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Vladimir icon of the Mother of God iconography. Revered miraculous copies from the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. The origin and journey of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God

The image of the Mother of God is especially revered by all Orthodox Christians. Vladimir icon is notable for its special power: prayers before it have saved entire cities from imminent death more than once.

History of the icon

According to legend, the Vladimir Icon was painted during the life of the Mother of God by the Apostle and Evangelist Luke. During the meal, the apostle was visited by a miraculous vision of the future Christian people, and he, taking a board from the table, began to paint the image of the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus in her arms. The Virgin Mary did not interfere with the apostle, for she saw that he was moved by the Will of the Lord.

Where is the holy image located?

For a long time, the Vladimir Icon was in the holy city of Jerusalem. In the middle of the 12th century the image was donated Kievan Rus and was kept in the Mother of God Monastery in the city of Vyshgorod. A little later, Andrei Bogolyubsky transported the icon to Vladimir, where it was located for a long time. On this moment The miraculous image of the Vladimir Mother of God is located in Moscow, in the Church of St. Nicholas.

Description of the icon

The Vladimir icon depicts the Mother of God with the baby Jesus in her arms. The Mother of God’s gaze is directed directly at the person praying standing in front of the icon; her face is serious and full of sorrow for the sins of this world.

The Mother of God hugs the Baby Jesus tightly to herself, and His gaze is directed upward to the Mother of God. Thus the image shows great love Lord to his Mother, whom all believers should be equal to.

How does the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God help?

The Vladimir image of the Mother of God more than once saved Russia from invaders. That is why they pray to the image for the well-being of the country, for salvation in difficult and dangerous life situations, as well as for the preservation of peace.

There are known cases of miraculous healings that occurred during general prayer in front of the icon. Therefore, they pray to the Vladimir image of the Virgin Mary for healing from physical and mental illnesses.

Prayers before the Vladimir Icon

“All-merciful Intercessor, Patroness and Defender! We humbly pray to You, bowing before You in tears: drive out, O Lady, death, which tramples the souls of the faithful servants of the Lord, turn around the enemies and deliver our land from all evil! Oh, Lady, we rely on You, and our prayer flies to You, for only in You do we trust and pray to save our lives and souls. Amen".


“Queen of Heaven, merciful Intercessor, I humbly pray to You: do not leave my cry unanswered, hear me, a sinful and unworthy servant of God, take away trouble, illness and infirmity from me. May my soul not turn away from the Lord, and may prayer to the Almighty send grace upon my forehead. Be merciful, Mother of God, and send down a miraculous healing of my soul and body. Amen".

The days of veneration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God are June 3, July 6 and September 8 according to the new style. At this time, any prayers to the Mother of God can completely change your life and destiny. We wish you peace in your soul and strong faith in God. Be happy and don't forget to press the buttons and

06.07.2017 05:36

The icon “Protection of the Virgin Mary” is one of the most significant shrines among all Orthodox images. This icon...

One of the first places on 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.

The history and significance of the Vladimir Icon is majestic, first of all for the Russian people, because it is truly their protector.

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

The origin of the icon says: ancient legend. He wrote it when the Mother of God was still alive. An image was created on a board from the table where the entire Holy Family had a meal.

Until 450, the icon was in Jerusalem; in the same year it was sent to Constantinople. There it was kept somewhere until approximately 1131.

In the 12th century, the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God was donated to Kievan Rus by Luke Chrysoverg (Patriarch of Constantinople). She was sent to the Mother of God Monastery in Vyshgorod.

When she had been there for some time, the icon was taken away from there by Andrei Bogolyubsky (son of Yuri Dolgorukov). On his journey, he stops in the city of Vladimir, where he received the sign of the Mother of God. On the site of this miracle, a temple was erected, in which the icon remained. Now it began to be called Vladimirskaya.

Today, there is a list there that was written by Andrei Rublev. 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. It is still stored in the latter.

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

Miracles 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 the lists that were created a large number of.

In addition to the threefold and recorded salvation of the Russian land from the invasion of foreign yoke, the Mother of God more than once manifested her will through it. For example, where the icon should have remained (in Vladimir), there was a sign for Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky during prayer.

In addition, even in the church in Vyshgorod, cases of moving the icon were recorded. She seemed to find no place for herself. She was found three times in different parts temple, in the end, after prayer, Andrei Bogolyubsky took her with him to the Rostov land.

Then there were numerous cases of healing of ordinary people. For example, water washing an icon could cure a disease. This is how healing of the eyes and heart took place.

This is how the Vladimir Mother of God became. Its significance both for the common people and for the greats of this world was undeniable. She witnessed many important actions in Russia. This includes the appointment of patriarchs and military campaigns. They also swore allegiance to their homeland before her and carried out the coronation of several monarchs.

Prayer before the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God

Prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is truly salvation for a state in which there has been turmoil or schism. It will allow passions to subside, anger and enmity to moderate. In addition, when heretical sentiments arise, one should also offer prayer to this image.

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

The prayer begins with a respectful address: “O All-Merciful Lady Theotokos.” Next, 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 adversity and troubles.

The meaning of the icon for Russia

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is the most beloved icon in Rus'. And in fact, she protected her from everything so much; numerous signs and healings were revealed.

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

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 Russian border. It seemed that the battle could not be avoided, 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 the Majestic Mother of God in a dream, who ordered him to leave this land.

And this happened more than once. People's faith increased after each successive salvation. became truly miraculous and most revered. A large number of lists were written from it, which are also worshiped by believers. It's always been important value icons The Vladimir Mother of God was especially revered in Rus'.

Days of celebration

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

  • On August 26, the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God is venerated for liberation from Tamerlane in 1395.
  • On June 23rd there is a celebration in honor of the victory over Tatar yoke which happened in 1480.
  • May 21 is a celebration in honor of the victory over Khan Mahmet-Girey, which occurred in 1521.

Prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God has saved Russia more than once.

Lists of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God

There are numerous copies that were written from this icon. The most famous are:

  • Orange icon. It was written in 1634.
  • Rostov icon. This image dates back to the 12th century.
  • Krasnogorsk icon. Its writing dates back to 1603.
  • Chuguev icon. Exact date creation is unknown.

These are not all available lists of icons. The first of them were written when the image had just appeared on Russian soil. Later they also created lists from it; now there are only two of the oldest.

Obviously, such diversity indicates that the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, whose significance for believers is great, is highly revered.

Iconography of the image

If we talk about writing this image, then its style is classified 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 the deeply human side of the Holy Family.

It is believed that this style of painting icons did not exist in early Christian art; it appeared much later.

This style of writing contains two central figures. This is the Mother of God and the baby Jesus Christ. Their faces are closely touching, the Son puts his hand around the Mother’s neck. This image is very touching.

The peculiarity 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 similar to this type.

This icon is double sided. The reverse depicts the throne and the 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 copy of Our Lady of Caress from the Blachernae Basilica. In any case, the Vladimir image has long become an independent miraculous face.

Other revered icons of the Mother of God

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

  • For example, prayer in front of the Iveron icon helps to increase the fertility of the earth, and it is also a comforter in various troubles.
  • Prayer before the Bogolyubskaya icon is a help during epidemics (cholera, plague).
  • In case of cancer, prayers are offered to the image of the Mother of God, the All-Tsarina.
  • 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 “Mammal” is very revered by nursing mothers, and prayers are also offered to him during childbirth.

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. The Vladimir Mother of God is no exception. It’s just that each of the images takes upon itself intercession in different situations. The Mother of God seems to embrace all the sorrows and sorrows of her subjects, helping them in difficulties.

Since ancient times, the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God has worked miracles and is rightfully considered one of the most revered and famous in Orthodox world. Several major holidays are celebrated in her honor: May 21, June 23, August 25. In memory of the salvation of Moscow from: Muhammad-Girey, Akhmat and Tamerlane, respectively. These days it is customary to read the troparion to the Vladimir Icon.


The meaning of the Vladimir Icon

Prayers in front of this icon can protect people from misfortunes; people turn to it for help in the most different situations. In a person's life there are very difficult periods and then they resort to prayers. Every believer who sincerely asks for help from higher powers receives it. Our Lady of Vladimir is a protector and protects houses from misfortunes, helps in various everyday situations.

Every Orthodox man, I simply must have this image in my home. Much has been written about the meaning and miraculousness of the icon. different stories, miracles happened hundreds of years ago, and they also happen today.


Miraculousness of the icon

Throughout this time, miracles associated with the Vladimir Icon occurred.

  • Three times people’s prayers for the salvation of their own land were heard. Foreigners left Russian soil for various reasons.
  • When the icon was in Vyshgorod, unauthorized movements of the icon were noticed. Three times the image ended up in different parts of the monastery.
  • The water that washed the shrine had medicinal properties, parishioners were repeatedly healed from various bodily ailments.
  • The wife of one of the clergy was expecting a child, she often prayed in front of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, and once, miraculously, her life was saved from a mad horse.
  • The abbess of the monastery was healed of blindness. The girl simply drank water from the holy face and said a prayer.
  • One day, in the city of Vladimir, the Golden Gate collapsed on twelve people, all these people suddenly found themselves under the rubble. One of them read a prayer in front of the image of the Mother of God, then all these people managed to escape. None of them were seriously injured.
  • The baby was washed with holy water, and he was saved from evil spells.
  • The woman had been suffering from a serious heart disease for many years, she gave the priest all her gold jewelry and sent the priest with them to the temple where the icon was located. He brought holy water to the woman, she drank it and prayed, and after a while the woman turned out to be completely healthy.

It's not far yet full list miracles that are associated with the Vladimir icon. Moreover, miracles happened not only associated with the original icon, but also with its numerous copies.


How does the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God help?

This shrine witnessed almost all important events in the history of Russia. She saw military campaigns, how the coronation of monarchs took place, as well as the appointment of many patriarchs. Prayer addressed to the icon helps to calm hostility and reduce the level of anger and passions.

A large number of parishioners turned to the monk for help to receive fateful decision, strengthen your own spirit and gain vitality during illness. To the question of how the Vladimir Icon helps, you can answer this way:

  • comes to the rescue when making an important decision, shows the true path;
  • strengthens faith and gives strength that is almost running out;
  • helps in healing diseases, especially people with blindness and various heart ailments are often healed;
  • delivers from evil intentions and sinful thoughts.

Our Lady also helps in the formation happy marriage, because happy and a strong family– the key to a strong and successful country.

What does the Vladimir Icon look like?

This icon belongs to the “Caressing” type. This image is considered the most lyrical of all images of the Virgin Mary.

Every person can see the face of the Virgin Mary; with her left hand she holds her little son.

They tenderly clung to each other, thereby revealing the other side of the Virgo’s communication with her son. The original icon was painted on a wooden table top.

Throughout the entire canvas, only two figures are depicted: the Virgin Mary and her son. Her head is bowed towards the Infant Christ, who hugs his Mother’s neck with his left hand.

A distinctive feature of this icon from all others is that the leg of Christ is curved so that his foot is visible.

Miracle Lists

Throughout time, a very large number of diverse lists of the Vladimir Icon were created. Some of them also acquired miraculous properties and received special names:

  • Vladimirskaya-Volokolamskaya, which was created in 1572;
  • Vladimirskaya-Seligerskaya, created in 1528;
  • Vladimirskaya-Oranskaya, dated 1634.

All these images also have miraculous properties, and all Orthodox Christians often come to them to read the akathist to the Vladimir Icon of God.

History of the Vladimir Icon

The legend says that this icon was written by the evangelist Luke, using the cover of a dining table as the basis. The Most Pure Mother and Joseph the Betrothed took food behind him. And when the Mother of God saw the image, she became very joyful and said the following words: “From now on, everyone will please Me.”

Initially, the icon was in Jerusalem, later it moved from this city to Constantinople, long time she was there. Then, Yuri Dolgoruky received this icon as a gift from one influential patriarch.

In the city of Vyshgorod (not far from Kyiv), a monastery was recently built, and the image was placed there. Almost immediately, the icon began to be glorified for various kinds of miraculous deeds. The son of Yuri Dolgoruky very much desired to have such an icon and brought it to the city of Vladimir, where it found new house. It was from then that it received the name - Vladimirskaya.

This icon very often saved soldiers who went to war. In the battle against the Volga Bulgarians, the icon of the Mother of God helped the prince win a difficult victory in battle.

Thirty years later there was a terrible fire, then the cathedral in which the icon was located burned down, but it remained completely unharmed. In 1237, Batu attacked the city of Vladimir and completely destroyed it, but this time the icon managed to survive.

The further history of the icon is completely connected with Moscow, where it came only in 1395, when Khan Tamerlane attacked Rus'. The conqueror completely plundered Ryazan and sent his army to Moscow, they destroyed everything in their path. The prince, without wasting a minute, gathered a large army and ordered them to go on the attack to meet the invaders. The Metropolitan at that time called higher power to help them. Then the prince and metropolitan decided to move the icon to Moscow.

When the shrine arrived in Moscow and was brought into the cathedral, incredible things began to happen. As the chronicle says, the conqueror simply stayed in one place for several weeks; he did not go on the offensive, but he did not retreat either. But suddenly he was overcome with fear, he turned back and left the Moscow borders.

A little later, when Moscow did not even expect an invasion, suddenly a huge army of invaders appeared in front of the city walls. The then prince realized that he did not have enough time and skills to assemble a worthy army to resist the foreigners and simply left the capital with his family. Vladimir the Brave, who suddenly had to rule Moscow, was an experienced commander and gathered a large army, so much so that the horde did not dare to storm Moscow. However, they began to plunder neighboring cities.

At this time, all Orthodox people prayed in front of the Vladimir icon, calling on the Mother of God to help her people. And again the prayers were heard, Edigei (leader of the Horde) received news of the coup and was forced to leave Russian soil. Thus, the Mother of God once again saved her people from their enemies.

Prayer to the Vladimir Icon

O All-Merciful Lady Theotokos, Heavenly Queen, All-Powerful Intercessor, our shameless Hope! Thanking Thee for all the great blessings that the Russian people have received from Thee throughout the generations, before Thy most pure image we pray to Thee: save this city (this whole; this holy monastery) and Thy coming servants and the whole Russian Land from famine, destruction, earth shaking, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare! Save and save, O Lady, our Great Master and Father (name), His Holiness Patriarch Moscow and all Rus' and our Lord (name), His Eminence bishop (archbishop, metropolitan) (title), and all the Eminence metropolitans, archbishops and Orthodox bishops. May they govern the Russian Church well, and may the faithful sheep of Christ be preserved indestructibly. Remember, Lady, the entire priestly and monastic order, warm their hearts with zeal for God and strengthen them to walk worthy of their calling. Save, O Lady, and have mercy on all Your servants and grant us the path of the earthly journey without blemish. Confirm us in the faith of Christ and in zeal for the Orthodox Church, put into our hearts the spirit of the fear of God, the spirit of piety, the spirit of humility, give us patience in adversity, abstinence in prosperity, love for our neighbors, forgiveness for our enemies, success in good deeds. Deliver us from every temptation and from petrified insensibility; on the terrible day of Judgment, grant us, through Your intercession, to stand at the right hand of Your Son, Christ our God, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Conclusion

This is very ancient and strong icon, it is one of the most revered faces of the Virgin Mary. Three times, with the help of the icon, it was possible to stop foreign invaders. A huge number of people received spiritual and physical strength, praying in front of her.

Days for celebrating the icon:
June 3 – in honor of the rescue of Moscow from Khan Makhmet-Girey in 1521.
July 6 - in memory of the liberation of Rus' from the Khan of the Golden Horde Akhmat in 1480.
September 8 - Presentation of the Vladimir Icon, in memory of the liberation of Moscow from the troops of Tamerlane in 1395.

WHAT DO YOU PRAY FOR BEFORE THE VLADIMIR ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

Vladimirskaya Icon of the Mother of God always prayed for the preservation of the country, for help in protecting it from enemies. People turn to this icon during various disasters and ask for help in healing from illnesses.
The Mother of God, through this image, helps to reconcile warring people, softens human hearts, helps to accept the right decision, strengthens faith.
There were cases when prayers to the Vladimir Icon relieved infertility or diseases of the reproductive organs. The icon especially protects mothers and their children, promotes easy childbirth, gives health to babies, and helps with diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system.

It must be remembered that icons or saints do not “specialize” in any specific areas. It will be right when a person turns with faith in the power of God, and not in the power of this icon, this saint or prayer.
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HISTORY OF THE APPEARANCE OF THE VLADIMIR MOTHER OF GOD

According to legend, the holy image of the Mother of God of this icon was created by the Apostle and Evangelist Luke directly on the surface of the table at which the Savior and the Most Pure Virgin had meals:

“Having written Your all-honorable image, the divine Luke, the inspired writer of Christ’s Gospel, depicted the Creator of all in Your hands.”

Seeing the created image, the Mother of God said:

“From now on, everyone will please Me. May the grace of Him who was born of Me and Mine be with this image.”

At the beginning of the 12th century, this icon was made special list, the Vladimir Icon itself at that time was in Constantinople. The list was given as a gift to Yuri Dolgoruky, Grand Duke of Kyiv. The holy icon was brought to Kyiv and placed in the Mother of God Monastery.
Yuri Dolgoruky had several sons, they constantly quarreled with each other over their father's inheritance. One of the sons, Prince Andrei, was tired of the brothers' quarrels and in 1155, secretly from his father, taking an icon from the Mother of God Monastery, he headed to the north of the state to create his own principality there, which would be independent of Kyiv.

They made a platform for the icon and transported it on a special sled. Throughout the entire journey, Prince Andrei fervently prayed to the Mother of God.
After resting in Vladimir, the prince was about to continue moving, but having driven quite a bit from the city, his horses stopped. They tried to force them to move on, but all attempts were unsuccessful. Even after changing horses, nothing changed - the caravan did not move. Prince Andrei began to fervently pray to the Mother of God, and during prayer the Queen herself appeared to him, commanding that the miraculous icon be left in Vladimir, and that the cathedral that the prince would have to build would become its home. So this image received the name - the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
To Moscow Vladimir icon was transported in 1480. It was placed in the Assumption Cathedral, and in Vladimir there remained a copy of the icon written Rev. Andrew Rublev.

The meeting place (or “candlemas”) of the icon in Moscow is immortalized Sretensky Monastery, which was erected in honor of this event, and the street was named Sretenka.

Immediately after the revolution, the Assumption Cathedral in the Kremlin was closed. In 1918, the miraculous image of the Mother of God was transferred to the State Tretyakov Gallery, where the icon remained until September 8, 1999. Then it was moved from the Tretyakov Gallery to the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi.

SOME MIRACLES THAT THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD OF VLADIMIR WORKED

In history there is a lot of evidence of unusual miracles that occurred with the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
In 1395, Khan Tamerlane and his troops attacked Rus'. At this time, in a procession of the cross, for more than ten days, they carried the icon in their hands from Vladimir to Moscow. People stood on both sides of the path and prayed to the Holy image on the icon: “Mother of God, save the Russian land!” Based on these prayers, Tamerlane had a dream that from the top high mountain Christian saints descended, holding rods of gold in their hands, and a Majestic Woman appeared above them and ordered him to leave Rus' alone. Tamerlane woke up in alarm and sent for dream interpreters, who explained to the khan that the radiant Woman was the image of the Mother of God, the protector of all Christians. Having stopped his campaign, Tamerlane left Rus'.

In 1451, during the Tatar attack on Moscow, Metropolitan Jonah carried the icon in a procession along the city walls. At night, the attackers heard a loud noise and decided that Prince Vasily Dmitrievich was coming with his army to help the besieged; in the morning they lifted the siege and retreated from the city walls.

In 1480, a battle between Russian troops and the Tatar-Mongols was supposed to take place. The opponents stood on different banks of the river and prepared for battle, but it never took place. This “great stand on the Ugra River” ended with the flight of the Tatar-Mongols, to which the Mother of God turned them through her Vladimir Icon, which was in front of the Russian army.

In 1521, Khan's troops Once again approached Moscow, began to burn the towns, but unexpectedly moved away from the city without causing significant harm to the capital. This event is also associated with protection miraculous icon, in whose honor her third holiday was established.

The icon of the Vladimir Mother of God has always taken part in important events of our state. With it, the people went to the Novodevichy Convent to Boris Godunov to install him as king; this icon met the troops of Minin and Pozharsky, who in 1613 expelled the Polish invaders.

For our country, the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God has great value. During times severe tests prayers to her more than once saved Rus' from destructive enemy attacks, which were repelled thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God through Her holy icon.

Interesting fact

Part of the image of the Vladimirskaya icon (eye and nose) was taken for the logo of the film company Icon Productions, created in 1989 by Mel Gibson. This studio has produced films such as The Passion of the Christ and Anna Karenina.

GREATNESS

We magnify, we magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, and we honor Your image
Holy One, grant healing to all who come with faith.

VIDEO

One of the most ancient and revered sacred images in Russia has always been the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir. It is believed that it was written by the Evangelist Luke on a board that once served as a table at which Jesus, the son of God, had a meal with his parents - the Virgin Mary and the elder Joseph.

The image is written in the lyrical iconographic type “Tenderness”. This style of depicting the Mother of God with the Child personifies the tenderness, love and affection that the Immaculate Virgin shows towards her Son. Baby Jesus sits on the right hand of the Mother of God, clinging to the face of the Queen of Heaven. Son of the Blessed Mary reaches out to her right hand, the other gently hugging the neck. Vladimirskaya is the only image in which the heel of the Baby Jesus is turned outward so that it is clearly visible.

On the image you can also see two inscriptions - monograms, which mean those depicted on the icon - Jesus Christ and the Mother of God.

Journey through the ages

The icon of Our Lady of Vladimir dates back more than 2000 years. Throughout its existence, this image has saved the Russian people more than once. Until the 5th century AD. e. the icon was in Jerusalem, then transported to Byzantium. And only in the 12th century did it come to Russian land, having been donated by the Patriarch of Constantinople. In turn, the prince placed the icon in one of the monasteries located near Kyiv. It is believed that since then the icon has performed real miracles - at night the icon changed its location and even flew through the air. Andrei Bogolyubsky, the son of Yuri Dolgoruky, soon learned about this. It was then that the young prince decided that this needed its own, separate place.

Andrei takes the image of the Mother of God and heads to Suzdal land. On the way, the prince serves a prayer service in front of the icon. In response, the image of the Blessed Virgin shows many miracles: the servant of Andrei Bogolyubsky, having fallen into the abyss, remains unharmed, and the priest who went on the road with him survives after being trampled by a horse.

The prince's path lay through the Vladimir land, after passing which he could not travel further. The horses stood up as if rooted to the spot and did not move. When the prince and his travelers tried to harness other crows, the same thing happened. Andrei Bogolyubsky took this as a sign from above. The prince began to fervently pray to the Mother of God, who came down to him with a scroll in her hand, commanding him to leave the icon in Vladimir and to found a temple at the site of Her appearance.

Thus, the Queen of Heaven herself chose the location of her image - not far from the city of Vladimir, and from then on the icon began to be called Vladimir in honor of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God.

Assumption Cathedral

Construction of a temple in honor Holy Mother of God It was completed in just 2 years. The erected cathedral amazed everyone with its splendor and surpassed even the St. Sophia in its beauty.

During the construction of the Golden Gate in Vladimir, an accident occurred: during installation, a stone wall fell on the workers. The prince, having learned about this, began to pray fervently in front of the Vladimir Icon, which saved him more than once. And then the Mother of God did not leave Andrei Bogolyubsky: when all the rubble was cleared away, the people under them turned out to be safe and sound.

This accident turned out to be a harbinger of future events awaiting the Assumption Cathedral - the temple burned to the ground 25 years later.

The campaign of Andrei Bogolyubsky

The further history of the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God is very interesting and filled with miracles. She protected the prince until his death. So, one day Andrei Bogolyubsky went on a hike to Volga Bulgars, taking with him the holy image. Before the battle, the prince and the soldiers performed a prayer service. Inspired, they went into battle, where they were able to win. After the battle, the prince and the soldiers read it - and a miracle happened: a light came from the icon and the Cross of the Lord, illuminating everyone. On the same day, Emperor Manuel saw the same divine phenomenon in Constantinople. After a miraculous vision, he was able to defeat the Saracen army. In honor of this manifestation of heavenly powers, a holiday was established in honor of Life-giving Cross Lord's Day, celebrated on August 14th.

When Andrei Bogolyubsky was killed in 1175, a rebellion broke out in Moscow. It was possible to stop it only by the grace of the Almighty: the rector of one of the churches took the image of the Vladimir Mother of God and carried it around the city, after which the unrest subsided.

Patronal feast - September 8

Memory this image celebrated 3 times a year. The first date is September 8, new style. On this day the monastery was founded and construction began in honor of the meeting of the Vladimir Icon by Russian troops. At that time, Rus' was subject to Tatar raids. Tamerlane, who led them, was a strong opponent. Russian troops could only hope for a miracle. Grand Duke Vasily asked the Metropolitan of Rus' to transfer the sacred image from Vladimir to Moscow. While the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir was on the road, Tamerlane, confident in his victory, had a dream: as if a radiant maiden was coming towards him with 12 angels piercing him with a sword. Waking up in fear from what he saw, the warrior told about his dream to the sages who were with him on the campaign. They explained to Tamerlane that the Virgin who dreamed was the Mother Christian God and Intercessor of the Russian Land. At that moment, the Tatar commander realized with horror that his campaign was doomed to failure. He ordered to leave Rus' and left along with his troops.

"Silent" victory

The next holiday dedicated to the Vladimir Icon is celebrated by the Russian Orthodox Church on July 6. On this day, an event that had been awaited for a long time took place - hordes of Tatars fled after 9 months of standing on the river. Eel. As you know, before the battle, Russian troops came ashore with the Vladimir Icon. On the opposite side were the Tatars, who did not dare to budge. For so long, both sides remained inactive. As a result, the Tatars fled. The Russian people attributed this “quiet” victory not to themselves, but to the Queen of Heaven, thanks to whom last Stand dealt with the Tatar hordes without casualties.

Amazing dream of a nun

But the enemies did not calm down for long. Just 40 years later, in 1521, the Tatars again rushed to Moscow. Tsar Vasily went with his army to the Oka River. In an unequal battle, the Russians began to retreat. The Tatars besieged Moscow. That same night, one of the nuns of the Resurrection Monastery had an amazing dream - as if Saints Peter and Alexei rushed through closed door Assumption Cathedral, taking with him the icon. Having crossed the Kremlin gates, the metropolitans met Sergius of Radonezh and Varlaam of Khutyn on their way. The saints asked where Alexei and Peter were going. They answered that they needed to leave the city along with the Vladimir Icon, since the inhabitants of Moscow had forgotten the commandments of the Lord. Hearing this, the saints fell at the feet of the saints, tearfully begging them not to leave the city. As a result, Alexei and Peter returned to the Assumption Church through a closed door.

In the morning, the nun hurried to tell everyone about the dream she had seen. People, having learned about the prophetic vision, gathered in the temple and began to pray incessantly, after which the Tatar troops retreated. The great day of the salvation of Moscow is now etched in the centuries - Orthodox Church celebrates this day on June 3 according to the new style.

What to pray for in front of the Vladimir Icon?

It is believed that every home should have this image. Praying before the Vladimir Icon, we ask for the reconciliation of enemies, strengthening of faith, protection from the split of the country and the invasion of foreigners.

Akathist before the image

In prayer before the Vladimir Icon, we ask for the granting of peace in our country and in all cities, for the strengthening of Orthodoxy and deliverance from wars, hunger and disease. “Be our Intercessor and intercede for us before the Lord,” we say, reading the akathist. In prayer we acknowledge that Holy Virgin- our only Hope and Salvation, whose requests are always heard by Her son. Before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos, we ask you to soften our evil hearts and deliver us from sin. At the end of the prayer we praise our Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal God.

Lists from the image

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God made long haul in time. At the moment it is in the Tretyakov Gallery and only on holidays is it taken out for procession. However, during its existence, the icon of Our Lady of Vladimir, a photo of which you can see in this article, was used to create miraculous lists, each of which received an additional name. For example, the Vladimir-Volokolamsk Icon was donated to the monastery of this city by Malyuta Skuratov. Now the image is in the Andrei Rublev Museum. Also among the miraculous lists one can note the Vladimir-Seligerskaya, transferred to Seliger by Neil Stolbensky.

Temple in honor of the Vladimir Icon

This cathedral is located in Moscow, in the village of Vinogradovo. This structure is unique as the temple has a triangular shape. Many attribute the creation of the cathedral to the famous Russian architect Bazhenov.

The Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was erected in 1777. An interesting fact is that even during the years of persecution the cathedral was never closed.

During the Great Patriotic War The temple of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God preserved within its walls a genuine shrine - the head of Sergius of Radonezh. After the victory, she was returned to the saint’s monastery where she remains to this day. For the preservation of the relic, a particle of the saint’s relics was donated to the Temple of the Vladimir Mother of God.

Cathedral of the Vladimir Icon in St. Petersburg

This temple was built in the 18th century on the site of a former wooden church. The main shrines of its decoration today are the image of the Vladimir Mother of God, the icon of Seraphim of Sarov with a particle of his relics and the image of Our Lord " The Savior Not Made by Hands"The Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God functions to this day. Several centuries earlier, F. M. Dostoevsky was its regular parishioner.

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, whose history goes back to distant centuries, has always protected Rus', and now Russia, from enemies and troubles. After all, this is precisely why our country is sacred and chosen by God.