Icons with the image of the Virgin are among the most significant for believers. Each image has its own unique story and incredible power, which created a huge number of miracles. The icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" deserves attention, to which believers turn with different requests.
Icon of the Sign of the Mother of God - meaning
As with many other images, this icon is represented by the Mother of God with her Son. The Mother of God is not shown in full growth, but in the waist. She put her hands to the sides and holds them palms up, which embodies the intercession prayer. Down in the center in the sphere is represented Christ, holding in his hands a scroll, which is a symbol of the doctrine. There is another version of the icon, on which the Son of God is absent. The clothes of the Virgin are red or crimson. If you are interested in what the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" means, it is important to know that the image represents the mercy of the Queen of Heaven to people.
It is not superfluous to make out where it is best to place the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" in the house. The best place for an image is the home iconostasis. If it is not, then you can place the face in another place, the main thing is to take into account that next to it there should not be any family photos, reflecting surfaces, clocks and different decor. When a person looks at an icon, he should not be distracted.
History of the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God"
For the first time, the wonderworking of the image became known in 1170. At that time an army attacked Novgorod, and the inhabitants of the city did not know what to do and just prayed for help. On the third day the archbishop heard a voice ordering to take the icon of the Virgin in the church and place it on the city wall. During the next battle, the enemy arrow fell into the image and at the same time the Virgin began to cry. The enemies were frightened and retreated.
In honor of this event, the Archbishop established the day of the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" and the celebration is still held, and it falls on December 10. There was recorded another great miracle associated with this face of the Virgin. The event occurred in 1611. When the Swedes attacked Novgorod, there was a divine service in the cathedral. The army wished to take over the cathedral, but invisible forces threw it back. The icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" served as an impenetrable defense. Attempts were made several more times, but the temple was impregnable.
Feast of the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God"
Already mentioned was the fact that in honor of the great salvation, a holiday was established on December 10, dedicated to the famous face of the Mother of God. In Orthodox churches, a divine service is held, which millions of believers visit to express their love for the Queen of Heaven. Sometimes the celebration of the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" is accompanied by special liturgies. On this day the clergy advise to address the Theotokos in prayers.
Temple of the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God"
After the miracles that created the image, he was placed in the Transfiguration Church, where he was for 186 years. In 1359 a temple was built, which was called - the church icon "The Sign of Our Lady". It should be noted that the lists of this image are also miraculous, which were named according to the place of miraculous manifestation: Alabatskaya, Kurskaya-Korennaya, Tsarskoselskaya, Albazinskaya and Serafimo-Ponetaevskaya.
How does the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" help?
The image has tremendous power, and it has already created a huge number of miracles. Many believers have the face of the Mother of God in the house, so that they can ask for help at any moment. The miraculous icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" helps:
- to find peace and try the warring parties;
- heal from eye and other diseases;
- protect from natural disasters and fires;
- to protect themselves from criminals and various ills;
- To preserve happiness in the family and to establish contact with surrounding people;
- protect yourself from enemies and intruders.
Prayer for the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God"
For help to the Theotokos, you can address at any time and in any situation, most importantly, do not forget that after receiving the desired, it is necessary to express gratitude to the Higher Powers. It is important to know not only what the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" is praying for, but also how to do it correctly:
- You can refer to the Theotokos in churches and at home, most importantly, to have a face before your eyes.
- It is best to light a couple of candles next to them and sit for a while before the image. Think about what you want to get or what problem to solve.
- Describing what the icon "The Sign of the Mother of God" looks like, what the image is asking for and how to do it, it is worth noting the important thing - to address the Higher Powers is necessary only with a pure heart and without any bad intent.
- At first it is recommended to read the prayer "Our Father" , get rid of extraneous thoughts and after that you can already go to the special prayer text presented below.
Akathist icon "The Sign of the Mother of God"
Like a prayer, an akathist can be spoken at any time, if desired, but be sure to do it on a holiday on December 10th. There are several recommendations on how to read the Akathist of the Mother of God before the icon "The Sign":
- Pronounce, that is, sing the words aloud, because they will create positive energy around them.
- It is not necessary to learn the text by heart, since it can be read, but first rewrite it yourself.
- It is important not just to sing the text, but to put meaning and faith in every word.
- It is necessary to begin with prayers, and only then to pass to the akathist, who is singing standing up.