Icon of the Mother of God of Ostrobram: value

The Ostrobras icon, which has been prayed for not only by Orthodox believers, but also Catholics, has gained popularity throughout the territory of the post-Soviet space. Our article will be devoted to this miraculous image, from which it breathes with endless light and kindness.

The history of the appearance of the icon

According to Orthodox tradition, the icon of the Mother of God of Ostrobuma, whose significance is equally great for all believers, used to be called somewhat differently - the Korsunsky Annunciation Face of the Most Holy Theotokos. In the XIV century, she was brought to Vilna from Chersonese (Korsun) by the great Lithuanian prince Olgerd Gediminovich after the attack on the Crimean Tatars. The icon was donated to the first wife of Mary, who later transferred the priceless painting of the Trinity Church.

The erection of this church took place at its very beginning, and it was founded in honor of the great martyrs John, Antony and Eustathius, tortured and hanged by the cruel husband Maria Olgerd. This is a very graphic story, which once again showed how people can serve God, with what devotion and dedication.

A Brief History of the Three Martyrs

Olgerd allowed in his possessions to worship Christianity while his wife was alive. As soon as Mary died, the prince suddenly began to support the fire-worshiping priests, and therefore those who spoke of God, the prince betrayed cruel punishment. One such was Antony and John. But despite the fact that half of their lives were spent in custody, they continued to preach the name of the city, for which they were both hanged on an oak, which later became a truly sacred place for Christians.

Another devotee of God, as the legend says, Eustathius was the favorite druzhinnik himself Olgred. But despite what privileges he expected in the future, give him all devotion and love to the prince, Eustace fully and completely dedicated his soul to God. According to legend, this truly holy man was cruelly tortured before his death, making it absolutely naked to drink icy water in the cold. Despite all this horror, he remained indifferent to everything happening, charging himself with his faith and divine energy. Later, on the orders of the Lithuanian prince, the "divine squadron" was hanged on the same sacred oak tree.

After the Brest Union, at the end of the 16th century, the Trinity Church was transferred to the Uniates, and therefore the Icon of Ostrogramma was placed in one of the parish Orthodox churches. And in 1906 the image was captured by the Uniates and settled in the chapel over the Sharp Gate.

In 1625, the image began to belong to the Latin Carmelite monks, who placed the shrine in a church built in honor of St. Theresa.

At the beginning of the XIX century, the icon of Ostrobuma was in the possession of the Roman Catholic clergy. And in 1927, on July 2, a solemn coronation was performed (under the leadership of Pope Pius XI) in the presence of the entire Polish episcopate.

Where is the icon of the Mother of God of Ostrobuma kept?

Its significance for the Lithuanian believers is enormous. After all, it is still stored over the Ostrohrabsky gates in Vilnius. This is one of the most revered sights there. Every day thousands of people pray at her bed, flocking from all over the world to bow to this priceless shrine.

Divine service before the face of the Virgin takes place according to the Roman Catholic rite. Catholics and Orthodox take off their headscarves before the great Ostrobramsky gates, where the holy image is located. Before the face of the Virgin lit a huge number of candles and crowds of people want to look at this miracle and touch it to feel all the energy that comes from this truly miraculous shrine.

Day dedicated to the icon of the Ostrobramskaya

The feast of the Ostrohrabsky image is celebrated by Orthodox believers on December 26 (January 8). And April 14 (April 27) is dedicated to the memory of the three Lithuanian martyrs. This day is revered by Catholic believers.

Interesting facts about the origin of the face

1. In the 1920s, the opinion emerged that the icon of Ostrobras had some resemblance to Queen Barbara Radzivil, whose romantic history won the hearts of many.
2. It has long been known that the iconography of this miraculous icon rises the image of the Mother of God "Tenderness", to which Seraphim of Sarov once called himself.
3. There is also a second version of the origin of the shrine. According to Orthodox tradition, the icon of the Holy Virgin was sent to Prince Olgred by Emperor John Paleologus, who granted such an invaluable gift to congratulate the prince on the beginning of his reign.
4. Another legend says that the icon somehow miraculously appeared on the Sharp (or "Russian") gate on April 14, 1431.
5. Before the coronation of the icon, in 1927, during its restoration, experts discovered an ancient letter written by tempera, as well as stains from the lime primer. Scientists concluded that the shrine was written in the XV or XVI century (around 1620-1630) and repeated the image created by the artist from the Netherlands - Martin de Vos.
6. In 1829, when removing the silver robe in the process of restoration, a certain inscription was found. Later it was found out that this is the Praise of the Mother of God "The Most Honorable Cherub". It is believed that the Mother of God at that moment observed the phenomenon of the archangel Gabriel, part of the image of which is lost.
7. According to the Orthodox, the gesture of crossed arms can mean the moment of acceptance of the Immaculate Virgin of the Good News, or its direct participation secretly accomplished on the Cross of Redemption. Also, such a gesture is found on the iconographic titled "Mother of God of Akhtyrskaya", where the Mother of God stands at the foot of the Cross with her arms crossed.

Icon of Ostrobramskaya: how it looks

The icon of Ostrobras, whose significance is enormous for both Catholic believers and Orthodox, was written on 8 two-centimetric boards consisting of oak. The size of the face itself is 165 by 200 cm. The Icon of the Oshobrám Mother of God is one of the rarest specimens of the Virgin Mary without the Child in her arms. It is depicted to the waist with a bowed head, and its arms are crossed on the chest. On the head of the Mother of God there is a two-tiered crown, over which a halo emanates from the radiant rays of radiance. The garment of Mary represents rice of silver color, acting in the manner of Vilnius masters of the XVII century. It almost completely covers the figure of the Mother of God, leaving only the hands and the face of the Blessed Virgin visible. At the bottom of the icon there is a half-moon of silver.

The icon of Ostrombram: what it protects and helps

This is a rather rare, but very powerful and powerful image that protects the house from evil spirits. Also, the icons pray for the gift of the Protection of God, the protection of the family from outside interference, happiness and mutual love of the spouses. And this is still a small part of what the Ostrobram icon is capable of. Where to hang it, is known to many. It is better to do this at the entrance, then it will protect the dwelling from uninvited guests and evil spirits. It is also believed that the Holy Image of the Theotokos calms, relieves depression and dejection.

The image is very good as a gift to the godparents, especially the twins, so that their mother will pray for their well-being, joy and spiritual friendship.

Many argue that after long prayers before the image of the Ostrobramskoy icon all sorts of problems and family troubles stopped. Having been alone with the holy face, the solution of the problems came by itself.