Icon of the Mother of God "life-giving source. The icon is a life-giving source, the meaning of what prayer helps

14.10.2019

The icon of the "Life-Giving Spring" can be found in a number of Orthodox churches. What is her help to man? What prayers should be addressed to this icon? I want to tell you about all this in the article below.

The history of the appearance of the holy image goes back to the fifth century, when there was a grove near Constantinople, which, according to legend, was dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. In this grove flowed a spring, known for its miracles, but over time it was hidden behind thickets of bushes and mud, and gradually completely disappeared.

In the year 450, a warrior named Leo Markell (who later became emperor) happened to meet a lost blind man in this grove, the warrior helped him find the path and planted him in the shade. And he went for water to quench the thirst of an exhausted traveler. Unexpectedly, Leo heard that the Mother of God herself was calling him, giving him the task of discovering an abandoned source and applying mud from it to the eyes of a blind man.

Markell did everything he was told and a miracle happened - the blind man began to see again. The Mother of God also told Leo that he would sit at the imperial throne, this also became true after seven years. When the promised came true, Leo Markell remembered the Mother of God and gave the order to ennoble the source, establish a circle of stones around it and build a church in honor of the Virgin Mary on it.

The sacred key of the emperor was given the name "Life-Giving Spring", because he began to manifest the miraculous grace of the Virgin. They also named a new icon, painted specifically for this temple.

In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian the Great also had to drink water from a healing spring, which cured him of a serious illness. To celebrate, he ordered the construction of another temple next to the one erected by Leo, and with him a monastery was organized.

In the 15th century, when the Byzantine Empire collapsed, a similar fate befell the temple - it was destroyed by Muslims. Then, in its place, a small church was rebuilt, which was also demolished in 1821, and the source itself was covered up. But the Orthodox removed the ruins, cleaned the source and again began to use its healing water. Subsequently, a new church was built on this site, at which a hospital with an almshouse was organized.

The image of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" was very revered by the ancient Russians. For example, in the Sarov desert, a church was built in honor of this image. On the advice of St. Seraphim of Sarov, all the Orthodox who were stricken with diseases went to offer prayers at the miraculous image and their illness miraculously passed.

Until now, the icon of the "Life-Giving Spring" has not lost its popularity. In particular, on Friday in Bright Week, when the Liturgy ends in Christian churches, it is customary to perform a prayer service for this image. And the water consecrated at the Liturgy is used by believers to sprinkle their gardens and orchards.

What is depicted in this image

The shrine shows us the Mother of God sitting in the font, holding the baby Jesus in her arms. Initially, the source was not applied to a sacred object, but later the composition was supplemented with a Fiala (cup). And a little later, the icon is already depicted with a reservoir and a fountain.

Characteristics of the icon, how can it help?

Many people are interested in the characteristics of the icon "Life-Giving Spring" and in what it can help. It should be noted that the face of the Mother of God has much more deep characteristic and meaning than the healing properties of holy water alone.

He personifies the Holy One herself, who in her bosom bore the Savior of all mankind and gave eternal life to all who believe in him and in his Father and keep faith in both in their souls.

You can come across the statement that God is our whole Life, and the source represents the feminine principle, embodies the image of the Mother of God. It is for this reason that the Russian icon-painting tradition bestows the name “Source” on this face. So, this is the personification of the beginning, from which life itself flows (the festive kontakion designates it as the Water Savior or the Source of God-grace).

The image contributes to the healing of the spirit and body of all people living on earth like a real caring mother, who is on guard of the whole human race. Next, we will consider in what specific problems this icon will help you.

When should prayers be offered to the "Life-Giving Spring"?

The Sacred Image, which received its name in honor of the healing waters, is traditionally asked for help in the presence of such problems:

when they want to remove bad habits, eradicate pernicious passions;
to heal physical and mental pathologies;
the holy Mother of God will also render her help to all the righteous who sacredly believe in the Savior;
all those whose soul is overwhelmed with sorrow, who suffer from a lack of vital energy will be able to receive help from her;
thanks to sincere sincere prayer before the icon, it becomes possible to get rid of even the most serious ailments.

Miracles performed by this divine shrine

One Thessalian from childhood dreamed that when he grew up he would see with his own eyes the place from which holy water flows. And finally, the moment came when he and other Orthodox were able to begin their long pilgrimage journey.

But on the way, the young man became infected and when he realized that he would soon die, he asked other travelers with him not to bury him after death, but nevertheless they carried him to his destination and poured 3 jugs of healing water on him, and only then betrayed him. his body to the ground.

His request was fulfilled, but when the third jug of water was poured onto the body of the righteous man, a miracle happened and he came to life. After such an amazing resurrection, the young man decided to serve God and the Mother of God until his death, prayers to which helped him return to life again.

There are also other examples of the healing effects of spring water. But we must remember that a miracle occurs only on the condition of a fervent, sincere and sincere prayer to the Creator, and if a person leads a righteous lifestyle, he does not commit any sins. Only in this case, he can count on receiving the long-awaited relief and healing.

How the icon of the Life-Giving Spring is celebrated

They appointed a day on which the memory of the reconstruction of the church "Life-Giving Spring" in Constantinople, erected at the behest of Leo Markell and at the direction of the Mother of God, is honored.

This date is Friday bright week and from now on, every year in Christian churches on Holy Week, the consecration of water is venerated, the Easter procession is performed.

In which churches can you find the icon of the Mother of God the Life-Giving Spring?

At this point in time, there are more than a hundred chapels and churches that have received their name in honor of the Mother of God. Let me take a look at some of them below:

Temple of the Image of the Mother of God (Cosmodamian) in Metkino, Moscow Region. Ancient chronicles tell that in the 17th century, not far from Moscow, there was a wooden temple of Damian and Cosmas, but in 1701 it was burned down. Fortunately, most of the images were saved, they were transferred to a small chapel located nearby.

The destroyed church in 1848 was replaced by the present god's temple, which is dedicated to the miraculous face of the Mother of God. This is also not accidental, since in 1829 the miraculous appearance of the Saint happened. And in 1840, Avdotya Evdokimova, the widow of a soldier, transferred a miraculous icon to the village of Metkino, which was given to her by the merchant Kiriyanova. Since that time, people from nearby areas have been coming to the temple to bow to the holy image.

Another icon dedicated to the Mother of God can be found in Tsaritsyno (Moscow).
In the city of Tver there is a Cathedral with a miraculous image of the Mother of God (in the Sorrowful Church).
The Church of the healing icon of the Holy Virgin Mary is also in the Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery (Zadonsk).
In addition, you will find a healing icon in the Church of the Mother of God (Arzamas city).

Now you know complete description the image of the "Life-giving source". Finally, I would like to note only that the most important condition for receiving divine help is sincere faith in this help.

Therefore, believe in miracles and finish reading the article by watching a fascinating thematic video:

Description of the icon of the Mother of God "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE":

In the 5th century in Constantinople, near the so-called Golden Gates, there was a grove dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. There was a spring in the grove, glorified by miracles for a long time. Gradually, this place was overgrown with shrubs, and the water was covered with mud.

Once the warrior Leo Markell, the future emperor, met in this place a blind man, a helpless traveler who had lost his way. The lion helped him out onto the path and settled in the shade to rest, while he himself went in search of water to refresh the blind man. Suddenly he heard a voice:

"A lion! Don't look far for water, it's close here."

Surprised by the mysterious voice, he began to look for water, but did not find it. When he stopped in sadness and thoughtfulness, the same voice rang out a second time:

"King Lion! Go under the canopy of this grove, draw the water that you find there, and give it to the thirsty one, put the mud that you find in the source on his eyes. Then you will know who I am that sanctifies this place. I will help you soon erect a temple here in My name, and all who come here in faith and call on My name will receive the fulfillment of their prayers and complete healing from ailments.

When Leo fulfilled everything commanded, the blind man immediately regained his sight and went to Constantinople without a guide, glorifying the Mother of God. This miracle took place under the emperor Marcian (391-457).

Emperor Marcian was replaced by Leo Markell (457-473). He remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God, ordered to clean the source and enclose it in a stone circle, over which a temple was built in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. Emperor Leo called this spring the “Life-Giving Spring”, since the miraculous grace of the Mother of God manifested itself in it.

Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565) was a man deeply committed to Orthodox faith. He suffered from water sickness for a long time. One day at midnight he heard a voice: "You cannot regain your health unless you drink from My well." The king did not know what source the voice was talking about, and fell into despondency. Then the Mother of God appeared to him in the afternoon and said: “Get up, king, go to My spring, drink water from it and you will be healthy as before.” The patient fulfilled the will of the Lady and soon recovered. The grateful emperor erected a new magnificent temple near the temple built by Leo, at which a crowded monastery was subsequently created.

In the XV century, the famous temple of the "Life-Giving Spring" was destroyed by Muslims. A Turkish guard was assigned to the ruins of the temple, who did not allow anyone to approach this place. Gradually, the severity of the ban softened, and the Christians built a small church there. But it was also destroyed in 1821, and the source was filled up. The Christians again cleared the ruins, opened the source and still drew water from it. Subsequently, in one window, among the wreckage, a sheet half-rotten from time and dampness was found with a record of ten miracles from the Life-Giving Spring, which took place from 1824 to 1829. Under Sultan Mahmud, the Orthodox received some freedom in worship. They used it to erect a temple for the third time over the Life-Giving Spring. In 1835, with great solemnity, Patriarch Konstantin, co-served by 20 bishops and in large numbers pilgrims consecrated the temple; a hospital and an almshouse were set up at the temple.

A Thessalian from his youth had a strong desire to visit the Life-Giving Spring. Finally, he managed to set off, but on the way he fell seriously ill. Feeling the approach of death, the Thessalian took a word from his companions so that they would not betray him to burial, but would take the body to the Life-Giving Spring, where they poured three vessels with life-giving water on it, and only after that they buried it. His wish was fulfilled, and life returned to the Thessalian at the Life-Giving Spring. He accepted monasticism and spent the last days of his life in piety.

The appearance of the Mother of God to Leo Marcellus took place on April 4, 450. On this day, and also annually on Friday of Bright Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates the renewal of the Constantinople church in honor of the Life-Giving Spring. According to the charter, on this day, the rite of consecration of water is performed with an Easter procession.

The Most Holy Theotokos with the Divine Infant is depicted on the icon above a large stone bowl standing in a pond. Near a reservoir filled with life-giving water, those suffering from bodily ailments, passions and mental infirmities are depicted. They all drink this life-giving water and receive various healings.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" was deeply revered in Russia. In the Sarov desert, a temple was erected in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom St. Seraphim of Sarov sent to pray before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God received healing from her.

On Friday of Bright Week, after the Liturgy in Orthodox churches, a water-blessed prayer service is usually performed in front of the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring". With the water consecrated at this prayer service, believers sprinkle their gardens and kitchen gardens, calling on the help of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to give the harvest.

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Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the healing of bodily and mental ailments, passions, for help in sorrow.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Oh, Blessed Virgin, All-merciful Lady Lady Theotokos, Thy Life-Giving Source, healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world sharpening, Thou hast given us, the same thankful being, we earnestly pray to Thee, the Most Holy Queen, pray for Your Son and our God to give us forgiveness of sins and mercy and consolation to every soul that is grieving and embittered, and deliverance from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, Madam, protection to this temple and these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection to our country from misfortunes, let us live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be able to see You our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. To Him be glory and power with the Father and the Most Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Troparion, tone 4

Today, the adherent of faithfulness to the Divine and wholesome image Holy Mother of God who poured out drops of their outpourings, and showed miracles to the faithful people, even as we see and hear spiritually we celebrate and kindly cry out: heal our ailments and passions, as if you have healed both Karkin's and numerous passions; we also pray to Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God, incarnated from You, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, tone 4

Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, the River foreshadows all - the Most Pure Queen of the Mother of God, exuding wonderful water for us and washing away the hearts of blackness *, cleansing sinful scabs, but sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.

* Blackness is a property of black, meaning sinfulness.

Kontakion, tone 8

From the inexhaustible You, the Source of God-grace, give me, sharpen, the water of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if the Word gave birth to more than meaning, pray, sprinkle me with grace, and I call Thee: rejoice, saving water.

magnificence

We magnify Thee, Blessed Virgin, and honor Your holy image, heal our sickness and raise our souls to God.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos BEFORE HER ICON NAMED "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE"

Kondak 1
Chosen from all generations to the Lady Theotokos, who shows us grace-filled help, let us commendably describe Thy servants to the Theotokos. You, as if Pre-blessing Mother of God, pour out Your great and rich mercy on us, heal our ailments and quench our sorrows, but we call You thanksgiving: Rejoice, Lady, Life-giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Ikos 1
The archangel and the angel are perplexed by many, It is reasonable for you from God the Word, who established the earth on the waters, praise according to your property. But we, the Most Honorable Cherubim, and the Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison, in tenderness for Your good deeds that have been upon us, dare to call You: Rejoice, Lady, chosen by God the Father; Rejoice, blessed with the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, exalted one with the birth of the Son of God; Rejoice, blessed in women. Rejoice, Mother of God magnified; Rejoice, blessed from all generations. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 2
Seeing, Most Merciful Mother, blind from the thirst of the afflicted, Source of living water for drinking and healing for the sake of the governor, wandering in the desert, you showed: he thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Understanding Your Divine voice, governor, pointing the source of water, and knowing it like the Font of Siloam, it will not only give water to the thirsty, but also frees him from blindness, we are looking for Your mercy, we cry out to You: Rejoice, Mistress, painting the font of salvation; Rejoice, healer of spiritual and bodily blindness. Rejoice, weakened affirmation; Rejoice, lame walking. Rejoice, Mother of Light, who opens the eyes of the blind; Rejoice, thou who illumines those who sit in the darkness with the light of truth. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 3
The power of the Most High overshadows all who flow with faith and reverence to Your Life-Giving Source, Most Pure Lady Mistress. By the power of the Most High, fall us, the Mother of God, humbly falling to You and crying prayerfully: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Have the wealth of mercy inexpressible, to all the sick Mistress, Your helping hand, healing ailments, healing passions, we find in Your Life-giving Source: for this sake we cry out to You: Rejoice, Source of unceasing joy; Rejoice, Cup of unspeakable goodness. Rejoice, treasure of grace that is not scarce; Rejoice, you who always give mercy to those who ask. Rejoice, healing of various ailments. Rejoice, satisfaction of our sorrows; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 4
The blind man is embarrassed by a storm of bewilderment, looking for water to quench his thirst. And behold, as of old, by the power of God, water flowed from the stone: so now in the waterless desert the source has appeared, there Moses, the source of water: here are you, O Bogomati, a servant of miracles, the same we pray: thirsty for our souls of piety, give water to drink, yes we call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Hearing the voivode your wondrous voice, Mother of Mercy, pointing the source of water, about the hedgehog thirsty to drink and heal blindness pointing, and the event of words is sighted, cry out to the sister: Rejoice, Lady, comforting the sufferers; Rejoice, restorer of the sick. Rejoice, giving words to the dumb; Rejoice, healer of all the weak. Rejoice, help to those in need; Rejoice, consolation to the discouraged. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 5
Divine water from Your Life-Giving Source, pouring out currents of grace, scooping for the healing of mental and bodily ailments, Virgin Mother of God, with a grateful cry to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Seeing the people of the blind man, with the water of Your Life-giving Source, who has seen through, the Mother of God, rushing with songs like gifts to serve You: Rejoice, Lady, who opens the door of mercy to the faithful; Rejoice, thou who does not put to shame those who trust in Thee. Rejoice, consoling the distressed; Rejoice, freeing from adversity. Rejoice, strengthener of the weary; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 6
The preaching of Thy miracle, Mother of God, be the governor, as if the blind man is wondrous with water from Thy Life-Giving Source, enlighten us, the dark apples of our souls, and thankfully preach Thy mercy calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
Ascension to us Thy Life-Giving Source, Most Merciful Mother, exuding the manifold grace of Thy Son and Our God, Christ the Life-giver. For this sake, we bring Ty singing: Rejoice, Mistress, our zealous Intercessor; Rejoice, guardian of the temples of God. Rejoice, most glorious Abbess of the holy monasteries; Rejoice, admonition to those who labor in monasticism. Rejoice, strengthening of monks in obedience; Rejoice, cover and protection of all the Khistians. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 7
Wanting the pious Lion of the Governor, Tsar Thee, the Mistress, appointed, thankful to bring Thee, arrange a temple at the place of Thy appearance, arrange a miracle, the Life-Giving Spring, naming it, that all Thy possessions may find here, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
The new font of Siloam, more than the ancient ones, appear, Most Pure Lady, Thy temple, in Nemzha we worship the icon of the Life-Giving Source, for not one in the summer and only the first to enter the health of the body, but I will take out every ailment of the soul and body, heal. For this sake, we cry out to You: Rejoice, font, in which our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup of joy, in which our sorrows dissolve. Rejoice, stone, thirsty for life; Rejoice, tree, sweetening the bitter waters of the sea of life. Rejoice, life-giving water source is not depleted; Rejoice, bath, our sinful filth, washing our conscience. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 8
A strange and glorious miracle has appeared in the temple of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, in which spiritual and bodily thirst is quenched, and diseases of obsession are healed. We are the grace of such a glorifying cry to Ty: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
All of you, with faith coming to Your Life-Giving Source, give, Merciful to the Lady Theotokos. For all of these, we thankfully cry out to You: Rejoice, Lady, Who incarnated the Incorporeal; Rejoice, consolation of suffering mothers. Rejoice, child of motherless protection; Rejoice, young mentor. Rejoice, upbringing of babies: Rejoice, Mistress, Life-giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 9
All angelic and human nature marvels at Your mercy, Blessed Virgin, as always and to everyone you are the Helper and Intercessor, who sing to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
Vetii multicasting cannot worthily sing of the Life-giving Source of Thy inexhaustible grace, below explain the power of Thy miracles for the healing of the sick and for every benefit of the soul and body of a person, we will sing praiseworthy to You: Rejoice, Temple of the Living God; Rejoice, home of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Glory to the Angels; Rejoice, sovereignty of the universe. Rejoice, salvation of the world; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 10
To save even all those who suffer, the source of life was revealed to the world, Most Holy Theotokos, in the waters of grace, but all in sorrows and sorrows accepting healing and consolation, we gratefully call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
The wall and cover in troubles and needs of Your help to those who ask the creature, the Lady of the World, the Life-Giving Source showed you to everyone, may there be protection from all diseases, consolation in misfortunes and sorrows, crying You such: Rejoice, Mistress, pacification of the proud and obstinate people; Rejoice, suppression of evil and evil intentions. Rejoice, intercession of the offended; Rejoice, those who offend understanding. Rejoice, guilty punishment; Rejoice, excuse for the innocent. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 11
We bring the singing of all tenderness before Your Life-Giving Source, packs and packs, to You, Mother of God, in repentance calling from the depths of the soul: Mistress, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver us from all sorrow and illness, need and sorrow, and cry out to God about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
Your Divine Source, Most Holy Theotokos, shines like a luminous candle in the world with rays of grace, enlightening minds and hearts with miracles manifested and instructing you to call: Rejoice, Mistress, enlightenment of minds; Rejoice, purification of our hearts. Rejoice, renewal of the spirit; Rejoice, soul sanctification. Rejoice, strengthening of health; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 12
We have recourse to Your grace, the Life-Giving Source, Blessed Virgin, as if to an indestructible wall and intercession, look with mercy, Most Holy Theotokos, on our fierce bitterness and heal our souls and bodies of our sorrows and illnesses, let us call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Thy miracles, we praise and glorify Thy Life-giving Source, Most Holy Virgin, from worthless drawing currents of many different graces, we magnify Thy praises with chintz: Rejoice, God-chosen Maiden; Rejoice, Holy Bride. Rejoice, blessed in women; Rejoice, exalted above the heavens. Rejoice, you who are coming to the throne of the Lord; Rejoice, our Intercessor, always praying for the world. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Who gave Your Life-Giving Source to the world, pour out great and rich mercy from us, accept this prayer of thanksgiving, grant us the source of the life of the present and future: let us call you: Alleluia.

Icon of the Mother of God
"LIFE-GIVING SOURCE»

All the days of Bright Week appear before us as a single bright Easter day. Friday of Bright Week stands out in particular: on this day, for the first time after the Great Agiasma for the Epiphany, the consecration of water is performed in all the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church, and by the fact that in the very liturgical rank of this day, to the Paschal stichera and troparia, they add chants of the service to the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Source» . The appearance of this image is associated with the following miraculous event.

In the 5th century, there was a grove near Constantinople, dedicated, according to legend, to the Most Holy Theotokos. In this grove there was a spring, long glorified by miracles, but gradually overgrown with bushes and mud. In 450, the warrior Leo Markell, the future emperor, met a lost blind man in this place, helped him get out onto the path and settle in the shade. In search of water for an exhausted traveler, he heard the voice of the Virgin, commanding to find an overgrown source and anoint the eyes of a blind man with mud. When Leo obeyed the command, the blind man immediately received his sight. The Mother of God also predicted to Leo that he would become emperor, and seven years later this prediction was fulfilled.

Having become emperor, Leo Markell remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God and ordered to clean the source, surround it with a stone circle and erect a temple in honor of the Mother of God on it. The holy key was called by the emperor “Life-giving source. The icon of the Mother of God, painted for the new church, was also named in the same way.

In the future, this temple was repeatedly rebuilt and decorated. But after the fall of Constantinople, it was destroyed by the Muslims. And only in 1834-1835. an Orthodox church was again erected over the Life-Giving Spring.

It just so happened that all the famous monasteries of Constantinople were rebuilt into mosques or are now in ruins. And a small one, standing on the source, is still alive. For one and a half thousand years, people have been coming to the place, which the Turks called "Balykly", and collecting water in bottles. Closets are arranged around the source, where the sick are poured; Greeks, Turks, Turkish women, Armenians, Catholics constantly come to the water - everyone asks the Queen of Heaven with tears and accepts healing. Mohammedans involuntarily confess the Mother of God and say: "Great in wives is St. Mary!" and call the water: "St. Mary"

Iconographically, the image of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" is associated with the ancient Byzantine image of the type "Nicopeia Kyriotissa" - "Mistress the Victorious", which, in turn, goes back to the image of the type "Sign".

Initially, the image of the "Life-Giving Source" was distributed in the lists without the image of the source. Such is the Blachernae miraculous image, made of marble, located near the imperial baths. It depicts the Mother of God, from whose hands holy water flows? "agiasma". Later, a cup (phiale) was included in the composition. In later times, they also began to depict a reservoir and a fountain on the icon.

In Russia, over time, the composition of the icon "Life-Giving Spring" is gradually becoming more complex. A wooden well appears, from which a water jet beats, on the sides of it are depicted the ecumenical saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. They draw life-giving water and distribute it to people standing around. On the foreground depicted obsessed with various ailments.

Gradually, the composition of the icon became so complicated that the independent image of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" became only a component in the overall complex composition. So, in 1668, the famous Russian icon painter Simon Ushakov, with one of his students, painted the icon of the Life-Giving Spring “with miracles”. In sixteen hallmarks, he depicted the miracles of the Mother of God, performed at the Life-Giving Spring.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" was deeply revered in Russia. In the Sarov desert, a temple was erected in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom Reverend Seraphim Sarovsky sent to pray before miraculous icon Mother of God, received healing from her.

The concept of springs as a symbol of the Mother of God's help and the grace of God is quite ancient. On many icons of the Theotokos, for example, "The Driver", Zhirovitskaya, the icon "The Annunciation of the Mother of God at the Well", the image of the source is invariably present. And each icon of the Mother of God in this broad sense can be called the "Life-Giving Spring", meaning the Mother of God's help and Her rich mercy.

Despite the fact that history has preserved the exact date of the event of the appearance of the Mother of God to Leo Markellus (April 4 (O.S.) 450), the real celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “The Life-Giving Spring” is set to take place on Friday of Bright Week, when the renewal of the Constantinople Church of the Life-Giving Spring is celebrated spring and remember the great miracles that happened in this temple.

Since the 16th century, a custom similar to the Greek one has been established in Russia, to consecrate springs located in monasteries and near them, to dedicate them to the Mother of God and to paint icons of the Mother of God, called the “Life-Giving Spring”.

Lists from the miraculous icon "Life-Giving Spring" are in the Sarov Hermitage; Astrakhan, Urzhum, Vyatka diocese; in a chapel near the Solovetsky Monastery; Lipetsk, Tambov diocese. An excellent image is placed in the Moscow Novodevichy Convent.

In the village of Vorobyevo near Moscow (Vorobyovy Gory) since the 16th century there was a wooden church at the royal palace in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "The Life-Giving Spring", "furnished with exceptional luxury." It probably owes its name to the numerous underground springs flowing along the slopes of the Sparrow Hills. Over time, due to dilapidation, it was repeatedly rebuilt, having existed until early XIX century, after which it was abolished. Today, its existence is reminded by the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring", located to the left of royal doors in the temple Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills - the only remaining of the 4 temples of the village of Vorobyevo.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of the icon of Her "Life-Giving Spring"
Oh, Blessed Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ! You are Mati and the patroness of all who resort to You, look with mercy on the prayers of Your sinful and humble children. You, who are called the Life-giving Source of grace-filled healings, heal the sicknesses of the afflicted and implore Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to send down and all those who flow to You, spiritual and bodily health, and, having forgiven us our voluntary and involuntary sins, grants us everything even to eternal and temporal life is necessary. You are the joy of all those who mourn, hear us, the mournful; You are the quenching of sorrow, quench our sorrow; You are the exaction of the lost, do not let us perish in the abyss of our sins, but always deliver us from all sorrows and misfortunes and all evil circumstances. She, our Queen, favoring, our hope is indestructible and invincible intercessor, do not turn Your face away from us for our many transgressions, but stretch out to us the hand of Your motherly mercy and create with us a sign of Your mercy for the good: show us Your help and prosper in every deed good. Turn us away from every sinful undertaking and evil thought, may we always glorify Your honorable name, magnifying God the Father and the Son of the Only Begotten Lord Jesus Christ and the Life-giving Holy Spirit with all the saints forever and ever. A min.

Troparion, tone 4
Today, with faithfulness to the Divine and wholesome image of the Most Holy Theotokos, pouring out drops of her outpourings, and showing miracles to the faithful people, we even see and hear spiritually celebrate and kindly cry out: heal our ailments and passions, as if you healed the Karkin and numerous passions; we also pray to Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God, incarnated from You, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, tone 4
Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, the River foreshadows all - the Most Pure Queen of the Mother of God, exuding wonderful water for us and washing away the hearts of blackness *, cleansing sinful scabs, but sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.

Kontakion, tone 8
From the inexhaustible You, the Source of God-grace, give me, sharpen, the water of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if the Word gave birth to more than meaning, pray, sprinkle me with grace, and I call Thee: rejoice, saving water.

Having become emperor, Leo Markell remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God and ordered to clean the source, surround it with a stone circle and erect a temple in honor of the Mother of God on it. The holy key was called by the emperor the “Life-Giving Spring”, since the miraculous grace of the Mother of God was manifested in it. The icon painted for the new church was also named in the same way.

In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian the Great, after drinking water from a source, cured himself of a serious illness, built a new temple near the temple built by Emperor Leo, at which a crowded monastery was created. In the 15th century, after the fall of the Byzantine Empire, the Temple of the Life-Giving Spring was destroyed by Muslims. A small church built later was also destroyed in 1821, and the source was covered up. Christians again dismantled the ruins, cleared the source and still drew life-giving water from it. After the Orthodox received some relief in performing divine services over the Life-Giving Spring, a temple was rebuilt, in which a hospital and an almshouse were built.

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" was deeply revered in Russia. In the Sarov desert, a temple was erected in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom St. Seraphim of Sarov sent to pray before the miraculous icon received healing from it.

On Friday of Bright Week after the Liturgy in Orthodox churches usually a water-blessed prayer service is performed before the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring". With the water consecrated at this prayer service, believers sprinkle their gardens and kitchen gardens, calling on the help of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to give the harvest.

Day of celebration: Friday of Bright Week.
More about the icon "Life-Giving Source"

The “Life-Giving Spring” is a miraculous icon of the Mother of God, located in the Constantinople monastery of Our Lady of Pigi (Source), executed on the wall in the mosaic technique in the 14th century. In the iconographic type "Life-Giving Spring" (Zoodohos Pigi), which became widespread in the post-Byzantine period in Italo-Cretan painting, the Mother of God with the Christ Child is depicted bust-length, sitting in a pool in the form of a large stone bowl, from which water pours through drain holes into the lower pool ; below - the figures of people thirsting for healing. In Russia, the icons of the "Life-Giving Spring" appeared in the 17th century. In the 18-19 centuries, especially revered icons of the "Life-Giving Spring" were in the Sarov Desert, in Tula, in the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow and in many other cities throughout Russia, including the Solovetsky Monastery (painted by order of the Solovetsky archimandrite in Constantinople).

The celebration of the icon "Life-Giving Spring" - on Easter Friday.

icon of the Virgin"LIFE-GIVING SOURCE"

Friday of Bright Week

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Description of the icon of the Mother of God "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE":

Having become emperor, Leo Markell remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God and ordered to clean the source, surround it with a stone circle and erect a temple in honor of the Mother of God on it. The holy key was called by the emperor the “Life-Giving Spring”, since the miraculous grace of the Mother of God was manifested in it. The icon of the Mother of God, painted for the new church, was also named in the same way.

On Friday of Bright Week, after the Liturgy in Orthodox churches, a water-blessed prayer service is usually performed in front of the icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring". With the water consecrated at this prayer service, believers sprinkle their gardens and kitchen gardens, calling on the help of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to give the harvest.

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Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the healing of bodily and mental ailments, passions, for help in sorrow.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

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Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Troparion, tone 4

Today, by the faith of faithfulness to the Divine and wholesome image of the Most Holy Theotokos, pouring out drops of her outpourings, and showing miracles to the faithful people, even we see and hear spiritually celebrate and kindly cry out: heal our ailments and passions, as if you healed the Karkin and numerous passions; we also pray to Thee, the Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God, incarnated from You, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, tone 4

Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, For the river flows for everyone - the Most Pure Queen of the Mother of God, exuding wonderful water and washing our hearts blackness* , sinful scabs are cleansing, but the souls are sanctifying the faithful by Divine grace.

* Blackness- the property of black, meaning sinfulness.

Kontakion, tone 8

From the inexhaustible You, the Source of God-grace, give me, sharpen, the water of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if the Word gave birth to more than meaning, pray, sprinkle me with grace, and I call Thee: rejoice, saving water.

magnificence

We magnify Thee, Blessed Virgin, and honor Your holy image, heal our sickness and raise our souls to God.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos BEFORE HER ICON NAMED "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE"

Kondak 1
Chosen from all generations to the Lady Theotokos, who shows us grace-filled help, let us commendably describe Thy servants to the Theotokos. You, as if Pre-blessing Mother of God, pour out Your great and rich mercy on us, heal our ailments and quench our sorrows, but we call You thanksgiving: Rejoice, Lady, Life-giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 2
Seeing, Most Merciful Mother, blind from the thirst of the afflicted, Source of living water for drinking and healing for the sake of the governor, wandering in the desert, you showed: he thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 3
The power of the Most High overshadows all who flow with faith and reverence to Your Life-Giving Source, Most Pure Lady Mistress. By the power of the Most High, fall us, the Mother of God, humbly falling to You and crying prayerfully: Alleluia.

Kondak 4
The blind man is embarrassed by a storm of bewilderment, looking for water to quench his thirst. And behold, as of old, by the power of God, water flowed from the stone: so now in the waterless desert the source has appeared, there Moses, the source of water: here are you, O Bogomati, a servant of miracles, the same we pray: thirsty for our souls of piety, give water to drink, yes we call you: Alleluia.

Kondak 5
Divine water from Your Life-Giving Source, pouring out currents of grace, scooping for the healing of mental and bodily ailments, Virgin Mother of God, with a grateful cry to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 6
The preaching of Thy miracle, Mother of God, be the governor, as if the blind man is wondrous with water from Thy Life-Giving Source, enlighten us, the dark apples of our souls, and thankfully preach Thy mercy calling: Alleluia.

Kondak 7
Wanting the pious Lion of the Governor, Tsar Thee, the Mistress, appointed, thankful to bring Thee, arrange a temple at the place of Thy appearance, arrange a miracle, the Life-Giving Spring, naming it, that all Thy possessions may find here, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.

Kondak 8
A strange and glorious miracle has appeared in the temple of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, in which spiritual and bodily thirst is quenched, and diseases of obsession are healed. We are the grace of such a glorifying cry to Ty: Alleluia.

Kondak 9
All angelic and human nature marvels at Your mercy, Blessed Virgin, as always and to everyone you are the Helper and Intercessor, who sing to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 10
To save even all those who suffer, the source of life was revealed to the world, Most Holy Theotokos, in the waters of grace, but all in sorrows and sorrows accepting healing and consolation, we gratefully call you: Alleluia.

Kondak 11
We bring the singing of all tenderness before Your Life-Giving Source, packs and packs, to You, Mother of God, in repentance calling from the depths of the soul: Mistress, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver us from all sorrow and illness, need and sorrow, and cry out to God about You: Alleluia.

Kondak 12
Thy Grace, the Life-Giving Source, having, Blessed Virgin, we resort to Thee, as if to indestructible wall and intercession, look with mercy, Most Holy Theotokos, on our fierce bitterness and heal our souls and bodies of our sorrows and illnesses, let us call you: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Thy miracles, we praise and glorify Thy Life-giving Source, Most Holy Virgin, from worthless drawing currents of many different graces, we magnify Thy praises with calico: Rejoice, God-chosen Maiden; Rejoice, Holy Bride. Rejoice, blessed in women; Rejoice, exalted above the heavens. Rejoice, you who are coming to the throne of the Lord; Rejoice, our Intercessor, always praying for the world. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out the faithful.

Kondak 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Who gave Your Life-Giving Source to the world, pour out great and rich mercy from us, accept this prayer of thanksgiving, grant us the source of the life of the present and future: let us call you: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, and then ikos 1 and kontakion 1 are read)

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Icon of the Mother of God "life-giving source. The icon is a life-giving source, the meaning of what prayer helps

What is depicted in this image

Characteristics of the icon, how can it help?

When should prayers be offered to the "Life-Giving Spring"?

Miracles performed by this divine shrine

How the icon of the Life-Giving Spring is celebrated

In which churches can you find the icon of the Mother of God the Life-Giving Spring?

Description of the icon of the Mother of God "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE":

In the 5th century in Constantinople, near the so-called Golden Gates, there was a grove dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos. There was a spring in the grove, glorified by miracles for a long time. Gradually, this place was overgrown with shrubs, and the water was covered with mud.

Once the warrior Leo Markell, the future emperor, met in this place a blind man, a helpless traveler who had lost his way. The lion helped him out onto the path and settled in the shade to rest, while he himself went in search of water to refresh the blind man. Suddenly he heard a voice:

"A lion! Don't look far for water, it's close here."

Surprised by the mysterious voice, he began to look for water, but did not find it. When he stopped in sadness and thoughtfulness, the same voice rang out a second time:

When Leo fulfilled everything commanded, the blind man immediately regained his sight and went to Constantinople without a guide, glorifying the Mother of God. This miracle took place under the emperor Marcian (391-457).

The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" was deeply revered in Russia. In the Sarov desert, a temple was erected in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom St. Seraphim of Sarov sent to pray before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God received healing from her.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Life-Giving Spring" they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the healing of bodily and mental ailments, passions, for help in sorrow.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called the "Life-Giving Spring"

Troparion, tone 4

Troparion, tone 4

Let us draw, people, healing souls and bodies with prayer, the River foreshadows all - the Most Pure Queen of the Mother of God, exuding wonderful water for us and washing away the hearts of blackness *, cleansing sinful scabs, but sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.

* Blackness is a property of black, meaning sinfulness.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos BEFORE HER ICON NAMED "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE"

Kondak 2 Seeing, Most Merciful Mother, blind from the thirst of the afflicted, Source of living water for drinking and healing for the sake of the governor, wandering in the desert, you showed: he thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 3 The power of the Most High overshadows all who flow with faith and reverence to Your Life-Giving Source, Most Pure Lady Mistress. By the power of the Most High, fall us, the Mother of God, humbly falling to You and crying prayerfully: Alleluia.

Kondak 5 Divine water from Your Life-Giving Source, pouring out currents of grace, scooping for the healing of mental and bodily ailments, Virgin Mother of God, with a grateful cry to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 6 The preaching of Thy miracle, Mother of God, be the governor, as if the blind man is wondrous with water from Thy Life-Giving Source, enlighten us, the dark apples of our souls, and thankfully preach Thy mercy calling: Alleluia.

Kondak 7 Wanting the pious Lion of the Governor, Tsar Thee, the Mistress, appointed, thankful to bring Thee, arrange a temple at the place of Thy appearance, arrange a miracle, the Life-Giving Spring, naming it, that all Thy possessions may find here, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.

Kondak 8 A strange and glorious miracle has appeared in the temple of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, in which spiritual and bodily thirst is quenched, and diseases of obsession are healed. We are the grace of such a glorifying cry to Ty: Alleluia.

Kondak 9 All angelic and human nature marvels at Your mercy, Blessed Virgin, as always and to everyone you are the Helper and Intercessor, who sing to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 10 To save even all those who suffer, the source of life was revealed to the world, Most Holy Theotokos, in the waters of grace, but all in sorrows and sorrows accepting healing and consolation, we gratefully call you: Alleluia.

Kondak 12 We have recourse to Your grace, the Life-Giving Source, Blessed Virgin, as if to an indestructible wall and intercession, look with mercy, Most Holy Theotokos, on our fierce bitterness and heal our souls and bodies of our sorrows and illnesses, let us call you: Alleluia.

Kondak 13 Oh, All-Singing Mother, Who gave Your Life-Giving Source to the world, pour out great and rich mercy from us, accept this prayer of thanksgiving, grant us the source of the life of the present and future: let us call you: Alleluia.

Icon of the Mother of God "LIFE-GIVING SOURCE»

Kondak 2
Seeing, Most Merciful Mother, blind from the thirst of the afflicted, Source of living water for drinking and healing for the sake of the governor, wandering in the desert, you showed: he thankfully cry out to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 3
The power of the Most High overshadows all who flow with faith and reverence to Your Life-Giving Source, Most Pure Lady Mistress. By the power of the Most High, fall us, the Mother of God, humbly falling to You and crying prayerfully: Alleluia.

Kondak 5
Divine water from Your Life-Giving Source, pouring out currents of grace, scooping for the healing of mental and bodily ailments, Virgin Mother of God, with a grateful cry to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 6
The preaching of Thy miracle, Mother of God, be the governor, as if the blind man is wondrous with water from Thy Life-Giving Source, enlighten us, the dark apples of our souls, and thankfully preach Thy mercy calling: Alleluia.

Kondak 7
Wanting the pious Lion of the Governor, Tsar Thee, the Mistress, appointed, thankful to bring Thee, arrange a temple at the place of Thy appearance, arrange a miracle, the Life-Giving Spring, naming it, that all Thy possessions may find here, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.

Kondak 8
A strange and glorious miracle has appeared in the temple of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, in which spiritual and bodily thirst is quenched, and diseases of obsession are healed. We are the grace of such a glorifying cry to Ty: Alleluia.

Kondak 9
All angelic and human nature marvels at Your mercy, Blessed Virgin, as always and to everyone you are the Helper and Intercessor, who sing to You: Alleluia.

Kondak 10
To save even all those who suffer, the source of life was revealed to the world, Most Holy Theotokos, in the waters of grace, but all in sorrows and sorrows accepting healing and consolation, we gratefully call you: Alleluia.

Kondak 12
We have recourse to Your grace, the Life-Giving Source, Blessed Virgin, as if to an indestructible wall and intercession, look with mercy, Most Holy Theotokos, on our fierce bitterness and heal our souls and bodies of our sorrows and illnesses, let us call you: Alleluia.

Kondak 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Who gave Your Life-Giving Source to the world, pour out great and rich mercy from us, accept this prayer of thanksgiving, grant us the source of the life of the present and future: let us call you: Alleluia.

Icon of the Mother of God
"LIFE-GIVING SOURCE»