Apple blossom icon meaning. Icon "Fadeless Color": its meaning, history, what helps

The richest, most successful and beautiful person needs support, a sense of wholeness in the presence of his soulmate - a spouse. While we are children, the family creates support, but having matured, a person “leaves his father and mother and unites with his wife, and the two will become one flesh,” with the blessing of Christ. The Holy Church names two main favorable paths to salvation: Orthodox marriage and a monastery. Therefore dreams of happy marriage The Lord blesses. Many fail to meet their love soon. This is natural, because a person must be ready for serious relationship psychologically, to be able to love, to find compromises, to be faithful. There are many factors in communication: probabilistic, psychological, social, even mystical, because a person who is not protected by the weapon of prayer and the Church Sacraments easily falls under the influence evil forces, deceit. “Don't be afraid, just believe,” says the Lord. Turn to the saints, who have a special grace to deliver from loneliness, with faith. Ask to grant a meeting with your soulmate, and you will feel peace of mind, you will be able to let God's grace into your life. Saints are the faithful helpers of believers. With a prayer for imminent marriage or marriage and about a happy marriage, it is customary to turn to the miraculous icon Mother of God"Fadeless Color". Difficulties family life covered by the help of God. After all, the head of the family is the husband, and the head of the husband is Christ. Address the Mother of God as the Patroness of your future or existing family.

ICONOGRAPHY AND PECULIARITIES OF THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD "UNFADERING COLOR"

• • The icon is easily recognizable by the white lily or blossoming branch in the right hand of the Mother of God. It is thanks to this attribute that the icon got its name. Also, the image can be called "Fragrant Color". The roots of the image of the icon of the Virgin "Fadeless Color" go back to ancient times and are associated with the historical icon of the Praise of the Mother of God, where the Queen of Heaven sits on a throne, showing the Christ Child to people and looking at those praying to her, surrounded by saints and angels. This image can be perceived as a less solemn (without a throne and a host of saints), an image of the Praise of the Virgin that is closer to people.

• • The first mention of the veneration of the icon of Praise in Byzantine Empire belong to the ninth century. In Constantinople, the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great, created a temple dedicated to the Theotokos and a feast in her honor. As the centuries passed spiritual meaning feast was reflected in icon painting - this is how the icon of the Praise of the Virgin appeared.

• • The Virgin has interesting clothes; although they are traditional for icon painting - red underwear and a blue cloak - they are very bright both on the original icon, and on its lists, and on reproductions. The head of the Mother of God is covered with a maforium (head covering) of dark blue color, which lies on top of a white scarf. The traditional colors of the clothes of the Virgin on ancient icons are usually darker: the tunic is blue, the upper omophorion is red-brown.

• • The Infant of God also on the icon has bright, dazzling white or golden clothes. The long tunic of ocher or golden color, in which Christ is dressed, is a sign of the acceptance of human nature by God Himself, and the golden threads of the assist on it are a symbol of Divine energies, that is, Jesus also remained God by nature.

• • Obviously, through the clothes and poses of the Holy Family, the icon painter wanted to convey Their simplicity, responsiveness to prayers and at the same time strength.

• • Like every miraculous image of the Mother of God, the “Fadeless Color” icon has many copies created in various styles while preserving the details of the iconography. So, on some variants of the image of the clothes of the Infant Jesus, gold or white with the addition of green or brown shades. The background of the icon is also different: on the original image it is of a heavenly color, but sometimes they also make a traditional icon-painting golden background.

• • In the 18th century, many variants of the icon appeared: many additional details, most often with crowns on the heads of the Virgin and Child, with a large number of flowers around the Mother and the Divine Son. Sometimes the figure of the Mother of God is framed with whole garlands of flowers, vases with bouquets and, of course, flowers appear in the hands of the Divine Infant.

THE MEANING OF THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD "NEONFADING COLOR"

Each image of the Most Holy Lady of Heaven carries an important theological and edifying meaning. The icon "Fadeless Color" shows both the praise of the Mother of God - she appears in a solemn pose, and the spiritual unity of God in the image of the Christ Child and a man - the Virgin Mary, because Holy Virgin was elected from ordinary people for its purity and holiness. A beautiful flower or blossoming branch in the hands of the Mother of God arose as a symbolic embodiment of the words of the Akathist, where the Virgin Mary is called "the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity." This is the first akathist, which gave rise to the religious-poetic, prayerful tradition of akathists, which are now written for almost every icon of the Mother of God and every saint. Akathist "Rejoice, Bride Unbetrothed" is a masterpiece of literature and theology. He is the most famous among others and the only one of all akathists who is inscribed in the liturgical charter: it is read by the whole Church on Saturday of the Akathist of Great Lent, which also has the title “Praise Holy Mother of God". The name "akathist" means "a song performed while standing", that is, especially solemn. It is divided into kontakia - small prayer texts - and ikos, where the greeting “Rejoice” is repeated twelve times (in Greek “haire”, this is how the Greeks greeted each other) with the end “Rejoice, Unbrideless Bride”. Such words refer to the greeting on the day of the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Most Pure Virgin: “Rejoice, Blessed One! The Lord is with you." Archangel Gabriel is also depicted with a lily in his hands, proclaiming to the Most Holy Theotokos the news of the future birth of the Lord Jesus Christ by Her. The icon "Fadeless Color" can also depict other attributes of the Mother of God, sung in an akathist and clearly showing feelings of admiration and admiration for the Queen of Heaven, described in the words of Christian hymnography:

• • Candle,

• • Censer,

• • sky ladder,

• • The pedestal for the Divine Infant, which in this case stands on it, and does not sit on the hands of the Mother, the Moon and the Sun.

MIRACLES FROM THE ICON OF "NEON-FADERING COLOR"

To this day, on Mount Kefalonia, in the holy places of Greece, a miracle happens every year. On the day of the feast of the Annunciation, the Greeks bring any white flowers, more often lilies, to the icon of the Virgin. All of them until the feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God, that is, from April to August, they are in the temple, they are not watered. Naturally, the flower heads dry up. However, it is precisely on the feast of the Assumption that each flower regains life, new buds appear on the stems. Thus, the Mother of God Herself confirms by this miracle the truth of the name of the icon and Her title "Fadeless Color". The Mother of God performed many miracles of healing after praying before this icon. The most important of them:

• • Healing children from dumbness,

• • saving families,

• • Finding a soul mate by women who could not get married for a long time.

Memorial Day of the Icon of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color" - April 16. On these days, the All-Night Vigil is performed on the eve, and on the very day of the memory of the image Divine Liturgy, followed by special brief prayers to the icon of the Healer: troparia and kontakia. The icon is brought to the middle of each temple. a short prayer The Mother of God in front of the “Fadeless Color” icon can be read online or by heart at any time, prayer is especially recommended in case of despair, sadness, in illness: Rejoice, Bride of God Himself, secret wand, Unfading Color blooming in humanity, rejoice, Mistress, thanks to whom we are filled with joy and gain the Kingdom of Heaven

WHAT TO ASK FOR THE ICON OF "NEON-FADERING COLOR"

Through this icon, the Mother of God especially helps in family matters. Can:

• • asking to marry a good person;

• • with sincere faith to ask for good choice spouse or spouse, about avoiding mistakes;

• • ask for protection from dangers, from an unhappy marriage to a tyrant, an adulterer, an ungodly person, a deceiver;

• • pray for peace and peace of mind;

• • ask for the preservation of the family and home well-being;

• • prayer to protect yourself and your child for conception, healthy pregnancy, childbirth, baby health.

HOW TO PRAY TO THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD "INFADERING COLOR" FOR MARRIAGE

Girls and women often dream of getting married as soon as possible. Men are usually set to succeed in business. The realization of her talents, prosperity in money are important for a woman, but in her heart she worries about loneliness, she is looking for a loving protector and patron. A woman needs love for harmony with herself and the fullness of life. However, girls should get rid of the belief that "the main thing is to get married." You need to look at a potential spouse, see inner world men, try to see his shortcomings and decide if you are ready to accept them. Pray for the right choice to the Most Holy Theotokos: she will give advice in your heart, because while it is blind from love, it is difficult for you to decide. A happy marriage is the result of studying the psychological differences between men and women, the characteristics of communication in marriage, work on oneself, as well as the fruit of prayer. Read morning and evening prayers which the Church blesses to read daily, visit the temple and pray at the divine services. Accept Holy Baptism, if not yet baptized, so that the Lord and the saints can help you more. You need to read the prayer of the Mother of God for a happy marriage, family, imminent marriage

• • with the faith of the Lord and that He will do the best for you;

• • realizing that you are asking God not for entertainment, but for the creation of a family;

• • realizing that sex outside of marriage is a sin of fornication (if you have committed it, confess it along with other sins in the Sacrament of Confession and then take communion);

• • thinking and thanking God for the successes and happened thanks to God's help.

Prayer to the icon "Fadeless Color" for help My queen is blessed, my hope is the Mother of God! Receiving orphans, wanderers Representative, grieving Joy, unfairly offended Patron! You see my misfortune, you see my sorrow - help me as a weak one, feed me as a wanderer. You know my offense, deliver me from it as you wish. I have no other help but Thee, no other Representative before God, no good Comforter besides Thee, O Mother of God! Preserve me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.

MIRACLE-WORKING LISTS OF THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD "UNFADERING COLOR" IN RUSSIA

• • Until 1757, the original image stayed in the St. Alekseevsky Monastery of Krasnoye Selo (Moscow Region). Then many lists were made from it, but the image itself was lost.

• • In the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God in the city of Voronezh, there is another icon

• • The image, before which the Monk Seraphim of Sarov himself prayed, is located in the temple of the village of Kadom, in Ryazan region.

• • In 2012 in Samara region on the window of one of the houses, which is owned by a believing woman, there was a miraculous image of the “Fadeless Color”.

WHAT DOES THE ICON "INFADERING COLOR" HELP

If there are problems, misunderstandings, or even betrayals in your family, it is important to pray more to the Lord and the Mother of God. Prayer is help in any difficult situation. Pray in case of poverty, troubles, material difficulties - after all, the Lord is the first Helper to every person in any difficult circumstances. Crises often occur in long-term relationships. Sometimes it seems that the family is collapsing, people want to disperse and never see each other. Alas, violation of fidelity in marriage, betrayal, deceit - all these sins are inherent in people. Sometimes, not out of malice, but through negligence, your spouse can inflict such a wound on you. However, it is easier to destroy than to build. Try to keep the family together with your joint prayers. Traditionally, they pray to the patron saints of the family: Blessed Ksenyushka of Petersburg, Saint Matrona of Moscow and, of course, the Mother of God. Read in the morning and in the evening the prayer of the Mother of God for your family. “My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, take my family under Your Protection. Instill in the hearts of my wife (wife) and our children peace, love and all that is good. Help, Mother of God, so that together we glorify your name and the Son of Thy Lord our Jesus Christ always, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen"- with these words you turn to the Blessed Virgin with a request to take you under her Protection. The prayer of the Blessed Virgin before the icon "Fadeless Color" can be read online in Russian according to the text below: “Oh, the Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of God, Virgin Mary, the hope of Christians and the refuge of sinners! Protect all those who come to You in misfortune, hear our sad groans, bend down from Heaven and hear our prayer. O Mistress and Mother of our God, do not turn away from those who demand Your help, do not push us sinners away, but enlighten and teach us: do not depart with Your spirit from us, Your servants, because of our murmuring and despair. Be our Mother and Protector herself, we entrust ourselves to You and hope to remain under Your gracious protection. Lead us, negligent and inattentive people, to a quiet and peaceful life and repentance for our sins. Oh, Virgin Mary, our Good and quick Intercessor, with your intercession for the mercy of God, protect us from visible enemies - evil people and invisible - the spirits of darkness, soften the hearts of evil people who attack us. Oh, Mother of the Lord and our Creator! You are the foundation of virginity and chastity, the unfading and fragrant color of purity, give help to us, weak and obsessed with the passions of the flesh, lost in heart. Enlighten our souls so that we can see the ways of God's righteousness. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will so that we fulfill the commandments and get rid of spiritual troubles and misfortunes, so that after leaving earthly life we ​​will be justified by Your miraculous intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son, whom we may be honored to praise and honor forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen". The Orthodox Church blesses the desire to find love and create good family. Christ said: "A man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife (unite with his wife), and there will be two - one flesh (that is, one whole)." It is not for nothing that the husband and wife are officially located "in the zero degree of relationship." Therefore, pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and do not give up hope for God's help. May the Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos keep you and your family!

The icon, where the Mother of God is depicted with a flower in her hand, is called "Fadeless Color". This icon is associated with one interesting story in my life. My unbelieving friend had large pimples on her face, which brought her great suffering. No medicines and ointments helped, and scars remained on the face from acne. The girl suffered a lot. And then one believing grandmother told the girl that the icon of the Unfading Color could heal her terrible acne. At first she did not believe it, but the words of the old woman sunk into her heart. Now the girl has clean and delicate skin, like a lily's - white and beautiful. The Mother of God helped her get rid of her ugly face, because she sees pure and faithful hearts.

History of the icon

The Panteleimon Monastery on Mount Athos published the Tales of the Mother of God, where the story of one miraculous healing is recorded. Healing took place with the help of the Virgin flower growing on Mount Athos. This flower is considered immortal and life-giving. According to legend, the Archangel Gabriel gave the Mother of God a flower as a symbol of purity and innocence, when he announced the miraculous conception of a baby from the Holy Spirit.

The flower symbolizes the spiritual purity and holiness that the Virgin was endowed with. This woman surpassed the incorporeal angels by the grace of God. She was chosen to be the mother of the Lord incarnate in the flesh.

This image appeared on Athos in the 17th century. The motive for writing the holy image was the words from the akathist to the Theotokos, where she was called the unfading color of purity.

On the Annunciation, it is customary to bring white flowers to the icon of the Virgin of the Unfading Color, reminiscent of those brought to the Mother of God by the archangel Gabriel. In Athos, flower arrangements brought on the feast of the Annunciation are kept fresh until the Assumption of the Mother of God, and they are not watered at all.

Variety of icons

IN tsarist Russia the girls often turned to the icon of the Mother of God the Unfading Color with a plea for the preservation of virgin purity before the wedding. So we can say that the icon was especially revered by girls of marriageable age. The oldest sample of the saint is kept in the Alekseevsky Monastery (Moscow). On it the God-child is depicted in full height He rests his elbow on his mother's shoulder. The flower branch was depicted in a picturesque vase and placed on the throne.

In the Assumption Church on Mogiltsy, another image of the icon is kept, where the Mother of God holds a white lily in her right hand. The icon depicts angels located above the head of the Mother of God. Angels hold a crown over the head of the Virgin Mary. Unfortunately, the original of the icon disappeared during the reign of Soviet power, and now the monastery has a copy of the icon.

In Ryazan there is an amazing copy of the icon, which was presented to the monastery of the town of Kadom by a certain Bogdanov. This icon was brought from Georgia; it always accompanied Bogdanov on military expeditions. This miraculous image was especially revered by the elder Seraphim of Sarov.

In the city of Kungur Perm Territory there was a miraculous image in which the Mother of God is depicted waist-deep, framed by flowers. A copy of the holy image is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Photo of the icon Fadeless Color:

Sometimes in the hands of the Mother of God there may be a blossoming wand. The image of the wand is associated with biblical story about Aaron, in which the flowers on a wooden rod bloomed miraculously as a symbol of the high priesthood.

On later icons, many attributes disappear, and the Mother of God remains with a modest flower in her hand. The icon painters focused the attention of believers on the main images - the Mother of God and the Divine Infant.

Help icons

What is the meaning of the Fadeless Color icon and how does it help? Prayers are offered before the holy image:

• about a happy marriage;
• about the preservation of chastity and spiritual purity;
• O right choice spouse/wives;
• about saving marriage;
• about women's well-being;
• about permission family problems;
• prolongation of beauty and youth.

Prayers are offered before the icon by both girls and young people who dream of creating a strong Orthodox family. The Mother of God answers sincere and pure prayer, helps young people to find family harmony.

Meaning of the Fadeless Color icon for family happiness hard to overestimate. The face of the Virgin blessed the bride before the wedding. Orthodox believe that blessing with an icon will help a girl find a happy marriage in harmony and understanding with her husband. This icon should always be in the home of the spouses, it will protect the family hearth from unforeseen troubles and temptations.

Older people offer prayers for overcoming the passions of the flesh and spiritual confusion. The Mother of God helps to find peace of mind and harmony, fills hearts with quiet joy and happiness. In family quarrels, the image of the Most Pure helps restore peace and understanding between spouses.

Icon of the Mother of God Unfading color

Icon of the Mother of God Fadeless color. Prayer. Meaning.

Icon of the Mother of God Unfading color has great importance for Orthodox believers. They turn to the Mother of God for help in consolation, because prayer in front of the icon helps to cope with grief. Young girls turn to the Most Pure for help in finding a life partner.

On the image, the Mother of God holds the Son of God on her hand, and in her second hand she has a white lily, which personifies the symbol of the purity and virginity of the Bride of the Unbrideed. On separate lists there is a difference, instead of a lily, the Mother of God holds a pink branch, and the baby can be either on the left hand or on the right. The miraculous power and meaning of all images are the same.

What does the Fadeless Color icon help with?

The appeal to the Mother of God before the miraculous image helps loved ones to find understanding among themselves, helps to solve the family problems of the spouses, and maintain a loving relationship with them. This image is considered feminine, but any believer can pray.

On the day of the wedding, the face of the Virgin blessed young brides for a happy marriage. married women they ask the face to protect the family hearth from adversity.

The Blessed One helps believers get rid of temptations on the path of family life.

Women ask the Mother of God to make the marriage happy, as well as save the family.

Believers say that this image can give peace of mind to those who turn to it, as well as preserve the beauty and youthfulness of the body of those who pray.

Prayers in front of the icon of the Unfading Color cast out gloomy doubts that torment the soul, give faith and strength in tomorrow. Most often, young girls turn to the image with a prayer for marriage. Sincere prayer will help them not to make a mistake with the choice of a life partner who will be with her both in sorrow and in joy.

Young girls ask Heavenly Mother to find the true life path, asking for protection from vicious temptations, asking her to give them her knowledge, instructions for a righteous life.

Until 1757, the original icon was in the St. Alekseevsky Monastery of Krasnoye Selo in Moscow. But this image was lost, it was replaced by a copy that also has the power of healing.

In Voronezh, in the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, there is a list of the icon, many parishioners turn to it. In the village of Kadom, Ryazan region, there is a list that Seraphim of Sarov revered and loved very much.

In the Samara region in 2012, an image of the Mother of God of the Unfading Color appeared on the window of the house of one parishioner of the local church, to which many believers and worshipers began to gather with prayers and requests.

In many museums, Tretyakov Gallery there are lists of miraculous icons.

Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Unfading color

Sincere prayers said in front of the “Fadeless Color” icon can not only restore the spiritual strength of believers and set them on the path of righteousness, but also help preserve youth and beauty.

The appeal to the Mother of God in front of the miraculous icon contributes to the preservation of loving relationships between spouses, helps loved ones to find understanding, strengthen family relationships, to solve the serious problems that household members face. Girls resort to prayers in front of the icon, with an appeal to the Most Pure for help in search of a reliable and loving spouse. Those who need consolation also come to the Virgin Mary, the icon is revered among people who have known any grief. Prayers to the Mother of God in front of the “Fadeless Color” icon help to gain faith in tomorrow, strength to continue life, inspire to fight gloomy thoughts , and also allow you to forget about mental anxieties.

There are many miracles associated with the icon of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color". More than once it happened that after prayers in front of the shrine, young girls found a life partner, finding harmony and happiness in family life. The suffering also testified that the Virgin Mary helped them, after turning before the icon, to find peace of mind, to find the meaning of their existence, to reevaluate their lives. Other Christians came to the shrine in moments when sadness seized their souls and thoughts, and only the Queen of Heaven was able to guide them on the true path, indicate a righteous way of life, find happiness and accept themselves the way a person is.

The Orthodox know that the Blessed One cannot leave to the mercy of fate those who need her caress. Many miracles associated with the "Fadeless Color" happened in old days, the appearance of the image of the Virgin Mary saved thousands of Christians from spiritual hardships. But amazing things are happening today.

For example, on Mount Kefalonia, located near the island of Athos in Greece, something amazing happens every year. One very supported here interesting tradition: On the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, Christians bring white flowers to the temple, similar to those that Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary with them. These flowers are stored until the very celebration in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin. Moreover, there is no need to water the plants.

And every year a bright miracle is observed - after 5 months, the dry stems of flowers are filled with new forces, without knowing either moisture or solar heat. Not only do the plants not die, new snow-white buds appear on the stems. According to some beliefs, it was this event that caused the creation of the icon of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color". The Athonite monks, inspired by the miracle, became the authors of the creation.
The flowers held in the hands of the Mother of God and the Infant Jesus are a symbol of the purity and purity of the Virgin Mary, Her spiritual perfection and righteousness. From this I began to apply Orthodox Church to the Most Holy One: "You are the Root of virginity and the Color of purity Unfading."

Among the clergy of the church on Mount Kefalonia, there is a widespread belief that dried flowers, which everyone can see under the icon case, symbolize human souls. We, like plants, often lose that divine spark that the Lord God gave us. Not only our body is languishing (this is not so terrible). Our soul is empty, because we forget about what life should be true christian resorting to sinful acts. But just like flowers, we can always return, stepping on the path of a righteous life. Blossom spiritually - to believe and trust in our Christ, the Savior. For everyone who, with fervent prayer, resorts to the Mother of God, the merciful God is always ready to help.

All believers turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary, some with a request for help, others with gratitude, and still others simply for consolation. The Mother of God is the most revered image among Orthodox Christians, judging by the legends and testimonies, the Mother of God does not leave people alone with their misfortune. The Fadeless Color Icon is one of the most touching images of the Mother of God.

The history of the appearance of the Fadeless Color

On the largest Ionian Greek island of Kefalonia, a tradition has long been followed: on the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (April 7), pilgrims who come to the island bring white, lily-like flowers. According to the apocrypha, with a similar white flower, which symbolizes immaculate purity, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary with the good news of the immaculate conception. Flowers laid by parishioners under the icon case are not removed until one of the main Orthodox holidays- Assumption (August 28), they lie without water and light. In the twilight, without moisture, the flowers and stems gradually dry out, but by the Dormition, the plants miraculously come to life, the stems are filled with moisture, and instead of dry inflorescences, buds appear, blooming white flowers, thereby becoming an unfading color.

What does the image mean for the Orthodox

According to Byzantine akathists, Jesus Christ and the Queen of Heaven are compared to unfading flowers. It is on the basis of akathists, on sacred mountain Athos, the miraculous image of the Virgin "Fadeless Flower" (XVII century) was created.

On the shrine, the Mother of God is depicted with the Son, whom she holds in one hand, in the other hand - a white unfading flower. On some icons, you can see a pink plant (a rose or just a pink branch), and a baby - either on the right hand or on the left. But from a small difference in the images, the meaning of the icon does not lose its power and miraculous power. It is alleged that the first icons depicted the Mother of God, seated on a throne and holding a scepter entwined with a white branch.

The value of the “Fadeless Color” icon for believers can hardly be overestimated; legends are made up about its power. One of the legends tells that the Blessed Virgin helps women preserve their beauty for long years. The significance of the icon is especially great for immaculate virgins who want to find a worthy mate for life. In ancient times, this information was secret, and it was transmitted exclusively through the female line.

Image help

The face of the Mother of God on the "Fadeless Color" is one of the most tender, peaceful, beautiful, radiating calmness, joy, love. It seems that one glance at the enchanting image is enough for sorrows to subside, anxieties to dissipate, and the soul to calm down.

What does the image help with?

• preserve women's youth;
• keep chastity;
• girls find a life partner;
• gain understanding between loved ones;
• relieve mental confusion;
• direct to the right path;
• solve family problems;
• protect the family hearth from troubles;
• family people to get rid of temptations;
• keep the family, family values.

The “Fadeless Color” icon was used to bless the bride at the wedding for a happy marriage.

What to pray for

The main thing when reading a prayer is sincerity and faith. Sincere prayer to the Mother of God helps to dispel fears and anxieties. rebellious searching soul calms down, becomes peaceful. Before the image, you need to pray for the expulsion of gloomy thoughts, peace of mind, ask the Mother of God for understanding, peace for the family. People who are confused in life, looking for their own path, can safely turn to the holy image for guidance on the true path.

Most often, young virgins turn to Mother to find the only one with whom you can live your whole life without trouble. Girls who want to avoid worldly temptations and devote their lives to serving the Almighty also pray. Married women pray if domestic problems arise, there is a split and misunderstanding. It is believed that the Queen of Heaven helps a married couple to keep good relations and strengthen the family.

miraculous image

Since ancient times, people believe in miracles sent by the "Fadeless Color". Hundreds of thousands of Christians got rid of spiritual anxieties thanks to the holy image. Many testify of real healings. Mother especially loves and helps children. Cases are described when parents prayed before the Intercessor for the health of sick children and the children received healing. The children's speech problems disappeared, and one day, a dumb child began to speak after the prayer of his parents.

World lists of shrines

The study of the iconography of the image is varied. After the appearance of the “Fadeless Color”, many versions of icon painting arose, differing in detail, but identical in meaning. Some researchers are inclined to believe that the appearance of the first Athos copy was in Constantinople. Like it or not, since then there have been three main famous destinations icons of the Virgin:

1. Russian.
2. Bulgarian.
3. Greek.

Each direction has its own traditions. Flowers on copies can be found not only white, but pink and even red. But in all the images one can guess the prototype of the lily presented to the Queen Heavenly Archangel Gabriel. IN historical museum There is an image of Athens from the 16th century, on which the Son of God, and not the Mother of God, holds a branch. And in the 17th century, iconography was created in Belarus with royal crowns on the heads of the Mother of God and the baby. It is assumed that it was from this copy that the tradition of painting the Divine Infant and the Virgin with crowns on their heads was born, which does not contradict the principles of Christian icon painting.

On later lists in the 19th century, the compositions are simpler and yield to ancient images in richness of color and detail. The compositions become simpler, many attributes disappear, the branches are not depicted as luxurious and bright.

Moscow lists

IN pre-revolutionary Russia there was a Moscow monastery for unmarried girls, he was called Alekseevsky. It was there that the most ancient list the icon "Fadeless Color" in front of which the girls prayed for the preservation of spiritual purity and the observance of bodily purity. Most likely, the list was brought to Russian Empire almost immediately after the image was painted in the 17th century, since one known copy is dated 1691. The copy differs from the rest: on it the baby stands in full growth, rests his hand on the shoulder of the seated Mother of God. A ribbon with the name of the icon is entwined on the right side of the Mother of God. On the throne is a jug with a beautiful white branch.

Another famous list was kept in the Church of the Assumption at Mogiltsy. The lower part of the copy depicts a beautiful blossoming lily, on which stands the Son of God. The mother supports the baby with one hand, with the other she holds a white branch, angels hover over her head. The Church of the Assumption was mentioned in their works by Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Alexander Griboyedov. At present, the church has been restored and houses modern list"Fadeless color", since the old copy disappeared under the power of the Soviets.

Where can I see "Fadeless Color"

Lists of miraculous icons can be seen by visiting the following holy places:

• Russia, Moscow: Krasnoe Selo, St. Alekseevsky Monastery (until 1757 the original was located here).
• Voronezh: Church of the Intercession of the Holy Mother of God. The image was revered and loved by Seraphim of Sarov, who prayed to him in the temple of the town of Kadom (Ryazan region).
• Samara region: an amazing incident occurred in the house of a Christian woman, a miraculous image of the “Fadeless Color” appeared on the window glass, which disappears at nightfall and appears at dawn. It was in 2012 on April 16 (the day of the celebration of the "Fadeless Color", April 3 - according to the old style). Since then, countless pilgrims have come to see and pray for the miracle. They even tried to convict the hostess of fraud, there were many commissions in the house, but nothing came of it, the Face of the Virgin still appears on the glass every morning.
• Yeysk district: miraculous spring, which was revived in 2008.
• Ukraine, Kiev region: in the Vasilkovsky district there is a temple consecrated in honor of this image.
• Kherson region: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, here the icon differs from the rest in that it bleeds, many sick people and just believers come here to look at miraculous icon and pray to her from the bottom of my heart.

The Power of the Image for Modern Believers

Pilgrims come en masse to Greece to Mount Athos to admire miraculously Mother of God and tell her about your troubles, ask for healing for yourself, your family. Orthodox believe that they will receive healing or forgiveness in illness, peace, help and resolution of family problems. The Holy Fathers warn that Mother helps only with sincere prayer, if the request "help" comes from the heart, only with faith.

Athos priests compare the delicate branches on the images with pure souls of people. This means that plants wither without vital moisture, and without real faith and love, it becomes stale. human soul, its most positive features disappear. But after a soulful prayer from a comprehensive unconditional love God and the Mother of God, the soul can be reborn to a new righteous life, just as miraculous branches are reborn on sacred icon painting.

Where should the icon be located in the house?

The main place in the house should be given to Jesus Christ and the Savior. For home interiors, there are no strict rules for placing icons, as for churches. "Fadeless Color" can be placed in any place convenient for quiet prayer. The main thing is to highlight the image of the "red corner", place it above the rest of the lists (except for Christ), decorate it, as is customary in Orthodoxy. Placement in cluttered cabinets is unacceptable, and no foreign objects should be placed next to the shrine, except for the details that adorn the Virgin.