The Ostrobramskaya icon has won great popularity throughout the post-Soviet space, with prayers to which not only Orthodox believers, but also Catholics turn. We will dedicate our article to this miraculous image, from which it breathes endless light and spiritual kindness.
The history of the appearance of the icon
According to Orthodox tradition, the Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God, whose significance is equally great for all believers, used to be called a little differently - the Korsun Annunciation Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. In the XIV century, it was brought to Vilna from Khersones (Korsun) by the great Lithuanian prince Olgerd Gediminovich after an attack on the Crimean Tatars. The icon was presented by him to his first wife Maria, who later gave the priceless painting to the Trinity Church.
The construction of this church took place under her own leadership, and it was founded in honor of the great martyrs John, Anthony and Eustathius, tortured and hanged by the cruel husband of Mary Olgerd. This is a very clear story, which once again showed how people can serve God, with what devotion anddedication.
A Brief History of the Three Martyrs
Olgerd allowed to practice Christianity in his possessions while his wife was alive. As soon as Maria died, the prince unexpectedly began to support the fire-worshipping priests, and therefore those who spoke about God, the prince betrayed cruel punishment. Anthony and John were one of them. But despite the fact that they spent half their lives in prison, they continued to preach the name of the Lord, for which both were hanged on an oak tree, which later became a truly sacred place for Christians.
Another person devoted to God, as the legend says, Evstafiy was the favorite combatant of Olgred himself. But despite what privileges awaited him in the future, if he gave all his devotion and love to the prince, Eustathius completely and completely devoted his soul to God. According to legend, this truly holy man was brutally tortured before his death, forcing him to drink ice water completely naked in the cold. Despite all this horror, he remained indifferent to everything that was happening, charging with his faith and divine energy. Later, by order of the Lithuanian prince, the "divine combatant" was hanged on the same sacred oak.
After the Union of Brest, at the end of the 16th century, the Trinity Church was transferred to the Uniates, so the Ostrobramskaya icon was placed in one of the parish Orthodox churches. And in 1906, the image was captured by the Uniates and placed in the chapel above the Sharp Gates.
In 1625, the image began to belong to the Latin Carmelite monks, who placedshrine to the church built in honor of St. Teresa.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Ostrobramskaya icon was in the possession of the Roman Catholic clergy. And in 1927, on July 2, a solemn coronation was performed (under the leadership of Pope Pius XI) in the presence of the entire Polish episcopate.
Where is the Ostrobramsk Icon of the Mother of God kept?
It's significance for Lithuanian believers is enormous. After all, to this day it is kept above the Ostrobrama Gate in Vilnius. This is one of the most revered sights there. Every day, thousands of people pray at her bedside, who flock from all over the world to bow before this priceless shrine.
Worship before the face of the Mother of God takes place according to the Roman Catholic rite. Catholics and Orthodox take off their hats in front of the great Ostrobramsky Gate, where the holy image is located. A huge number of candles are burning in front of the face of the Virgin and crowds of people want to look at this miracle and touch it in order to feel all the energy power emanating from this truly miraculous shrine.
Day dedicated to the Ostrobramskaya icon
The Feast of the Ostrobramsky Icon is celebrated by Orthodox believers on December 26 (January 8). And April 14 (April 27) is dedicated to the memory of three Lithuanian great martyrs. This day is revered by Catholic believers.
Interesting facts about the origin of the face
- In the 20s of the 20th century, it was believed that the Ostrobramskaya icon bears some resemblance to Queen Barbara Radzwill, a romantic storywhich won the hearts of many.
- It has long been known that the iconography of this miraculous icon goes back to the image of the Mother of God "Tenderness", to which Seraphim of Sarov himself once called.
- There is also a second version of the origin of the shrine. According to Orthodox tradition, the Icon of the Mother of God of Ostrobramskaya was sent to Prince Olgred by Emperor John Palaiologos, who bestowed such an invaluable gift to congratulate the prince on the beginning of his reign.
- Another legend says that the icon somehow miraculously appeared on the Sharp (or "Russian") gates on April 14, 1431.
- Before the coronation of the icon, in 1927, during its restoration, experts discovered an ancient letter written in tempera, as well as stains from a lime primer. Scientists concluded that the shrine was painted in the 15th or 16th century (approximately in 1620-1630) and repeated the image created by the artist from the Netherlands - Martin de Vos.
- In 1829, when the silver riza was removed during the restoration process, a certain inscription was discovered. Later it was found out that this is the Laudatory Song of the Mother of God "The Most Honorable Cherub". It is believed that the Mother of God at that moment observed the appearance of the Archangel Gabriel, part of whose image was lost.
- According to the Orthodox, the gesture of crossed arms can mean the moment of the acceptance of the Immaculate Virgin of the Good News, or the direct participation of her secretly accomplished on the Cross of Atonement. Also, such a gesture is found on the iconographic version called "The Mother of God of Akhtyrskaya",where the Mother of God stands at the foot of the Cross with her arms crossed.
Ostrobramskaya Icon: what it looks like
The Ostrobramskaya icon, whose significance is enormous for both Catholic believers and Orthodox, was painted on 8 two-centimeter oak boards. The size of the face itself is 165 x 200 cm. She is depicted waist-deep with her head bowed, and her arms crossed over her chest. A two-tiered crown flaunts on the head of the Mother of God, above which a halo radiates with sharp rays of radiance. Mary's attire represents a silver-colored rice, acting in the manner of Vilna masters of the 17th century. It almost completely covers the figure of the Mother of God, leaving only the hands and the Face of the Blessed Virgin itself visible. At the bottom of the icon is a silver crescent.
Ostrobramskaya icon: what it protects from and whom it helps
This is a rather rare, but very powerful and strong image that protects the house from evil spirits. They also pray at the icon for the granting of the Protection of God, the protection of the family from external interference, the happiness and mutual love of the spouses. And this is still a small part of what the Ostrobramskaya icon is capable of. Where to hang it is known to many. It is better to do this at the entrance, then it will protect the home from intruders and evil spirits. It is also generally accepted that the Holy Image of the Virgin calms, relieves depression andgloomy.
A very good image as a gift for godchildren, especially twins, so that their mother prays for their well-being, joy and spiritual friendship.
Many argue that after long prayers before the image of the Ostrobramsky icon, all sorts of problems and family troubles stopped. Being alone with the holy face, the solution to problems came by itself.
