Icon of the Mother of God Unfading color: how it helps and meaning. Icon "Unfading Color"
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon" Everlasting Color"
Akathist. The history of the emergence and veneration of the icon of the Mother of God. Ancient and miraculous icons and modern images...
Memory of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Unfading Color": April 3/16
Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Color". Historical background
In the icon “Unfading Flower” the Most Holy Theotokos holds Her Divine Son on her right hand, and in Her left hand is a white lily flower. This flower symbolically marks the unfading color of virginity and purity of the Most Pure Virgin, to Whom the Holy Church addresses itself: “You are the Root of virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity.” Copies of this icon became famous in Moscow, Voronezh and other places of the Russian Church.
Orthodox church calendar
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon "Unfading Color"
Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Flower", 17th century
Kontakion 1
Oh, Most Blessed Virgin Mary, joy and refuge for all Christians, worshiping Your Most Pure Image, we sing a song of praise to You, we offer You our needs, grief and tears. You, oh, our meek Intercessor, all our earthly sorrows and sorrows are close to You, accept our sighs in prayers, help us and save us from troubles, for we tirelessly and with tenderness call to You:
Ikos 1
Like God's blessing and like a long-awaited gift from heaven, requested by unceasing prayer from God, you were sent down, O Theotokos, by Your righteous and much-joyed parent Joachim and Anna. But you, O God-chosen Youth, left your parental womb and, like an unquenchable lamp of faith, like a fragrant censer, you appeared in humility at the threshold of the Lord, and the power of the Most High lifted you up to the very entrance, led you into the Holy of Holies and opened all the secrets of Heaven. O Most Merciful Virgin Mary! Open our hearts to Your praise and lift up our prayer to Your Son and to our God, let's call Ti like this:
Rejoice, unattainable purity and indescribable beauty.
Rejoice, exalted in Your humility.
Rejoice, inexhaustible source of love.
Rejoice, vessel chosen by God.
Rejoice, our zealous Intercessor.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 2
Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mary, we are bowed down by sinful thoughts and cold deeds, our heart is enveloped in the cold of life, our eyes are burdened with sinful sleep. But You, O Unfading Flower, having washed us with the morning dew, warm us with the sun of love and mercy. Raise us, O Lady, from the dust of the earth to the Lord, so that we may offer Him this humble prayer of ours and cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The Archangel Gabriel was sent quickly from God to the city of Galilee Nazareth and brought to Thee, O Most Pure Virgin, the holy gospel, saying: Rejoice, O Gracious One, the Lord is with Thee! You have found grace from God. We, unworthy, behold such greatness, and in humility of heart we cry:
Rejoice, O One of Grace among women.
Rejoice, you who have found grace from God and, moreover, exalted Angel.
Rejoice, for you have conceived a Son who will inherit the throne of His father David.
Rejoice, you who kindled the unquenchable Light in the darkness of hearts.
Rejoice, thou who openest the door of eternal happiness to us.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 3
We are troubled in sorrow, we spend our days in the vanity and sorrow of our life. But you, O Blessed One, illuminate our souls with Your gospel, fill our hearts with humility. Yes, bowing our heads, we say: Behold, servants of the Lord, may it be done to us according to Your will! To You, O Unfading Flower, and from You Born, we sing all the time: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
In the days of thyself Mariam flowed into the city of Judah, and into the house of Zechariah, and kissed Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard Mary’s kiss, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out with a great voice, saying: Where does this come from to me, that the Mother of My Lord may come to me! Oh, Most Pure Virgin! Visit us, the weak and wretched, and lift up our sighs, like incense smoke, to the throne of the Most High, so that from the fullness of a grateful heart we sing to You:
Rejoice, for the Lord has looked upon the humility of His servant.
Rejoice, for all your birth will please You.
Rejoice, for You have created greatness, the Mighty One.
Rejoice, Source of life and immortality.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 4
Oh, the Unfading Flower! Oh, fragrant beauty! Visit us in our sorrowful earthly vale, beg Your Son to save us from all trouble and sorrow, anger and sighing, and send us peace into our hearts; May He grant us, as we ask Him, according to our needs, and cover us with His inexhaustible mercy. We, expecting Your all-powerful intercession, magnify our Lord with our souls and cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
As a shepherd guarding the night watch, the Angel of the Lord brought great joy with good news: for Christ the Lord was born in the city of David, Bethlehem, and was laid in a manger. Oh, Most Pure Mother, who gave birth to Your Firstborn Son, accept from us the following:
Rejoice, Virgin Mother of God, for through You the world has risen, the Light of the indispensable.
Rejoice, Star, showing us the way in the darkness.
Rejoice, dawn of the mysterious day.
Rejoice, rebirth of our souls.
Rejoice, faithful refuge and quick Helper in sorrows.
Rejoice, Lily of Paradise.
Rejoice, all-sung Virgin.
Rejoice, meek dove, who gave birth to the Most Merciful.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 5
Behold the King of the world is coming, Behold the secret Sacrifice is being accomplished; Angels sing in heaven: Glory to God in the highest! The Savior of the world is born. Christ comes, the great Divine mystery. God has appeared in the flesh, and we, unworthy servants, having put aside all worldly cares, with the Angels of God we glorify in passion and joy, like shepherds and like wolves, we worship You, O Mother of God, and we constantly call to Your Divine Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Behold, righteous Simeon came in spirit to the church and received the Son of Jesus on his hand, and blessed God, and said: Now do You let Your servant go, O Master, according to Your word, in peace! And for you, O Mother Mary, a weapon will pierce your soul, as the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. We, saved by You, cry out:
Rejoice, Most Blessed One, who brings great sorrow into joy.
Rejoice, eternal treasure of Mother's love and tenderness.
Rejoice, Mother of our God, who endured the greatest joy and greatest sorrow for Her Son.
Hail, Queen of Peace.
Rejoice, hope and consolation for those who cry.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 6
Oh, Offering Mother Mary! The sea of life rises with storm and anger, deep abysses have opened up and are ready to swallow us: our heart trembles, our joy is darkened, but You, O Meek and Merciful One, beg Your Son to help us, the sorrowful and the orphaned, in our sorrows; may he tame the rebellious waves sinful passions; may he turn away all misfortune and danger from us; may He teach us how to keep His eternal righteousness. And at the end of our life, show us a quiet haven and make us worthy to cry out with Simeon the Receiver of God: Now do you let go of your servant, Master! Help us, O Unfading Flower! Do not leave us and save those who call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
As a child, you expanded and strengthened in spirit and grace, and You, O His Mother, with love composed all the verbs about the Son in Your heart. Sorrowful and sad, seeking Him, both in the squad, and among relatives and acquaintances, always returning from the Jerusalem festival, and having found Him with great joy, sitting in the church among the teachers, who marveled and were horrified at His Divine mind. Oh, our most pure meekness! Oh, sweetest heart, warming the whole world with love! Hear us, crying out like this:
Rejoice, thou who hast increased the Divine Son with love.
Rejoice, sweetest heart, warming our cold souls with love.
Rejoice, wise Leader of parental hearts.
Rejoice, Unbreakable Wall for our children and youth.
Rejoice, protection and refuge for the orphaned and helpless in sorrow.
Rejoice, Guardian of chastity and virginity.
Rejoice, you who show the honest and right path to meek men.
Rejoice, softening of evil hearts.
Rejoice, tenderness of the good.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 7
Child! What will you do for us? - thus asking His Son Jesus and marveling at seeing Him sitting in the temple in the midst of the proud and foolish high priests of the Jews, the Divine Mind, revealing to them the Divine revelation. Oh, descend, O All-Blessed Mother, also to our children: pray for them to Your Son and our God, that the Light of true knowledge of God will reveal to them; cover them with the edge of Your fragrant cover; Enlighten our sons and daughters with the light of reason; strengthen their physical and mental strength; keep them in the fear of God, in obedience to parents and in spiritual purity; grant them to grow to the glory of God and the happiness of the land of our fathers. O Lamp of unquenchable love, anoint them with the oil of Thy mercy, warm them with the meekness of Thy eyes, cover them with the robe of Thy Motherhood. Oh, the Unfading Flower! With strong faith, unshakable hope and great contrition of heart, falling at Your feet, we continually cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Warm intercessor for an adulterous and sinful race! According to Your command, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Your Son and our God made the firstfruits a sign and turned water into wine. Ask, O Mother of God, and now Your Son, may he perform a miracle on us, may he transform our sorrowful days, entwined with lies, resentment and tears, into the joy of rebirth, into the happiness of love and truth, may he strengthen in us the beginning of the Divine Light, the source pure Spirit of the Holy God, the Triune. Let all that is evil and unclean be cast out from our hearts. Oh, unattainable Purity and Ineffable Mercy! Incline Your ear to our prayer and make us worthy to call you:
Rejoice, radiant Light of love and forgiveness.
Rejoice, Divine vessel of eternal bliss.
Rejoice, zealous Prayer Book for all of us before the Lord.
Rejoice, you who quickly bring our needs to the throne of God.
Rejoice, for according to Your word Your Son performs signs, giving joy to man.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 8
There is no love, truth has disappeared, lies and enmity, anger and hatred are sown in the human heart. Brother rebels against brother, children against parents and parents against children. Oh, Merciful God! Who has desecrated Your wondrous harvest, who are all the tares and thistles among the wheat? Your anger is righteous, even the ax is at the root, but behold, Your Mother, the zealous Intercessor of the world, falls to You. Oh, greatest Love and most fragrant heart! Turn away from us the wrath of God, which is righteously moved against us for our sins; strengthen those who love us, so that neither persecution nor cruel times will shake them; bring to reason those who hate us and those who harm us; forgive our enemies who do not know what they are doing, soften their angry heart and illuminate their darkness with the light of Christ’s love, and transform their anger and hatred into shame and repentance. Oh, fragrant flower! Our vessels are empty, we do not have the oil of good works, and the lamps of our faith are extinguished by the storm of life. Have mercy on us, fill our hearts with the joy of pure joys, renew us spiritually, and with grateful lips we continually sing to God with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having been in the lower and the Highest, you never retreated, the Divine Teacher: you healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed the lepers, filled the whole world with love, meek Sufferer! Behold, you hang, nailed to the Cross among the villains, and all the people, standing, curse at You, and with them the princes and warriors. And You, O sorrowful Mother, bowed your head at the Cross of Your Son, and the weapon passed through Your Mother’s heart. We, honoring the sorrows of Your Mother’s heart, cry out to You from the depths of our souls:
Rejoice, sweetest Virgin Mary, for Your sorrow will be turned into joy and no one will take this joy from You.
Rejoice, who experienced the greatest torment, who in vain was bleeding Your Son on the Cross, humiliated, crucified, spat upon.
Rejoice, for you have been called Queen of Peace and have sat at the right hand of the throne of Your Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rejoice, for in the sorrow of Your heart You washed away the sorrow of the whole world and the sins of all people with tears.
Rejoice, Meek One, Your Son will rise again, having trampled down the sting of death, and the Light of His resurrection will shine forever.
Rejoice, Mother of God, heavenly image of purity and goodness.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 9
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, then have eternal life. And all these ungrateful and malicious people, like a villain, nailed Him to the Cross. We, seeing such a thing, are seized with horror, crying out: God, be merciful to us sinners! For our sins, we endure terrible torment. Oh, Sorrowful Mother, do not turn Your face away from us, break our sinful bonds, cleanse our hearts from the passions and lusts of the evil one, so that in spiritual burning, like a light of repentance, we will kindle ourselves before the Cross of Your Divine Son, constantly praying with the prudent thief: Remember us , Lord, in Your Kingdom! Through Your prayers, Mother of God, correct our feet to do the commandments of the Lord, wash us from sin, make us better, rise to the radiant Unstoppable Light, let us call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
It's done! Father, I commend My Spirit into Your hands. Oh, Most Pure Mother! Do you hear how the earth trembles with sadness, its chest disintegrates, coffins are opened, the dead rise and the church veil is torn? Do you see how great darkness has covered the earth and people, in fear and trembling, beat their hearts, saying: Truly God's Son Be Sey! We, marveling at such miracles and truly confessing Your Son, the Son of God, truly cry out to You:
Rejoice, Mother of God, behold, all the words that you have composed in Your heart have been accomplished.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin, unfading dawn, unfading day, golden light.
Rejoice, dawn of the unflickering Light of the non-evening.
Rejoice, sanctuary of great mystery.
Rejoice, source of our immortality.
Rejoice, giver of Divine goodness.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 10
Let all human flesh remain silent, and let it stand with fear and trembling, and let it think of nothing earthly within itself. Behold, for the sins of the world, a great sacrifice is made, behold, the Savior of the world is placed in a new tomb by the handsome Joseph and is wrapped in a clean shroud. With His soul He ascends into hell to destroy the eternal faiths and lead to freedom from the ages of those bound; from His tomb he proclaims to His mother: Do not weep for Me, Mother, as you behold in the tomb, Whom in your womb without seed you conceived a Son: for I will arise and be glorified, and will exalt with glory unceasingly as God, magnifying You with faith and love. Let us put aside everything earthly and vain and with with a pure heart let us fall to the throne of the King of Glory, crying incessantly: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! O Mother of our salvation! Make us also partakers of the bright Resurrection of Your Son and eternal bliss, so that we call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
One day on the Sabbath, very early, the woman came to the tomb, carrying aromas, and behold, when they came, they saw: the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, and the Body of the Lord Jesus was missing. The angel, shining brightly towards them, said: Oh, wives! Do not be afraid and do not look for the living with the dead: Christ is risen, as he said! Teach you, O Lady, to invite everyone:
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, and replenish the river.
Rejoice, Thy Son is risen three days from the grave.
Rejoice, for the whole earth rejoices and all the Angels sing in heaven: Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death for us all, and giving life to those in the tombs!
Rejoice, Giver of eternal and endless life.
Rejoice, for through Your love and Your prayers we have been delivered from eternal darkness.
Rejoice, for through You you brought us a bright holiday.
Rejoice, for through You a bright day has come for us, let us embrace each other, forgive everything through the resurrection, rejoice and be glad with eternal joy.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 11
Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who killed the prophets! Your grave crime has been forgiven by the Lord, and the unsetting Sun of Truth has risen over the world. Cleanse our souls too, Meek Virgin! Purify our senses, so that we may see Christ emerging from the tomb; Dress us in wedding garments, so that we may joyfully enter the decorated chamber of Christ, singing to Him who has risen: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
When the hour of Your departure to God approached, O Virgin Mother of God, the Angel of the Lord Gabriel, shining brightly, appeared before You, handing You the bright, unfading lily of paradise, and behold, You accepted the will of the Lord with humility and joy and quietly went to Your Divine Son . Oh, our tireless Prayer Book! Oh, Unfading Color of the bright heavenly paradise! Send down to us, O Merciful One, a quiet and painless departure from this vale of tears, sighs and sorrows, and let us cry out to You like this:
Rejoice, ascended to Heaven by Your Son, Queen of Heaven.
Rejoice, our quick and faithful Helper and Intercessor before Him.
Rejoice, All-Singing Virgin, for Your name unfadingly flaunts and pleases from generation to generation.
Rejoice, our safe and quiet refuge in the storms of life.
Rejoice, O Joyful One, who does not leave us in Your Assumption.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 12
Oh, our terrible last hour! Our hearts and all our hearts tremble whenever we think about him! Why should we leave our near and dear ones orphaned? How will we go, unwashed, in the midst of darkness and the shadow of death to a new life? How will we appear at the Last Judgment of the Creator and God? O our Comforter! O our good Helper! Help us, when this comes, place your loving Mother’s hand on our forehead, so that our suffering will subside and our soul will be reborn, pacify the melancholy of our separation from this world, and may the light of eternal truth shine before our eyes. Oh, Most Pure Mother! We hope in You, we pray to You and cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Oh, my soul, my soul! Rise up, what are you writing off? The end is approaching! Why are you rich in sins? Why aren’t you doing it, why aren’t you getting ready? The Lord is at the door, where do you place your hope? What answer will the Lord pronounce when He, the terrible Judge, comes to judge the earth; Do not weigh this hour or this day, from the edge of the earth to the edge the Archangel's trumpet sounds, and the dead rise, and all the nations gather. And behold, the Son of Man comes to the clouds with His power in all His glory. Where are our good deeds? Where is the mercy? Where is the love? Our inexhaustible multitude of sins has covered the sky. Oh, All-Merciful Mother of God! On this terrible day, appear to us and be an Intercessor for us before Your Son. We rely on You alone, do not forsake us sinners. Be our protection and strengthening, with warm faith and undoubted hope we fall before Your Most Pure Image and with tears we call like this:
Rejoice, lightning, illuminating our darkness.
Rejoice, you who intercede for us at the Last Judgment of Christ.
Rejoice, covering the whole world from troubles and sorrows with Your omophorion.
Rejoice, for in peace you have been adopted by the One Mother.
Rejoice, for you alone have been given the ineffable grace to pray for us.
Rejoice, Thou who preparest eternal joy for all Thy faithful children.
Rejoice, fragrant with your Unfading Flower among us sinners forever.
Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 13
Oh, Unfading Flower! Oh, All-Singing Mother Mary, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Accept our present offering and deliver us all from every misfortune. Warm us with Motherly love and rejoice us with eternal joy. Save us from eternal torment through unceasing prayer to Your Son and grant us, O Queen, the heavenly Kingdom as we cry out for You: Ayaliluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “For God’s blessing...” and the 1st kontakion “Oh, Most Blessed Virgin Mary...”.
Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Flower", circa 1700 century
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon "Unfading Color"
Oh, 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. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten and teach us, do not retreat 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, so that we may pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most kind and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession, protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften our hearts evil people, rising up 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 Last Judgment of Your Son, to whom we give glory, honor and worship now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Icon where Mother of God depicted with a flower in her hand, called “Eternal Flower”. There is one associated with this icon interesting story in my life. My unbelieving friend had large pimples on her face, which caused her great suffering. No medications or ointments helped, and acne left scars on my face. The girl suffered a lot. And so one believing grandmother told the girl that the icon of the Unfading Color could heal her terrible acne. At first she didn’t believe it, but the old woman’s words sank into her heart. Now the girl has clean and delicate skin, like a lily - white and beautiful. The Mother of God helped her get rid of her ugly face, because she sees pure and faithful hearts.
History of the icon
Panteleimon Monastery on Athos published Tales of Mother of God, where the story of one miraculous healing is recorded. The healing took place with the help of the Mother of God flower growing on Mount Athos. This flower is considered immortal and life-giving. According to legend, the Archangel Gabriel gave the Virgin Mary a flower as a symbol of purity and innocence when he announced the miraculous conception of a baby from the Holy Spirit.
The flower symbolizes the spiritual purity and holiness that the Virgin was endowed with. This woman surpassed the ethereal angels by the grace of God. She was chosen to become the mother of the Lord made man in the flesh.
This image appeared on Mount Athos in the 17th century. The motive for painting the holy image was the words from the akathist to the Mother of God, where she was called unfading color cleanliness.
On the Annunciation, it is customary to offer white flowers to the icon of the Mother of God of the Unfading Color, reminiscent of those brought to the Mother of God by the Archangel Gabriel. In Athos, flower arrangements brought on the feast of the Annunciation are kept fresh until the Dormition of the Mother of God, and they are not watered at all.
Variety of icons
In Tsarist Russia, girls often turned to the icon of the Mother of God of the Unfading Flower with a prayer to preserve their virgin purity until their wedding. So we can say that the icon was especially revered by girls of marriageable age. Most old sample The saint is kept in the Alekseevsky Monastery (Moscow). It depicts the Infant God in full height, he rests his elbow on his mother’s shoulder. The flower branch was depicted in a picturesque vase and placed on the throne.
In the Assumption Church in Mogiltsy there is another image of the icon, where the Mother of God holds a white lily in her right hand. The icon depicts angels located above the head of the Mother of God. Angels hold a crown over the head of the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, the original icon disappeared during the reign of Soviet power, and now there is a copy of the icon in the monastery.
In Ryazan there is an amazing copy of the icon, which was given to the monastery of the town of Kadom by a certain Bogdanov. This icon was brought from Georgia; it always accompanied Bogdanov on military expeditions. This miraculous image was especially revered by Elder Seraphim of Sarov.
In the city of Kungur Perm region there was a miraculous image in which the Mother of God is depicted waist-deep, framed by flowers. A copy of the holy image is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Photo of the icon Unfading Color:
Sometimes the Mother of God may have a blossoming staff in her hands. The image of the rod is associated with the biblical story of Aaron, in which flowers miraculously bloomed on a wooden rod as a symbol of the high priesthood.
In later icons, many attributes disappear, and the Mother of God remains with a modest flower in her hand. Icon painters focused the attention of believers on the main images - the Mother of God and the Infant.
Help icons
What is the meaning of the Unfading Color icon and how does it help? Prayers are offered before the holy image:
- about a happy marriage;
- about preserving chastity and spiritual purity;
- O making the right choice spouse;
- about saving marriage;
- about women's well-being;
- about resolving family problems;
- about prolonging beauty and youth.
Both girls and young people who dream of creating a strong Orthodox family. The Mother of God answers sincere and pure prayer and helps young people find family harmony.
The significance of the Unfading Color icon for family happiness cannot be overestimated. The face of the Mother of God was used to bless the bride before the wedding. Orthodox believe that a blessing with an icon will help a girl gain happy marriage in harmony and understanding with your spouse. This icon must always be in the spouses’ home; it will protect family hearth from unforeseen troubles and temptations.
Older people offer prayers to overcome the passions of the flesh and mental confusion. The Mother of God helps to find peace of mind and harmony, fills hearts with quiet joy and happiness. At family quarrels the image of the Most Pure One helps restore peace and understanding between spouses.
The holy image of the icon of the Mother of God of Christ “Unfading Color” was invented and created, as we think, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries on Athos.
The image was based on texts taken from the hymn - akathist. There are words in this text that compare Jesus and his mother, the Holy Mother of God, to beautiful and immortal flowers.
The day of veneration of the icon is considered April 16. One of the most ancient images of the Mother of God in the Orthodox Church is this particular image. There are many different and unusual stories creation and manifestation of holiness.
The icon can be considered one of the most little-known. The question of its origin and development of iconographic subjects, in Russian literature practically absent. The image of the Most Pure Virgin Mary appeared as a consequence of the development of the akathist cycle.
The history of the appearance of the icon
In the eighteenth century, a venerable, festive icon of the Mother of God “The Unfading Flower” appeared in Constantinople. The icon was further spread to the Greek lands. It is believed that the image gained particular popularity in Thessalonica.
The source for this image is the Grateful Canon of Joseph the hymnographer. This canon contains the words “this unfading color,” but they referred more to Christ.
But in the name of the icon of the Mother of God, the words already refer to Mary herself. The erroneous interpretation of words led to the development of this type of iconography. The earliest prototype for the icon was an engraving written in Western style from the Venetian Bible called “The New Treasury”. It dates back to the period 1612.
Here the Mother of God is depicted in full height and standing on the moon. The head of Christ is decorated with four roses. Another iconographic predecessor of the icon can be considered the image of the Madonna with a carnation in her hand, painted by the young Leonardo da Vinci.
The icon stands among the most significant images dedicated to the Mother of God. In fact, the images of the icon of the Mother of God are varied, but they are all united by one symbol - a flower.
Flowers can be used in garlands, on flowering wands. Flowers are depicted on a pedestal on which the Virgin Mary and little Jesus sit. Most often, on icons, the Mother of God is depicted in luxurious, gilded clothes. And also on the icons there are images of Mary up to the waist, but there is always a flower in the hands of the Mother of God.
There are many myths associated with the icon. One myth is associated with its name. It was assumed that the name came from the Mother of God flower that grows on Mount Athos. It is known that in the nineteenth century there was healing from the “immortal” flower of the Virgin Mary.
This story was written down by monks in the tales of the Mother of God and published by the Panteleimon Monastery on Athos. This event, together with the picturesque descriptions of pilgrims to Athos, became the reason why the name of the image began to be attributed to the Mother of God flower. But this is just a myth. It is worth noting that the icons often depict the Mother of God holding a lily flower in her hands.
List Locations
In Russia, four images of the Mother of God were glorified. The first and most ancient was located in the Moscow Alekseevsky Monastery, on the site of which today is the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Two more icons are in the State Tretyakov Gallery.
One of them came from the Church of St. Nicholas - “Mutrennaya”, the other arrived from the Church of St. James the Rawhide. The fourth icon is in the State Russian Museum. It was delivered from the now defunct Trinity-Petrovsky Cathedral.
All icons differ in their iconography and history of origin. But they have one thing in common - joy. And joy is depicted in shimmering gold, in the finest ornaments and with the fragrance of flowers.
The icon of the Mother of God is venerated by the Russian Orthodox Church even today. In honor of her, churches are being built in Moscow and the Moscow region at the address: the village of Rublevo, on V. Botylev Street, building number forty-five.
Icon "Unfading Color"
What does the meaning of the “Fadeless Color” icon help with?
The significance of this image is great for Orthodox believers.
- The holy image carries deep meaning for all Orthodox Christians. People go to her for help and reassurance. To pray in front of a holy and pure image means to cope with your grief. Women of all ages turn to the Mother of God.
- Young and unmarried women They pray for help in finding their betrothed. Women with children ask in prayer to give their daughters and sons the blessing of our Lord. After all, as you know, there are no stronger words in the world than the words of a loving mother.
In front of the holy image, turning to the Mother of God, those asking pray for their loved ones.
She helps:
Those praying before the icon of the Mother of God get rid of vague and sinful feelings that have settled in the soul. All doubts and fears go away future life. Most often, young and unmarried people who come to the image have lost faith in finding their soulmate.
The words addressed to the face of the Mother of God convey feelings and a sincere desire to find a betrothed who will not leave her, no matter what happens in life. But not only women come to the face of the Mother of God. In the church and at the icon, men are also frequent guests.
What do they pray for in front of the icon?
Prayers before the Holy Image give strength and faith in the future, banish gloomy and soul-plaguing doubts.
- People who believe in the Lord, first of all, pray in front of the icon, in the hope of preserving righteousness and purity of deeds and thoughts.
- And also about the right choice and decision-making about your future spouse.
- They pray for health, chastity and women's well-being.
- They also pray for help in solving family problems and getting rid of all illnesses.
- The prayer asks for help in finding the purpose and meaning of life.
The prayer of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” for marriage is read by women, to get married successfully and find family peace. The institution of marriage teaches that marriage is a commitment made by a believer. The purpose of any woman in fulfilling the divine will is procreation.
Only a woman is capable of giving life to a new person. Therefore, the prayer words read in front of the icon contain great meaning and a desire to fulfill the will of the Lord. The words of prayer can be different, the main thing is that they come from the heart.
Pronounced with special faith and desire, they will help a woman fulfill her desires in a fairly short time.
One of the many options for prayer to the Mother of God:
“Most Pure Mother of God, hear my words addressed to you in prayer. From me, a simple sinner. I ask the words of prayer to lift up the son of God to the throne. He is merciful and I will be heard. In my prayer I ask you to be an intercessor and patroness.
Ask for blessings for your servant: life in love and harmony for spouses, children, obedience, patience and complacency for all the offended and humiliated. For everyone I ask for reason, mercy, a spirit of meekness, purity and righteousness.
ABOUT, Holy Virgin Maria, save me from false pride and pride. Preserve in me and increase the desire to work and bless, I ask you, my labors. The law of God teaches people to live in a righteous marriage, then let me, Holy Mary, fulfill my destiny by becoming a wife worthy of a husband.
For the words of the Lord do not allow a person to remain alone in life. For this reason the Lord created a helpmate and a wife for the husband. He blessed and conveyed to them his desire that they grow and multiply and thereby fill the expanses of the Earth.
Most Holy Mother of God, I pray to you with pure words coming from my very heart. Give me a husband, a pious, kind and honest spouse. So that we can be together in love and harmony. And they could glorify you, Lord, father and son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen".
Review
“My husband and I have been married for three years. At first everything was fine. We understood each other, one might say, perfectly. Helped and supported in difficult situations. But unfortunately, as probably in any family, we had misunderstandings and frequent quarrels occurred on this basis. Of course, we tried and made compromises, but, alas, nothing helped. I was preparing mentally for our breakup. But to be honest, neither my husband nor I wanted a breakup. I have a grandmother. She is very pious man. And so she told me about the icon of the Mother of God. Granny said that we need to pray to the icon and ask the Mother of God to save our relationship and family. Now I pray and read a prayer every day. My soul somehow becomes lighter and hope appears. “Relationships with my husband began to improve.”
Katerina.
Not every church can find this particular image of the Mother of Christ. But fortunately, in any church shop you can buy either a photo of the “unfading color” icon or a small reproduction of the image. They can be used for their intended purpose - for your own personal purposes.
Place it in your home and, if necessary, say the words of prayer in front of the image. But do not forget that this is only an image.
Real healing of the soul, and help is given by the Lord, our Father.
Without deep faith in the power of the Lord, the words of prayer have no meaning. Remember the words of Christ: “According to your faith it will be given to you.” The miraculous image of the Mother of God gives help only to true believers.
The Orthodox Christian icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” is revered as one of the holiest and most beautiful images. Learn about the amazing power of the icon and how it can help you.
The icon appeared in Rus' in the 17th century; it was brought from Greece to Moscow, where it immediately became loved and revered. Since that time, many cases of healing from the “Virgin Flower” have been known. Indeed, in prayers they often compare the Mother of God and her son God's Jesus Christ with unfading, ever-fragrant flowers.
In the image, the Most Holy Theotokos holds the Divine Child in one hand and a white lily in the other. This is a symbol of purity, purity and deliverance from bad thoughts.
What is asked for from the “Fadeless Color” icon?
Before the image, Orthodox Christians pray for purity of thoughts and reconciliation with themselves, and ask to strengthen their faith. The Holy Face is able to protect from sins and guide you on the right path. The icon helps when choosing a spouse and warns against an incorrect or rash decision. Strengthens family ties.
If this face of the Mother of God is worn on the chest, it will preserve childhood and chastity. The breastplate should be worn by little girls and unmarried girls.
Lonely or lost people turn to the icon with prayers and requests. loved one People. They seek solace and peace in a beautiful image.
Girls and women turn to the Mother of God, the holy image protects the fair sex and helps in complex issues. At all times people came to the icon with requests for love and good life partners. They prayed for their loved ones who were in danger and asked for the men to be returned from the war alive and well. Married women they turned to the image with a request to strengthen families or prayed for the conception of a child.
People said that the face of the Mother of God with a lily is capable of preserving female beauty and youth, one has only to venerate the flower.
The Queen of God fulfills the fastest mother's prayers about her daughter’s marriage, because there is nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her children.
Prayer to the icon “Unfading Color”
“Oh, 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".
Remember sincere prayer and request will always be heard. When turning to the beautiful holy image, keep your thoughts clean and orderly, and the Most Holy Theotokos will definitely help you. We wish you good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
10.08.2015 00:30
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In front of the icon of the “Unfading Flower” of the Mother of God, prayers are offered for the preservation of a righteous life, for faithful marriage, asking for a happy marriage, preservation of purity and chastity, for deliverance from carnal warfare when entering married life.
The spoken prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon has the meaning of pure and fiery, helps in deciding difficult situations in the family. The Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is one of the most popular among Christians, revealing its beauty to the world.
The icon depicts the Mother of God holding a flower in her hand.
It has the meaning of unfading virginity and chaste life Holy Mother of God. Church Orthodox Christianity This is how he addresses the Most Pure One in his prayers, calling her the Unfading Flower.
The world is presented with several versions of icons that differ from each other. One of these icons shows the face of the Most Holy Theotokos with the Divine Child standing on the left, who holds a scepter and orb in his hands.
Read prayer at home and in church
It is possible to read the prayer while being under the shadow of the Church, or at home. In any case, it will have meaning and will be effective if you handle it with love and faith. Otherwise, the Most Holy Theotokos will not be able to hear you and the problems will remain unresolved.
Prayer for the icon “Unfading Color”
“Oh, 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. Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, give reason and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, because of our murmuring. Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate 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 may be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and be justified by Your wonderful intercession in the Last Judgment Your son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen."
Be sure to purchase the “Fadeless Color” icon. You can place it in your room and offer prayers in front of it daily, asking for solutions to problems, improvement in your marriage, happiness for your children, etc.
You can light a candle in front of the icon to make it easier to concentrate on your desire.
The “Unfading Color” icon has a wonderful meaning. There is evidence that on the day of the celebration of the icon, April 16, Samara region For one pensioner woman, the miraculous face of the Blessed Virgin Mary with an unfading color appeared on the window.
Prayer to save the family
There are many prayer words with which Orthodox Christians address the Mother of God in front of the “Unfading Color” icon. Everyone strives to achieve something different. Its meaning is used by those deceived in marriage, mothers who want to find happiness for their young children, as well as everyone who wants to lead decent life under the shadow of Christianity.
Prayer before the “Unfading Color” icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is extremely effective, about which you can read a lot of evidence on the Internet.
Most often, holy words before the face help to obtain remission of sins and protection in the misfortunes of marriage. Prayer helps to ensure that the Lady hears her and helps with her advice and miraculous power. She is able to grant a quiet and serene life, especially helping those who have repented of their sins.