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Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring": what helps. Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring. Icon "Life-Giving Spring" - how it can help

All Christian icons have their own unique stories of creation or acquisition and a secret meaning. Many of them, including the icon of the Life-Giving Spring, depict the Virgin Mary and the Infant Savior.

Without faith, our lives would turn into chaos and disorder. Icons help us find the strength in ourselves to move on when it seems that everything has collapsed or is moving towards it. Icons should be in every home: when a person cannot visit the temple, he can pray in front of the icon, establishing contact with God.

History of the icon

The history of the “Life-Giving Source” image is rooted in the distant past. In the 5th century, a life-giving, miraculous spring was found in Constantinople. This place was consecrated, because the grove where the spring was located was sown in honor of the Virgin. Many people have found healing by drinking holy water that springs from the very earth itself.

Subsequently, the source almost dried up, and over time it completely turned into an abandoned place. In the 6th century, in honor of the miraculous land from which water flowed, a temple was built and a monastery attached to it. Later, the first icon dedicated to this land was invented and painted. They dedicated the icon to the Mother of God, as it is a symbol of purity and goodness, humility and chastity. This image was very popular and famous, but was later forgotten, and then restored again. He was honored in Russia throughout history.

Description of the icon

The very place where the source was located is depicted on the icon. The Mother of God sits in the Holy Chalice, holding the Christ Child in her arms. Holy water pours from the Chalice - a symbol of pure faith and salvation. Below, near the Chalice, are depicted people who drink or draw water into vessels. Sometimes this icon is attributed to the feast of Epiphany, although in fact it has nothing to do with Baptism. There are many variants of the icon, but in general they are all very similar. Now in many churches in Russia there are icons of the "Life-Giving Spring", but it is mainly associated with the temple that was built on the miraculous place where there was a holy spring.

What does the icon help with?

This icon saves the house from trouble, from all misfortune and evil people. If you are sick, then you can put this icon next to the bed in order to find salvation and improve your health as quickly as possible.

This is a miraculous icon, since in the annals there is a lot of evidence of how people healed serious ailments by applying to the image: blindness, weakness, incurable diseases, infertility. This happened not only in the 5th-6th centuries, but also later, when they were only talking about that wonderful place. That temple was destroyed and built three times in history, but the icon of the "Life-Giving Spring" has always been and will be miraculous, regardless of where it is located.

Days of veneration of the icon

Day of veneration of the icon "Life-Giving Spring" - April 15. At the divine service, miracles connected with the holy image are remembered that took place in the 5th century on the site where the Constantinople Church now stands. It still contains one of the oldest icons. This is a sacred place that must be visited if possible.

Prayers to the icon "Life-Giving Spring"

Before this icon, you can read any prayers for the coming dream and in the morning, prayers for the salvation of the soul, for health. This is a universal image that does not have any connection to events or the theme of prayers. Despite this, there is a prayer that can be read on April 15 in honor of finding that sacred source:

“Our Lady Mother of God, chosen from all generations, giving us grace-filled help, we praise you. You are our blessed Mother of God, pour out Your great and rich mercies on us, heal our ailments and quench our heavy sorrows, let us thank You for this: Rejoice, Mistress, pouring out the Life-giving Source to your faithful people.

The Virgin Mary personifies an insatiable source of goodness, light and forgiveness for all of us, so this icon is not just evidence of a miracle that happened one and a half thousand years ago. This is something more, because this image tells us that the life-giving source is always with us. It feeds us every second of our lives. This is one of the best icons to have at home. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

13.05.2017 05:49

Among the holy miraculous icons of the Mother of God, the image “Unexpected Joy” is especially revered. Prayer in front of this icon is capable of ...

Days of veneration - every year on Friday of Bright Week (Easter Week).

All those who are physically sick pray, and through their prayers they receive healing from the most serious illnesses. Prayers in front of this image also heal from passions, which often overwhelm the human soul, depriving us of vitality and from mental illness. They pray to correct moral vices that lead to the spiritual death of a person.

Not far from the "Golden Gate" in the famous city of Constantinople in the 5th century there was a grove dedicated to the Blessed Mother of God. In this grove there was a spring, to which many miracles are attributed. Over time, the water was covered with mud, and bushes grew in its place.

The history of the icon is very interesting. Once the warrior Leo Markell, who soon became emperor, met a blind man here. He was a helpless traveler who had lost his way. The lion took the man and helped him find a path, then seated him in the shade so that he could take a break from the difficult road, and he went in search of water. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a voice appeared, which told the man that there was no need to look far for water, because it was close. Surprised by this phenomenon, Leo began to look for water, but it did not work out. I was disappointed, there was already a man, when the voice sounded again. This time he received more detailed instructions on what and how to do. Leo heard that it was necessary to put mud on the blind man's eyes, and give him water to drink from the source. A voice told him that a man would soon build a temple here in honor of him, and many believers, coming here with prayers, would be able to get rid of their ailments. Leo fulfilled everything commanded, after which the blind man was healed instantly, and he found the way to Constantinople on his own, while glorifying the Mother of God. This miracle happened back in those days when Marcian was the emperor (391-457).

Emperor Marcian was replaced by Leo Markell (457-473). By his order, the source was cleaned and enclosed in a stone circle, over which a church was soon erected in honor of the Virgin. Since the grace of the Mother of God appeared in the source, working miracles, Emperor Leo ordered to name the spring as the “Life-Giving Spring”.

Another miracle happened, but this time with Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565). He was deeply religious and suffering from water sickness. Once, when midnight covered his land, an unknown voice appeared. He said that for healing the king needs to drink water from a sacred source. The man did not know where that source was, and fell from this in despondency. Then the Mother of God appeared to him, telling the king to get up and go to the source, which would restore him to his former health. The patient could not leave the words of the Lady unnoticed, and recovery did not make him wait. The emperor was so grateful for his healing that near the temple erected by Leo, he built a new one, in which, after a while, a crowded monastery was created.

In the 15th century, the walls of the temple of the "Life-Giving Spring" were destroyed by Muslims. A guard, who was a Turk, was posted at the entrance to the ruins. He did not allow anyone to approach the fallen temple. Gradually, the strict rules were softened, and Christians were allowed to build a church on that site. However, an unfortunate lot awaited this shrine, in 1821 the church was destroyed, and the source that worked miracles was covered up. Christians could not leave everything like that, they cleared the source and continued to draw water from it. Once, among the wreckage, people found a half-rotten leaf, which contained information about 10 miracles created from the Life-Giving Spring, which occurred in the period from 1824 to 1829. When Sultan Mahmud became the ruler of these lands, the Orthodox received more freedom and did not could not use it. Again a temple was built over the Life-Giving Spring. In 1835 the church was consecrated by Patriarch Konstantin. The temple housed a hospital and an almshouse.

On April 4 of each year, as well as on Friday of Bright Week, it is customary to celebrate the renewal of the Church of Constantinople in honor of the Life-Giving Spring. The charter of the Orthodox Church states that on this day the rite of consecration of water should be performed with the Easter procession.
The Mother of God, together with the Divine Infant, is depicted on the icon above a huge bowl, which stands in a pond. People came to this reservoir suffering from terrible physical and mental ailments. They all want to drink life-giving water and receive healing.

Located in the Temple in the name of the Prophet of God Elijah (Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord) in Cherkizovo, Moscow

icon of the Virgin"LIFE-GIVING SOURCE"

Friday of Bright Week

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Description of the icon of the Mother of God "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE":

In the 5th century, there was a grove near Constantinople, dedicated, according to legend, to the Most Holy Theotokos. In this grove there was a spring, long glorified by miracles, but gradually overgrown with bushes and mud. In 450, the warrior Leo Markell, the future emperor, met a lost blind man in this place, helped him get out onto the path and settle in the shade. In search of water for an exhausted traveler, he heard the voice of the Virgin, commanding to find an overgrown source and anoint the eyes of a blind man with mud. When Leo obeyed the command, the blind man immediately received his sight. The Mother of God also predicted to Leo that he would become emperor, and seven years later this prediction came true.

Having become emperor, Leo Markell remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God and ordered to clean the source, surround it with a stone circle and erect a temple in honor of the Mother of God on it. The holy key was called by the emperor the “Life-Giving Spring”, since the miraculous grace of the Mother of God was manifested in it. The icon of the Mother of God, painted for the new church, was also named in the same way.

In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian the Great, after drinking water from a source, cured himself of a serious illness, built a new temple near the temple built by Emperor Leo, at which a crowded monastery was created. In the 15th century, after the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the Temple of the Life-Giving Spring was destroyed by Muslims. A small church built later was also destroyed in 1821, and the source was covered up. Christians again dismantled the ruins, cleared the source and still drew life-giving water from it. After the Orthodox received some relief in performing divine services over the Life-Giving Spring, a temple was rebuilt, in which a hospital and an almshouse were built.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" was deeply revered in Russia. In the Sarov desert, a temple was erected in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom St. Seraphim of Sarov sent to pray before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God received healing from her.

On Friday of Bright Week, after the Liturgy in Orthodox churches, a water-blessed prayer service is usually performed before the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring". With the water consecrated at this prayer service, believers sprinkle their gardens and kitchen gardens, calling on the help of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to give the harvest.

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Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the healing of bodily and mental ailments, passions, for help in sorrow.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Oh, Blessed Virgin, All-merciful Lady Lady Theotokos, Thy Life-Giving Source, healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world sharpening, Thou hast given us, the same thankful being, we earnestly pray to Thee, the Most Holy Queen, pray for Your Son and our God to give us forgiveness of sins and mercy and consolation to every soul that is grieving and embittered, and deliverance from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, Madam, protection to this temple and these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection to our country from misfortunes, let us live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be able to see You our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. To Him be glory and power with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Troparion, tone 4

Today, by the faith of faithfulness to the Divine and wholesome image of the Most Holy Theotokos, pouring out drops of her outpourings, and showing miracles to the faithful people, even we see and hear spiritually celebrate and kindly cry out: heal our ailments and passions, as if you healed the Karkin and numerous passions; we also pray to Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God, incarnated from You, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, tone 4

Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, For the river flows for everyone - the Most Pure Queen of the Mother of God, exuding wonderful water and washing our hearts blackness* , sinful scabs are cleansing, but the souls are sanctifying the faithful by Divine grace.

* Blackness- the property of black, meaning sinfulness.

Kontakion, tone 8

From the inexhaustible You, the Source of God-grace, give me, sharpen, the water of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if the Word gave birth to more than meaning, pray, sprinkle me with grace, and I call Thee: rejoice, saving water.

magnificence

We magnify Thee, Blessed Virgin, and honor Your holy image, heal our sickness and raise our souls to God.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos BEFORE HER ICON NAMED "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE"

Kondak 1
Chosen from all generations to the Lady Theotokos, who shows grace-filled help to us, let us commendably describe Thy servants to the Theotokos. You, as if Pre-blessing Mother of God, pour out Your great and rich mercy on us, heal our ailments and quench our sorrows, but we call You thanksgiving: Rejoice, Lady, Life-giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Ikos 1
The archangel and the angel are perplexed by many, It is reasonable for you from God the Word, who established the earth on the waters, praise according to your property. But we, the Most Honorable Cherubim, and the Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison, in tenderness for Your good deeds that have been upon us, dare to call You: Rejoice, Lady, chosen by God the Father; Rejoice, blessed with the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, exalted one with the birth of the Son of God; Rejoice, blessed in women. Rejoice, Mother of God magnified; Rejoice, blessed from all generations. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 2
Seeing, Most Merciful Mother, blind from the thirst of the afflicted, Source of living water for drinking and healing for the sake of the governor, wandering in the desert, you showed: he thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Understanding Your Divine voice, governor, pointing the source of water, and knowing it like the Font of Siloam, it will not only give water to the thirsty, but also frees him from blindness, we are looking for Your mercy, we cry out to You: Rejoice, Mistress, painting the font of salvation; Rejoice, healer of spiritual and bodily blindness. Rejoice, weakened affirmation; Rejoice, lame walking. Rejoice, Mother of Light, who opens the eyes of the blind; Rejoice, thou who illumines those who sit in the darkness with the light of truth. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 3
The power of the Most High overshadows all who flow with faith and reverence to Your Life-Giving Source, Most Pure Lady Mistress. By the power of the Most High, fall us, the Mother of God, humbly falling to You and crying prayerfully: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Have the wealth of mercy inexpressible, to all the sick Mistress, Your helping hand, healing ailments, healing passions, we find in Your Life-giving Source: for this sake we cry out to You: Rejoice, Source of unceasing joy; Rejoice, Cup of unspeakable goodness. Rejoice, treasure of grace that is not scarce; Rejoice, you who always give mercy to those who ask. Rejoice, healing of various ailments. Rejoice, satisfaction of our sorrows; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 4
The blind man is embarrassed by a storm of bewilderment, looking for water to quench his thirst. And behold, as of old, by the power of God, water flowed from the stone: so now in the waterless desert the source has appeared, there Moses, the source of water: here are you, O Bogomati, a servant of miracles, the same we pray: thirsty for our souls of piety, give water to drink, yes we call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Hearing the voivode your wondrous voice, Mother of Mercy, pointing the source of water, about the hedgehog thirsty to drink and heal blindness pointing, and the event of words is sighted, cry out to the sister: Rejoice, Lady, comforting the sufferers; Rejoice, restorer of the sick. Rejoice, giving words to the dumb; Rejoice, healer of all the weak. Rejoice, help to those in need; Rejoice, consolation to the discouraged. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 5
Divine water from Your Life-Giving Source, pouring out currents of grace, scooping for the healing of mental and bodily ailments, Virgin Mother of God, with a grateful cry to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Seeing the people of the blind man, with the water of Your Life-giving Source, who has seen through, the Mother of God, rushing with songs like gifts to serve You: Rejoice, Lady, who opens the door of mercy to the faithful; Rejoice, thou who does not put to shame those who trust in Thee. Rejoice, consoling the distressed; Rejoice, freeing from adversity. Rejoice, strengthener of the weary; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 6
The preaching of Thy miracle, Mother of God, be the governor, as if the blind man is wondrous with water from Thy Life-Giving Source, enlighten us, the dark apples of our souls, and thankfully preach Thy mercy calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
Ascension to us Thy Life-Giving Source, Most Merciful Mother, exuding the manifold grace of Thy Son and Our God, Christ the Life-giver. For this sake, we bring Ty singing: Rejoice, Mistress, our zealous Intercessor; Rejoice, guardian of the temples of God. Rejoice, most glorious Abbess of the holy monasteries; Rejoice, admonition to those who labor in monasticism. Rejoice, strengthening of monks in obedience; Rejoice, cover and protection of all the Khistians. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 7
Wanting the pious Lion of the Governor, Tsar Thee, the Mistress, appointed, thankful to bring Thee, arrange a temple at the place of Thy appearance, arrange a miracle, the Life-Giving Spring, naming it, that all Thy possessions may find here, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
The new font of Siloam, more than the ancient ones, appear, Most Pure Lady, Thy temple, in Nemzha we worship the icon of the Life-Giving Source, for not one in the summer and only the first to enter the health of the body, but I will take out every ailment of the soul and body, heal. For this sake, we cry out to You: Rejoice, font, in which our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup of joy, in which our sorrows dissolve. Rejoice, stone, thirsty for life; Rejoice, tree, sweetening the bitter waters of the sea of life. Rejoice, life-giving water source is not depleted; Rejoice, bath, our sinful filth, washing our conscience. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 8
A strange and glorious miracle has appeared in the temple of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, in which spiritual and bodily thirst is quenched, and diseases of obsession are healed. We are the grace of such a glorifying cry to Ty: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
All of you, with faith coming to Your Life-Giving Source, give, Merciful to the Lady Theotokos. For all of these, we thankfully cry out to You: Rejoice, Lady, Who incarnated the Incorporeal; Rejoice, consolation of suffering mothers. Rejoice, child of motherless protection; Rejoice, young mentor. Rejoice, upbringing of babies: Rejoice, Mistress, Life-giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 9
All angelic and human nature marvels at Your mercy, Blessed Virgin, as always and to everyone you are the Helper and Intercessor, who sing to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
Vetii multicasting cannot worthily sing of the Life-giving Source of Thy inexhaustible grace, below explain the power of Thy miracles for the healing of the sick and for every benefit of the soul and body of a person, we will sing praiseworthy to You: Rejoice, Temple of the Living God; Rejoice, home of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Glory to the Angels; Rejoice, sovereignty of the universe. Rejoice, salvation of the world; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 10
To save even all those who suffer, the source of life was revealed to the world, Most Holy Theotokos, in the waters of grace, but all in sorrows and sorrows accepting healing and consolation, we gratefully call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
The wall and cover in troubles and needs of Your help to those who ask the creature, the Lady of the World, the Life-Giving Source showed you to everyone, may there be protection from all diseases, consolation in misfortunes and sorrows, crying You such: Rejoice, Mistress, pacification of the proud and obstinate people; Rejoice, suppression of evil and evil intentions. Rejoice, intercession of the offended; Rejoice, those who offend understanding. Rejoice, guilty punishment; Rejoice, excuse for the innocent. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 11
We bring the singing of all tenderness before Your Life-Giving Source, packs and packs, to You, Mother of God, in repentance calling from the depths of the soul: Mistress, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver us from all sorrow and illness, need and sorrow, and cry out to God about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
Your Divine Source, Most Holy Theotokos, shines like a luminous candle in the world with rays of grace, enlightening minds and hearts with miracles manifested and instructing you to call: Rejoice, Mistress, enlightenment of minds; Rejoice, purification of our hearts. Rejoice, renewal of the spirit; Rejoice, soul sanctification. Rejoice, strengthening of health; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 12
We have recourse to Your grace, the Life-Giving Source, Blessed Virgin, as if to an indestructible wall and intercession, look with mercy, Most Holy Theotokos, on our fierce bitterness and heal our souls and bodies of our sorrows and illnesses, let us call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Thy miracles, we praise and glorify Thy Life-giving Source, Most Holy Virgin, from worthless drawing currents of many different graces, we magnify Thy praises with calico: Rejoice, God-chosen Maiden; Rejoice, Holy Bride. Rejoice, blessed in women; Rejoice, exalted above the heavens. Rejoice, you who are coming to the throne of the Lord; Rejoice, our Intercessor, always praying for the world. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Who gave Your Life-Giving Source to the world, pour out great and rich mercy from us, accept this prayer of thanksgiving, grant us the source of the life of the present and future: let us call you: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, and then ikos 1 and kontakion 1 are read)

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Icon of the Mother of God
"LIFE-GIVING SOURCE»

All the days of Bright Week appear before us as a single bright Easter day. Friday of Bright Week stands out in particular: the fact that on this day, for the first time after the Great Hagiasma on Theophany, the blessing of water is performed in all the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church, and the fact that in the very liturgical rite of this day, hymns of service to the icon of the Mother of God are added to the Paschal stichera and troparia "Life-Giving Source» . The appearance of this image is associated with the following miraculous event.

Having become emperor, Leo Markell remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God and ordered to clean the source, surround it with a stone circle and erect a temple in honor of the Mother of God on it. The holy key was called by the emperor “Life-giving source. The icon of the Mother of God, painted for the new church, was also named in the same way.

In the future, this temple was repeatedly rebuilt and decorated. But after the fall of Constantinople, it was destroyed by the Muslims. And only in 1834-1835. an Orthodox church was again erected over the Life-Giving Spring.

It just so happened that all the famous monasteries of Constantinople were rebuilt into mosques or are now in ruins. And a small one, standing on the source, is still alive. For one and a half thousand years, people have been coming to the place, which the Turks called "Balykly", and collecting water in bottles. Closets are arranged around the source, where the sick are poured; Greeks, Turks, Turkish women, Armenians, Catholics constantly come to the water - everyone asks the Queen of Heaven with tears and accepts healing. Mohammedans involuntarily confess the Mother of God and say: "Great in wives is St. Mary!" and call the water: "St. Mary"

A Thessalian from his youth had a strong desire to visit the Life-Giving Spring. Finally, he managed to set off, but on the way he fell seriously ill. Feeling the approach of death, the Thessalian took a word from his companions so that they would not betray him to burial, but would take the body to the Life-Giving Spring, where they poured three vessels with life-giving water on it, and only after that they buried it. His wish was fulfilled, and life returned to the Thessalian at the Life-Giving Spring. He accepted monasticism and spent the last days of his life in piety.

Iconographically, the image of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" is associated with the ancient Byzantine image of the type "Nicopeia Kyriotissa" - "Mistress the Victorious", which, in turn, goes back to the image of the type "Sign".

Initially, the image of the "Life-Giving Source" was distributed in the lists without the image of the source. Such is the Blachernae miraculous image, made of marble, located near the imperial baths. It depicts the Mother of God, from whose hands holy water flows? "agiasma". Later, a cup (phiale) was included in the composition. In later times, they also began to depict a reservoir and a fountain on the icon.

In Russia, over time, the composition of the icon "Life-Giving Spring" is gradually becoming more complex. A wooden well appears, from which a water jet beats, on the sides of it are depicted the ecumenical saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. They draw life-giving water and distribute it to people standing around. In the foreground are depicted obsessed with various ailments.

Gradually, the composition of the icon became so complicated that the independent image of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" became only a component in the overall complex composition. So, in 1668, the famous Russian icon painter Simon Ushakov, with one of his students, painted the icon of the Life-Giving Spring “with miracles”. In sixteen hallmarks, he depicted the miracles of the Mother of God, performed at the Life-Giving Spring.

The concept of springs as a symbol of the Mother of God's help and the grace of God is quite ancient. On many icons of the Theotokos, for example, "The Driver", Zhirovitskaya, the icon "The Annunciation of the Mother of God at the well", the image of the source is invariably present. And each icon of the Mother of God in this broad sense can be called the "Life-Giving Spring", meaning the Mother of God's help and Her rich mercy.

Despite the fact that history has preserved the exact date of the event of the appearance of the Mother of God to Leo Markellus (April 4 (O.S.) 450), the real celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “The Life-Giving Spring” is set to take place on Friday of Bright Week, when the renewal of the Constantinople Church of the Life-Giving Spring is celebrated spring and remember the great miracles that happened in this temple.

Since the 16th century, a custom similar to the Greek one has been established in Russia, to consecrate springs located in monasteries and near them, to dedicate them to the Mother of God and to paint icons of the Mother of God, called the “Life-Giving Spring”.

Lists from the miraculous icon "Life-Giving Spring" are in the Sarov Hermitage; Astrakhan, Urzhum, Vyatka diocese; in a chapel near the Solovetsky Monastery; Lipetsk, Tambov diocese. An excellent image is placed in the Moscow Novodevichy Convent.

In the village of Vorobyevo near Moscow (Vorobyovy Gory) since the 16th century there was a wooden church at the royal palace in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "The Life-Giving Spring", "furnished with exceptional luxury." It probably owes its name to the numerous underground springs flowing along the slopes of the Sparrow Hills. Over time, due to dilapidation, it was repeatedly rebuilt, having existed until the beginning of the 19th century, after which it was abolished. Today, its existence is reminded by the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring", located to the left of the Royal Doors in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills - the only remaining of the 4 churches in the village of Vorobyevo.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of the icon of Her "Life-Giving Spring"
Oh, Blessed Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ! You are Mati and the patroness of all who resort to You, look with mercy on the prayers of Your sinful and humble children. You, who are called the Life-giving Source of grace-filled healings, heal the sicknesses of the afflicted and implore Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to send down and all those who flow to You, spiritual and bodily health, and, having forgiven us our voluntary and involuntary sins, grants us everything even to eternal and temporal life is needed. You are the joy of all those who mourn, hear us, the mournful; You are the quenching of sorrow, quench our sorrow; You are the exaction of the lost, do not let us perish in the abyss of our sins, but always deliver us from all sorrows and misfortunes and all evil circumstances. She, our Queen, favoring, our hope is indestructible and invincible intercessor, do not turn Your face away from us for our many transgressions, but stretch out to us the hand of Your motherly mercy and create with us a sign of Your mercy for the good: show us Your help and prosper in every deed good. Turn us away from every sinful undertaking and evil thought, may we always glorify Your honorable name, magnifying God the Father and the Son of the Only Begotten Lord Jesus Christ and the Life-giving Holy Spirit with all the saints forever and ever. A min.

Troparion, tone 4
Today, by the faith of faithfulness to the Divine and wholesome image of the Most Holy Theotokos, pouring out drops of her outpourings, and showing miracles to the faithful people, even we see and hear spiritually celebrate and kindly cry out: heal our ailments and passions, as if you healed the Karkin and numerous passions; we also pray to Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God, incarnated from You, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, tone 4
Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, the River foreshadows all - the Most Pure Queen of the Mother of God, exuding wonderful water for us and washing away the hearts of blackness *, cleansing sinful scabs, but sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.

Kontakion, tone 8
From the inexhaustible You, the Source of God-grace, give me, sharpen, the water of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if the Word gave birth to more than meaning, pray, sprinkle me with grace, and I call Thee: rejoice, saving water.

The icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" is one of the Orthodox shrines, with which an ancient tradition is associated. According to him, in the 5th century, near Constantinople, there was a grove dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos.

In 450, the warrior Leo Markell met a lost blind man here. Deciding to find water for him, he heard the voice of the Virgin, who ordered him to find a source and anoint the wanderer's eyes with mud. After that, the blind man received his sight. And the Mother of God predicted to the warrior that he would become the emperor of Byzantium, which later happened.

Leo Markell erected a church in honor of the Mother of God on this site (nowadays there is a monastery here). The holy key was called the "Life-Giving Spring", as was the icon of the Mother of God, painted for this temple.

Prayer before the icon "Life-Giving Spring"

“Oh, Blessed Virgin, All-merciful Lady Lady Theotokos, Thy Life-Giving Source, healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world sharpen, Thou hast given us, the same thanks to the being, we earnestly pray to Thee, the Most Holy Queen, pray for Your Son and our God to give forgiveness of sins to us, and mercy and consolation to every soul that is grieving and embittered, and deliverance from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, Madam, protection to this temple and these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection to our country from misfortunes, let us live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be able to see You our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. To Him be glory and power with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen".

Second Prayer to the Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring"

“O Most Holy Lady Lady Mother of God! Thou exalt all angels and archangels, and the most honest of all creatures: helper of the offended, hopeless hope, poor intercessor, sad consolation, hungry nurse, naked robe, sick healing, sinful salvation, Christians of all help and intercession. O All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God! By Thy mercy, save and have mercy on our Orthodox people, the Great Lord and Father of our Most Holy Patriarch (the name of the rivers, now Cyril), His Grace metropolitans, archbishops and bishops, and all the priestly and monastic ranks, authorities and the army and all Orthodox Christians with Thy honest robe protect; and beseech, Madam, from you, without a seed, incarnate Christ our God, may he gird us with His power from above on our invisible and visible enemies.
O All-Merciful Lady Mother of God! Raise us up from the depths of sin, and deliver us from hunger, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from finding foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and from enemy attacks, and from corrupting winds, and from deadly ulcers. and from all evil. Grant, Madam, peace and health to Your servant, all Orthodox Christians, and enlighten their minds and eyes of the heart, even to salvation, and make us, Your sinful servants, the Kingdom of Your Son, Christ our God, as His power is blessed and glorified, with His Father without beginning and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen".

Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring"

Every year on Friday of Easter week, Orthodox Christians celebrate the feast of the Appearance of the Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring". In 2019, the celebration date falls on May 3rd.

What does the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" mean? The life-giving source here is the Most Pure Virgin herself, through whom the Savior incarnated into the world. This icon-painting image brings healing to all those who suffer, in their prayers to those who rely on the help of the Queen of Heaven.

How does the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" help? People who find themselves in difficult life situations turn to her.

What to pray for in front of the icon "Life-Giving Spring"? About healing from bodily and mental ailments, about help in grief, peace and prosperity in families.

The icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" has been honored in Russia since ancient times. The most famous miraculous list from it is an icon from the Sarov desert, revered by Seraphim of Sarov.

On Friday of Bright Week, after the liturgy in Orthodox churches, as a rule, a water-blessed prayer service is performed in front of this icon. People sprinkle their gardens and kitchen gardens with holy water, calling on the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to grant them a good harvest.

On this day, a prayer is read in churches before the icon of the Life-Giving Spring - a troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Troparion, tone 4
“Today, by faithfulness to the Divine and wholesome image of the Most Holy Theotokos, pouring out drops of her outpourings, and showing miracles to the faithful people, we even see and hear spiritually celebrate and kindly cry out: heal our ailments and passions, as if you healed the Karkin and numerous passions; the same we pray to Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God, incarnated from You, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, tone 4
“Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, the River foreshadows everyone - the Most Pure Queen of the Theotokos, exuding wonderful water for us and washing away the hearts of blackness, cleansing sinful scabs, and sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.”

Kontakion, tone 8
“From the inexhaustible You, the Source of God-grace, give me, sharpen, the waters of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if the Word gave birth to more meaning, pray, sprinkle me with grace, let me call you: rejoice, saving water. Magnification We magnify Thee, Blessed Virgin, and we honor Your holy image, even as we heal our illnesses and raise our souls to God.