Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God: meaning and history

In far 1383, near Tikhvin, the Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God appeared. Its importance was very important, and it was for her that a beautiful temple and a small monastery was erected. But first things first.

History

There is an ancient tradition, according to which, the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, the significance of which can not be overestimated, is closely connected with the famous Evangelist Luke. The image was written by this Holy Apostle even during the earthly life of the Virgin.

Later, Luke presented the icon to Theophilus, who at that time ruled Antioch. It is known that the Holy Apostle appended the text of the Gospel to the image.

A few years later, the Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God, the significance of which did not change in the course of time, found itself in Constantinople. Here it was built a magnificent Vlaherna Reliquary Church, which later became a real repository of the most expensive holy places of Byzantium.

The further fate of the shrine

Further, according to legend, in 1383 the icon was on Tikhvin land. According to eyewitnesses, this happened in an absolutely incredible way: through the air from Constantinople she transferred to holy Russia. In the sky over Ladoga it was noticed by local fishermen, who, of course, were, to put it mildly, surprised by what they saw.

It was the Byzantine shrine that confirmed the Patriarch of Constantinople. Such a miracle, he explained: "She left Byzantium irrevocably. For the pride, hatred and injustice of the people. "

How a miracle happened

In the morning, on the bank of the Tikhvinka River, a crowd of people led by local priests gathered. They all began to pray diligently, and soon the icon "The Mother of God of Tikhvin" came down directly into the hands. The significance of this truly miraculous case was enormous. After all, from Byzantium itself, this shrine "came" through the air! On the same day they decided to build a church. They decided on the place, felled the forest, began the erection of the temple. And in the evening tired people began to go home. But the icon just did not quit. Attached to the construction site and to the icon guard.

But the guards fell asleep, and when they woke up, they discovered that neither the construction that had been started nor the icon was present. People gathered. For a long time they lamented the loss, and then decided to go in search of the shrine.

What was their surprise when they found that all the logs and tools they were waiting for were waiting on the other side, and at the head of all this was the Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God! The significance of what happened was difficult not to understand - thus the Mother of God chose a place for her temple. Soon here was the beautiful church of the Assumption.

Later, the wooden structure was replaced by a stone structure and a small monastery was built nearby.

The Abduction of the Icon

During the Second World War, the Germans mercilessly ravaged villages, villages, cities, temples and monasteries. They did not spare this church either. From the ruined temple, the invaders took out many icons, including Tikhvinskaya.

In 1944, when the Nazis reached Riga, the icon was in one local church. The Germans "issued" it for the services of the priests, hoping that they will support them. It is not known what would become of this shrine, if the fascists did not accidentally forget it during the retreat.

Back to Russia

Back to the city Tikhvin image returned only on June 23, 2004. By this time the destroyed monastery was restored. July 9 - it was on this day many centuries ago that a relic of Tikhvin appeared - a solemn liturgy was held, headed by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy.

It is believed that the Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God helps in childhood illnesses, with restless sleep and moods. In addition, at an older age, when a child goes to school and makes friends, the image protects him from bad choices and helps to establish relationships with his parents.