Icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Child. Prayer to the icon of the mother of God the baby leaps

  • 14.10.2019

Looking at the icons of the Virgin with the Child in her arms, many women are trying to understand the feelings that she experienced. The image of the "Jumping Baby" is characterized by a special pose of Christ, through which a somewhat different interpretation of relations in the divine family is given.


Origin

It is believed that this type originated somewhere in the Balkans, where the icon had a different name, but had a very wide veneration. There is also a Byzantine tradition of depicting a Mother with a playing Child. Most of the icons of the Mother of God are characterized by the absence of movement, this is a completely different matter.


Features of iconography

Painters in this case emphasize the emotional side of the relationship between the Son and the Mother. The name "Jumping Baby" has Russian origin. It was used as a term among icon painters, but was not used on the icon itself.

  • The Mother of God holds the Child on her right (sometimes also on her left) hand.
  • Jesus throws his head back sharply.
  • The whole figure of the Infant expresses impatience, impulse, so that the Mother has to restrain the Son.
  • The hands of Jesus reach for the face or chin of Mary.
  • The legs of Christ are crossed, usually the Mother holds the child by one of them.

At some stages the Infant grabbed the edge of the Mother's omophorion and pulled it towards itself. Of particular importance here is the posture of Christ. It's like he's leaning back. Many experts draw an analogy with the image of the Candlemas, where the child breaks out of the hands of Mary, trying to get to Simeon as soon as possible. The wise old man was the first to make a prediction that Mary would go through a lot of mental suffering.

hint at way of the cross The baby is often seen by the mournful expression on the face of the Virgin. Today there are quite a few variants of this image, but in any of them the pose of Christ will be special. On a number of icons, the color of the omophorion of the Queen of Heaven is black (usually it is crimson, sometimes green or even blue). But in this case, the color is a sign of mourning for the Son, which lies ahead for her in the future.

We know the icon of the 15th century Leaping Baby, which belongs to the author Angelos Akotantos, a famous master from Byzantium. It is called "Kardiotissa" - that is, hearty, but this is just an epithet, a characteristic. Here both joy and tragedy are masterfully combined into one image. The festive mood after the Incarnation is overshadowed by the foreknowledge of the future Calvary sacrifice. The image was brought to Moscow as part of an exhibition of Byzantine art.


Where to bow

Thanks to Dmitry Donskoy, the Ugresh Monastery was founded near Moscow. It was there that one of miraculous icons"Baby Leap". Like many ancient shrines, it disappeared during the Bolshevik revolution. The list of the beginning of the 19th century has survived to this day. It is located in the Moscow State Museum-Reserve. In the monastery itself there is a list that was donated at the beginning of the 21st century. The people who made the gift decided to remain anonymous.

The Ugresh image is distinguished by the pose of the Baby - he threw back his head strongly, and with his cheek touches the Mother's cheeks, with his left hand, as it were, strokes her face. The right hand is thrown back far, the legs are spread apart. Many see in such a not quite natural pose a hint of the future. The position of the body of Christ is characteristic of a prostrate person, not a playing child.

When is it customary to pray

Although there were chronicle evidence, they have been lost. But the folk tradition survived. It is believed that the icon "Jumping the Baby" helps during pregnancy, brings healing to sick children. Many pilgrims flocked to the monasteries where the revered lists were located. The most famous was on Athos, where he is now (Vatopedsky monastery).

The Leaping Baby icon emphasizes the special connection between mother and child; you can pray in front of it, like in front of any other Mother of God icon. Ask for family members, loved ones, about their own spiritual and bodily health.

Prayer icon

The Virgin, the Mistress of the Mother of God, more than nature and words, gave birth to the only begotten Word of God, the Creator and Master of all visible and invisible creatures, the One from the Trinity of God, God and Man, who became the abode of the Divine, the receptacle of all holiness and grace, in which, by the good pleasure of God and the Father , with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the Fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily; incomparably exalted with divine dignity and prevailing over every creature, Glory and Consolation, and the inexpressible joy of the Angels, the royal crown of the apostles and prophets, the miraculous and miraculous courage of the martyrs, the Defender in exploits and the Giver of victory, who prepares for the ascetics crowns and rewards eternal and divine, honor and the glory of the saints, the infallible Waypointer and Instructor of silence, the door of revelations and spiritual mysteries, the Source of Light, the gate eternal life, an inexhaustible river of mercy, an inexhaustible sea of ​​all divine gifts and miracles, we ask you and implore you, most compassionate Mother of the philanthropic Lord, be merciful to us, your humble and unworthy servants, look mercifully at our captivity and humility, heal the contrition of our souls and bodies, scatter visible and invisible enemies, be for us, unworthy, in the face of our enemies, a strong pillar, an abusive weapon, a strong militia, a Governor and an irresistible Champion, now show us Your ancient and wonderful mercy, that our lawless enemies will know that Your Son and God is one, King and Master, that You are truly the Theotokos, who gave birth in the flesh to the true God, that everything is possible for You, and whatever you desire, Lady, you have the power to do all this in Heaven and on earth, and for every request to grant what is useful to anyone: health to the sick, peace and good navigation in the sea. Travel and protect those who travel, save the captives from bitter slavery, console the sad, alleviate poverty and all other bodily suffering: free everyone from spiritual illnesses and passions, through Your invisible intercessions and suggestions, so that, having well and unstumblingly made the path of this temporary life, we would improve through You and these eternal blessings in the Kingdom of Heaven. Faithful, honored by the terrible name of Thy Only Begotten Son, who trust in Thy intercession and in Thy mercy, and in everything who have Thee as their Intercessor and Champion, strengthen invisibly against the surrounding enemies, dispel the cloud of despondency that envelops their souls, deliver them from spiritual conditions and give them light complacency and joy, restoring peace and serenity in their hearts. Save with Your prayers, the Lady, this flock, predominantly dedicated to You, the whole city and country, from hunger, earthquake, drowning, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners, internecine warfare, and turn away every anger righteously moved against us, by the goodwill and grace of the only-begotten Son and Thy God, to Him befits all glory, honor and worship, with His Father Without Beginning, with His Co-eternal and Life-Giving Spirit, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.

Icon of the Jumping Baby - meaning, what helps was last modified: July 8th, 2017 by Bogolub

- November 20 celebration in a new style. The icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Child" is one of the most beloved among the Russian people. In the Byzantine Empire, this image was considered ancient. miraculous shrine. The icon was found on November 7, 1795 in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery near Moscow, founded by Dmitry Donskoy in honor of the victory at Kulikovo Field in 1380. It is known that after prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos before this icon, many miracles occurred related to the cure of infertility, help in the successful course of pregnancy, and the healing of sick babies. Many and many families began to flock to her with their sorrows and requests, which, through their prayers and faith, found a miraculous, prosperous resolution. That is why this icon was glorified, but the memory of its miraculous work comes to us from ancient times - the most ancient list, located in the Vatopedi monastery on Athos, also showed miraculous properties. At times Soviet power, accompanied by the devastation of the monasteries, the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping of the Child" was considered lost. And only in 2003, an icon of the Mother of God was donated from an unknown woman to the revived Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery, which, according to the description, was very similar to the lost one. According to the clergy, when the image was brought to the monastery and installed in the place where it once stood, the last doubts were dispelled - the lost shrine returned home. Now the image of the Jumping Baby is in the altar of the Transfiguration Cathedral. Pregnancy and upcoming childbirth are events that show the Divine greatness of life, therefore, in Ancient Russia they tried to carry a child under their hearts with prayer. The icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is responsible for the fullness of motherhood, therefore, in Orthodox Christianity it was customary before childbirth to serve a prayer service with akathists to the Mother of God in honor of Her icons "Jumping the Baby" and "Help in Childbirth". Already after the birth, a prayer service was served to the icons of the Mother of God: “The Mammal-Giver” and “Education”. This helped to fix breast-feeding and properly educate a child… And yet the greatest miracle is the wonder of the reverent feeling born from the image on the icon, from the image of Divine love between the Mother and the Infant, who, being the Lord, and during earthly life, and after the Ascension His own, as we know from Tradition, remained a respectful and loving Son. Therefore, intercession for us before Him Holy Mother of God- the strongest, for the Son of God, in His reverence for the requests of the Mother, is merciful much more often than we sometimes deserve .... In most of the compositions on the Leaping icons, the Baby Jesus, sitting on the left or right hand Theotokos, is depicted as if playing and impetuously reaching out with his hands to the face of His Mother, touching Her chin or cheek, sharply throwing her head back. Icons with the title "Jumping the Baby" are common in the Balkans and Mount Athos. In Russia, the feast of all the icons of the Mother of God "Leaping" is traditionally celebrated on the day of the celebration of the Ugresh image "Leaping of the Infant": November 20 (November 7, old style). Known lists of icons - the Moscow and Kostroma icons of the Mother of God "Leaping of the Child" are stored in the State Tretyakov Gallery. Icons of the Mother of God of the same name are also in the Moscow Novodevichy Monastery, as well as in the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. ******* Before the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping of the Child" you can pray any prayer of the Mother of God. In general, in the old days it was customary to serve a prayer service before the approaching childbirth, to read akathists to the Mother of God in front of Her icon “Leaping of the Baby”.

“Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, even weigh the birth and nature of the mother and child, have mercy on Your servant (name) and help in this hour to let your burden be safely resolved. O all-merciful Lady Theotokos, even though you did not demand help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this servant of yours, who requires help, especially from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and even have a baby to be born and bring into the light of this world at the appropriate time and smart light in holy baptism with water and spirit. We fall down to you, Mother of the Most High God, praying: Be merciful to this mother, even if the time has come to be a mother, and implore Christ our God, who has incarnated from You, to strengthen me with His strength from above. Amen".

“O Most Glorious Mother of God, have mercy on me, Thy servant, and come to my aid during my illnesses and dangers, with which all the poor daughters of Eve give birth. Remember, O Blessed One in women, with what joy and love You went hastily to a mountainous country to visit Your relative Elizabeth during her pregnancy, and what a miraculous effect Your grace-filled visit had on both mother and baby. And according to Thy inexhaustible mercy, grant me, Thy most humble servant, to be relieved of the burden safely; grant me this grace so that the child, now resting under my heart, having come to his senses, with joyful leaping, like the holy baby John, worships the Divine Lord the Savior, who, out of love for us sinners, did not disdain himself to become a Baby. The unexpressed joy that filled Your virgin heart when looking at Your newborn Son and Lord, may it alleviate the sorrow that is coming to me amid the illnesses of birth. May my life, my Savior, born of Thee, save me from death, which cuts off the lives of many mothers at the hour of resolution, and may the fruit of my womb be counted among the elect of God. Hear, Most Holy Queen of Heaven, my humble prayer and look down on me, a poor sinner, with Your eye of grace; do not shame my hope in Your great mercy and fall on me, Helper of Christians, Healer of diseases, may I also be able to experience for myself that You are the Mother of Mercy, and may I always glorify Your grace, which has never rejected the prayers of the poor and delivers all those who call on You in a time of sorrow and sickness. Amen".

Icon of the Mother of God “Jumping the Baby”: meaning, prayer, what helps

The birth of a baby is the main event in the life of every woman. It is during pregnancy and the birth of a child that the Lord most clearly reveals to man the fullness of His power and majesty. When a baby is born, it is a true miracle of God on Earth.

For a successful pregnancy outcome, many mothers pray to the Lord, the Saints and, of course, the Most Holy Theotokos for the entire period before and after childbirth. The icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is one of the many miraculous icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Russia, in front of this image, Orthodox mothers have long said fervent prayers for the well-being of their children. There is a pious tradition before childbirth to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and to perform prayers with the reading of an akathist dedicated to the icon of the Leaping Baby.

Icon of the Mother of God "Jumping baby"

The icon in question belongs to the most common type in iconography, called "eleusa", which is translated from Greek as "merciful". Such works most fully depict the deeply reverent and tender relationship between the Holy Mother and the Divine Child. Here there is no distance between the Mother and the Son: the Infant presses his cheek against the face of the Mother of God, showing her his sincere love and trust. Many famous icons of the Mother of God also belong to the “eleus” type, such as: Vladimirskaya, “Tenderness”, Yaroslavskaya and others.

The icon depicts the Savior Jesus Christ sitting on the hand of the Mother of God. Throwing his head back, He seems to be playing with his Mother. With one hand, the Savior touches her cheek, thereby showing tenderness. The entire pose of the Divine Infant conveys His childish direct character. This icon most strongly shows the human side of the Divine Savior, which is rarely found in other icon-paintings of the Mother of God.

Specialist Notes

According to researchers, the genre of the Leaping Baby icon comes from some of the scenes described in the Gospel. The image reminds us of the Gospel theme of “The Meeting of the Lord,” when the Savior Jesus Christ was brought to the Jerusalem Temple on the fortieth day after birth to perform the rite of consecration to God. Here the Savior is handed over to the hands of the elder Simeon, but the Divine Infant reaches out to His Holy Mother, showing childish affection and love.

In Macedonia, the earliest images of the Leaping Baby icon have been preserved, where they were called “Pelagonitisses” (after the name of the locality Pelagonia). Here the holy image was venerated with special love and reverence. At a later time, the icons of the Virgin, depicting the theme of Motherhood and the future suffering of the Savior on the Cross, became common in post-Byzantine art, and most of all among the Slavic peoples.

Many researchers involved in clarifying the history of the origin of this icon are inclined to believe that the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping the Child" comes from Byzantium. There is accurate information that in Ancient Byzantium this image was revered as a great Christian shrine. This icon received the name "Jumping the Baby" already in Russia, where it gained the greatest fame only in the 16th-17th centuries. It can be assumed that it is a copy written off from the Byzantine model.

A look into the past

The history of the appearance of the miraculous icon in Russia has been going on since 1795, when the Mother of God (“Jumping the Baby”) was revealed in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery, located on the territory of the modern Moscow region (not far from Dzerzhinsky). This monastery is famous for the fact that in its place in the XIV century was miraculously an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was found.

Dmitry Donskoy built this monastery in honor of the victory he won on the Kulikovo field, which took place in 1380. The appearance of the icon of St. Nicholas of Myra of Lycia inspired the prince before the battle. Donskoy promised to build a new monastery on the site of its acquisition.

In the 16th century, it was in this monastery that the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" was miraculously revealed. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates this event on November 20 (according to the new style).

Icon today

In the post-revolutionary period, the icon disappeared, and its whereabouts remained unknown for a long time. In 2003, a certain woman donated to the monastery an icon of the Mother of God, similar to a miraculous list. According to eyewitnesses, this image was brought to the monastery. It was installed in the same place where the miraculous icon had previously stood. All witnesses of this joyful event were convinced of the authenticity of the newly acquired miraculous icon. Currently, the image of the Virgin is kept in the altar of the Transfiguration Cathedral.

miraculous lists

In addition to the Ugresh one, other miraculous copies of the Leaping Baby icon are also known. Currently they are in the Tretyakov Gallery. Another image is kept in the Moscow Novodevichy Convent. Also, the miraculous icon "Jumping the Baby" is located in the Vatopedi Monastery. The latter rises on the holy Mount Athos.

The icon "Jumping baby". Significance in Christendom

Before the image in question, many couples bring a prayer for resolution from infertility. It is also customary to ask the Mother of God for help during pregnancy, before and after childbirth.

Pious Christian mothers ask the Blessed Virgin to grant their children mental and physical health and help parents in raising their children. Some fathers ask the Mother of God to instruct their children in Orthodox faith so that they grow up kind and loving people. In such life situations the icon “Jumping the Baby” always helps, its significance is very great. The Most Holy Theotokos, through the icon, gives consolation to all who ask, as well as help, support and protection.

All women who wish to give birth to healthy children or who are already carrying a fetus in their hearts should in a special way observe purity of thoughts and strive to live according to the commandments of the Lord. This mindset and godly behavior is necessary to prepare a mother for the great mystery of childbirth. In Russia, it was believed that the behavior of a woman during pregnancy directly affects the future character of the baby. It is the mother who will give an answer to God for the Christian upbringing of her child, therefore, at all times, women began to pray to the Virgin, just getting ready to get married and become a mother. Pious Christian women pray before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos, asking Her for help in conception, pregnancy and childbirth.

Prayer for the gift of children

Barren couples, unable to have offspring, pray to the Mother of God for sending them the desired child, they are often heard. There are many examples when childless families found great happiness thanks to the help of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In addition to the “Jumping Baby” icon, there are other images of the Mother of God, in front of which one should pray for the bestowal of children. They are no less famous. These are such icons of the Mother of God as “Tenderness”, “Quick to Hearing”, “Feodorovskaya” Icon of the Mother of God, “Blessed Womb”, “Tolgskaya”. In addition to prayer, you can come with a request for the gift of children to the Holy Righteous Joachim and Anna - the parents of the Blessed Virgin.

The parents of the Blessed Mary were barren for many years, they prayed to the Lord all their lives to give them a child. The holy Fathers of God deeply grieved over their childlessness, since among the Jewish people barrenness was considered a punishment for sins. The Lord heard their prayer, and Saint Anna conceived and gave birth to a blessed child, Mary, who became the Mother of the Savior Jesus Christ. That is why in the Christian world it is customary to ask the holy forefathers for permission from infertility.

Also, childless couples can pray to the Holy Matrona of Moscow, Zechariah and Elizabeth and other saints.

Prayer to the Mother of God during pregnancy

Many believing Christians, while waiting for a child, say especially warm prayers in front of various icons. One of the most famous helpers during pregnancy is the icon of the Theotokos "Feodorovskaya", "Help in Childbirth", "Softening evil hearts”(Its other name is“ Seven-shot ”),“ The guarantor of sinners ”,“ Tenderness ”and, of course,“ Leaping baby ”.

The icon of the Mother of God matters when a sincere prayer is performed in front of her. Also, while waiting for the baby, the young spouses pray to Saints Joachim and Anna, the Holy Martyr Paraskeva, Saint Rev. Roman of Kirzhach and others.

Prayer of the spouses before the appearance of the heir

Many women in anticipation of a baby are worried about how well the birth will go. In addition to the appearance of restless thoughts, expectant mothers are visited by a fear of pain, which confuses them very much. When preparing for childbirth in the Orthodox Church, it is customary to ask the Most Holy Theotokos for help, who always hears sincere prayers, and especially women's prayers for the safe birth of a baby.

The pious tradition of asking the Mother of God for help has long been known in Russia. Russian women fervently pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of Her numerous icons (“Helper in Childbirth”, “Tenderness”, “Feodorovskaya” Blessed Virgin Mary, “Jumping the Baby” and others). She, in turn, grants what She is sincerely asked for.

Prayer after the birth of a baby

After the birth of a baby, many mothers pray in front of the icons "Mammary" and "Education", asking the Mother of God for help in raising their beloved child.

The Theotokos Prayer "Jumping the Baby" has a deep meaning. It glorifies the Blessed Virgin, asks for Her help and support during childbirth. The text also contains requests for the preservation of a newborn baby, for his enlightenment in the sacrament of Baptism, for his upbringing in the Orthodox faith. In addition to prayer in front of the icon, you can read an akathist.

“The Leaping of a Baby” is a miraculous icon, in front of which many Christian women, asking for help from the Mother of God, found Her holy protection and patronage. Akathist also contains various petitions for support.

Conclusion

The Ugresh icon "Jumping the Baby" differs from other versions of this holy image. In some compositions there are slight differences in the depiction of the Divine Infant and His Most Pure Mother. However, they all have the same name - the icon of the “Jumping Baby”.

In Russia, on the day of the celebration of the Ugresh Icon of the Theotokos, the feast of all the icons of the Mother of God "The Leaping of the Baby" is celebrated. The Ugresh Icon of the Mother of God is also revered as a miraculous image, to which many believing Christians come to worship and pray.

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"Leaping baby" icon of the Mother of God helps in what

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The icon "Jumping the Baby" has a special meaning for Christians, as it is capable of working miracles. Every year on October 20, a holiday is celebrated in her honor. This image is used for various petitions, because the image on it is very symbolic.

The meaning of the icon

The miraculous image depicts the little Jesus Christ, who sits in the arms of of the Blessed Virgin. She easily touches the Son of God with her cheek, and He stretches out His hands to Her, as if playing. In Her eyes one can read great love and affection. Thus, the attitude of the Almighty towards all believers is transmitted.

According to legend, little Jesus was brought to the temple of the Lord on the 40th day after birth to be baptized. When Elder Simeon took Him away, Jesus stretched out his hands to his mother, showing his attitude. It is claimed that it is this image that conveys the human side of the Son of the Lord.

The miraculous image appeared in 1795 on the territory of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. When the events of the October Revolution took place, the holy image was lost. For a very long time no one knew where the icon was. And only in 2003, one parishioner brought a holy image to the temple as a gift, which was very similar to the original icon of the “Baby Leaping”. Church ministers determined the authenticity of the face, and since then it has been kept in this monastery as the main shrine.

Icon "Jumping baby", what helps

This icon is considered female, as women or married couples often turn to her help. And here is the main thing that they pray for the icon "Jumping the Baby":

  • to conceive a child for childless families;
  • to calmly carry the pregnancy;
  • so that childbirth goes smoothly and safely;
  • in order to give birth to a healthy and strong baby.

In addition, believing mothers ask the Mother of God to give her child bodily and spiritual health, to give her the opportunity to raise a kind and well-mannered person. Through this icon, the Holy Virgin grants everyone consolation, mercy, support, protection and help in various everyday difficulties.

With these words, you can ask the Mother of God for help and intercession:

“Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, even weigh the birth and nature of the mother and child, have mercy on Your servant (name) and help in this hour to let your burden be safely resolved. O all-merciful Lady Theotokos, even though you did not demand help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this servant of yours, who requires help, especially from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and even have a baby to be born and bring into the light of this world at the appropriate time and smart light in holy baptism with water and spirit. We fall down to you, Mother of the Most High God, praying: Be merciful to this mother, even if the time has come to be a mother, and implore Christ our God, who has incarnated from You, to strengthen me with His strength from above. Amen".

Girls who ask for the opportunity to become pregnant and give birth to a baby must keep their thoughts pure and not forget to live according to the laws of the Lord.

Having a child is a great miracle and joy for the family. But it is not always possible to receive such a gift. In no case should you despair, but you should seek help from higher powers. And an excellent assistant in achieving the goals set will be the icon "Jumping the Baby" of the Most Holy Theotokos.

May the Lord keep you!

It will also be interesting for you to watch a video about the miraculous icon of the Virgin “Jumping the Baby”:

November 20 - Celebration of the Icon of the Mother of God "Jumping of the Child"

Icon of the Mother of God

The birth of a child is a divine joy

incarnation of new life. It is she

reflected in this amazing icon.

Images of the Mother of God and the Infant Savior

convey the full depth of trust and

tenderness of the relationship between Mother and Son, which

commanded to exist among all

mothers and children. Icon of the Mother of God

"Baby Leap" is one of many

miraculous icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In Russia, before this image, the Orthodox

mothers have long said fervent prayers

about the welfare of their children. Exists

pious tradition of praying to the Blessed

Mother of God for help during pregnancy,

before childbirth and after them. Before the image

many couples bring prayer for

resolution of infertility. Birth of a child,

this is a great happiness. Thank the Virgin

for this and ask that she continue,

“who took the whole human race for adoption”,

continued her motherly care for her mother

and the baby, and His intercession for them before

Lord. We always have something to be thankful for

Mother of God, so you should not miss any

for that opportunity.

About the history and meaning of the icon

The birth of a baby is the main event in the life of every woman. It is during pregnancy and the birth of a child that the Lord most clearly reveals to man the fullness of His power and majesty. When a baby is born, it is a true miracle of God on Earth. For a successful pregnancy outcome, many mothers pray to the Lord, the Saints and, of course, the Most Holy Theotokos for the entire period before and after childbirth. The icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is one of the many miraculous icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Russia, in front of this image, Orthodox mothers have long said fervent prayers for the well-being of their children. There is a pious tradition before childbirth to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and to perform prayers with the reading of an akathist dedicated to the icon of the Leaping Baby. The icon belongs to the most common type in iconography, called "eleusa", which is translated from Greek as "merciful". Such works most fully depict the deeply reverent and tender relationship between the Holy Mother and the Divine Child.

Here there is no distance between the Mother and the Son: the Infant presses his cheek against the face of the Mother of God, showing her his sincere love and trust. Many famous icons of the Mother of God also belong to the “eleus” type, such as: Vladimirskaya, “Tenderness”, Yaroslavskaya and others. The icon depicts the Savior Jesus Christ sitting on the hand of the Mother of God. Throwing his head back, He seems to be playing with his Mother. With one hand, the Savior touches her cheek, thereby showing tenderness. The entire pose of the Divine Infant conveys His childish direct character. This icon most strongly shows the human side of the Divine Savior, which is rarely found in other icon-paintings of the Mother of God.

The most famous list of the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Child" was revealed on November 7/20, 1795 in Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery , which is still operating in the Moscow region, not far from the city of Dzerzhinsky. The monastery is historically famous because it was founded by Dmitry Donskoy in honor of the victory in 1380 on the Kulikovo Field at the site of the appearance of the great icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Ugreshsky - from the old Russian "ugresh", in modern language- "warmed up". According to legend, the phenomenon icons of Nicholas the Wonderworker before the battle, the prince was so inspired that he exclaimed: “This is all sinning my heart,” that is, “warmed my heart.” This ardent joy of the presence of the will of the Lord, revealed through His saint, was transmitted through the commander to the troops as a premonition of victory, and the enemy was utterly defeated.

A little over four centuries later, in the Nikolo-Ugreshskaya monastery miraculously appeared the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping of the Infant", where on reverse side icon board, possibly written by the master himself short prayer: "Save all your prayers, Most Holy Theotokos, who flow to you, deliver all needs and sorrows." After 1917, the monastery, which, starting from the time of Peter the Great, was destroyed and plundered, like many other churches and monasteries. The Ugreshskaya icon “Jumping the Baby” has also disappeared.

In 1991 the monastery was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church the recovery has begun. In 2013, a woman called the monastery and said that she had an icon that, according to the description, was very similar to the “Leaping of the Baby”, which a certain collector had previously sold to her family. The collector claimed that this is the same icon that was once among the shrines of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery. The monks who arrived from the monastery agreed that the icon is very suitable for the old descriptions. The image was taken to the monastery. And when the icon was installed in the place in the Transfiguration Cathedral where the lost list had previously been located, it became clear to all those present that this was it, and the image of the Mother of God, by Her will, returned home.

From the moment the icon “Leaping of the Baby” was found in 1795 in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery, many miracles occurred from it, connected with the cure of infertility, with the help in the successful course of pregnancy, with the healing of sick babies. Many and many families began to flock to her with their sorrows and requests, which, through their prayers and faith, found a miraculous, prosperous resolution. That is why this icon was glorified, but the memory of its miraculousness comes to us from ancient times - the oldest list, located in the Vatopedi Monastery on Athos, also showed miraculous properties.

And yet the greatest miracle is the wonder of the tremulous feeling born from the image on the icon, from the image of Divine love between the Mother and the Infant, who, being the Lord, both during earthly life and after His Ascension, as we know according to legend, he remained a respectful and loving Son. Therefore, the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for us before Him is the strongest, for the Son of God, in His respect for the requests of the Mother, is merciful much more often than we sometimes deserve.

Just one look at the Divine family, at the manifestations of filial love and maternal tenderness is an example for human relations. The divine joy of a new life, reflected in this amazing icon, reveals all the depth and greatness of relations in the heavenly world and at the same time their humanity, understandable and close to us. Thus, the dual, divine-human essence of the nature of the Lord Christ as the Son of God and the Son of Man is reaffirmed. After all, the birth of a child is every time a repetition of the event of the Nativity of Christ. In every mother, a glimmer of the Mother of God shines - it illuminates her face, bent over her beloved child. In every baby from the moment of baptism there is a reflection of the Holy Spirit of Godhood - the incarnation of God became the basis for the deification of a person "in His image and likeness." A miracle is revealed to the soul that believes in Him - a unique opportunity to follow His path and lead their children along with them. It's hard earthly man, they say, - of course, it is difficult, but remember: "The kingdom of God is given by power" ...

The image on the icon is unusually personal character, as if opening the veil of the relationship between the Mother of God and the Son of God, left alone. The face of the Mother of God is mournful, She bent over the Infant with tender sadness, foreseeing His difficult path along the earthly vale and future torment on the cross. The baby, playing, touches the face of the Most Pure. This affectionate gesture is evidence of the all-understanding tenderness that exists between the Mother of God and the Son of God, of the wonderful feelings that should exist between all mothers and children.

But in this gesture of joyful trust there is also a shade of consolation - He, born and living in the Holy Spirit, also sees His suffering at the foot of Golgotha ​​as the Divine hypostasis of His divine-human being. Another prophetic meaning contained in this image of the Mother of God, according to some researchers of Russian Orthodox iconography, arose on the basis of the composition of the icon "The Presentation of the Lord" - only there the Baby reaches for Saint Simeon the God-bearer from Mother's hands, which foreshadows His future way of the cross. As is known, when, after the Nativity of the Divine Infant, Mary and Joseph came to the temple of Jerusalem to bring, according to Jewish custom, a sacrifice for the birth of a boy child (Ex. 12:12–15), St. Simeon also appeared there, drawn by the Holy Spirit. It is known that an angel announced to Simeon that he will not rest until he takes in his arms the Infant born of the Virgin, and not his wife.

Taking the Baby in his arms, he uttered the words that have now become one of the most wonderful and heartfelt hymns in the evening Orthodox service: “Now let Thy servant go, Master, according to Thy word in peace…” (Luke 2:29–32). And so this meeting, the meeting - in Old Russian, Church Slavonic, happened, after which the elder was released from this world and went to God.

The image of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is an icon of all young mothers and all Orthodox women who want to have a child. During pregnancy, before childbirth, in the first months of a newborn's life, it is customary to read an akathist to the icon of the Mother of God "The Leaping of the Infant." So health future mother and the newborn baby will be protected by a warm prayer to the Intercessor. Of course, the joint prayer of relatives in front of this icon of the Mother of God during the hours when the mother is in the maternity ward is very important. The common prayer of her relatives will support her, give her strength. positive attitude and peace of mind- a good state for every person, but while a woman carries a child under her heart, the state of grace and inner peace is especially important for her - because she lives and feels the world for two. And if she gets sad, the Mother Intercessor will console and protect, because it has been known since ancient times: everything that a mother feels, the child feels, and therefore thoughts must be kept clean, and joyful expectation should be kept in the heart.

If it suddenly happens that in your family or someone close long time there are no desired children, then turn with a prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “The Leaping of the Infant”, most of the lists of which are known as miraculous. The prayer of the Mother of God will always be heard, of course, provided that it is persistent, sincere, and ardent. Also, a prayer before the image of the Virgin “Jumping the Baby” for the mother and child will contribute to the successful course of pregnancy, and then help the mother and newborn stay healthy and quickly recover from childbirth - this is joyful work, but requiring a lot of effort, and the Mother of God, according to our prayers, never will not leave those who cry to her.

Before the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping of the Child" you can pray any prayer of the Mother of God. In general, in the old days it was customary to serve a prayer service before the approaching birth, to read akathists to the Mother of God in front of Her icon “Leaping of the Baby”.

The celebration of the icons of the Mother of God “The Leaping of the Infant” takes place on November 7/20, following the date of the miraculous acquisition of the icon in 1795 in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos, uttered from a pure heart, always brings spiritual fruit. Many believing Christians, after praying in front of this icon, received consolation in spiritual anxieties, as well as deep calm and peace. Such is the effect of the help of the Queen of Heaven, who always helps in various life circumstances.

The birth of a baby is the main event in the life of every woman. It is during pregnancy and the birth of a child that the Lord most clearly reveals to man the fullness of His power and majesty. When a baby is born, it is a true miracle of God on Earth.

For a successful pregnancy outcome, many mothers pray to the Lord, the Saints and, of course, the Most Holy Theotokos for the entire period before and after childbirth. The icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is one of the many miraculous icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Russia, in front of this image, Orthodox mothers have long said fervent prayers for the well-being of their children. There is a pious tradition before childbirth to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and to perform prayers with the reading of an akathist dedicated to the icon of the Leaping Baby.

Icon of the Mother of God "Jumping baby"

The icon in question belongs to the most common type in iconography, called "eleusa", which is translated from Greek as "merciful". Such works most fully depict the deeply reverent and tender relationship between the Holy Mother and the Divine Child. Here there is no distance between the Mother and the Son: the Infant presses his cheek against the face of the Mother of God, showing her his sincere love and trust. The type of "eleus" includes many famous ones such as: Vladimirskaya, "Tenderness", Yaroslavskaya and others.

The icon depicts the Savior Jesus Christ sitting on the hand of the Mother of God. Throwing his head back, He seems to be playing with his Mother. With one hand, the Savior touches her cheek, thereby showing tenderness. The entire pose of the Divine Infant conveys His childish direct character. This icon most strongly shows the human side of the Divine Savior, which is rarely found in other icon-paintings of the Mother of God.

Specialist Notes

According to researchers, the genre of the Leaping Baby icon comes from some of the scenes described in the Gospel. The image reminds us of the Gospel theme of the “Meeting of the Lord”, when the Savior Jesus Christ was brought to God on the fortieth day after birth to perform the rite of consecration to God. Here the Savior is handed over to the hands of the elder Simeon, but the Divine Infant reaches out to His Holy Mother, showing childish affection and love.

In Macedonia, the earliest images of the Leaping Baby icon have been preserved, where they were called “Pelagonitisses” (after the name of the locality Pelagonia). Here the holy image was venerated with special love and reverence. At a later time, the icons of the Virgin, depicting the theme of Motherhood and the future suffering of the Savior on the Cross, became common in post-Byzantine art, and most of all among the Slavic peoples.

Many researchers involved in clarifying the history of the origin of this icon are inclined to believe that the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping the Child" comes from Byzantium. There is accurate information that in Ancient Byzantium this image was revered as a great Christian shrine. This icon received the name "Jumping the Baby" already in Russia, where it gained the greatest fame only in the 16th-17th centuries. It can be assumed that it is a copy written off from the Byzantine model.

A look into the past

The history of the appearance of the miraculous icon in Russia has been going on since 1795, when the Mother of God (“Jumping the Baby”) was revealed in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery, located on the territory of the modern Moscow region (not far from Dzerzhinsky). This monastery is famous for the fact that in its place in the 14th century an icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was miraculously found.

Dmitry Donskoy built this monastery in honor of the victory he won on the Kulikovo field, which took place in 1380. The appearance of the icon of St. Nicholas inspired the prince before the battle. Donskoy promised to build a new monastery on the site of its acquisition.

In the 16th century, it was in this monastery that the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" was miraculously revealed. The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates this event on November 20 (according to the new style).

Icon today

In the post-revolutionary period, the icon disappeared, and its whereabouts remained unknown for a long time. In 2003, a certain woman donated to the monastery an icon of the Mother of God, similar to a miraculous list. According to eyewitnesses, this image was brought to the monastery. It was installed in the same place where the miraculous icon had previously stood. All witnesses of this joyful event were convinced of the authenticity of the newly acquired miraculous icon. Currently, the image of the Virgin is kept in the altar of the Transfiguration Cathedral.

miraculous lists

In addition to the Ugresh one, other miraculous copies of the Leaping Baby icon are also known. Currently they are in the Tretyakov Gallery. Another image is kept in Moscow. Also, the miraculous icon "Jumping the Baby" is located in the Last one rises on the holy Mount Athos.

The icon "Jumping baby". Significance in Christendom

Before the image in question, many couples bring a prayer for resolution from infertility. It is also customary to ask the Mother of God for help during pregnancy, before and after childbirth.

Pious Christian mothers ask the Blessed Virgin to grant their children mental and physical health and help parents in raising their children. Some fathers ask the Mother of God to instruct their children in the Orthodox faith so that they grow up to be kind and loving people. In such life situations, the icon “Jumping the Baby” always helps, its significance is very great. The Most Holy Theotokos, through the icon, gives consolation to all who ask, as well as help, support and protection.

All women who wish to give birth to healthy children or who are already carrying a fetus in their hearts should in a special way observe purity of thoughts and strive to live according to the commandments of the Lord. This mindset and godly behavior is necessary to prepare a mother for the great mystery of childbirth. In Russia, it was believed that the behavior of a woman during pregnancy directly affects the future character of the baby. It is the mother who will give an answer to God for the Christian upbringing of her child, therefore, at all times, women began to pray to the Virgin, just getting ready to get married and become a mother. Pious Christian women pray before the image of the Most Holy Theotokos, asking Her for help in conception, pregnancy and childbirth.

Prayer for the gift of children

Barren couples, unable to have offspring, pray to the Mother of God for sending them the desired child, they are often heard. There are many examples when childless families found great happiness thanks to the help of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In addition to the “Jumping Baby” icon, there are other images of the Mother of God, in front of which one should pray for the bestowal of children. They are no less famous. These are such icons of the Mother of God as “Tenderness”, “Quick to Hearing”, “Feodorovskaya” Icon of the Mother of God, “Blessed Womb”, “Tolgskaya”. In addition to prayer, you can come with a request for the gift of children to the Holy Righteous Joachim and Anna - the parents of the Blessed Virgin.

The parents of the Blessed Mary were barren for many years, they prayed to the Lord all their lives to give them a child. The holy Fathers of God deeply grieved over their childlessness, since among the Jewish people barrenness was considered a punishment for sins. The Lord heard their prayer, and she conceived and gave birth to a blessed child - Mary, who became the Mother of the Savior Jesus Christ. That is why in the Christian world it is customary to ask the holy forefathers for permission from infertility.

Also, childless couples can be performed to Moscow, Zechariah and Elizabeth and other saints.

Prayer to the Mother of God during pregnancy

Many believing Christians, while waiting for a child, say especially warm prayers in front of various icons. One of the most famous helpers during pregnancy is the icon of the Theotokos "Feodorovskaya", "Help in Childbirth", "Softener of Evil Hearts" (its other name is "Seven-shot"), "Help of sinners", "Tenderness" and, of course, " Leaping baby."

The icon of the Mother of God matters when a sincere prayer is performed in front of her. Also, while waiting for the baby, the young spouses pray to Saints Joachim and Anna, the Holy Martyr Paraskeva, Saint Rev. Roman of Kirzhach and others.

Prayer of the spouses before the appearance of the heir

Many women in anticipation of a baby are worried about how well the birth will go. In addition to the appearance of restless thoughts, expectant mothers are visited by a fear of pain, which confuses them very much. When preparing for childbirth in the Orthodox Church, it is customary to ask the Most Holy Theotokos for help, who always hears sincere prayers, and especially women's prayers for the safe birth of a baby.

The pious tradition of asking the Mother of God for help has long been known in Russia. Russian women fervently pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of Her numerous icons (“Helper in Childbirth”, “Tenderness”, “Feodorovskaya” Blessed Virgin Mary, “Jumping the Baby” and others). She, in turn, grants what She is sincerely asked for.

Prayer after the birth of a baby

After the birth of a baby, many mothers pray in front of the icons "Mammary" and "Education", asking the Mother of God for help in raising their beloved child.

The Theotokos Prayer "Jumping the Baby" has a deep meaning. It glorifies the Blessed Virgin, asks for Her help and support during childbirth. The text also contains requests for the preservation of a newborn baby, for his enlightenment in the sacrament of Baptism, for his upbringing in the Orthodox faith. In addition to prayer in front of the icon, you can read an akathist.

“The Jumping of a Baby” is a miraculous icon, in front of which many Christian women, asking for help from the Mother of God, found Her holy protection and patronage. Akathist also contains various petitions for support.

Conclusion

The Ugresh icon "Jumping the Baby" differs from other versions of this holy image. In some compositions there are slight differences in the depiction of the Divine Infant and His Most Pure Mother. However, they all have the same name - the icon of the "Jumping Baby".

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos, uttered from a pure heart, always brings spiritual fruit. Many believing Christians, after praying in front of this icon, received consolation in spiritual anxieties, as well as deep calm and peace. Such is the effect of the help of the Queen of Heaven, who always helps in various life circumstances.

In Russia, on the day of the celebration of the Ugresh Icon of the Theotokos, the feast of all the icons of the Mother of God "The Leaping of the Baby" is celebrated. The Ugresh Icon of the Mother of God is also revered as a miraculous image, to which many believing Christians come to worship and pray.

What do they pray for the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby"?

The Mother of God is considered the patroness of marriage and motherhood. The feast day of this icon falls on November 20, 2017. She is addressed with requests to restore peace and harmony in the family, to preserve marriage union, children's health.

From time immemorial, women have been offering prayers in front of the Leaping Baby icon - one of its miraculous images.

In Byzantium, he was revered as a great Christian shrine. The Russian icon, which appeared in 1795 in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery, was painted from the Greek model.

This image is given to pregnant women and young mothers. What do they pray for the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby"? Women turn to her with a prayer for granting them the happiness of motherhood, a successful pregnancy and easy childbirth.

Prayer in front of the icon "Jumping baby"

“Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, weigh the birth and nature of the mother and child, have mercy on Your servant (your name) and help in this hour to let your burden be safely resolved. O all-merciful Lady Theotokos, even though you did not demand help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this servant of yours, who requires help, especially from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and even have a baby to be born and bring into the light of this world at the appropriate time and smart light in holy baptism with water and spirit. We fall down to you, Mother of the Most High God, praying: Be merciful to this mother, even if the time has come to be a mother, and implore the incarnated from You, Christ our God, to strengthen me with His strength from above. Amen".

How should one pray to the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby"? Mothers also ask the Virgin Mary to grant their children health and happiness, to protect them from various troubles. You can read not only the above, but also any other Mother of God prayer.

Another prayer to the icon "Jumping the Baby".

“O Most Glorious Mother of God, have mercy on me, Thy servant, and come to my aid during my illnesses and dangers, with which all the poor daughters of Eve give birth. Remember, O Blessed One in women, with what joy and love You went hastily to a mountainous country to visit Your relative Elizabeth during her pregnancy, and what a miraculous effect Your grace-filled visit had on both mother and baby. And according to Thy inexhaustible mercy, grant me, Thy most humble servant, to be relieved of the burden safely; grant me this grace so that the child, now resting under my heart, having come to his senses, with joyful leaping, like the holy baby John, worships the Divine Lord the Savior, who, out of love for us sinners, did not disdain himself to become a Baby. The unexpressed joy that filled Your virgin heart when looking at Your newborn Son and Lord, may it alleviate the sorrow that is coming to me amid the illnesses of birth. May my life, my Savior, born of Thee, save me from death, which cuts off the lives of many mothers at the hour of resolution, and may the fruit of my womb be counted among the elect of God. Hear, Most Holy Queen of Heaven, my humble prayer and look down on me, a poor sinner, with Your eye of grace; do not shame my hope in Your great mercy and fall on me, Helper of Christians, Healer of diseases, may I also be able to experience for myself that You are the Mother of Mercy, and may I always glorify Your grace, which has never rejected the prayers of the poor and delivers all those who call on You in a time of sorrow and sickness. Amen".

What else do they turn to the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby"? Parents ask the Mother of God to instruct their children in the Orthodox faith, so that they grow up to be kind and good people.

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"Leaping baby" icon of the Mother of God helps in what

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The icon "Jumping the Baby" has a special meaning for Christians, as it is capable of working miracles. Every year on October 20, a holiday is celebrated in her honor. This image is used for various petitions, because the image on it is very symbolic.

The meaning of the icon

The miraculous image depicts a small Jesus Christ, who sits in the arms of the Blessed Virgin. She easily touches the Son of God with her cheek, and He stretches out His hands to Her, as if playing. In Her eyes one can read great love and affection. Thus, the attitude of the Almighty towards all believers is transmitted.

According to legend, little Jesus was brought to the temple of the Lord on the 40th day after birth to be baptized. When Elder Simeon took Him away, Jesus stretched out his hands to his mother, showing his attitude. It is claimed that it is this image that conveys the human side of the Son of the Lord.

The miraculous image appeared in 1795 on the territory of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery. When the events of the October Revolution took place, the holy image was lost. For a very long time no one knew where the icon was. And only in 2003, one parishioner brought a holy image to the temple as a gift, which was very similar to the original icon of the “Baby Leaping”. Church ministers determined the authenticity of the face, and since then it has been kept in this monastery as the main shrine.

Icon "Jumping baby", what helps

This icon is considered female, as women or married couples often turn to her help. And here is the main thing that they pray for the icon "Jumping the Baby":

  • to conceive a child for childless families;
  • to calmly carry the pregnancy;
  • so that childbirth goes smoothly and safely;
  • in order to give birth to a healthy and strong baby.

In addition, believing mothers ask the Mother of God to give her child bodily and spiritual health, to give her the opportunity to raise a kind and well-mannered person. Through this icon, the Holy Virgin grants everyone consolation, mercy, support, protection and help in various everyday difficulties.

With these words, you can ask the Mother of God for help and intercession:

“Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, even weigh the birth and nature of the mother and child, have mercy on Your servant (name) and help in this hour to let your burden be safely resolved. O all-merciful Lady Theotokos, even though you did not demand help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this servant of yours, who requires help, especially from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and even have a baby to be born and bring into the light of this world at the appropriate time and smart light in holy baptism with water and spirit. We fall down to you, Mother of the Most High God, praying: Be merciful to this mother, even if the time has come to be a mother, and implore Christ our God, who has incarnated from You, to strengthen me with His strength from above. Amen".

Girls who ask for the opportunity to become pregnant and give birth to a baby must keep their thoughts pure and not forget to live according to the laws of the Lord.

Having a child is a great miracle and joy for the family. But it is not always possible to receive such a gift. In no case should you despair, but you should turn to higher powers for help. And an excellent assistant in achieving the goals set will be the icon "Jumping the Baby" of the Most Holy Theotokos.

May the Lord keep you!

It will also be interesting for you to watch a video about the miraculous icon of the Virgin “Jumping the Baby”:

November 20 - Celebration of the Icon of the Mother of God "Jumping of the Child"

Icon of the Mother of God

The birth of a child is a divine joy

incarnation of new life. It is she

reflected in this amazing icon.

Images of the Mother of God and the Infant Savior

convey the full depth of trust and

tenderness of the relationship between Mother and Son, which

commanded to exist among all

mothers and children. Icon of the Mother of God

"Baby Leap" is one of many

miraculous icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.

In Russia, before this image, the Orthodox

mothers have long said fervent prayers

about the welfare of their children. Exists

pious tradition of praying to the Blessed

Mother of God for help during pregnancy,

before childbirth and after them. Before the image

many couples bring prayer for

resolution of infertility. Birth of a child,

this is a great happiness. Thank the Virgin

for this and ask that she continue,

“who took the whole human race for adoption”,

continued her motherly care for her mother

and the baby, and His intercession for them before

Lord. We always have something to be thankful for

Mother of God, so you should not miss any

for that opportunity.

About the history and meaning of the icon

The birth of a baby is the main event in the life of every woman. It is during pregnancy and the birth of a child that the Lord most clearly reveals to man the fullness of His power and majesty. When a baby is born, it is a true miracle of God on Earth. For a successful pregnancy outcome, many mothers pray to the Lord, the Saints and, of course, the Most Holy Theotokos for the entire period before and after childbirth. The icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is one of the many miraculous icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Russia, in front of this image, Orthodox mothers have long said fervent prayers for the well-being of their children. There is a pious tradition before childbirth to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and to perform prayers with the reading of an akathist dedicated to the icon of the Leaping Baby. The icon belongs to the most common type in iconography, called "eleusa", which is translated from Greek as "merciful". Such works most fully depict the deeply reverent and tender relationship between the Holy Mother and the Divine Child.

Here there is no distance between the Mother and the Son: the Infant presses his cheek against the face of the Mother of God, showing her his sincere love and trust. Many famous icons of the Mother of God also belong to the “eleus” type, such as: Vladimirskaya, “Tenderness”, Yaroslavskaya and others. The icon depicts the Savior Jesus Christ sitting on the hand of the Mother of God. Throwing his head back, He seems to be playing with his Mother. With one hand, the Savior touches her cheek, thereby showing tenderness. The entire pose of the Divine Infant conveys His childish direct character. This icon most strongly shows the human side of the Divine Savior, which is rarely found in other icon-paintings of the Mother of God.

The most famous list of the icon of the Mother of God "Jumping the Child" was revealed on November 7/20, 1795 in Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery , which is still operating in the Moscow region, not far from the city of Dzerzhinsky. The monastery is historically famous because it was founded by Dmitry Donskoy in honor of the victory in 1380 on the Kulikovo Field at the site of the appearance of the great icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Ugreshsky - from the old Russian "ugresh", in the modern language - "warmed". According to legend, the phenomenon icons of Nicholas the Wonderworker before the battle, the prince was so inspired that he exclaimed: “This is all sinning my heart,” that is, “warmed my heart.” This ardent joy of the presence of the will of the Lord, revealed through His saint, was transmitted through the commander to the troops as a premonition of victory, and the enemy was utterly defeated.

A little over four centuries later, in the Nikolo-Ugreshskaya monastery, the icon of the Mother of God “The Leaping of the Infant” miraculously appeared, where on the reverse side of the icon board, perhaps by the master himself, a brief prayer was written: “Save all with your prayers, Most Holy Theotokos, who flow to you, Deliver all needs and sorrows. After 1917, the monastery, which, starting from the time of Peter the Great, was destroyed and plundered, like many other churches and monasteries. The Ugreshskaya icon “Jumping the Baby” has also disappeared.

In 1991, the monastery was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, restoration began. In 2013, a woman called the monastery and said that she had an icon that, according to the description, was very similar to the “Leaping of the Baby”, which a certain collector had previously sold to her family. The collector claimed that this is the same icon that was once among the shrines of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery. The monks who arrived from the monastery agreed that the icon is very suitable for the old descriptions. The image was taken to the monastery. And when the icon was installed in the place in the Transfiguration Cathedral where the lost list had previously been located, it became clear to all those present that this was it, and the image of the Mother of God, by Her will, returned home.

From the moment the icon “Leaping of the Baby” was found in 1795 in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery, many miracles occurred from it, connected with the cure of infertility, with the help in the successful course of pregnancy, with the healing of sick babies. Many and many families began to flock to her with their sorrows and requests, which, through their prayers and faith, found a miraculous, prosperous resolution. That is why this icon was glorified, but the memory of its miraculousness comes to us from ancient times - the oldest list, located in the Vatopedi Monastery on Athos, also showed miraculous properties.

And yet the greatest miracle is the wonder of the tremulous feeling born from the image on the icon, from the image of Divine love between the Mother and the Infant, who, being the Lord, both during earthly life and after His Ascension, as we know according to legend, he remained a respectful and loving Son. Therefore, the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos for us before Him is the strongest, for the Son of God, in His respect for the requests of the Mother, is merciful much more often than we sometimes deserve.

Just one look at the Divine family, at the manifestations of filial love and maternal tenderness is an example for human relations. The divine joy of a new life, reflected in this amazing icon, reveals all the depth and greatness of relations in the heavenly world and at the same time their humanity, understandable and close to us. Thus, the dual, divine-human essence of the nature of the Lord Christ as the Son of God and the Son of Man is reaffirmed. After all, the birth of a child is every time a repetition of the event of the Nativity of Christ. In every mother, a glimmer of the Mother of God shines - it illuminates her face, bent over her beloved child. In every baby from the moment of baptism there is a reflection of the Holy Spirit of Godhood - the incarnation of God became the basis for the deification of a person "in His image and likeness." A miracle is revealed to the soul that believes in Him - a unique opportunity to follow His path and lead their children along with them. It is difficult for an earthly person, they say, - of course, it is difficult, but let us remember: "The Kingdom of God is given by power" ...

The image on the icon has an unusually personal character, as if it lifts the veil of the relationship between the Mother of God and the Son of God, left alone. The face of the Mother of God is mournful, She bent over the Infant with tender sadness, foreseeing His difficult path along the earthly vale and future torment on the cross. The baby, playing, touches the face of the Most Pure. This affectionate gesture is evidence of the all-understanding tenderness that exists between the Mother of God and the Son of God, of the wonderful feelings that should exist between all mothers and children.

But in this gesture of joyful trust there is also a shade of consolation - He, born and living in the Holy Spirit, also sees His suffering at the foot of Golgotha ​​as the Divine hypostasis of His divine-human being. Another prophetic meaning contained in this image of the Mother of God, according to some researchers of Russian Orthodox iconography, arose on the basis of the composition of the icon "The Presentation of the Lord" - only there the Baby reaches for Saint Simeon the God-bearer from Mother's hands, which foreshadows His future way of the cross. As is known, when, after the Nativity of the Divine Infant, Mary and Joseph came to the temple of Jerusalem to bring, according to Jewish custom, a sacrifice for the birth of a boy child (Ex. 12:12–15), St. Simeon also appeared there, drawn by the Holy Spirit. It is known that an angel announced to Simeon that he will not rest until he takes in his arms the Infant born of the Virgin, and not his wife.

Taking the Baby in his arms, he uttered the words that have now become one of the most wonderful and heartfelt hymns in the evening Orthodox service: “Now let Thy servant go, Master, according to Thy word in peace…” (Luke 2:29–32). And so this meeting, the meeting - in Old Russian, Church Slavonic, happened, after which the elder was released from this world and went to God.

The image of the Mother of God "Jumping the Baby" is an icon of all young mothers and all Orthodox women who want to have a child. During pregnancy, before childbirth, in the first months of a newborn's life, it is customary to read an akathist to the icon of the Mother of God "The Leaping of the Infant." So the health of the expectant mother and the newborn baby will be protected by a warm prayer to the Intercessor. Of course, the joint prayer of relatives in front of this icon of the Mother of God during the hours when the mother is in the maternity ward is very important. The common prayer of her relatives will support her, give her strength. A positive attitude and peace of mind is a good state for every person, but while a woman carries a child under her heart, the state of grace and inner peace is especially important for her - because she lives and feels the world for two. And if she gets sad, the Mother Intercessor will console and protect, because it has been known since ancient times: everything that a mother feels, the child feels, and therefore thoughts must be kept clean, and joyful expectation should be kept in the heart.

If it suddenly happens that in your family or someone close for a long time there are no desired children, then turn with a prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “The Leaping of the Infant”, most of the lists of which are known as miraculous. The prayer of the Mother of God will always be heard, of course, provided that it is persistent, sincere, and ardent. Also, a prayer before the image of the Virgin “Jumping the Baby” for the mother and child will contribute to the successful course of pregnancy, and then help the mother and newborn stay healthy and quickly recover from childbirth - this is joyful work, but requiring a lot of effort, and the Mother of God, according to our prayers, never will not leave those who cry to her.

Before the icon of the Mother of God "Leaping of the Child" you can pray any prayer of the Mother of God. In general, in the old days it was customary to serve a prayer service before the approaching birth, to read akathists to the Mother of God in front of Her icon “Leaping of the Baby”.

The celebration of the icons of the Mother of God “The Leaping of the Infant” takes place on November 7/20, following the date of the miraculous acquisition of the icon in 1795 in the Nikolo-Ugreshsky Monastery.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos, uttered from a pure heart, always brings spiritual fruit. Many believing Christians, after praying in front of this icon, received consolation in spiritual anxieties, as well as deep calm and peace. Such is the effect of the help of the Queen of Heaven, who always helps in various life circumstances.