Among the existing variety of images the icon "Faith, Hope, Love" stands out. These are three important Orthodox virtues, in whose names the main points that the Savior brought to people are concentrated. Not only three girls are represented on the well-known image, but their mother Sofia.
The history of the icon "Faith, Hope, Love"
This image has a beautiful history of appearance. Sofia was born into a Christian family, but she married a pagan. There was a lot of love in their pair, and the husband did not demand renunciation of faith. In time they had three daughters Vera, Love and Hope. Sofia raised her daughters in happiness and instilled in them a love for the Lord. In time, the Roman emperor, who was a pagan, learned about this.
The governor ordered to bring a Christian family to him, and Sophia understood what everything could lead to. From that moment she began to pray to Jesus that he would protect from the upcoming trials. Daughters refused to renounce their faith, and they were subjected to terrible tortures, and then cut off their heads. The mother buried the daughters and suffered for two days over their grave, and the next day the Almighty took her soul and connected the family. The icon "Faith, Hope, Love, Sophia" shows the unity of these concepts.
Icon "Faith, Hope, Love" - meaning
The main meaning of this image is that the title "Faith, Hope, Love" should serve as a reminder of the most important values , which people often forget, orienting themselves on earthly joys. The icon "Faith, Hope, Love and Mother" takes into account the following nuances:
- Sophia is the personification of the Lord's wisdom.
- Faith indicates unity with the Creator and describes his trust, strength and mercy towards people. The meaning of the icon "Faith, Hope, Love" shows that thanks to faith, a person can approach the Lord after the fall.
- Hope shows a sense of trust in the mercy of the Most High, which is unlimited. Without hope, faith is impossible, and this tandem gives confidence in a permanent defense.
- Love shows the power on which the whole world and the Christian faith are held together. With its help you can determine the attitude of people to each other and to God. The apostle Paul states that in the icon "Faith, Hope, Love," the main virtue is Love.
Day of the icon "Faith, Hope, Love"
On September 30, Christians honor the holy martyrs and their mother, who died for their faith in the Lord. In ancient times, women started this day with loud crying, remembering about the grief Sophia and her daughters had to endure. In addition, crying was considered the main guardian not only of man, but of all his loved ones. The main object of this holiday is the icon "Faith, Hope, Love and Mother Sofia", before which the prayers, the Akathist and the kontakion of the martyrs in the church are read, but you can do it at home.
It is recommended that you go to this festival in the temple and put candles in front of the image of holy martyrs to address them and ask for protection. If we recall the pre-Christian times, then on September 30, people in the villages arranged for the saints. On such holidays, the youth sought their love. It is forbidden to do housework at this church holiday. It is recommended to give birthdays and icons for the holiday-makers on the holiday with the image of benefactors.
What helps the icon "Faith, Hope, Love"?
There are a huge number of messages pointing to how the image presented helped in solving various problems. The icon of the holy martyrs of Faith, Hope, Love and Sophia's mother is considered an amulet for the family. Before her pray for family happiness, the birth and health of the child. There are confirmations that regular prayers before the image helped to cope with women's problems. Finding out what helps the icon "Faith, Hope, Love", it is worth noting that to pray before it should be to protect yourself and your loved ones from temptations and get help in finding the right way.
What are the prayers of the icon "Faith, Hope, Love"?
It is important to remember that icons do not have a certain specialization, so it's right when a person believes in the power of the Higher Forces, and not in the ability of the image. The prayer of the icon "Faith, Hope, Love" can be pronounced at any time, and on September 30 it is necessary to pray , and it is better to do it in the church. At home, pronounce the sacred texts before the image.