Icon of Our Lady of Vladimir meaning. The history of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: how it helps

Vladimir icon The Mother of God depicts the Mother of God. It is one of the most revered relics of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: legend

According to pious tradition, the image of the Mother of God of Vladimir was written by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Savior dined with the Most Pure Mother and the righteous Joseph the Betrothed. The Mother of God, seeing this image, said: “From now on, all my people will please Me. May the grace of Him who was born of Me and Mine be with this image.”

Until the middle of the 5th century, the icon remained in Jerusalem. Under Theodosius the Younger, it was transferred to Constantinople, from where in 1131 it was sent to Rus' as a gift to Yuri Dolgoruky from the Patriarch of Constantinople Luke Chrysoverkh. The icon was placed in a nunnery in the city of Vyshgorod, not far from Kyiv, where it immediately became famous for its many miracles. In 1155, the son of Yuri Dolgoruky, St. Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, wanting to have a famous shrine, transported the icon to the north, to Vladimir, and placed it in the famous Assumption Cathedral, which he erected. From that time on, the icon received the name Vladimir.

During the campaign of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky against the Volga Bulgarians, in 1164, the image of the “Holy Mother of God of Vladimir” helped the Russians defeat the enemy. The icon survived during the terrible fire on April 13, 1185, when it burned down St. Vladimir's Cathedral, and remained unharmed during the destruction of Vladimir by Batu on February 17, 1237.

The further history of the image is entirely connected with the capital city of Moscow, where it was first brought in 1395 during the invasion of Khan Tamerlane. The conqueror with an army invaded the borders of Ryazan, captured and ruined it and headed his way to Moscow, devastating and destroying everything around. While Moscow Grand Duke Vasily Dmitrievich gathered troops and sent them to Kolomna; in Moscow itself, Metropolitan Cyprian blessed the population for fasting and prayerful repentance. On mutual advice, Vasily Dmitrievich and Cyprian decided to resort to spiritual weapons and transfer the miraculous icon of the Most Pure Mother of God from Vladimir to Moscow.

The icon was brought into the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The chronicle reports that Tamerlane, having stood in one place for two weeks, suddenly became afraid, turned south and left the Moscow borders. A great miracle happened: during a procession with a miraculous icon, heading from Vladimir to Moscow, when countless people were kneeling on both sides of the road and praying: “Mother of God, save the Russian land!”, Tamerlane had a vision. A high mountain appeared before his mental gaze, from the top of which saints with golden staffs were descending, and above them the Majestic Woman appeared in a radiant radiance. She ordered him to leave the borders of Russia. Waking up in awe, Tamerlane asked about the meaning of the vision. They answered him that the radiant Woman is the Mother of God, the great Defender of Christians. Then Tamerlane gave the order to the regiments to go back.

In memory of the miraculous deliverance of Rus' from the invasion of Tamerlane on the day of the meeting in Moscow of the Vladimir Icon Mother of God On August 26/September 8 a solemn ceremony was established religious holiday The meeting of this icon, and at the meeting place itself a temple was erected, around which the Sretensky Monastery was later located.

For the second time, the Mother of God saved Rus' from ruin in 1480 (commemorated on June 23 / July 6), when the army of the Khan of the Golden Horde, Akhmat, approached Moscow.

The meeting of the Tatars with the Russian army took place near the Ugra River (the so-called “standing on the Ugra”): the troops stood on different banks and were waiting for a reason to attack. In the front ranks of the Russian army they held the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, which miraculously put the Horde regiments to flight.

Third celebration Mother of Vladimir Bozhei (May 21 / June 3) recalls the deliverance of Moscow from the defeat of Makhmet-Girey, Khan of Kazan, who in 1521 reached the borders of Moscow and began to burn its suburbs, but suddenly retreated from the capital without causing harm to it.

Many of the most important events of Russian history took place before the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. church history: election and installation of Saint Jonah - Primate of the Autocephalous Russian Church (1448), Saint Job - first Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' (1589), His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon (1917), and also in all centuries before her, oaths of allegiance to the Motherland were taken, prayers were performed before military campaigns.

Iconography of the Vladimir Mother of God

The icon of the Vladimir Mother of God belongs to the “Caressing” type, also known under the epithets “Eleusa” (ελεουσα - “Merciful”), “Tenderness”, “Glycophilus” (γλυκυφιλουσα - “Sweet kiss”). This is the most lyrical of all types of iconography of the Virgin Mary, revealing the intimate side of the Virgin Mary’s communication with Her Son. The image of the Mother of God caressing the Child, his deep humanity turned out to be especially close to Russian painting.

The iconographic scheme includes two figures - the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ, their faces clinging to each other. Mary's head is bowed towards the Son, and He puts his hand around the Mother's neck. Distinctive feature The Vladimir icon differs from other icons of the “Tenderness” type: the left leg of the Infant Christ is bent in such a way that the sole of the foot, the “heel,” is visible.

This touching composition, in addition to its direct meaning, contains a deep theological idea: the Mother of God caressing the Son appears as a symbol of the soul in close communion with God. In addition, the embrace of Mary and the Son suggests the future sufferings of the Savior on the cross; in the Mother’s caressing of the Child, his future mourning is foreseen.

The work is permeated with completely obvious sacrificial symbolism. From a theological point of view, its content can be reduced to three main themes: “the incarnation, the predestination of the Child to the sacrifice and the unity in love of Mary the Church with Christ the High Priest.” This interpretation of Our Lady of Caress is confirmed by the image on the back of the icon of the throne with the symbols of the Passion. Here in the 15th century. they painted an image of the throne (etimasia - “prepared throne”), covered with an altar cloth, the Gospel with the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, nails, a crown of thorns, behind the throne - Calvary cross, a copy and a cane with a sponge, below is the floor of the altar flooring. The theological interpretation of etymasia is based on Holy Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers. Etymasia symbolizes Christ's resurrection and His judgment over the living and the dead, and the instruments of His torment are the sacrifice made to atone for the sins of mankind. The juxtaposition of Mary caressing the Child and the turnover with the throne clearly expressed sacrificial symbolism.

Arguments have been put forward in favor of the fact that the icon was double-sided from the very beginning: this is evidenced by the identical shapes of the ark and the husks of both sides. In the Byzantine tradition, there were often images of a cross on the back of Mother of God icons. Starting from the 12th century, the time of the creation of the “Vladimir Mother of God,” in Byzantine murals, the etymasia was often placed in the altar as an altar image, visually revealing the sacrificial meaning of the Eucharist, which takes place here on the throne. This suggests the possible location of the icon in antiquity. For example, in the Vyshgorod monastery church it could be placed in the altar as a double-sided altar icon. The text of the Legend contains information about the use of the Vladimir icon as an altar icon and as an outside icon that was moved in the church.

The luxurious attire of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, which she had according to the news of the chronicles, also does not testify in favor of the possibility of its location in the altar barrier in the 12th century: “And there were more than thirty hryvnias of gold on it, in addition to silver and in addition to expensive stones and pearls, and Having decorated it, put it in your church in Volodymeri.” But many of the external icons were later strengthened precisely in iconostases, like the Vladimir Icon in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow, originally placed to the right of royal gates: “And having brought in<икону>to the supreme temple of her glorious Dormition, which is the great Cathedral and Apostolic Church Russian Metropolis, and placed it in an icon case on the right side of the land, where to this day it stands visible and worshiped by all” (See: Book Degree. M., 1775. Part 1. P. 552).

There is an opinion that the “Vladimir Mother of God” was one of the lists of the icon of the Mother of God “Caressing” from the Blachernae Basilica, that is, a list with the famous ancient miraculous icon. In the Legend of the Miracles of the Icon of the Vladimir Mother of God, she is likened to the Ark of the Covenant, like the Virgin Mary herself, as well as her Robe, which was kept in the rotunda of Agia Soros in Blachernae. The Legend also speaks of healings that are accomplished mainly thanks to the water from the ablutions of the Vladimir Icon: they drink this water, wash the sick with it, and send it to other cities in sealed vessels to heal the sick. This miracle-working of waters from the washing of the Vladimir icon, emphasized in the Legend, could also be rooted in the rituals of the Blachernae sanctuary, the most important part of which was the chapel of the spring dedicated to the Mother of God. Constantine Porphyrogenitus described the custom of washing in a font in front of a marble relief of the Mother of God, from whose hands water flowed.

In addition, this opinion is supported by the fact that under Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky in his Vladimir principality, the cult of the Mother of God, associated with Blachernae shrines, received special development. For example, on the Golden Gate of the city of Vladimir, the prince erected the Church of the Deposition of the Robe of the Mother of God, directly dedicating it to the relics of the Blachernae Temple.

Style of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

The time of painting of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, the 12th century, refers to the so-called Komninian revival (1057-1185). This period in Byzantine art is characterized by the extreme dematerialization of painting, carried out by drawing faces and clothes with numerous lines, whitening slides, sometimes whimsically, ornamentally placed on the image.

In the icon we are considering, the most ancient painting of the 12th century includes the faces of the Mother and the Child, part of the blue cap and maforium border with a gold assist, as well as part of the ocher chiton of the Child with a gold assist with sleeves to the elbow and the transparent edge of the shirt visible from under it, a brush left and part right hand The baby, as well as the remains of the golden background. These few surviving fragments represent a high example of the Constantinople school of painting of the Komnenian period. There is no deliberate graphic quality characteristic of the time; on the contrary, the line in this image is nowhere opposed to volume. The main means of artistic expression is built on “the combination of insensible flows, giving the surface the impression of not being made by hands, with a geometrically pure, visibly built line.” “The personal letter is one of the most perfect examples of “Comnenian floating”, combining multi-layered sequential modeling with the absolute indistinguishability of the stroke. The layers of painting are loose, very transparent; the main thing is in their relationship with each other, in the transmission of the lower ones through the upper ones.<…>A complex and transparent system of tones – greenish sankira, ocher, shadows and highlights – leads to a specific effect of diffused, flickering light.”

Among the Byzantine icons of the Komnenian period, the Vladimir Mother of God is also distinguished by its characteristic the best works this time deep penetration into the area human soul, her hidden secret suffering. The heads of Mother and Son pressed against each other. The Mother of God knows that Her Son is doomed to suffer for the sake of people, and sorrow lurks in Her dark, thoughtful eyes.

The skill with which the painter was able to convey a subtle spiritual state most likely served as the origin of the legend about the painting of the image by the Evangelist Luke. It should be recalled that the painting of the early Christian period, the time when the famous evangelist icon painter lived, was flesh and blood of the art of late antiquity, with its sensual, “life-like” nature. But, in comparison with the icons of the early period, the image of the Vladimir Mother of God bears the stamp of the highest “spiritual culture”, which could only be the fruit of centuries-old Christian thoughts about the coming of the Lord to earth, the humility of His Most Pure Mother and the path they traversed of self-denial and sacrificial love.

Revered miraculous lists with icons of the Vladimir Mother of God

From the Vladimir Icon Holy Mother of God Many lists have been written over the centuries. Some of them became famous for their miracles and received special names depending on their place of origin. This:

Vladimir - Volokolamsk icon (memory of Mr. 3/16), which was the contribution of Malyuta Skuratov to the Joseph-Volokolamsk monastery. Nowadays it is in the collection of the Central Museum ancient Russian culture and art named after Andrei Rublev.
Vladimirskaya - Seligerskaya (memory D. 7/20), brought to Seliger by Nil Stolbensky in the 16th century.
Vladimir - Zaonikievskaya (memory M. 21. / John 3; John 23 / Ill. 6, from the Zaonikievsky monastery), 1588.
Vladimirskaya - Oranskaya (memory M. 21 / John 3), 1634.
Vladimirskaya - Krasnogorskaya (Montenegorskaya) (memory M. 21 / John 3). 1603
Vladimir - Rostov (memory Av. 15/28), XII century.

Troparion to the Icon of the Mother of God of Vladimir, tone 4

Today the most glorious city of Moscow is shining brightly, / as the dawn of the sun has received, O Lady, Your miraculous icon, / to which now we flow and pray to You we cry out to You: / O, most wonderful Lady Theotokos, / pray to You, our incarnate God, / may He deliver the city this and all Christian cities and countries are unharmed from all the slander of the enemy, // and our souls will be saved by the Merciful.

Kontakion to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, tone 8

To the chosen victorious Voivode, / as those who were delivered from the evil ones by the coming of Your honorable image, / Lady Theotokos, / we brightly celebrate the celebration of Your meeting and usually call You: // Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.

Prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

O All-Merciful Lady Theotokos, Heavenly Queen, Almighty Intercessor, our shameless Hope! Thanking You for all the great blessings, in generations of generations the Russian people were from You, before in the purest way We pray to You: save this city (or: this whole city, or: this holy monastery) and Your upcoming 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 Lord and Father Kirill, His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus', and our Lord (name of the rivers), His Eminence Bishop (or: Archbishop, or: Metropolitan) (title), and all Your Eminence metropolitans, archbishops and Orthodox bishops. May they govern the Russian Church well, and may the faithful sheep of Christ be preserved indestructibly. Remember, O 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 Thy servants and grant us the path of the earthly journey without blemish. Confirm us in the faith of Christ and in zeal for More 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, and 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, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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These long and numerous movements of the icon in space are poetically interpreted in the text of the Legend of the Miracles of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, which was first found by V.O. Klyuchevsky in Milyutin’s Chetya-Minea, and published according to the list of the collection of the Synodal Library No. 556 (Klyuchevsky V.O. Tales of the Miracles of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. - St. Petersburg, 1878). In that ancient description they are likened to the path that the sun's luminary takes: “When God created the sun, He did not make it shine in one place, but, going around the entire Universe, illuminates with its rays, and so this image Holy Lady Our Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary is not in one place... but, going around all countries and the whole world, she enlightens..."

Etingof O.E. TO early history icons of the “Vladimir Mother of God” and the traditions of the Blachernae cult of the Mother of God in Rus' in the 11th-13th centuries. // Image of the Mother of God. Essays on Byzantine iconography of the 11th-13th centuries. – M.: “Progress-Tradition”, 2000, p. 139.

There, p. 137. In addition, N.V. Kvilidze unveiled the painting of the deacon of the Trinity Church in Vyazemy at the end of the 16th century, where south wall depicts a liturgy in a church with an altar, behind which is an icon of Our Lady of Vladimir (N.V. Kvilidze. Newly discovered frescoes of the altar of the Trinity Church in Vyazemy. Report in the Department of Ancient Russian Art at the State Institute of Art History. April 1997).

Etingof O.E. To the early history of the icon “Our Lady of Vladimir”...

Throughout its history it was recorded at least four times: in the first half of the 13th century, at the beginning of the 15th century, in 1521, during alterations in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin and before the coronation of Nicholas II in 1895-1896 by restorers O. S. Chirikov and M. D. Dikarev. In addition, minor repairs were carried out in 1567 (at the Chudov Monastery by Metropolitan Athanasius), in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Kolpakova G.S. Art of Byzantium. Early and middle periods. – St. Petersburg: Publishing house “Azbuka-Classics”, 2004, p. 407.

There, p. 407-408.

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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 Kievan Rus 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 of the 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 23, a celebration takes place in honor of the victory over the Tatar yoke, which happened in 1480.
May 21 is a celebration in honor of the victory over Khan Makhmet-Girey, which occurred in 1521.

Prayer to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God 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 about the communication of the Mother of God and her Son, i.e. it is deeply human side 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).
At cancer diseases They offer prayers 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.

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 birth, gives health to babies, 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 correct 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 Blessed Virgin were having meals:

“Having written Your all-honorable image, divine Luke, divinely inspired writer 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, a special list was made of this icon; the Vladimir Icon itself was in Constantinople at that time. 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 miraculous image The Virgin Mary was moved 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 that time, procession 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!” Following these prayers, Tamerlane had a dream that Christian saints descended from the top of a high mountain, in their hands they held rods of gold, and a Majestic Woman appeared above them and told 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, the Khan’s troops once again approached Moscow, began to burn the settlements, but unexpectedly withdrew from the city without causing significant harm to the capital. This event is also associated with the protection of the miraculous icon, in whose honor its third holiday was established.

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

For our country, the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God has great value. During times of difficult trials, 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, magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Your image
Holy One, grant healing to all who come with faith.

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Many people specially come to the Church-Museum of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi at the State Tretyakov Gallery to venerate and pray to the famous Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

It is believed that it is miraculous - it protects from troubles and danger, and heals diseases.

Three times a year a day dedicated to this unique icon is celebrated - June 3, July 6 and September 8. And each date is associated with a miracle that occurred thanks to this sacred artifact.

And today we will talk about the origin of the icon, what it is famous for, and how to ask for its help.

Origin of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

It is generally accepted that this holy image was written by the Evangelist Luke on the tabletop at which Jesus Christ, his mother Mary and her husband Joseph took their meals. As the Bible says, the Mother of God herself blessed the icon and said: “From now on, all generations will bless Me. May the grace of Him who was born of Me and Mine be with this icon.”

However, most likely, we are not dealing with the work of Luke himself (according to numerous studies, not a single one of his creations has survived to this day), but with the so-called “list”. And art historians date the icon to the 12th century AD. However, this does not make it any less valuable and miraculous. Whoever was the author of this work, he managed to put light and some heavenly power, protecting and preserving not only people, but also the whole country.

It is worth adding that according to the iconography, the icon belongs to the type of Eleus, that is, “Tenderness,” and conveys the tenderness connecting the Mother of God and her divine child. In addition, there is an opinion that initially the icon was double-sided, since the shape of the ark and the husk is the same on both sides.

The path of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and the miracles performed by it

The icon appeared in Russia around 1131. It was donated to Yuri Dolgoruky Byzantine patriarch Luke Chrysoverg. She was placed in the convent of the Mother of God in Vyshgorod, not far from Kyiv. However, she did not stay there long. In 1169 (according to some sources - in 1160) Andrei Bogolyubsky stole the icon (according to other sources, he simply took it with him when leaving Suzdal) and transported it to Vladimir, which is why since then it has been called Vladimir.

As the legend says, Bogolyubsky did not plan to leave the icon in Vladimir, but was passing through this city, but the horses stood up and refused to go further. They were replaced, but the result was the same - the horses did not move. Then Andrei realized that the Mother of God herself was showing him the place where she wanted to stay. And within two years, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was erected in Vladimir.

But the icon did not stay there either. When Tamerlane went to war against Rus' in 1395, Vasily I ordered the holy image to be delivered to Moscow to protect the city from the usurper. And the Mother of God stood up for the Russians - Tamerlane did not reach Moscow, but turned his army away from Yelets and set off on the return journey. There is another legend: the conqueror fell asleep in his tent, and the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream, surrounded by a heavenly army, and ordered him to leave the borders of Rus'. In honor of this event, the day of the icon is celebrated on September 8.

The following miracles occurred when the icon helped get rid of the army of Khan Akhmat in 1480 (commemorated on July 6), and in 1521 - from Makhmet-Girey (celebrated on June 3). In both cases, such a feeling was found on the warriors and their leaders. strong fear that they preferred to retreat. They say that the Giray fighters also had a vision - an innumerable number of either people or angels dressed in golden robes.

In addition to the fact that the icon protected Rus', it also saved itself more than once. So, she was not damaged in a terrible fire and survived when Batu’s soldiers ravaged Vladimir. And wherever it was - in Vyshgorod, in Vladimir, in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow, everywhere the residents received help and intercession.

How and when to contact an icon

It is generally accepted that the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God helps on any day, but on dates of special commemoration its power increases many times over. There is an akathist consisting of 27 kontakia and ikos praising the Mother of God and asking her for protection for our country and for its inhabitants.

If you do not know all these words by heart, then memorize at least the first kontakion and turn it to the holy image when you want to gain the protection of the Mother of God:

“To the chosen Voivode, our Intercessor, looking at the original written image of Thy, we sing songs of praise to Thy servants, O Mother of God. But You, who have an invincible power, preserve and save those who cry out with gratitude to You: Rejoice, Most Pure One, who flows forth mercy to us from Your icon.”

However, even if you express your requests in ordinary, familiar language, the Mother of God will not refuse to help you, the main thing is that your words come from the heart. You can also read one of the many prayers to the Mother of God. And don’t forget to place candles in front of the icon. Their number is at your discretion.

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

It is believed that the icon not only protects the country and heals illnesses, but also helps with quarrels in the family, inspires answers to difficult questions and promotes acceptance. important decisions. They pray to her to receive insight - both physical and spiritual, as well as for problems with the heart, again in terms of health, and in the absence or loss of faith. She especially protects mothers and their children, gives pregnant women easy childbirth and healthy babies, relieves infertility and diseases of the reproductive organs.
Visit the Church-Museum of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi on June 3, pray to the Intercessor, and may her Grace be with you.

Image Vladimir Mother of God is one of the most ancient and revered in Rus'. The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of the Russian people and Russia itself. The memory of the Presentation of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated 3 times a year: June 3(May 21, Old Style), July 6(June 23, O.S.) and 8 September(August 26, old style).

In the RDC, a temple in the Nizhny Novgorod region was consecrated in honor of the Vladimir Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the DOC, a prayer room was consecrated in the name of the Vladimir Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Edinoverie Church The Vladimir Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is located in the Moscow region.

Image of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. Miracles

In 1163–1164, at the initiative of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, the Legend “On the Miracles of the Most Holy Theotokos of Volodymyr Icon” was compiled. Its authors and compilers are considered to be the clergy of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir: priests Lazar, Nestor and Mikula, who came with the prince from Vyshgorod, which he received from his father Yuri Dolgoruky after he occupied Kyiv. The Legend contains 10 miracles that happened according to prayer appeal to the Mother of God in front of Her Vladimir Icon.

First miracle: on the way of Prince Andrei from Vyshgorod to Pereslavl on the Vazuza River, the guide, who was looking for a ford, suddenly stumbled and began to drown, but he was miraculously saved through the prince’s fervent prayer in front of the icon he was transporting.
Second: the wife of the priest Mikula, who was expecting a child, saved herself from a mad horse for the sake of praying to the image of Vladimir.
Third: in the Vladimir Assumption Cathedral, a man with a withered hand turned to the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God and began to pray with tears and great faith in miraculous healing. Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky and priest Nestor testified that they saw the Most Pure One herself take the sick man’s hand and hold it until the end of the service, after which he was completely healed.
Fourth: Prince Andrei’s wife carried the child heavily, the birth was very difficult. Then (on the day of the feast of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary) the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God was washed with water and the princess was given this water to drink, after which it was easily resolved by her son Yuri.
Fifth: saving a baby from sorcery thanks to washing with water from the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
Sixth: healing of a heart patient from Murom with water from the Vladimir Icon.
Seventh: healing from blindness of Abbess Maria from the Slavyatin Monastery near Pereslavl-Khmelnitsky (Ukraine); her brother, Boris Zhidislavich, who was the governor of Prince Andrei, asked the priest Lazar to give him water from the icon, the abbess drank it with prayer, anointed her eyes and received her sight.
Eighth: The woman Efimiya suffered from heart disease for seven years. Having learned, from the stories of the priest Lazarus, about healing properties water from the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, she sent with him to Vladimir many gold jewelry to the icon. Having received holy water, she drank it with prayer and was healed.
Ninth: a certain noblewoman from Tver could not give birth for three days and was already dying; on the advice of the same Lazar, she made a vow to the Holy Mother of God of Vladimir, and then the birth quickly ended with the successful birth of a son. As a token of gratitude, the noblewoman sent many precious jewelry to the Vladimir icon.
Tenth: It happened that the Golden Gate of the Vladimir passage tower, which is still located in the city, fell, and 12 people were trapped under it. Prince Andrey appealed to the Most Pure One in prayer in front of the Vladimir Icon, and all 12 people not only remained alive, but did not even receive any injuries.

The city of Moscow and the miraculous image of the Mother of God of Vladimir are inextricably and forever fused. How many times did She save the white-stone from enemies! This image connected with itself the apostolic times and Byzantium, Kievan and Vladimir Rus, and then Moscow - the Third Rome, “but there will not be a fourth.” So providentially it was formed Moscow State, incorporating a mystical connection with ancient empires, historical experience, traditions of other Orthodox lands and peoples. The miraculous image of Vladimirskaya became a symbol of unity and continuity.