Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir: meaning and history. Prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

One of the first places in the list of the most revered images in Russia is the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. Its significance for the country is enormous. At one time, prayer to her more than once saved Russia from crushing raids by invaders. Only thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God, this was avoided.

Majestic is the history and significance of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. First of all, for the Russian people, because she is truly their protector.

The origin and journey of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God

An ancient legend says about the appearance of the icon. The Apostle Luke wrote it when the Mother of God was still alive. An image was created on the board from the table where the meal of the entire Holy Family took place.

Until 450, the icon was in Jerusalem, in the same year it was sent to Constantinople. It was kept there until about 1131.

In the XII century the iconThe Mother of God of Vladimir was donated to Kievan Rus by Luke Chrysoverg (Patriarch of Constantinople). She was sent to the Theotokos Monastery in Vyshgorod.

When she stayed there for some time, Andrey Bogolyubsky (son of Yury Dolgorukov) takes the icon away from there. In his wandering, he stops in the city of Vladimir, where he received the sign of the Virgin. On the site of this miracle, a temple was erected, in which the icon remained. Now it has become known as Vladimirskaya.

Today, the list written by Andrey Rublev is stored there. The original icon was transferred in 1480 to the Assumption Cathedral, which is located in Moscow. Then the image was transferred two more times: in 1918 - to the Tretyakov Gallery, and in 1999 - to the church of St. Nicholas. In the latter, it is still stored.

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is a great shrine. Many stories have been written about the history and significance of the icon for the Russian people, which happened in ancient times and at the present time.

Miraculous phenomena associated with this icon

There are really a great many of them. And they are connected not only with the original icon, but also with lists of which a large number were created.

In addition to the threefold and recorded salvation of the Russian land from the invasion of a foreign yoke, the Mother of God has repeatedly shown her will through her. For example, where the icon was supposed to remain (in Vladimir), there was a sign for Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky during prayer.

Besides this, even in the temple in Vyshgorod there werecases of moving the icon were fixed. She didn't seem to find a place for herself. Three times she was found in different parts of the temple, as a result, after a prayer, Andrei Bogolyubsky took her with him to the Rostov land.

Then there were numerous cases of healing of the common people. For example, water that washed the icon could cure the disease. This is how the healing of the eyes and hearts took place.

This is how the miraculous icon of the Vladimir Mother of God became. Its significance for both the common people and the greats of this world was undeniable. She witnessed many important actions in Russia. This is the appointment of the patriarchs, and military campaigns. Also, before her, they swore allegiance to their homeland and held the coronation of several monarchs.

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir

Prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is truly a salvation for a state in which there has been confusion or a split. It will allow passions to subside, temper anger and enmity. In addition, when heretical moods arise, prayer should also be offered to this image.

Many believers turn to the icon during illness, and also, if necessary, to make any important decision.

Prayer begins with a respectful appeal: "O All-Merciful Lady Theotokos." Further, he asks to protect people and the Russian land from various shocks, to protect the entire spiritual rank. Prayer to the Mother of God strengthens faith and gives strength to overcome misfortunes and troubles.

The meaning of the icon for Russia

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is the mostfavorite icon in Russia. And in fact, she protected her from everything so much, numerous signs, healings were revealed.

Perhaps, an interesting sign was that the Mother of God herself chose the place for the stay of her icon, which later became known as Vladimirskaya. This was her appearance to Andrey Bogolyubsky, already mentioned.

Then there were some more signs of her intercession for the Russian land. For example, in 1395, a great invasion of the conqueror Tamerlane was expected, who had already conquered many lands and was approaching the border of the Russians. It seemed that the battle was inevitable, but the universal prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God did not allow this to happen.

According to one version, Tamerlane saw in a dream the Majestic Mother of God, who ordered him to leave this land.

And it happened more than once. The faith of people increased after each successive salvation. The icon of the Vladimir Mother of God has become truly miraculous and the most revered. A large number of lists were written from it, which are also worshiped by believers. Icons have always been important. Our Lady of Vladimir was especially revered in Russia.

Celebration Days

Since the icon is considered a deliverer from external attacks on the Russian land, as well as its protector, the celebration in honor of it takes place three times a year. Each of these dates was chosen for a reason.

• August 26 they worship the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God for the liberation from Tamerlane in1395.
• June 23 is a celebration in honor of the victory over the Tatar yoke, which happened in 1480.
• May 21 - celebration in honor of the victory over Khan Mahmet Giray, which took place in 1521.

The prayer of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God saved Russia more than once.

Lists of the Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir

There are numerous listings that have been written from this icon. The most famous can be considered as follows:

• Oran icon. It was written in 1634.
• Rostov icon. This image dates from the 12th century.
• Krasnogorsk icon. Its spelling dates back to 1603.
• Chuguev icon. The exact date of creation is not known.

This is not all available listings with icons. The first of them were written when the image had just appeared on Russian soil. Later, lists were also created from it, the most ancient are now two.

Obviously, such a variety says that the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God is very revered, the significance of which for believers is great.

Iconography of the image

If we talk about writing this image, then his style is referred to as “caressing”. It is characterized by the fact that icons of this type speak of the communion of the Mother of God and her Son, i.e., this is a deeply human side of the Holy Family.

It is believed that in early Christian art there was no such style of writing icons, it appeared much later.

This writing stylecontains two central figures. This is the Mother of God and the baby Jesus Christ. Their faces are closely touching, the Son hugs the Mother by the neck. This image is very touching.

The feature that the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God has, its meaning is the appearance of the baby's heel, which is not found on others like this type.

This icon is two-sided. The back depicts a throne and symbols of the Passion. This suggests that the icon itself carries a special idea. This is the future sacrifice of Jesus and the mourning of his Mother.

There is also an opinion that this icon is a list of Our Lady of Caresses from Blachernae Basilica. In any case, the image of Vladimir has long become an independent miraculous face.

Other revered icons of the Mother of God

Besides the Mother of God of Vladimir, there are many more miraculous images that are referred to. So, in front of which icon of the Mother of God, what do they usually pray for?

• For example, prayer before the Iberian icon helps to increase the fertility of the earth, and it is also a comforter in various troubles.
• Prayer before the Bogolyubsk icon is help during epidemics (cholera, plague).
• In case of cancer, prayers are offered to the image of the Mother of God of the All-Tsaritsa.
• The Kazan icon is a blessing for marriage, as well as a protector from various invasions and in difficult times.
• The image of the Mother of God "Mammary" is very revered by nursing mothers, and prayers are also offered to him duringchildbirth.

As you can see, there are a lot of images that help believers with their miracles. You should always pay attention to the meaning of icons. Our Lady of Vladimir is no exception. It's just that each of the images takes on intercession in different situations. The Mother of God, as it were, covers all the sorrows and sorrows of her subjects, helping them in difficulties.