Great for believers is the icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands" - one of the earliest Orthodox images, where the face of Christ is represented. The significance of this image is equated with the crucifixion. There are several lists submitted by well-known authors.
"The Savior Not Made by Hands" - history of origin
Many people wondered where the image of the face of Christ came from, if nothing is said about it in the Bible, and the church giving preserved the minimum of descriptions of appearance? The history of the icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands" indicates that the details of the person were brought to the attention of the Roman historian Eusebius. The governor of the city of Edessa, Avgar, was seriously ill, and he sent an artist to Christ to write his portrait. He could not cope with the task, because he was blinded by the divine effulgence.
Then Jesus took the cloth (ubrus) and wiped his face on them. A miracle happened here - the imprint of the face was transferred to the matter. The image is called "not made by hands", because it was created not by human hands. That's how the icon appeared called "The Savior Not Made by Hands". The artist took the cloth with a face to the king, who, having taken it in his hands, was healed. Since that time, the image has done many miracles and continues this work until now.
Who wrote "The Savior Not Made by Hands"?
The first lists of icons began to appear immediately after the establishment of Christianity in Russia. It is believed that these were Byzantine and Greek copies. The icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands", the author of which was the Savior himself, was kept by King Avgar, and its description came to us through documents. There are several important details that you should pay attention to when considering a portrait:
- Matter with a fingerprint was stretched on a wooden base and this image is the only image of Jesus as a human being. In other icons, Christ is represented or with some attributes, or performing certain actions.
- The image of the "Savior Not Made by Hands" is compulsorily studied in the school of icon painters. In addition, they must make the list as their first independent work.
- Only on this icon Jesus is represented with a nimbus of a closed type, which is a symbol of harmony and indicates the completion of the world.
- Another important nuance of the icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands" - the face of the Savior is depicted symmetrically, but only the eyes are slightly chamfered on the side, which makes the image more alive. The image is symmetrical not just because it indicates the symmetry of everything that God created.
- The Savior's face expresses neither pain nor suffering. Looking at the image you can see peace , balance and freedom from any emotions. Many believers consider him to be the personification of "pure beauty."
- The icon shows a shake, but the pictures depict not only the head, but also the shoulders, but here they are absent. This detail is interpreted in different ways, so it is believed that the head indicates the primacy of the soul over the body, and it also serves as a reminder that the main thing for the church is Christ.
- In most cases, the face is depicted on the background of a tissue with different types of folds. There are options when the portrait is presented against a brick wall. In some traditions, the canvas rests on the wings of angels.
"The Savior Not Made by Hands" Andrey Rublev
A well-known artist presented a large number of icons to the world and the image of Jesus Christ was of great importance for him. The author has his easily recognizable features, for example, soft transitions of light into the shade, which are completely opposite to contrasts. The icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands", authored by Andrei Rublev, emphasizes the extraordinary softness of the soul of Christ, for which a gentle warm range was used. Because of this, the icon is called "luminiferous". The image represented by the artist was the opposite of Byzantine traditions.
"The Savior Not Made by Hands" Simon Ushakov
In 1658, the artist created his most famous work - the face of Jesus "The Savior Not Made by Hands". The icon was written for the monastery, located in Sergiev Posad. It has a small size - 53x42 cm. The icon of Simon Ushakov "The Savior Not Made by Hands" was painted on a tree using tempera and the author used for writing artistic techniques characteristic for that time. The image is highlighted by a full drawing of the facial features and a black and white transfer of volume.
What helps the icon "The Savior Not Made by Hands"?
The great image of Jesus Christ can become a faithful protector of people, but for this it is necessary to establish a prayer dialogue with him. If you are interested in what the icon "Savior Not Made by Hands" protects from, then it is worthwhile to know that it protects against numerous diseases and various negatives aimed at a person from the outside. In addition, praying before the image is about saving the soul, for close people and children. Sincere appeals will help improve well-being, find work and cope with various secular matters.
Prayer "I will save the Holy Face"
You can refer to the image in your own words, the main thing is to do it with a pure heart. The simplest prayer that is known to every believing person is "Our Father". It was given to people by Jesus himself during his earthly life. There is another simple prayer, "I Save the Savior", the text of which is presented below. Read it every day at any time when the heart requires it.
Akathist "I Will Save the Holy Face"
A praise hymn or an akathist, just as prayer is used to turn to the Higher Powers for help. It can be read independently at home. Akathist "Save the Holy Face", the text of which can be simply listened, helps to get rid of bad thoughts, get invisible support and believe in yourself. Remember that singing it must be standing, except in special cases (when there are problems with health).