Mammal icon of the Mother of God for which they pray. Miraculous icon of the Mother of God Mammal

Icon Mother of God"Mammal" is easily recognizable. On it, the Virgin Mary breastfeeds her Son. This is a very rare iconographic specimen and, according to some legends, its first location was the Lavra of Saint Sava, which was located at a distance of 18 miles from Jerusalem.

In the 13th century, the namesake of the founder of the Lavra, Saint Sava, Archbishop of Serbia, who was the son of the ruler of Serbia, arrived there. Savva the Sanctified foresaw his appearance, and the monks, following the instructions that he left during his lifetime, handed the descendant of the sovereign the “Mammal” and the “Three-Handed” (the second image was handed over at the monks’ own request).

After this, the icon ended up in the Hilendar Monastery (Mount Athos), where it remains to this day. It is noteworthy that the “Mammal” and the image of the Lord Pantocrator in the iconostasis are swapped in comparison with the usual version: the Mother of God is on the left, and the Savior is on the right.

Meaning of the image

Mother's milk is a symbol of everything valuable that a mother gives to a child after his birth, and the feeding process itself is equated to a great sacrament. Many of those who pray in front of this icon believe that this is exactly what the face of a mother should look like, not burdened by her motherhood, but experiencing joy from it. Then feeding itself will be an act full of warmth, sincere love and care.

This image combines several images of the Virgin Mary at the same time:

The mother surrounds the child with her love;
Nurse – helping to nourish the baby;
Intercessor – protector from illnesses and illnesses, as well as from troubles and misfortunes.

Therefore, her patronage is so necessary for all women and their children.

Lists with icons

The image of Mary on the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” and the copies from it is accompanied by an image of the sun and moon, on which there are corresponding inscriptions. But there are a number of icons where the Mother of God is depicted in a mirror and is accompanied by other symbolism. Some of them are considered miraculous.

One of the Mammal lists is well known in Russia. The time of its acquisition dates back to 1650. The icon was discovered in the branches of a tall tree located in the village of Krestogorodsk (outskirts of Minsk). The Church of the Assumption of the Mother of God was later installed on this site. The image itself was placed above the royal doors, but on certain days it was lowered, giving believers the opportunity to venerate it. Sometimes such a touch helped cure serious illnesses.

Moscow copies of the icon are owned by the Epiphany Cathedral and the Church of St. Nicholas. Another list can be found if you visit the Holy Dormition Monastery, located in Odessa. There, in front of the face of the Mother of God, a small part of Jesus’ robe is placed.

What to pray for

Prayers should be offered to the Icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” for deliverance from difficult childbirth, for breast milk always appeared in sufficient quantities, as well as about preserving babies from all sorts of ailments. In view of this, she is approached primarily by pregnant girls who are worried about the future of their baby, as well as those who have recently given birth and who want to ensure the well-being of the child or resolve problems that have arisen.

In addition, “Mammal” can help those who have been diagnosed with health problems related to the mammary glands, or those suffering from gynecological diseases.

It is often recommended to put an icon of the Virgin Mary in the pocket of maternity clothes so that the pain will subside during childbirth. Finally, the Mother of God can nourish not only materially, but also spiritually, so she helps to find mutual understanding and peace in family life.

But in any case, the image requires polite and respectful treatment, sincerity in prayer and purity of thoughts. To get help, you should completely focus on the problem that worries you, and only then turn to the Queen of Heaven.

Mammal Icon: help with conception, pregnancy, childbirth

One of the most beautiful icons of the Mother of God is the Mammal Breastfeeding. Find out how to prepare for childbirth and what prayers to read for pregnant and breastfeeding women

Icon of the Mother of God Mammal: help in conception, pregnancy, childbirth and baby health

There are many miraculous icons of the Mother of God, revered Orthodox Church. Traditionally before different icons The Virgin Mary prays in different circumstances, various everyday difficulties. Remember that there is only one Mother of God, however, each person can choose his favorite image of the Mother of God and pray to the Queen of Heaven in front of him.

One of the most beautiful icons of the Mother of God is the Mammal. It depicts the touching moment of the breastfeeding of the Divine Infant by His Most Pure Mother. It occupies a special place among the Mother of God icons, being the only in an orthodox way, showing the Virgin Mary in such a pose. The icon is especially revered by mothers, pregnant women and families planning to conceive a child.

In this article we will tell you how, with God’s help, to bear a child, what patron saints mothers have, how to prepare for childbirth, and what prayers to read to pregnant and breastfeeding women, turning to the Mother of God.

The meaning of the Mammal icon

The image is easy to recognize: it shows the Infant Christ drinking milk from the naked breast of the Virgin Mary, which She holds out from under the veil of her clothes. There is no erotic context in the image; the icon depicts the joyful moments of motherhood that every happy woman experiences.

The Mother of God herself is usually depicted wearing a crown and royal purple - red clothing decorated with precious stones.

Many images of the Mother of God have been painted over thousands of years. Believers have a tradition of turning to certain miraculous icons of the Mother of God. Each icon, which has its own name, is miraculous. This means that through prayers to the Mother of God, miracles are performed through this icon, which are documented and recognized by the Church.

Women and girls especially often ask for the Queen of Heaven to intercede before God - after all, She Herself was familiar with women’s difficulties and troubles. During the period of pregnancy and childbirth, which is important for every woman, and even when simply wanting to have children, they pray to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the “Mammal” icon. Women's health- a fragile thing, in addition, many expectant mothers today spoil their health already in their youth, so the power of prayer is especially necessary at this time important period woman's life.

History of the Mammal icon - helper in pregnancy and childbirth

The image has ancient origin: icons depicting the Mother of God nursing the Child were found already in the ancient Roman catacombs of the mid-2nd century. In the 7th century, the cult of the milk of the Virgin Mary was known: in Bethlehem, to this day, the Church of the Mother of God Nursing, owned by Catholics, is built. In the Roman Church, which split with the Orthodox Church and took the name Catholic, from ancient times images of the Virgin Mary feeding the Son with milk continued to be created, right up to the images created by Leonardo da Vinci. Paintings and icons of this type are called “Madonna Litta” (“nursing” in Italian).

In Byzantium, that is, in the Orthodox church tradition, an icon of the Mother of God nursing the Child, called “Mammal,” appears much later, only in the 14th century. According to legend, it was given by someone to the Monk Sava, a Greek ascetic. Before his death, he bequeathed to the brethren of the monastery that the icon should also be given to a pilgrim who would bear the same name as him, that is, he would bear the name Savva. This happened only a few centuries later: the monastery was visited by the Monk Savva of Serbia. The image was transferred to him on Athos, to the temple of the Hilandar monastery, the copy - to the temple of Karelian Kelia.

There are a number of miraculous lists of the Mammal icon

In the Elias monastery on Mount Athos;

The first miraculous image list on Slavic lands was found in Belarus in 1650. At the site of his appearance, a temple was founded, where the image remains to this day, located above the iconostasis and descending on ribbons for the worship of believers.

In 1860, a list of the image of the Mammal Woman ended up in the Kursk region, on Russian soil.

In Moscow, in the Elokhovsky Cathedral of the Epiphany, there is a copy of this icon, brought from Greece in the 19th century.

Another miraculous list preserves Ukrainian mothers: it is located in Odessa, in the Holy Dormition monastery. Stays next to him great shrine– part of the holy Robe (clothing) of Jesus Christ.

Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to travel long distances, so you can ask your loved ones to go on the pilgrimage by submitting a note on your behalf. In Russia, this image is quite rare, however, for home prayer, every pregnant woman can easily purchase an icon of the Mother of God in church shop. This image can be found in a large shop at cathedral your city or at the monastery.

Place the image next to the bed, pray every morning and evening with prayers for a successful pregnancy and childbirth in front of the “Mammal” icon, complementing the morning and evening prayer rules, reading the Gospel. So, with the help of God and Holy Mother of God, you will go through the difficult path of pregnancy easier.

You can take this same image with you to the maternity ward. It will be good for pregnant and lactating women feat of prayer embroider the “Mammal” icon with your own hands using beads or a cross - patterns and embroidery kits are sold today in many needlework stores and on the Internet.

What does the “Mammal” icon help with?

The name of the icon is not in vain. It reflects the theological meaning of the icon and the grace of the Mother of God, which She gives to breastfeeding, pregnant women and those wishing to have a child who pray in front of this icon. There are many cases of healing of mothers and babies, and despairing women finding the joy of motherhood after praying in front of the “Mammal” icon.

The Church blesses us to strengthen our faith and support drug treatment in case of infertility, regular prayers. You should never despair: remember the will of God and the fate of the parents of the Mother of God Herself, who only in old age were able to find their long-awaited Daughter, who became the Queen of Heaven.

Pregnant women, who always experience special concern for their babies, which sometimes takes on irrational forms due to the state of pregnancy, also need to find peace in prayer.

If the ultrasound showed developmental abnormalities, also do not have an abortion, do not kill the baby. All forecasts can be erroneous, but the mercy of the Queen of Heaven and the fulfillment of God’s commandment to preserve the life of a child is a truth proven by many centuries of church life.

It is known that Holy Lady helps through this image in all difficulties associated with conceiving, bearing, feeding and raising children:

When planning pregnancy;

About healing infertility;

In requests for a specific gender of the child;

About the relief of toxicosis and pregnancy disorders, difficulties in carrying a baby;

On saving the child in case of threat of miscarriage;

About correcting fetal defects, healing the child in the womb if tests show deviations in its development;

About overcoming psychological difficulties during pregnancy: fears, depression, self-doubt, dissatisfaction with one’s appearance;

About safe and timely childbirth;

About good painless feeding;

About the future health of the baby.

The memory of the Mammal icon is celebrated on January 25. On this day the day before All-night vigil, and on Memorial Day itself Divine Liturgy, behind which special songs are sung short prayers icon: troparia and kontakion. The icon is placed in the middle of each temple.

On this day, it is better to visit the temple, pray during the service and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ - this is especially useful for expectant mothers.

You can memorize short prayers to the “Helper in Childbirth” icon and pray them during tests, during pain and contractions, and during feeding.

Without a male seed from the Divine Spirit, by the will of God the Father, You conceived in the flesh the Son of God, from the Father who existed without a mother before the ages, for the sake of people from You without an earthly father, You gave birth to Him in the flesh and nourished the Child with milk, but do not cease to pray for Him for deliverance from the troubles of our souls.
Having cleansed our souls and feelings, we will see on the icon the glorious sacrament, the Creator of the Universe and the Lord of the Highest Angelic Powers, Whom the Mother holds in her arms and breastfeeds like a Baby, and, with fear and joy, worshiping You, the Mother of God and our Savior born of You, we will sing prayer: Rejoice, Lady, Nourisher of our life.

Preparing for childbirth, prayers during pregnancy and breastfeeding

You need to prepare for the birth of a baby not only your body, but also your soul - one might say, your psyche - and spirit. Every woman, even before planning a pregnancy, and even more so before giving birth, must begin the Church Sacraments: be baptized, if not baptized, confess and receive communion. The child must be born in a married marriage: together with your spouse, proceed to the Sacrament of Wedding. It won't necessarily be a lavish celebration, but your family will receive God's blessing and strength upon the birth of your child.

Attend religious services more often - especially with a newborn child, this can be done in weekdays when there are few people in the temple. In the temple, a woman needs to wear appropriate clothing: a skirt below the knee and a headscarf (kerchief, scarf).

You can come to Confession without preparing for Communion. That is, Confession is necessary before Communion, but you can come to Confession separately. Preparing for confession is basically reflecting on your life and repenting, that is, admitting that certain things you have done are sins.

Preparation for Communion for pregnant and nursing mothers is being reduced. Usually it takes 2-3 days of fasting; in the morning before the Liturgy, you also cannot eat or drink anything. However, fasting for mothers remains limited in strength: for example, with the refusal of only one type of food (or meat, or milk and eggs, or fish). Sometimes, for the health of the child, doctors prohibit dietary restrictions - this must be accepted calmly, informing the priest during confession. It is important not to overeat, eat in moderation and not for the sake of pleasure, and not to indulge in gluttony. The same applies to Lent.

The main thing during pregnancy and feeding a baby is peace of mind and tranquility, the health of mother and child. Also church life at this important time it should bring you spiritual consolation and peace of mind, and not deprive you of strength through fasting and constant presence at services. Sincere faith, trust in the Lord and prayer to the Mother of God are the key to a woman’s peace of mind.

How to pray in front of the “Helper in Childbirth” icon

Start praying by going within yourself. Stand in front of the image, wait for a while. Cross yourself twice, bow, kiss the image of the Virgin Mary on the hand or hem of your robe, then cross yourself again and bow. Light a thin wax candle purchased in the temple on a candlestick or a lamp - if possible, this is not necessary.

Read the words of the prayer slowly, or out loud. After each prayer, cross yourself. Don't forget about praying in church and attending services on weekdays, when there are few people there.

You can pray in your own words, especially if your soul is heavy.

A prayerful appeal to the Most Holy Theotokos helped many women in all difficulties associated with pregnancy. It is known that this condition is unpredictable, and diseases associated with it are not easy to treat. Therefore, prayer often works real miracles: labor speeds up and contractions become easier, passing without complications for mother and child dangerous diseases. Believe in the Lord, read spiritual books, trust the priests with your doubts and repentance. Expectant mothers are advised to look only at beautiful things, listen to more good music and read the right books - it’s time to look at things more often beautiful icon Mother of God and pray before her.

There are two more icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, which have a special grace to help in pregnancy, childbirth, feeding and the health of the baby: the image of the “Leaping of the Child” and the “Threeling”.

The patrons of pregnant women, women in labor and all mothers are:

Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary righteous Joachim and Anna;

The parents of Saint John the Baptist are righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth;

Blessed Matrona of Moscow;

Blessed Xenia of Petersburg;

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker;

Holy Empress Alexandra Feodorovna is the wife of the passion-bearer Tsar Nicholas II.

The prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Mammal can be read online in Russian according to the text below:
"We magnify You, Holy Virgin, Who nourished our Savior with Your milk, and we honor Your holy image, through which You have given us all the grace of healing to this day. Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who come to You. We see You in the holy icon, carrying in your arms and feeding with milk Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Although You gave birth to Him painlessly, You know the sorrow of a mother, You see the infirmities of the sons and daughters of men.
And today we warmly fall before Your healing image and, kissing it with tenderness, we pray to You, all-merciful Lady of Heaven: for us sinners, condemned to give birth in illnesses and in sorrow to feed our children, mercifully spare and with compassion be our Intercessor, our babies and mothers Deliver those who gave birth to them from serious illnesses and bitter sorrows. Give them health and strength Yourself, so that the fed children grow in strength and strength, and the mothers feeding them are filled with joy and consolation, so that even today, through Your intercession, from the lips of babies and children, the Lord receives His glorification.
O Mother of the Son of God! Be merciful to our mothers, and sick people, and weak children: quickly heal the diseases that torment us, comfort our sorrows and sorrows, do not turn away from the tears and groans of Your servants. Hear us, on the day of sorrow praying before Your icon, on the day of joy and deliverance accept the grateful praise of our hearts.
Raise our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sins and weaknesses and give His mercy to those who believe in Him, so that both we and our children glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the true hope of our race before God, and the Son Your mercy is forever and ever. Amen".

Through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, may the Lord protect you!

The only inheritance of the Most Holy Mother of God-Mammal in Russia is the Shcheglovsky Monastery founded in her honor, which stands on Tula land, in the ancient city of Tula.

Previously, in the cathedral church there was a marvelous image of the Mother of God “Mammal” in a silver robe with turquoise and red decorations.

Currently, in the Cathedral of the Mother of God Shcheglovsky Monastery there is a beautiful copy of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” for veneration. The clothing of the Mother of God on this icon is also painted in red and blue colors.

In the monastery church in honor of Nikander of Pskov there is an ancient miraculous image of the Mother of God “Mammal,” written for this small church of the monastery and preserved by God’s grace and the monks inviolable since then for a long time. Even before the revolution, he was decorated with a silver chasuble.

Currently on this ancient icon The Mother of God “Mammal” in the Shcheglovsky Monastery in Tula has decorations: a panagia - a gift from Metropolitan Alexy of Tula and Belevsky and a cross with decorations - a gift from Archimandrite Claudian, the vicar of the Mother of God monastery.

January 25 Orthodox world honors the icon of the Mother of God "Mammal". A newborn baby needs mother's milk for food and health, and needs affection and comfort. Like any mother, the Most Holy Theotokos fed Jesus Christ with her milk. Therefore, we pray to Her, so that our children will grow up healthy, glorify God with their lives, so that their nourishers will rejoice looking at them.

Meanwhile, the image, which is reputed to be the patroness of nursing mothers, appeared and became famous in a monastery, a stronghold of severity and chastity. The Icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” became famous not among small children, but among strict Athonite monks. And she fed them not with milk, but with spiritual wisdom and understanding of the Divine books.

The history of this icon goes back centuries, to the time when the first monastic monasteries and the first Lavra in the East appeared - the Lavra of Saint Sava. It was there that this holy image was kept and was given, according to the prophetic will of Sava the Sanctified, to his royal namesake Sava of Serbia, along with the “Three-Handed” icon.

The icon of the Mother of God, called the “Mammal,” is currently located on Mount Athos, in the Church of Kareya Kelia, which belongs to the Hilandar monastery. Oral tradition, still preserved in this monastery, says that originally this icon was in the monastery Saint Sava Sanctified, which is located eighteen miles from Jerusalem.

The first one in the picture famous image Mother of God "Mammal" - the only Orthodox icon, depicting the Virgin Mary nursing the Divine Child. This holy image was once kept in the monastery founded by Sava the Consecrated, located near Jerusalem, the only monastery in the East, called the Great.

Saint Sava the Sanctified (+532), one of the founders of cenobitic monasticism and the compiler of the famous Jerusalem Rule, before his departure from temporary life, left an amazing will, more like a prophecy. He revealed to the brethren surrounding his deathbed that the Lavra would eventually be visited by the royal namesake - a pilgrim named Savva, and he should be given as a blessing the miraculous monastery icon of the Mother of God "Mammals". From the time of this prediction, the shrine was located in the Lavra of St. Sava the Sanctified near Jerusalem for about seven centuries.

In the first half of the 13th century, Saint Sava, the first archbishop of Serbia, the youngest son of Nemanja, the founder of the Serbian royal dynasty, came to the Lavra for worship. The visit of the illustrious ruler was perceived as the fulfillment of the ancient prophetic testament of Saint Sava the Sanctified.

Serbian ascetic Savva - the son of a king, who refused for monastic life inherit the father's throne. When he prayed at the tomb of Savva the Sanctified, his heavenly patron, the abbot’s staff of the monk, standing right there, suddenly fell to the floor, and the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which had previously stood motionless, suddenly bent over several times...

Considering all this as a sign of fulfillment ancient prophecy, the monks gave Savva the Serbian both the “Mammal” bequeathed to him (together with another icon of the Mother of God, the “Three-Handed One”), and the abbot’s staff.

On the way back from Palestine to Serbia, Saint Sava visited Holy Mount Athos, where he founded the Hilandar monastery. From Saint Sava of Serbia, the “Mammal” passed to the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos, to the restoration and expansion of which he had with his father, in monasticism Simeon, direct relation. It was to this monastery that he left as an inalienable inheritance and decoration the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal,” placing it in the church at the Karyan cell, which was later called the Typicarnitsa, since the Typik (rule) of St. Sava was located in it.

(In the photo below: Elder Simeon at the entrance to the ancient cell “Typikarnitsa” of St. Sava of Serbia in Kareia - the administrative “capital” of Holy Mount Athos.)

For monks who wished to work alone, St. Savva the Serbian is a separate cell from the Hilandar monastery in the center of Athos - Kareya. Its abbot had complete independence. The connection with Hilandar was only that the rector of the cell was elected and appointed by the Hilandar abbot.

Savva the Serbian placed an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos-Mammal on Mount Athos in the church at the Kareya cell. As a sign special veneration the miraculous Jerusalem shrine was placed in the iconostasis not according to left side from royal gates, and on the right, where the icon of the Holy Trinity or the image of the Savior is usually placed. In the church, the icon of the Lord Pantocrator occupies a place on the left side of the royal doors in the iconostasis, that is, where the icon of the Mother of God should stand.

This image was glorified by strict Athonite monks. The theological meaning of the holy image is very deep: “The Mother feeds the Son, in the same way She feeds our souls, in the same way God feeds us “with the pure verbal milk of the Word of God (1 Peter 2:2), so that as we grow, we move from milk to solid food (Heb. 5:12).”

To organize monastic life in the Kareya cell, Saint Sava wrote a special charter (Typik), which became a model for Serbian monasticism. According to him, a monk working in a cell had to read the entire Psalter every day and eat food only once a day for five days, and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays without wine or oil.

In the church at the Kareya cell, later called the Typicarnitsa, since the Typik of St. Sava was located there, the “Mammalum” was staged.

The legacy of Saint Sava of Serbia lives in Orthodox Church tradition Slavic peoples. The first introduction of the Jerusalem Rule in Slavic monastic monasteries is associated with his name; according to the Typik of St. Sava, the Serbian Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos still lives.

The saint's edition of the Helmsman's Book with interpretations by Alexy Aristin became the most widespread in the Russian Church. In 1270, the first list of the Helmsman of Saint Sava was sent from Bulgaria to Metropolitan Kirill of Kyiv. One of the oldest Russian Helmsmen, the Ryazan Helmsman of 1284, was copied from it. It, in turn, formed the basis of the printed Helmsman, published in 1653 and invariably reprinted in the Russian Church since then. Such is the contribution of Saint Sava to the canonical treasury of Orthodoxy.

In the middle of the 19th century. - in 1848 - another copy of the Mammal icon, brought to Russia by the schema-monk of the Elias monastery on Athos Ignatius, became famous. He was sent to Russia to collect donations and was blessed on his journey with this icon.

In Kharkov, the first miracle was revealed from her - the carpenter, who was straightening the icon case without due reverence, lost his hands. Repentance prayers the brought icon brought him healing, and this first miracle was followed by many others: in Yelets, Zadonsk, Tula, Moscow...

The founder of the Mother of God Shcheglovsky Monastery in Tula, Saint Barsanuphius, in the world Vasily Ivanovich Makarukhin, originally from the Mother See, being forty-three years old at that time, venerated the holy image in Moscow, where the icon remained for two months.

There is every reason to believe that during a solitary prayer in front of this image of the Most Holy Theotokos, Vasily Makarukhin received strengthening in his faith. Then he decided to use all his large fortune for one great charitable cause - to build a monastery in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal.” And thus convey to both contemporaries and future parishioners, that is, to you and me, the covenant of St. Savva the Sanctified, testament of St. Savva of Serbia, the testament of the Athonite monks: ...so that, as we grow, we move from dairy food to the solid food of Orthodoxy. That is, from the initial basics to theology, to understanding the saving meaning of growing in faith, the call to follow Christ for the salvation of the soul, achieving the Kingdom of God, eternal life.

The origin is associated with the Elias monastery famous icons Mother of God "Mammal", located in Moscow and Odessa. The rector of the skete, Gabriel, now canonized, presented in 1894 a copy of the “Mammal” from Athos “as a gift and blessing to the Church of the Epiphany, which is on the Field of Elohov” in memory of his two-month stay “in that temple.” miraculous image from Elias Skete.

On separate lists of the Mammal icon, the words of the troparion can be inscribed in Greek and in the Slavic translation: “Rejoice, Lady, our Nourisher of life, who nourished the Lord with her milk, like the Child!”

Nursing mothers usually turn to the Mammal Icon of the Mother of God for help. It is believed that she has the special grace to protect mothers and children, but miracles revealed through prayers to her can affect each of us.

The image of the “Mammal” acquired particular veneration among the southerners - the peoples of Italy, Greece, and the Balkans, for whom this shrine was native and also served as a memory of the Holy Land. In Rus', the icon of the Mother of God “Mammals” did not become widespread, apparently due to its purely “applied” understanding as a prayer image for nursing mothers.

The celebration in honor of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” takes place on January 25 (January 12, old style), on the day of remembrance of St. Sava of Serbia, who especially served to glorify her.

The discovery of the first Russian (Krestogorsk) “Mammal” dates back to 1650. It was discovered on high tree in the Krestogorsk tract, 20 versts from Minsk. At the site of her appearance, a temple was built in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which she was placed above the royal doors. So that believers could venerate it, a special mechanism was installed to lower the icon down. There are many legends about the miraculous power of this icon; they mention, in particular, that it saved people during the Swedish invasion.

Iconography

The Icon of the Mother of God "Mammals", in Greek "Galactotraphuses", depicts the Mother of God breastfeeding the Child Jesus.

One of the revered images of the “Mammal” is the fresco in the upper part south wall the narthex of the Serbian Church of the Virgin Hodegetria in Pec (c. 1330).

The Mother of God is represented sitting on a throne under a ciborium with a lamp hanging from it and nursing the Child located on Her lap. On either side of the throne are two worshiping angels.

At the top of the image are written the words of the last verse of each ikos of the akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos: “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.” This inscription, which contains the meaning of the entire Great Akathist of the Theotokos, testifies to the great veneration of the image of the “Mammal” in Serbia. The very fact of the image of the nursing Mother of God on the throne under the ciborium speaks of the deep symbolic meaning that the Serbs attached to this icon: the Mother of God, from Whom “honey and milk flow” (verse 6 of the ikosa), was thought of as the Giver of Eternal Life, the image of Paradise.

Lists with icons

The holy image of the Mother of God “Mammal” icon is in the monastery of St. Gerasimos of Jordan. This is a beautiful icon of quite large size, reminiscent of a fresco. The icon is revered in the monastery and pilgrims worship it.

One of the most famous miraculous copies of the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” is located in the monastery of the holy prophet Elijah on Athos. The time and place of painting of this image is unknown. According to legend, it belonged to one Athonite ascetic, Schemamonk Ignatius, who in 1848 was sent to Russia to collect donations for the benefit of the monastery. The icon caused many miracles in Russian and Ukrainian cities. In particular, in Kharkov, a miracle occurred in which both hands of a certain carpenter were struck, while he was adjusting the icon case without due reverence, and miraculous healing sinned after a prayer service before the holy image.

In Italy, the revered image of the “Mammal” is located in the Basilica of San Giovanni Evangelista in Ravenna.

Other revered copies of the Mammal icon became famous in Moscow and Odessa. Their history is connected with the name of St. Gabriel of Athos, rector of the St. Elias monastery.

In the main chapel of the Moscow Epiphany Cathedral there is kept the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” with the presence of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Prophet John the Baptist. The Most Holy Theotokos is depicted with a crown on her head, supported by kneeling Angels. The inscription on the icon reads: “This holy icon was written and consecrated on the Holy Mount Athos to the skete of the holy prophet Elijah and is sent as a gift and blessing to the reigning city of Moscow to the Church of the Epiphany, which is on the Elokhovo field. In unforgettable memory of the two-month stay in this temple of the miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Mammal,” which belonged to the above-mentioned monastery during the time of its rector, Archimandrite Gabriel. 1894."

Before the revolution, the Odessa image was located at the Ilyinsky Metochion in Odessa in a magnificent three-altar church, built in 1894–1896 by St. Gabriel of Athos. The main altar of the cathedral was consecrated in the name of the “Mammal” icon of the Mother of God. Currently in this temple, dedicated in honor of the holy prophet Elijah of God, the right chapel is dedicated to the image of the “Mammal,” and the icon itself, brought by the Monk Gabriel of Athos, is located in the Holy Dormition Odessa Monastery. The icon case contains rare shrines: part of the robe of Christ the Savior and part of the tunic of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In Russia, two more images of the Mother of God “Mammals” are known, famous for their miracles. One of them was an Athonite copy of the miraculous image, sent in 1860 to the Kursk province. The second image is a new one. It was discovered in 1650 on a tall tree twenty miles from the city of Minsk. Soon a temple was built on this site in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There are many legends about the miraculous power of this icon, which helped in getting rid of various troubles and illnesses, saving people during the Swedish invasion.

Troparion, tone 1

Without the Seed of the Divine Spirit, / by the will of the Father you conceived the Son of God, / from the Father without a mother before the age of existence, / for our sake you were from You without a father, / you gave birth to the flesh and you nourished the Child with milk. // Also, do not stop praying for our souls to be delivered from sorrows.

Kontakion, tone 5

Having purified the souls of our feelings, / we will see on the icon the glorious sacrament, / the Creator of the Universe and the Lord of the highest powers, / we hold in our arms and are nourished by Your breast like a Child, / and, with fear and joy, worshiping You / and our Savior born of You, we will call : // Rejoice, Lady, our Nourisher of life.

Prayer

Accept, O Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You: we look upon You holy icon, in your arms carrying and nourishing Thy Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ with milk: even though Thou didst give birth to Him painlessly, yet the mother of sorrow weighed and the infirmities of the sons and daughters of men zrish: with the same warmth falling upon Thy whole-bearing image and tenderly kissing this, we pray to Thee , all-merciful Lady: we sinners, condemned to give birth to illnesses and to nourish our children in sorrows, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, deliver them from serious illness and bitter sorrow, grant them health and well-being, and nourishment They will grow from strength to strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a child and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of your servants, hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before your icon, and on the day of joy and deliverance accept the grateful praise of our hearts, lift up our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, as we and our children will glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and true Hope of our race, forever and ever.

On January 12/25 the memory of the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” is celebrated. This ancient image The Queen of Heaven has long been revered by believers. Mothers nursing babies, spouses who want to have children, and the poor who do not have food resort to it. “Mammal” is also a special patroness of monastics, as evidenced by the centuries-old history of this icon. Thus, the Queen of Heaven, according to the akathist, feeds with the milk of Her mercy all who come running to Her with faith and hope.

There is such a revered icon in the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Conception Monastery. The icon is old, beautiful, with stamps telling the story of the discovery of this shrine. She was donated to the monastery in September 2013. In January 2014, on the day of its feast, the icon was placed in a splendid icon case, also arranged by the diligence of benefactors.

The Icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” was originally located in the Lavra of St. Savva the Sanctified near Jerusalem. At the time of his death, the holy founder of the Lavra predicted to the brethren that the Lavra would be visited by a pilgrim from Serbia, Savva, and ordered that the miraculous icon be given to him as a blessing. This happened in the 13th century. Saint Sava of Serbia brought the icon to the Hilendar monastery on Holy Mount Athos and placed it on the right side of the iconostasis, in the church at the Kareya cell, later called Typikarnitsa, since the charter of Saint Sava was kept there.

The celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” falls on the same day as the memory of St. Sava, Archbishop of Serbia. This is how miraculously these two holidays are connected. According to legend, preserved in the Hilandar monastery on Mount Athos, this icon was originally located in the Lavra of St. Sava the Consecrated near Jerusalem. Saint Sava, upon his departure from temporary life to the Lord, revealed to the brethren who surrounded his deathbed that in time the royal pilgrim from Serbia, Sava, who was named after him, would eventually visit the Lavra. This pilgrim should be given the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal” as a blessing. This was said in 532. More than six centuries have passed since then. The icon of the divine Mammal stood motionless in its place, hoping for the fulfillment of the prophetic dying testaments of Saint Sava about it. Finally, in the 13th century, Saint Sava the Serbian arrived in Palestine, the prophetic testament of Saint Sava the Sanctified was conveyed to him, and together with the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, called the “Three-Handed One,” the Lavra blessed him with the “Mammal” icon. On his way back from Palestine to Serbia, Saint Sava visited Holy Mount Athos, where he founded the Hilendar Monastery. It was to this monastery that he left as an inalienable inheritance and decoration the icon of the Mother of God “Mammal,” placing it in the church at the Karyan cell, which was later called the Typicarnitsa, since the Typik (rule) of St. Sava was located in it. The Mammal icon was placed in the iconostasis not on the left side of the royal doors, but on the right, where the icon is usually placed Holy Trinity, or an icon of the Savior. In this church, the image of the Lord Pantocrator occupies a place on the left side of the royal doors in the iconostasis, that is, where the icon of the Mother of God should stand.

Since then, the celebration of the image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Mammal” has been celebrated at the Kareya cell on the day of remembrance of St. Sava of Serbia, January 12 (January 25 according to the New Style).

In addition to this icon, the Queen of Heaven deigned to glorify several more copies of it. One of the most important miraculous lists is located in the monastery of the holy prophet Elijah on Athos. The time and place of painting of this holy icon is unknown. According to legend, it belonged to a certain ascetic who blessed with it another Athonite ascetic - Onesimus, who asceticised in a place called Yukhtadika; and the latter blessed with it his fasting companion and companion in spiritual life, schemamonk Ignatius of the Elias monastery. Schemamonk Ignatius was sent to Russia in 1848 to collect donations for the benefit of the monastery, and the rector of the Elias monastery, Father Paisius, blessed him on his journey with this particular icon. In Kharkov, the first miracle followed from this icon - the defeat of both hands of the carpenter who straightened its icon case without due reverence and his miraculous healing after performing a prayer service in front of this icon. This miracle was followed by many others: in Yelets, Zadonsk, Tula, Moscow and other cities. This icon, thanks to the zeal of the pilgrims, is decorated with a silver-gilded robe and expensive multi-colored stones. Other best known miraculous lists Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos “Mammals” are located in Moscow and Odessa.

There is another icon of the Mother of God “Mammal”. It was found in 1650, twenty miles from Minsk. At the site of her appearance, a temple was built in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Both in ancient times and to this day, numerous miracles have been performed from these icons. Lists of this icon are found in many churches in Russia.

Troparion, tone 3
Without the Seed of the Divine Spirit, by the will of the Father you conceived the Son of God, from the Father without a Mother before the ages, but for our sake you were the fatherless one, you gave birth to the flesh and nourished the Child with milk, and therefore do not cease to pray that our souls may be delivered from troubles.

Kontakion, tone 5:
Cleanse the souls of our feelings, we will see on the icon the glorious sacrament, the Creator of the universe and the Lord of the highest powers, held in our arms and nourished by Your breast like a Child, and, with fear and joy worshiping You and our Savior born of You, we will cry: Rejoice, Lady, Our life is the Nourisher.

Prayer:
Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We see You on the holy icon, carrying in your arms and feeding with milk Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, and even more so, you weighed the maternal sorrows and infirmities of the sons and daughters of human beings. Falling with the same warmth towards Thy whole-bearing image and lovingly kissing this, we pray to Thee, All-Merciful Lady: we, sinners, condemned to give birth to sickness and nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from the grave deliver from illness and bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy of deliverance, accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, as we and our children glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the true hope of our race, forever and ever. . Amen.

The miracle of motherhood is revered in almost every culture and tradition and, of course, the Mother of God occupies a special position in Orthodox tradition. There are options for iconographic images huge amount and everyone has some kind of “specialization” of their own. In particular, the Mammal icon is used to receive a special blessing for lactation and other maternal functions.

The icon of the nursing Mother of God is especially revered by those who are directly involved in motherhood, that is, by nursing women, as well as by those who are carrying a child or have recently been delivered from pregnancy. The image shows the Virgin Mary herself, feeding the infant Christ with her own breast.

History of the icon

Most ancient icon The Mother of God Mammal was created back in the fifth century. After this, the image stayed in Jerusalem for seven centuries and after that went to Athos. There the image was kept until the 19th century, after which it went to the territory of the Kursk region, where a special temple was created for prayer to the icon.

Throughout the history of the image, various facts of healing and help have been recorded. In particular, what the icon of the Mother of God Mammal helps with is most often noted:

recovery from gynecological ailments;
getting pregnant;
eliminating difficulties during pregnancy;
increase in milk quantity;
easy birth.

Early versions depicted celestial bodies, which indicated the surface world. In turn, the figures of the mother and baby also carried symbolic meaning, they were talking about spiritual nutrition believers. After all, the Mother of God sends her mercy to all believers, protects and helps everyone.

Different traditions

It must be said that the meaning of the icon of the Virgin Mammal in a special way It was noted not only in Orthodoxy, Catholicism also actively used this plot. Even if over time in Orthodoxy such a composition has become mostly an atypical and “highly specialized” option, then in Catholicism the Madonna and Child has become a common image.

As you know, in Catholicism, images are more artistic in nature; they are actually paintings, only on religious themes. Therefore, artists here were given the opportunity to use many effective techniques. In particular, in the plot of the Mammal Icon of the Mother of God there is an opportunity to work with the subtle details of Mary’s face, emphasize various emotions, and create an amazing image of immaculate motherhood.

Many artists, for example Leonardo da Vinci, created similar images. However, after the 16th century this artistic tradition was interrupted because Catholics created a ban on the depiction of naked bodies, part of this ban was the image of the Virgin Mary nursing a baby.

What do people pray for to the icon of the Mother of God Mammal?

Here it is worth noting the miraculous image that was found in the city of Krestogorsk a couple of centuries ago. Now it is not difficult to see the Mammal icon in the Church of the Assumption built there.

As a rule, women come to kiss in order to relieve themselves of their burden or simply to ask for help before giving birth.

This icon is also considered miraculous like the Athos icon and is revered by believers. Every year the image that hangs over the gates of the temple in Krestogorsk is lowered for worship.

The meaning of the icon

Although many, when they look at the Mammalian icon of the Mother of God, understand what to pray for only based on direct associations (maternity, lactation, and the like), believers can also use this image in a more profound way. After all we're talking about about symbolism that relates to the incarnation of Christ (the Lord was born in the form of a man) and the relationship of people with the Lord. The Virgin Mary takes care of the Lord and gives him nourishment, in fact the opportunity to exist, but also the Almighty gives every person the opportunity to be born.

So amazing and unbreakable bond allows you to deeply understand faith. Before the image there is something to think about.

Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Mammal

Troparion, tone 3:

Without seed from the Divine Spirit, by the will of the Father you conceived the Son of God, from the Father without a mother before the ages, but for our sake you were from You without a father, you gave birth to the flesh and you nourished the Child with milk, and do not cease to pray that our souls be delivered from troubles.

Kontakion, tone 5:

Cleanse the souls of our feelings, we will see on the icon the glorious sacrament, the Creator of the universe and the Lord of the highest powers, held in our arms and nourished by Your breast like a Child, and, with fear and joy worshiping You and our Savior born of You, we will cry: Rejoice, Lady, Our life is the Nourisher.

Prayer

Accept, Lady Theotokos, the tearful prayers of Your servants who flow to You. We see You on the holy icon, carrying in your arms and feeding with milk Your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if you gave birth to Him painlessly, and even more so, you weighed the maternal sorrows and infirmities of the sons and daughters of human beings. Falling with the same warmth towards Thy whole-bearing image and lovingly kissing this, we pray to Thee, All-Merciful Lady: we, sinners, condemned to give birth to sickness and nourish our children in sorrow, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, but our babies, who also gave birth to them, from the grave deliver from illness and bitter sorrow. Grant them health and well-being, and their nourishment will increase in strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, for even now, through Your intercession from the mouth of a baby and those who piss, the Lord will bring His praise. O Mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Your weak people: quickly heal the illnesses that befall us, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Your servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow who fall before Your icon, and on the day of joy of deliverance, accept the grateful praise of our hearts. Offer our prayers to the throne of Your Son and our God, may He be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His Name, as we and our children glorify You, the merciful Intercessor and the true hope of our race, forever and ever. . Amen!