through a prayer appeal to God, the Mother of God and other Saints. The main thing is to do it with a pure heart and with a sincere desire to help, without wanting anything in return.
Including the prayers addressed to the Seven-shot Icon, of which there are several.
One of them especially protects travelers who are going on a long journey, in which there may be dangers. It begins with an appeal to the Queen of Heaven, the Lady of the "Seven Arrows". This is followed by a request to protect from the arrows of sadness, anger, sorrow, temptation, persecution, languor and illness. About protection from all sinful thoughts and deeds that are objectionable to God, from bad people. About intercession before God.
Another strong prayer helps to get protection from damage and the evil eye. It begins with the words of an appeal to the Lady of the Mother of God. This is followed by a comparison with arrows that fly past, so the mourning and spoiled thoughts bypass a person without causing harm. A request for protection and patronage at any time of the day or night from demonic attacks and all evil.
Celebration
The churches of the Russian Federation and the entire Orthodox world have their own days of festive services - in honor of the Icon of the "Seven Arrows" or "Softener of Evil Hearts" (also "Simeon's Prophecy"). These images are of the same type, and therefore the dates of the celebration are identical:
- 13 and 26 August;
- 9 Sunday after Easter;
- 1 Sunday of Trinity.
The Akathist, Kontakion and Troparion are sung these days. And also special ones are read - holiday prayers.
There are two prayers in the Akathist text:
- The first is an appeal to the mournful Mother of God, who suffered more suffering than any other person. What follows is a plea for protection under the Shroud of Grace, which is not to be found anywhere else. Asking for help and salvation through prayers and singing praises in the Trinity to God.
- The second prayer to the Icon of "Seven Arrows" says that every believer wants to please the Virgin Mary, to sing of Her mercy to people. A request to protect from evil, to dissolve the hearts (of one's own and of enemies), to send an arrow that will pierce the world to the persecuting believers and prayers. The petition of the Mother of God to accept and send love. Give strength to patience and soften the hearts of people. A prayer to ask the Lord to humble the hearts of people and send peace to them. Chanting of the Wonderful and Blessed Virgin, who is protection from enemies through filling people with love for each other and eradicating all malice and enmity.
Conclusion
Each of the images of the Mother of God is strong andblessed. And sincere prayers fill with powerful energy and calm. And it is especially important for a person to remember this in the most difficult days of his life and turn, ask the Queen of Heaven for help.
The “Seven Arrow” Icon is no exception, which really softens the heart, protects against bad thoughts and attacks (including energy ones) from other people.
