The ancient holiday dedicated to the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been known since the first century, although it was described much later. According to historians, an unforgettable event took place in 910, in the city of Blachernae (a suburb of Constantinople). Now every autumn the Orthodox celebrate the Intercession Holy Mother of God, the icon of the holiday on this day is taken out to the middle of the temple.
Among the people, the Pokrov is associated with the beginning of the conclusion of marriage unions. Many temples and settlements are named after memorable date. It is not the twelfth (one of the 12 main) holidays, but one of the Great ones.
The familiar name hides a deep meaning behind it. To understand it, you need to know about the events that took place in the Blachernae Church. The inhabitants of the Byzantine state that evening gathered for a joint prayer - they asked to remove from them the threat posed by the numerous barbarians who surrounded Constantinople. Among the others was the holy fool Andrei, who saw the Mother of God in the rays of light.
Surrounded by saints and angels, she prayed tearfully. Then she took off her omophorion from her head (the so-called part of the liturgical vestment) and spread it over the people. It is this event that is depicted on the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", it means protection, patronage of the Mother of God over Christians. The besiegers soon left, in memory of which a holiday was established.
The events of that day are described in various chronicles, for example, Patriarch Photius tells about it in detail. But why is the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos of such importance for the inhabitants of Russia? Icons, temples, cities and villages - deep in the soul of the people, the autumn holiday has settled. According to some historians, then the Russian princes, Dir and Askold, decided to attack Constantinople. The ruthless invaders were so impressed by the miracle that happened through the prayers of Christians that they decided to accept this faith.
Russia officially accepted new religion somewhat later, but since then, from the very first century of Christianity, a special connection has been established between the Russian people and the Mother of God. After all, oddly enough, Pokrov Day is celebrated only in Russia, which is surprising, given its origin. It is impossible to force people to love someone - and Russians love the Mother of God as deeply as they love their own mother and their Fatherland.
Traditions of the Intercession in icon painting
In Rus', they remember and love Pokrov for centuries - this is the day of the first baptism of the Russians. Temples in memory of this holiday have been built in our country for 900 years, the iconography has developed a couple of centuries later. Paintings of the 14th century. found in the monastery of Pskov, also in the Suzdal Cathedral.
The icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos has two main types of drawings (images):
- Novgorod - here the omophorion is held by angels, the Mother of God stands, raising her hands in prayer. It is located above the Royal Doors, which are closed. One of these icons, painted at the very end of the 14th century, is kept in the museum of Novgorod. Here, behind the figures, you can see a church with five domes.
- Suzdal - The Queen of Heaven stands in front of the temple, she holds her head covering over the praying people. Under it, on the pulpit, stands St. Roman with a scroll. The temple icon, which was discovered in the Suzdal monastery, is now in the Tretyakov Museum. Basilicas, round domes of churches are visible in the background - a landscape characteristic of Byzantium.
Over time, these two options could be combined. Among the people praying in the church, you can see other saints - Leo the Wise, Patriarch Tarasius. The omophorion itself is usually painted red, although on some icons of the 16th century. he is white.
IN modern version The Mother of God can be depicted alone in full growth, an omophorion hovers over her, while she herself stands, prayerfully raising her hands. Or St. Mary herself holds the cover with both hands, turning her gaze to the prayer.
What helps the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Like any other, the icon of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" helps in various needs. If a person is ill, he can ask for recovery. The Blessed Virgin will stand up for offended widows, unjustly accused, help to find work, keep peace in the family. Since many weddings were played on Pokrov, an unmarried girl can be asked for a worthy life partner.
Traditionally in Russia, it is customary to hang icons on the eastern wall, the image of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” can be placed opposite the entrance, or above the door as a sign of protection. home iconostasis should not be too extensive, only those icons are needed there that are especially important for the family importance. Prayers in church and at home can be read:
- if you need to find housing;
- with the invasion of the soul of despondency;
- when the soul is overwhelmed by temptations, impure thoughts;
- at a time of great trials for the country.
It is also good to read akathists in turn with other parishioners in front of the icon of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” in the temple, or being anywhere, but at the same time. Joint prayer has a special power, as written in the New Testament. Christians should help each other not only in worldly affairs, but also support in matters of faith. Especially spiritually weak people who quickly succumb to temptations need such help. The Mother of God is constantly an example of a prayerful feat.
The meaning of the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
On icons, the Mother of God is very rarely depicted alone. As a rule, Christ sits in her arms. Or she, surrounded by saints, angels, talks with the ascetics of piety. Even being alone, the Virgin Mary is not focused on her own needs. She spent her whole life in prayers and troubles - for the sake of others. This is how the people's consciousness sees it.
The meaning of the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" is primarily in recognizing the importance of heavenly intercession. And also to express gratitude. For that particular miracle, when the enemy ships were thrown back by huge sea waves. And for the many daily miracles that are performed through the prayers of the righteous (and not so) people.
As a child, everyone hoped for their mother, called her, complaining about their troubles. Even if she could not help, she comforted, which made it easier, then the problem seemed not so insoluble. Also, every believer hopes for the help of the Queen of Heaven.
Intercession traditions
This day is popularly called the Wedding Day, the First Winter, long gatherings were held on it, songs were sung. The Christian meaning of the Intercession-father united with everyday traditions associated with household affairs, remnants of pagan times. By that time, the work in the field was over, the youth could find time for meetings, they began to arrange weddings.
Therefore, the girls prayed before the icon of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” for a successful marriage. There was even a special short prayer for this in Ukraine. The first snow that fell that day was considered especially lucky.
- Everyone is familiar with the attribute of the bride - a white veil - in old days was much longer. The girl not only covered her face with them, but was completely wrapped in a snow-white cloth. This symbolized the cover of the Mother of God, who was considered the intercessor of the new family. Not without reason, after the wedding, young people are given an icon of the Virgin.
- On Pokrov, they began to heat the stoves. To do this, they used dried branches of an apple tree so that it would be warm in the hut all winter.
- They baked pancakes to “bake corners” in the hut. Moss was pushed into the cracks between the logs, asking them to cover the hut with warmth.
- From that day on, the cows were no longer driven out to the fields, they were transferred to the winter diet (grain, beetroot). On Pokrov, the animals were fed a special stack of oats.
- The male population went to work in the city - during this period, traditional fairs began.
- The holiday was celebrated with noisy multi-day gatherings, it was not customary to work these days - the arrival of winter was celebrated, the completion of summer household chores.
The most famous Church of the Intercession
The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is part of the cultural heritage of our country, located in the Vladimir region, in the village with the telling name Bogolyubovo. Historians give different dates of construction - either 1165 or 1158. The world-famous stone poem was designed by foreign masters - presumably the Romans. Many are surprised by the very fast pace of construction. The church was ready in a year, although it usually took three times as long.
Andrei Bogolyubsky, the lord of those lands, erected a temple in honor of his dead son. It is possible that there were Pokrovsky churches before that, but nothing is known about them. The holy prince greatly revered the icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, while the Intercession was not a particularly well-known holiday at that time. At first, a monastery was also located on the Nerl, but it existed only until the end of the 18th century. Two decades later, they also wanted to destroy the church, dismantling it for building material (as the builders of antiquity did).
The location of the church is unique - it is an artificially erected hill several meters high. Previously, there were other monastic premises here. River waterways passed by the temple. To prevent flooding from destroying the structure, an underground foundation was made for it, extending several meters deep into the earth.
The Church of the Intercession has survived almost unchanged, including unique reliefs on the facade. Who is depicted there? This is King David, symbolizes wisdom and justice. The surrounding lions speak of the strength of the ruler. It is also a symbol of the Vladimir princes, which even today adorns the coat of arms of the city of Vladimir. There are also doves on the facade - a sign of the Holy Spirit, a meek disposition. Women's heads probably symbolize the Queen of Heaven.
Devotion to faith - devotion to the Motherland
For a Russian person, the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" has special meaning. It not only reminds of the ancient religious holiday. This is a symbol of real help that the Lord provides through the prayers of the Mother of God. She is not just a Virgin who gave birth to the Savior. The inhabitants of Russia accepted her as their spiritual mother, who can be trusted with any sorrows.
Through love for the Mother of God, a proper attitude to motherhood is assimilated, devotion to the Motherland is brought up. Therefore, despite the Byzantine origin, Pokrov has long been a purely Russian holiday.
Prayers to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
Troparion to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
Today, blessed people, we celebrate lightly,
overshadowed by Thy, Mother of God, coming, and to Thy gazing immaculate image, we tenderly say:
cover us with Your honest Veil, and deliver us from all evil,
pray to your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.
Kontakion to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Virgin is in the Church today,
and from the faces of the saints invisibly prays to God for us:
angels from the bishops bow,
the apostles and the prophets rejoice:
For our sake, the Mother of God prays to the Eternal God.
Prayer one
Oh, Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the highest forces, heaven and earth, Queen, city and country of our Almighty Intercessor! Accept this laudatory and thankful singing from us, unworthy Thy servants, and offer up our prayers to the Throne of God Thy Son, may he be merciful to our unrighteousness, and grant His grace to those who honor Thy all-honorable name and worship with faith and love miraculous image Yours. Nesma more worthy of His pardon to be, otherwise You will propitiate Him for us, Mistress, as all of You is possible from Him. For this sake, we resort to You, as if to our undoubted and soon Intercessor: hear us praying to You, fall us with Your all-powerful cover, and ask God Your Son: our shepherd jealousy and vigilance for souls, the governor of wisdom and strength, the judges of truth and impartiality , a mentor of reason and humility of wisdom, a husband of love and harmony, a child of obedience, offended patience, offending the fear of God, grieving complacency, rejoicing abstinence, all of us are the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. Hey, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on your weak people; Gather the scattered, guide those who have gone astray on the right path, support old age, chaste youth, raise babies, and look upon us all with the contempt of Your merciful intercession, raise us up from the depths of sin and enlighten our eyes of the heart to the sight of salvation, be merciful to us here and there, in the country of the earthly alienation and at the terrible judgment of Your Son; reposed in faith and repentance from this life, fathers and our brethren in eternal life create life with the Angels and with all the saints. Thou art, Mistress, the Glory of heaven and the Hope of the earth, You, according to God, are our Hope and Intercessor of all who flow to You with faith. We pray to You, and to You, as the Almighty Helper, we betray ourselves and each other and our whole life, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer two
Blessing my Queen, my Most Holy Hope, friend to the orphans and the strange Intercessor, needy help and embittered cover, see my attack, see my sorrow: from everywhere I am possessed by temptation, but there is no intercessor. You yourself help me as if I am weak, feed me as if I are strange, instruct me as if I were in error, heal and save me as if I am hopeless. Imam no other help, no other intercession, no consolation, only to You, O Mother of all those who grieve and burdened! Look upon me, a sinner and in embitterment, and cover me with Your most holy omophorion, so that I will be delivered from the evils that have befallen me, and I will praise Your venerable name. Amen.
What you need to know about the icon of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos - meaning, what helps was last modified: July 8th, 2017 by Bogolub
Among Orthodox holidays there are many that are associated in the popular mind with various signs. For example, on the Intercession of the Virgin, it is customary to pray for a successful marriage. Near the icon of the Blessed Virgin On this day, there are other requests.
It is interesting that its origin is not at all Russian, but it is in our country that the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is especially revered by believers. In fact, this day was first celebrated in Constantinople - the ancient capital of the Christian world. Many miraculous shrines were kept there, the Turks often tried to capture the city. At one such moment, the faithful gathered in the main temple. They prayed for long hours for the Lord to show His mercy.
And now, a miracle happened. One of the worshipers saw the Blessed Virgin. The prayer of the Mother of God of the Intercession was long, but not everyone could see it, only the most virtuous of those present. Then the Virgin Mary spread a cloak from her head over everyone who was in the temple, as if covering them with heavenly mercy. The city was liberated, and on this day they began to celebrate a holiday that recalls divine protection and love.
Signs and beliefs
Although the church does not approve of various pagan customs, they are still steadfastly preserved among the people, because people want to believe that the world is very simple. What are the Russian signs on Pokrov?
Many people try to determine what the upcoming winter will be like on this day - after all, the holiday falls in late autumn. For example, if the cranes went on a flight, then in winter there will be especially severe cold. The same goes for fallen leaves.
- Other beliefs are associated with the search for happiness in personal life. For example, whoever pays attention to a girl on Pokrov will be her betrothed.
- Before you read the prayer to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in the church, you must put a candle in front of the image before others - then marriage will not take long.
- Some of the rituals that are held in the house were supposed to provide the owners with a prosperous and warm winter. Everyone tried to finish cleaning the house and bake a lot of pancakes. Also, before the holiday, all the cracks and corners in the hut were insulated.
Recall that the Church has a negative attitude towards divination and magic, reading conspiracies. It is necessary on this day, first of all, to come to the service in the temple. There, together with other Christians to participate in common prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God of the Intercession. At the end of the service, you must venerate the image and express your personal desire. If it is pleasing to the will of God, then it will certainly be fulfilled.
The text of the prayer to the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos
“O Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the Higher Forces, heaven and earth Queen, city and country, our all-powerful Intercessor! Accept this laudatory and thankful singing from us, unworthy Thy servants, and lift up our prayers to the Throne of God, Thy Son, may he be merciful to our unrighteousness and grant Thy grace to those who honor Thy all-honorable name and with faith and love bow down to Thy miraculous image.
Nesma more worthy of His pardon to be, otherwise You will propitiate Him for us, Mistress, as all of You is possible from Him. For this sake, we resort to You, as if to our undoubted and speedy Intercessor: hear us praying to You, fall us with Your all-powerful cover and ask God, Your Son, our shepherd jealousy and vigilance for souls, the mayor of wisdom and strength, the judges of truth and impartiality a mentor of reason and humility, a spouse love and harmony, a child obedience, offended patience, offending the fear of God, grieving complacency, rejoicing abstinence;
to all of us the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. Hey, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on your weak people; Gather the scattered, guide those who have gone astray on the right path, support old age, young chaste, raise babies and look at us all with the contempt of Your merciful intercession, raise us up from the depths of sin and enlighten our heart eyes to the sight of salvation; be merciful to us here and there, in the country of earthly alienation, and at the Last Judgment of Your Son;
The icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", the meaning of her intercession before God, was valued by people at all times. No believer has ever been left without her help.
Place of the Intercession of the Mother of God in the cycle of the Mother of God holidays
Exist special days when the church glorifies the Virgin Mary. They are among the twelve holidays that are dedicated to events from the life of Jesus Christ and his Mother. The Mother of God cycle includes the Nativity of the Mother of God, Her Entry into the Temple, as well as the Annunciation and peaceful death - the Dormition - all of them are the most important dates in her life. Orthodox venerate the parents of the Mother of God - Joachim and Anna, celebrate the conception of the Virgin Mary.
The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated with special solemnity by the Church. October 14 is a significant day for Orthodox Christians. After all, the Mother of God at all times was considered the intercessor and protector of people before God. No wonder the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is in almost every home.
Majesty of the Queen of Heaven
The Church believes that the Mother of God is the only person who lived in the world who is able to constantly ask the Lord for the salvation of people. This is the greatness of the Mother of God. Her appearance was already predetermined, like the Incarnation itself. The Old Testament history contains evidence of Mary's childhood and adolescence. When the girl was still a three-year-old child, she herself was able to climb the high steps into the temple, and then the priest, at the direction of the Divine, led her into the Holy of Holies of the temple. All women were forbidden to enter there.
On the images of the Virgin, three stars are always visible, which are located next to her head and hands. This means that she has always been and remains a Virgin: before Christmas, at Christmas and after the birth of Jesus Christ. The holiness of Mary allowed her to become a vessel of the Divine Spirit and to preserve the mystery of the incarnation of God. Even after her Assumption, she does not leave people, but prays for them, therefore the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" is especially revered. What helps mother of God? Most importantly, the Virgin Mary asks God to save the entire human race.
Celebration of the Intercession on Russian soil
Since ancient times, people have remembered the saints of God. On the days of their veneration, they went to the temple and prayed to the saints. The Russian people treated the Mother of God with special awe and love. During the consecrations to the Virgin Mary, all believers tried to attend services. Especially revered. From what does the Mother of God protect? Everyone can get the answer to this question by praying to her.
On this day people standing on divine liturgy, with hope and faith, they appealed to the Lady of heaven and earth with requests for protection, patronage, and solving important everyday issues. After leaving the temple, the people gave alms to the needy. At present, all traditions have been preserved. Those who cannot go to church on this day pray to the Mother of God at home, since the icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the photo and meaning of which are discussed in this article, is in almost any Orthodox family.
The history of the appearance of the icon
In the 10th century, the Byzantine Empire was often attacked by barbarians. Once during such a raid, the enemy attacked Constantinople. The people who lived there gathered in the temple and began to offer their prayers to the Mother of God, tearfully asking her to protect them from adversity. TO sunday The Mother of God, along with a host of angels and saints, was seen by Andrei the Holy Fool. According to legend, she first walked through the air, and then, kneeling down, began to fervently pray to her divine Son for the protection of the people and granting them salvation from the enemy.
Then she took off from her head a wonderful shimmering veil that had fallen over all those who were praying. The vision disappeared, and the people in the Blachernae Church felt an extraordinary surge of grace and joy. The enemies immediately retreated from the city. The people were saved by the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" - an icon. What people pray to the Mother of God will remain only in their hearts.
At present, this may seem like a miracle, but there is a lot of historical evidence that the siege really took place, and then the storm happened. Since then, the icon of the Mother of God "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" has been especially revered. What the Blessed Virgin protects from, people can always make sure by praying to her.
Description and meaning of the icon of the Intercession
Most often, the Virgin is depicted in full growth. Her head and the upper part of the figure are covered with a huge quadrangular cloth - maforium. The lower garment of the Virgin Mary - the tunic - reaches the floor. Basically, her robes are painted in blue and red-brown colors. The first shows purity and purity, and the second symbolizes that Jesus Christ borrowed flesh and blood from her to come to earth in human form. Three stars on the edges of the maforium testify to the ever-virginity of Mary. In the hands of the Mother of God is a veil - an omophorion, which she stretches over the whole earth.
The icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", the meaning of which is to preserve peace and harmony between people, should take a place of honor on the iconostasis of each Orthodox Christian. The main thing is to trust in the mercy of the Mother of God, and she will certainly help in all everyday needs.
Iconography of the Intercession
The very miracle of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Andrew the Fool, unfortunately, was not captured in Byzantine images. In Rus', over time, two types of icons dedicated to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos were formed: Central Russian and Novgorod. This began to happen after the introduction of the holiday by Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, who, after hearing the story of the vision of the holy fool, paid attention to this event. Thus, he entrusted the Mother of God with the care of all our land.
In the Central Russian (Vladimir-Suzdal) iconographic tradition, there is a connection between the Bogolyubskaya icon of the Mother of God and the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos". On this type of image Heavenly Queen she herself holds the cover, at her foot sits the Novgorod icons are distinguished by the image of the Mother of God in the form of Oranta (praying). Angels hold a veil over her. Every detail of her image is thought out by the artists, because the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", the meaning and meaning of which lies in the heavenly help of the Intercessor of all Christians, gives people hope for the mercy of the Lord.
Mother of God - protector of the Russian land
With the beginning of the adoption of Christianity, people gradually came to realize that they need the help of the Lord and the intercession of the Virgin. The Russian people believed with all the frankness and sincerity that they were capable of, that the Lord would protect them from any troubles and misfortunes. The Mother of God was considered an intercessor in the face of her Son for all those who truly believe in him and want to save their souls in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven later. Most Orthodox churches there is an icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. What does the Lady of heaven and earth protect the Russian people from? We have always had many troubles and sorrows: famine, wars, natural disasters.
And the Virgin Mary never leaves people in grief. From ancient times, the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" was considered the intercessor of the Cossacks. How does the Mother of God help soldiers? During the invasion of enemies and all kinds of oppression, when they had to go to fight for native land, they, with faith in God and hope for his mercy, went into battle and returned with victory. Then they, being in the temple, thanked the Mother of God and the Lord.
In what cases does the Mother of God help?
There is hardly such Orthodox person who has never experienced the intercession of the Virgin Mary. The holiday itself, called the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, the icon that people pray for - all this suggests that people often resort to the help of the Queen of Heaven. In our time, people ask her for a successful marriage, protection from harassment at work and service, for the healing of diseases, for peace in the family.
It is the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" - an icon (which means "image" in Greek), which helps people become cleaner and kinder. Expressing their gratitude, they bring decorations to the temple: rings, earrings, chains and other donations. There are also certain dedicated to the glorification of the Virgin.
Traditions associated with the Veil
Since ancient times, people have had their own peculiarities of celebrating October 14th. On this day, it was customary first of all to glorify the Mother of God. Along with others stood the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", the significance of which for the Russian people was simply invaluable. It also required:
- first attend the divine liturgy, and then be sure to give alms to the poor and needy, standing at the entrance to the temple;
- bake pancakes, wrapping them around all the corners of the apartment, and then leave an offering to the brownie;
- take a branch of an apple tree, set it on fire and smoke the whole house in order to attract prosperity;
- cook a lot of delicious food and make a fun feast in the circle of all relatives and friends.
Folk signs on Pokrov
Our ancestors built their predictions in the course of observations and rarely made mistakes. People believed that if the weather is good on Pokrov, it is warm outside, then the winter will not be too cold. When you find out which side the wind is blowing from, you have to wait for frost from there, if it is an eastern direction, then cold weather will subsequently come. They basically started on October 14, so those who did not insulate the house were freezing in winter. The smartest people used apple tree branches to heat the stove that day, bringing heat into the hut.
"Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" - an icon that means and symbolizes peace and harmony. All Russian girls knew the answer to the question of why she should pray. They tried not to be sad on such a day, but spent it cheerfully. It was believed that this would attract the groom. For the holiday, they put candles to the image of the Queen of Heaven, because the first one who does this will marry before anyone else. The icon of the Mother of God "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", the meaning of the holiday itself - all this is very important for the Russian people. People also believed that there would be many weddings if it snowed on Pokrov all day.
Famous temples and monasteries in honor of the Intercession
Everyone in Russia has at least once heard of St. Basil's Church, which is located on Red Square in Moscow. Initially it was the Pokrovsky Cathedral. It was built under Ivan the Terrible in memory of the victory of the Russians over the Kazan Tatars.
The Church of the Intercession on the Nerl is depicted in all school textbooks. It harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding nature. The church was erected during the reign of Andrei Bogolyubsky, and it is considered the pearl of Russian architecture.
It was founded in Suzdal in 1364. The rise of the monastery is associated with the name of Vasily III, who donated a large amount for its maintenance. Currently, this convent is active. You can always visit it to pray there and see the preserved ancient architectural buildings.
In conclusion, it must be said that the feast of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos", the icon, meaning, prayer addressed to the Mother of God should be familiar to all true believers.
During her earthly life, the Mother of God suffered a lot. The most difficult test was the execution of Jesus Christ. After death, all her sufferings were compensated by glory and heavenly joy. As a mother, she understands all human suffering and helps everyone who turns to her. She doesn't judge human race, but pities him and asks God for forgiveness for each person. All this is displayed by the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos". In honor of this there is one of the great holidays of the same name. It is celebrated on 1 (14 old style) October.
A wonderful event leading up to the holiday
In the 10th century in Constantinople, the capital of the Greek Empire, during the attack of a large army of Saracens, the inhabitants of the city gathered in the Blachernae Church. At that time, the riza and the headdress of the Mother of God were kept here. All together they prayed to God, asking him for help and salvation from enemies. During the prayer, St. Andrew raised his eyes and saw the Mother of God walking through the air above the vaults of the temple, surrounded by angels and saints. Together with the inhabitants, She prayed for a long time with tears in her eyes, crying out for the salvation of the city. Then She went to the throne, removed the veil from her head and covered with it all those who at that moment were praying, protecting them from enemies. It is this event that reflects the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos". At dawn, the enemy army was defeated, and the city was saved. 
What does the icon help with?
The icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" protects from troubles and troubles. Before her, they ask that all bad things pass the house. The Mother of God is asked for protection from all kinds of diseases, as well as for their cure, if they are already present. In addition, before this image they ask for protection from enemies visible and invisible.
It is recommended that every home have an icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos. Prayer in front of her image will protect not only your home, but also all those close to you from evil and trouble. In its first lines there is a praise of the Mother of God and Her Son, then a confirmation that you believe in her power and worship the miraculous image. And only then are requests made, after which again comes praise. 
Description of the icon
The icon of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" (photo below) united two worlds - heavenly and earthly. On it you can see the altar and naves Blachernae Church. Here you can also see the veil covering the image of the Mother of God. It is written in most cases in dark red colors. In the very center on the pulpit is depicted. In his hands is a scroll. Andrey is standing in a dilapidated rags, showing a marvelous phenomenon to his disciple Epiphanius. Near Roman stands the Byzantine emperor, the monks and the people. Above all, the Heavenly Church is depicted with prophets, saints, martyrs, among them John the Baptist. In the very center of the icon is the Most Holy Theotokos. She holds in her hands a fertile cover that can cover the entire Orthodox world. 
Honored lists icons
The icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" has a sufficient number of revered lists, many of which can be seen in the churches of Russia. So, lists from this icon are in Moscow in the Church of the Resurrection. In the capital, the revered list is located in the Intercession Cathedral, and there is also a list in Krasnoye Selo in the Church of the Intercession. A revered copy of the icon is kept in the Church of the Nativity in Kharkov. There are similar revered copies in the city of Novgorod, where the Nicholas Cathedral rises.
The image of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" - which must certainly be in the house of every Christian, since it has tremendous power. The Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the most important holidays, which is usually celebrated on October 14th.
The history and meaning of the icon of the Mother of God "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos"
The Virgin on the icon is depicted in full growth in clothes of blue and red-brown color. The first color symbolizes the purity and purity of the Mother of God, and the second means that Jesus Christ borrowed flesh and blood from the Mother of God in order to come to earth and help people in difficult times. In the hands of the Mother of God is a veil - omophorion, with which she closes the earth, protecting people. The meaning of the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" is to preserve peace and harmony between people.
The history of the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" begins in the 10th century in Byzantium, which suffered from numerous attacks. During the siege of the city, people went to the temple and prayed for salvation. Among the believers was St. Andrew, who on one night of prayers raised his head and saw the Mother of God descending from heaven, surrounded by a host of saints. She, along with ordinary Christians, knelt down and began to pray, and then, she went to the altar and took off the veil, which she threw on all the people in the temple. After that, the Holy Virgin disappeared, and the worshipers had a feeling of calm and peace. On the same day, the army that besieged the city was defeated by a huge whirlwind. In honor of this event, the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" was created, which helps people protect themselves from enemies and enemies. By the way, some priests claim that it was this image of the Mother of God that helped Greece to protect itself from conquest during the Second World War.
What do they pray for in front of the icon "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos"?
The Mother of God is considered the main protector of people, helping them cope with various problems. The main thing is to pray before the image sincerely and from the very depths of the heart. The Mother of God helps people who have despaired and lost hope, relieving suffering and helping to purify the soul and heart.
Now let's figure out what the icon of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" protects from:
- Prayer appeals near the image help to protect yourself from minor troubles and serious problems.
- It will protect the image from gossip, quarrels and even magical influence from the outside.
- Multi-day prayers can completely change a person's habitual life.
- The icon helps to protect oneself from worldly fuss, pride, sorrow and other negative qualities that spoil life.
- Thanks to daily work on oneself, one can achieve peace, inner and happiness.
- You can pray near the image both in the morning and in the evening, asking both for yourself and for loved ones.
- The icon of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" is the main defender of the soldiers, helping them defend themselves from enemies and gain victory.
Not only people who are in the service, but also their relatives can pray. It protects the image not only from external enemies, but also internal problems, for example, prayer will help in difficult times to strengthen faith, make the right decision and protect yourself from temptations and temptations.
Prayer before the icon of the "Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos" can be read about marriage to single women. The Mother of God will help you find your soul mate, with whom you can live in peace and happiness. Family people who want to improve relations, get rid of quarrels and other problems can also turn to the saint. The prayer of the parents will help to enlighten the children and guide them on the right path.
