Icon "Protection of the Holy Virgin": meaning and description

During the earthly life, the Theotokos suffered a lot. The most severe test was the execution of Jesus Christ. After death, all her sufferings were reimbursed by glory and heavenly joy. As a mother, she understands all human suffering and helps everyone who appeals to her. It does not condemn the human race, but pities it and asks God for forgiveness for every person. All this displays the icon "Protection of the Blessed Virgin." In honor of this, there is one of the great holidays of the same name. He is celebrated with 1 (14 old style) of October.

A wonderful event preceding the holiday

In the 10th century, in Constantinople, the capital of the Greek Empire, during the attack of the Saracen army, the inhabitants of the city gathered in the Vlaherna church. At that time, there was a riza and headdress of the Mother of God. All together, they prayed to God, asking him for help and salvation from the enemies. During the prayer, Saint Andrew raised his gaze and saw the Virgin, 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 for the salvation of the city. Then She went to the throne, took off the veil from her head and covered them all, who at that moment prayed, protecting them from the enemies. It is this event that reflects the icon "Protection of the Holy Virgin." At dawn, the enemy army was defeated, and the city was saved.

What helps the icon

The icon "Protection of the Holy Virgin" protects from troubles and troubles. Before her, they ask that all bad things pass the house. The Theotokos is asked to protect against all sorts of diseases, as well as about their cure if they are already present. In addition, before this image is asked about protection from enemies visible and invisible.

It is recommended that each house has an icon "Protection of the Blessed Virgin." Prayer before her image will protect not only your home, but all those close to evil and evil. In the first lines she goes the praise of the Virgin and Her Son, then the confirmation that you believe in its power and worship the miraculous image. And only then do they set out the requests, after which again there is praise.

Icon Description

The icon of the "Protection of the Blessed Virgin" (photo below) united two worlds - heavenly and earthly. On it you can see the altar and the naves of the Vlaherna temple. Here, too, is the veil that covers the image of the Mother of God. It is written in most cases in dark red tones. Roman in the center on the pulpit . In his hands is a scroll. In old rags stands Andrew, showing the disciple Epiphanius a wonderful phenomenon. Near Roman stands the Ecumenical Patriarch, Byzantine emperor, monks and people. Above all, the Church of Heaven is depicted with prophets, saints, martyrs, among whom John the Baptist, John the Theologian. In the very center of the icon is the Most Holy Theotokos. She holds in her hands a protective cover that can cover the entire Orthodox world.

Readable lists of icons

The icon "Protection of the Blessed Virgin" has a sufficient number of honored lists, many of which can be seen in Russian churches. So, lists from this icon are in Moscow in the Church of the Resurrection. In the capital the honorable list is in the St. Basil's Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, as well as a list is in the Red Village in the Church of the Intercession. The faithful copy of the icon is kept in the Nativity Church in Kharkov. Similar honored copies are in the city of Novgorod, where Nicholas Cathedral stands.