The Mother of God of Pochaev helps in what. Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God

The icon of the Mother of God is directly connected with the Pochaev Lavra. It is worth mentioning right away interesting fact- the image is representative of both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Every year, believers celebrate the celebration of this icon, and this happens on July 23.

Before we figure out what the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is praying for, let's find out what the image looks like. The face is painted with oil paints in a strict Byzantine style. As a base, an ordinary linden board is used, which is lined at the bottom with oak beams, which prevents it from bending. According to existing information, it was originally covered with a thin silver plate on top, but over time it was lost. The decoration was replaced by a riza of small pearls.

The icon depicts the Mother of God with the Infant right hand. In the other hand, she has a scarf that covers the legs and back of Christ. Baby your left hand holds on the shoulder of the mother, and blesses with the right. The Mother of God bowed her head to the Son, which symbolizes her boundless love. There are also two monogrammed inscriptions: Mother of God and Jesus Christ. On the foreground the top of the mountain with the footprint of the Virgin is depicted.

The history of the icon of the Pochaev Mother of God

In 1340, two monks settled on the mountain where the temple is now located. One of them was praying at the top and suddenly saw the Virgin Mary, who was standing on a stone and was on fire. He called his friend, and he also saw the appearance of the Virgin. This picture also had a third witness - a shepherd. After the image disappeared on the stone, there was an imprint of the right foot of the Virgin, which still exists and what is most interesting in this recess is always water, which is healing.

Pochaev icon The Mother of God "The Burning Bush" appeared in 1559, when Metropolitan Neophyte was passing through Volhynia. There he visited a noblewoman, to whom he left an icon of the Mother of God as a gift. After a while, people noticed that a strange glow emanated from the image. In 1597, the icon showed its miraculous powers for the first time when it healed the brother of a noblewoman. After that, she handed over the image to the Incas, who lived on Pochaev Hill. After such and such a time, a church was built there, which suffered a huge number of disasters, and all thanks to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

How does the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God help?

This image is included in the list of the most revered folk shrines. Most often they pray before him to get rid of various diseases and also helps to enlighten sinners. There is also evidence that he showed his strength in situations where a person was captured and pleaded for support.

To understand the significance of the Pochaev icon, it is enough to list some of the miracles that happened thanks to the power of the image. To date, there is a huge amount of evidence, for example, one of the significant healings occurred in 1664. In one family, a child had problems with vision, and a thorn covered his left eye. His parents brought him to the monastery and asked him to wash the child's face with water from the foot of the Mother of God. The next day a miracle happened - the boy saw everything perfectly. Soon a tragedy occurred, and the child died, the grandmother prayed all this time in front of the Pochaev icon, and soon he came to life and was completely healthy.

There is more than one confirmation of the resurrecting power of the icon, and it also saved many from various deadly diseases. The priests say that you need to turn to the icon in prayer only with a pure soul and heart. All data before the image of the promise must be realized, since you can bring trouble on yourself.

Among the many holy images Holy Mother of God occupies a special place miraculous icon, located in the Pochaev Holy Assumption Monastery (lavra) in Volyn (Ukraine). She is revered not only by the Orthodox, but also by adherents of other religions.

For about four centuries this miraculous image has been located within the walls of the Holy Assumption Cathedral, which laid the foundation for the monastery complex. And all these years, miracles have not stopped, revealed to believers through their prayers in front of the icon of the Mother of God.

The history of the icon itself begins miraculously: The Mother of God seemed to have chosen the place where her holy image would be located.. So it's worth starting with some background.

In 1340, two monks settled near the mountain on which the Lavra subsequently grew. Once one of them, having prayed, went to the top, but suddenly he was struck by an extraordinary vision: on the stone, as if shrouded in flame, stood the Mother of God herself. The monk called his comrade, and he, too, was honored to see the appearance of the Intercessor of the human race.

Seeing a wonderful radiance emanating from the mountain, John Barefoot, a village shepherd, who was grazing cattle nearby, ran there. The three of them, eyewitnesses of God's miracle, began to pray and praise the Lord God and His Blessed Mother.

As evidence of the appearance of the Virgin, the foot of her right foot was imprinted on the stone where she stood. Today, a stone with a “stack”, as believers lovingly call this imprint, is located in the same Assumption Church and is constantly filled with water, mysteriously exuded by the stone.

Water, believing in its miraculous power, is constantly collected by pilgrims, of whom a great many come to the Lavra, they are used to heal various diseases, but the source stop does not become impoverished.

Often, the image of the foot is also placed on the lists of the icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev.

According to the existing legend, in these places the icon of the Mother of God, which was later called Pochaevskaya, hit as a gift-blessing for the noblewoman Anna Goyskaya from the Greek Metropolitan Neophyte.

On his way to Moscow from Constantinople, the future Patriarch of Constantinople traveled through the lands of Volyn and stopped for a few days to rest in Urla, the Goyskaya estate. Touched by the warm and cordial welcome, the distinguished guest blessed the hostess with an ancient image of the Mother of God, with whom he had never parted before.

The sacred gift was placed in Anna Goyskaya's home chapel and stayed there for a long time. But somehow someone from the family noticed that the icon radiates a wondrous light. Reported to the owner. At first she did not believe, but then she saw this image in a dream - "in a great light." After that, an inextinguishable lampada was lit in front of the icon and prayers were made.

The first miracle from the icon happened in Anna's family: before her, the brother of the landowner, Philip, was healed. Various sources also indicate various ailments from which he got rid. Some say that he was blind, others that he was lame. But the fact remains - this healing, which occurred in 1597, is evidenced by history.

After that, the pious Anna of Goyskaya decided to transfer the miraculous image for eternal storage to the monks who settled on Pochaev Hill. And when the Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos was built here, the icon with honors was placed in it. And now her story has forever merged with the history of the monastery, the protector and intercessor of which she was and is.

The four centuries of the Lavra's existence are rich in events. Among them are many disasters. The monastery was oppressed by the Lutherans, besieged by the Turks, captured by the Uniates, but through the intercession of the Queen of Heaven, all troubles passed.

And descriptions of many, truly legendary, miracles have come down to our time.

In July 1675, the monastery was besieged by hordes of Tatars. The monastery was not yet fortified, and it was unrealistic to hide behind its walls for a long time. The then hegumen called on the brethren and the laity who had taken refuge here to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Monk Job, the reposed hegumen of Pochaev.

The morning on the eve of the decisive Tatar assault began with prayers. And literally with their first words over the church the Mother of God herself appeared, surrounded by angels with drawn swords. And next to her he prayed for the protection of the Orthodox monastery of St. Job.

Seeing the heavenly warriors and mistaking them for a ghost, the Tatars began to randomly shoot at them, but the arrows flew back, hitting those who released them. The enemy was seized with horror and panic, in which they began to kill their own.

The defenders of the monastery who pursued the fleeing Tatars captured many prisoners. Some of them became Christians over time. and stayed in the Lavra forever.

After the death of Anna Goyskaya, her heir Andrey Firley, a Calvinist, seized the icon from the monastery, and owned it for almost 20 years.

Somehow, in front of the guests, Firlei's wife mockingly began to depict a prayer in front of the icon and was immediately stricken with mental illness - demonic possession. She was healed only when the icon was returned to the Lavra.

In 1721 Pochaev was captured by the Uniates. Hard times came for the Lavra, but even then the monastery chronicle described more than 500 miracles performed by the Orthodox shrine.

Among them is deliverance from the imminent death of the count's coachman. Count Pototsky, who professed Uniatism, almost shot him, accusing him of the fact that the horses suffered and the carriage with the rider turned over.

The poor coachman fell to his knees and, turning his face to the Pochaev mountain, fervently prayed to the Mother of God for salvation. Several attempts by the count to shoot from the always trouble-free pistol ended in misfires - the life of the coachman was saved.

Potocki himself was so shocked by this that he believed in the power of the icon and donated a lot of money to the construction of the monastery, in particular, for the construction of the Holy Assumption Cathedral.

Only in early XIX century the monastery was returned to the Orthodox Church. And this was marked by the healing of Annushka Akimchukova, a girl born blind from Kamenetz-Podolsky.

She prayed at the icon, washed her eyes with water from the holy foot and gained the ability to see. The Uniate grandmother accompanying her, amazed by the miracle, converted to Orthodoxy.

Healings happen in our days. The case of the recovery of a paralyzed nun is described, who, on crutches, with an escort, arrived in Pochaev from Orenburg, and left on her own.

The crutches left by her in the monastery, as evidence of a miracle, are next to the icon.

This is only a small fraction of the episodes that testify to the miraculous image of the Pochaev Mother of God and recorded in the monastery folios.

Every year of the most different parts numerous pilgrims ride and ride to bow to the great shrine and ask for her help. All believers turn to the icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev with a prayer: after all, in life, as - no matter what a person is, then a problem.

People ask for help in incurable diseases, including those that are not amenable to any kind of healing. They pray for the captives and for their release, in order to enlighten the lost and inveterate sinners, for the strengthening of those who waver in the faith.

Oh, Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God! I thank Thee with all my heart, for thou hast vouchsafed me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant, to stand here and bow to holy mountain yours. Oh, how many blessings have been rewarded with such a sinful one by Your mercy. I see, the Most Pure, and I am horrified, and my spirit melts, in vain I personally see this multi-healing source of Thy grace, which from ancient times in the footprint of Thy holy foot has inexpressibly revealed Thou, and we all reverently bow on the spot, even if you stand on Thy virginal feet, I pray Thee, blessed Hope and Salvation of our souls and bodies: wash me with Thy wholesome water from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, quench all my heart’s passions with Thy grace-filled streams, heal with drops from Thy ever-flowing source all my bodily ailments, but instructed by You, healed and delivered, I sing to You wholeheartedly: Rejoice , source of unceasing joy, rejoice, more than kindness inexpressible. Rejoice, drowning of impure lusts, Rejoice, defilement of all kinds. Rejoice, stream of light to the health of the faithful from the mountain of autumn thickets, giving the grace of healing, Rejoice, heavenly dew, sending down currents of wisdom to those who thirst for true knowledge. Rejoice, praise of Pochaev, save us, praying to You, our Hope and consolation. Amen.

Holy Assumption Cathedral of the Pochaev Lavra, in the third tier of the luxurious iconostasis, which was presented to the monastery by Emperor Alexander II. Every morning, the icon on silk ribbons is lowered to the level of human growth - for worship and prayer. The original icon has small size. Framed in a salary in the form of a star with many rays emanating from it.

But in the same cathedral there is a large copy of it, which also bears the name "Pochaevskaya" and is also revered as miraculous. This icon appeared in Kyiv after the city was rid of the cholera epidemic. At the bottom of this list, the foot of the Virgin is already depicted.

The miraculous list of the icon of the Pochaev Mother of God, glorified by deliverance from adversity in the same 1848, the cholera year, is located in the Siberian Ioanno-Vvedensky convent, near Tobolsk.

The Pochaev icon, also miraculous, is also in Moscow. It is preserved in the church of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica - at the Tver Gates. There is also a miraculous list of it in St. Danilov Monastery - in its Trinity Cathedral.

How do the icons "Burning Bush" and "Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord" help?

In the Orthodox Church, many icons are revered as miraculous, and people traditionally turn to them with their troubles.

Yes, Mother of God the icon "Burning Bush" is considered a protector from fire- for this purpose it is placed at home.

Before her, they pray for those who themselves stand guard over security - for the military, firefighters, doctors, pilots. People of these professions also consider the "Burning Bush" their patroness.

In military clashes, this image of the Virgin protects soldiers and military leaders through prayer. Those who have seriously sinned believe that thanks to sincere repentance before the icon, its miraculous fire will incinerate all the sins they have committed. It also relieves those suffering from mental illness.

Concerning icons "Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord", then the prayers before her also relate to all human concerns and hardships, starting from getting rid of a toothache and ending with a prayer to grant God's mercy in all difficult situations.

barren they ask for the gift of children and receive what they ask for.

Those suffering from migraines, joint pains pray for healing.

The terminally ill turn to the icon with faith.

Those who pray to the "Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord" are filled with fortitude, helping to humble themselves and endure, hope and wait.

The prayer to the icon of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord is very short and sincere: “I ask the incomprehensible and invincible Divine Power of the Honest and life-giving cross do not leave us sinners."

The Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered shrines of the Russian Church. She is known throughout the Slavic world: she is honored in Russia, Bosnia, Serbia, Bulgaria and other countries. Along with the Orthodox, Christians of other confessions also come to worship the miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The miraculous Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God has been in the Pochaev Lavra, an ancient stronghold of Orthodoxy, for about 400 years. The miracles that flow from the holy icon are numerous and are attested in the monastic books by the records of believers who prayed for deliverance from incurable ailments, deliverance from captivity and admonishment of sinners.

The celebration in honor of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God on August 5 (according to the new style) was established in memory of the deliverance of the Assumption Pochaev Lavra from the Turkish siege on July 20-23, 1675.

In the summer of 1675, during the Zbarazh war with the Turks, during the reign of the Polish king Jan Sobessky (1674-1696), regiments consisting of Tatars, led by Khan Nurredin, approached the Pochaev monastery through Vyshnevets, surrounding it from three sides. The weak monastery fence, like several stone buildings of the monastery, did not provide any protection for the besieged. Abbot Joseph Dobromirsky convinced the brethren and laity to turn to heavenly intercessors: the Most Holy Theotokos and the Monk Job of Pochaev. The monks and laity prayed earnestly, falling down to the miraculous image of the Mother of God and to the shrine with the relics of St. Job.

On the morning of August 5 (July 23, according to the old style), at sunrise, the Tatars held the last council to storm the monastery, and the abbot ordered the akathist to be sung to the Mother of God. With the first words of the “Choose Governor”, ​​the Most Pure Mother of God Herself suddenly appeared over the temple, “dissolving the white-shiny omophorion”, with heavenly angels holding drawn swords. The Monk Job was near the Mother of God, bowing to Her and praying for the protection of the monastery.

The Tatars mistook the heavenly host for a ghost, in confusion they began to shoot at the Most Holy Theotokos and the Monk Job, but the arrows returned back and wounded those who let them go. Horror seized the enemy. In a stampede, not dismantling their own, they killed each other. The defenders of the monastery rushed in pursuit and captured many. Some captives subsequently adopted the Christian faith and remained in the monastery forever.

More than half a century ago, on June 17, 1950, in the Pochaev Lavra, the miraculous healing of the nun Varvara (Elena Konstantinovna Putyatina) took place, in which both legs were paralyzed for 48 years. She came from the city of Chkalov (now Orenburg), moving with difficulty on crutches with the help of her companion, nun Maria. Having venerated the list of the miraculous image of the Mother of God, the nun immediately got to her feet. The crutches left by her in the monastery still stand by the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, testifying to the miracle that happened.

Troparion, tone 5:
Before Your holy icon, Lady, / those who pray for healing are granted, / they accept the true knowledge of faith, / and the Agarian invasions are repelled. / The same to us, who fall to You, / ask for forgiveness of sins, / enlighten our hearts with piety, / and lift up a prayer to Your Son / for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion, tone 1:
The source of healing and faith Orthodox affirmation Your Pochaev icon, Mother of God, appear: the same for us, flowing to her, from troubles and temptations of freedom, save Your Lavra unharmed, affirm Orthodoxy in the surrounding countries standing, and forgive Your sins prayer book: the tree is more holy , you can.

Prayer of the Mother of God of Pochaev:

To Thee, O Mother of God, we prayerfully flow, sinners, Thy miracles in the holy Lavra of Pochaev, manifested remembrance and of our contrite sins. Vemy, Mistress, Vemy, as if it is not befitting to us, sinners, why ask, only about the righteous Judge of our iniquity leave us. All of us, endured by us in life, sorrows, and needs, and illnesses, like the fruits of our falls, vegetate us, this God to let us correct us. The same, all this, with His truth and judgment, the Lord has brought upon His sinful servants, even in their sorrows to Your intercession, Most Pure, flowing, and in tenderness of hearts they cry to You: Our sins and iniquities, Good, do not remember, but more than Your all-honorable hand having raised up, stand before your Son and God, let the cruelty that we have done let us go, yes, for many unfulfilled promises, our face will not turn away from our servants, but will not take away His grace, contributing to our salvation, from our souls. To her, the Lady, be an intercessor to our salvation and, not disdaining our cowardice, look at our groaning, even in our troubles and sorrows before Your miraculous way we lift up. Enlighten our minds with tender thoughts, strengthen our faith, affirm our hope, make us accept the sweetest gift of love. With this, O Most Pure One, with gifts, and not with diseases and sorrows, let our belly be raised to salvation, but protect our souls from despondency and despair, deliver us weak from troubles that come upon us, and needs, and human slander and unbearable diseases. Grant peace and well-being to Christian living by Your intercession, Lady, affirm the Orthodox faith in our country, throughout the world, do not betray the Apostolic and Cathedral Church to belittle, keep the charters of the holy fathers unshakably forever, save all those who flow to You from the pit of perdition. Also bring the heresy of our deceived brethren or the saving faith in the sinful passions of those who have destroyed the packs to true faith and repentance, and together with us worship Your miraculous image, they will confess Your intercession. Vouchsafe us, Most Pure Lady Theotokos, even in this belly to see the victory of truth with Your intercession, vouchsafe us grace-filled joy before our death to perceive, as of old, the inhabitants of tea, with Your appearance, winners and educators of the Hagarites, you showed us, yes, we all with a grateful heart, together with angels, and prophets, and apostles, and with all the saints Your mercy is glorifying, we will give glory, honor and worship in the Trinity to the sung God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

What do they pray for in front of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God

Before the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God they pray for:

• Strengthening faith;
• Liberation from bad addictions;
• Help in any matters;
• Healing from infirmities;
• Protect from enemies.

Through prayers before the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, miracles happened more than once.

1. The mercy of the Most Holy Theotokos did not leave the faithful while the icon was in the possession of the Uniates.
2. A man born blind has received his sight.
3. Healing of the nun Varvara.

Based on materials from open Internet sources

Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. Video

The veneration of icons is one of the differences between the Orthodox faith and other areas of Christianity. There are many holy images that have a special meaning for the Russian people.

Theologian's opinion

Professor of theology Alexei Ilyich Osipov in his lectures repeatedly touched upon the issue of worshiping icons. He says that it is necessary to separate the concepts of worshiping an icon as a kind of magical object, which in itself is endowed with a certain power, and as an image of a specific saint. In the latter case, the prayer is addressed specifically to the saint, who was known for his righteous life and can become a heavenly patron for the one who prays. Ultimately, only the Lord knows the fate of people, so all requests and prayers should be addressed to Him.

Osipov also mentions the existence different types worship: the first is the worship of God - religious worship, in essence, meaning faith. And the second type is worship in the meaning of worship, reverence. Thus, one can worship, for example, a person whose qualities are highly valued. The same thing happens with the worship of icons and relics of saints.

About prayer before icons

Alexei Ilyich also says that prayer in front of any icon, offered without faith in God, without humility and reverence, has no power. It is worth recalling the prayer of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane: "... Yes, Your will be done, not mine." Christians should follow this example, turning with prayer requests to the Almighty.

We should not forget that Christianity is primarily aimed at curing the spiritual ailments of a person, which are sins. “Give me your soul, son,” Christ said. Therefore, spiritual blessings and the healing of spiritual ailments must be prayed for first of all. And if a person appeals to the Heavenly Father with some earthly, material request, then he should ask with humility, because only the Lord knows what is evil for this person and what is good.

If we talk about the miraculousness of icons, then you need to understand that the icon itself is not miraculous. Miracles are performed by God, who always hears prayers addressed to Him with faith, repentance and humility. Icons, on the other hand, can only contribute to the proper mood of a person for prayer.

Appearance of the Mother of God

One of the most revered icon-painting images in Orthodoxy is located in the Ukrainian city of Pochaev, above the monastery church. In addition to the original, there are also several copies of the Pochaev icon. Prayer to the Lord in front of these icons can be offered in the churches of Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Tobolsk region.

There is the following legend about the acquisition of this image. In the fourteenth century, near the mountain on which the monastery now stands, two monks lived. One day, after praying, one of them saw the Most Holy Theotokos, who appeared standing on a mountain in flashes of flame. This monk called another to come and see the miracle too. A local shepherd also came to the call. The stone on which the Virgin Mary stood forever imprinted the imprint of Her right foot. All three climbed the mountain and thanked God for the miracle revealed to them in joint prayer.

Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. Finding a shrine

In the second half of the sixteenth century Neophyte was on a visit to Russia. Passing through the Volyn lands, he also visited the small town of Pochaev, which was part of the possessions of the noblewoman Anna Goiskaya. Vladyka stayed at her estate for some time.

In gratitude for the warm welcome, the Metropolitan of Constantinople presented the owner of the estate with an icon of the Mother of God of Pochaev as a gift. Prayers for the healing of her blind brother began to be regularly offered by the noblewoman in front of the holy icon.

Thanks to the true faith that Anna showed in her prayers, full of humility and repentance, the Lord heeded her request, and a miracle happened - the blind man received his sight.

Anna's servant, performing her household duties, more than once noticed a halo of light near the owner of the estate herself began to see dreams in which the Mother of God appeared to her. Goyskaya took all this as a sign from above and handed over to the monks the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. Prayers before her began to be offered up by them in the cave of the mountain where they lived, and where, several centuries before, the Mother of God appeared to their predecessors. The holy image was transferred there by a specially assembled solemn procession.

Monastery

Soon a monastery was erected on that mountain, it was possible to do this thanks to donations for the construction made by Anna Goyskaya. Almost a century later, the miraculous image was taken away from the monastic community by a descendant of Goyskaya. This wicked nobleman kept the icon on his estate for two decades. But after his wife became possessed, he turned for help to the abbot of the Pochaev monastery, Job, who was known among the people for his clairvoyance and righteous life, and after his death was glorified by the church as a saint. He gave the nobleman advice to immediately return the shrine to its rightful place, which he, in turn, did.

At the end of the seventeenth century, there was a war with Turkey, during which numerous Tatar detachments, who fought on the Turkish side, passing through Pochaev, besieged the monastery. The walls of the monastery, not designed to withstand powerful siege weapons, could not hold back the attacks of the enemy. Enemies surrounded this place from all sides, approached closer and closer.

heavenly intercessor

He called on the entire monastic brethren to kneel before the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in prayer for mercy. After some time, when the Tatars held a military council, at which the fate of the monastery was decided, the Mother of God herself appeared above the temples of the monastery, surrounded by an army of angels with drawn swords. Next to the Mother of God stood Saint Job, begging her to intercede for the fate of the besieged monks. At the sight of this grandiose spectacle, panic arose in the camp of the Tatars. They opened archery at the heavenly patrons of the monastic monastery.

But the arrows fired by them returned in their own direction, inflicting significant losses on the army. Soon the confusion reached such an unprecedented level that the warriors began to brandish their swords, trying to protect themselves from arrows. Often the blows fell on their associates. The army was demoralized and retreated in horror. The monks followed them, overtook the enemy, and captured many Tatars. Some of these captives subsequently converted to Christianity, as they were witnesses of the power of the Lord.

The Pochaev icon, the prayer before which turned out to be saving, is now located within the walls of this monastery, in the Assumption Cathedral.

Gracious prayer

Before the repulse of the siege of the walls of the Lavra by the Tatar army, the miracles that took place thanks to the Prayer in front of the icon of the Pochaev Mother of God were not documented. But the fame that the icon contributes to grace-filled prayer, spreading from mouth to mouth, spread throughout Russia. Thousands of pilgrims began to gather at the icon, most of whom brought the prayer of the Mother of God for the healing of bodily diseases.

Many miracles are associated with the Pochaev Icon, many of which are inscribed in special monastic books. One of the first records tells about the cure of a sick boy. The boy had a thorn in one of his eyes. Saddened parents came with the child to the temple, washed him with water from the trace of the Virgin and began to pray in front of the Pochaev icon. Their request was heard, and the son was cured in a day. Soon he suffered another terrible disease, from which the child died. The boy's grandmother, who was a deeply religious woman, did not become discouraged, but came to church and turned to God with a request for help. And the Lord performed another miracle. Her grandson is resurrected.

Miracles of Faith

Since those distant times, many believers come to the Assumption Cathedral every day, hoping to receive healing from ailments, both bodily and spiritual, for which they pray to the Mother of God, looking at them from the Pochaev Icon.

AT new history there is a case of healing of the nun Varvara, who suffered from paralysis of the lower extremities and moved only on crutches. Thanks to the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, the prayer for the health of this nun was so sincere that the Lord healed the suffering woman. The crutches, which turned out to be unnecessary for her, now stand under the icon, reminding the parishioners of the power of righteous prayer and of the boundless love of the Heavenly Father for his children.

One of the ancient legends tells about a certain monk who, during the war with the Turks, was captured by the enemy. This monk belonged to the brethren of the Pochaev Monastery. He was distinguished by the meekness and diligence of his service to the Lord. The monk regretted that he could not pray before the Pochaev Icon. By God's Grace, one day he was transferred to his native monastery.

Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. What are they praying for?

The described cases show that the miraculous image helps to strengthen faith and fortitude. Written sources mainly mention the healing of those praying from visible problems, bodily diseases. But many people turn to God with requests for deliverance from spiritual ailments: envy, pride, despondency. Many holy fathers say that just such prayers are the most pleasing to the Lord. But cases of such healings are described extremely rarely because of the complexity, and sometimes the impossibility of describing these purely personal vices. Therefore, in the traditions of the church about miraculous deliverance from material troubles, it is customary to see something else, symbolic meaning. For example, when a legend tells that the prayer of the Mother of God at the Pochaev Icon saved or contributed to liberation from prison and captivity, then it should be understood that such a prayer can also save from spiritual bondage - free a person from the captivity of his sinful passions.

The case of the healing of the blind brother Anna Goyskaya can be considered as a symbol of spiritual insight, understanding of one's sinfulness and the need for improvement, which can only happen when a person turns to faith. And any faith, any religion, first of all, calls a person to prayer. Religion without prayer has no meaning and is reduced only to the meaningless performance of rituals.

Following the same logic, the pages of the annals of the monastery, telling about the repulse of the Tatar army with the assistance of the Mother of God, can be interpreted as confirmation that the Lord is ready to save people from any enemies, including invisible ones, that is, sins.

How does the prayer of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God help?

In answering this question, it should be recalled that one should not pray to the icon itself, but to the Mother of God, who is depicted on this icon and can act as an intercessor before God for praying people. The icon itself does not have any divine power, but it can contribute to the right mood for prayer. Alexei Osipov, professor of theology, spoke about this more than once, who, in turn, refers to many sayings of the holy fathers regarding this topic. Therefore, this opinion is not his subjective vision of this issue, it is based on the consistent teaching of the holy fathers.

Artistic characteristics of the icon

This example of icon art is an icon of the so-called Tenderness type. This is a half-length image of the Mother of God, holding the infant Savior with one hand, and with the other a veil that covers the legs and back of Jesus. With one hand, Christ holds on to the shoulder of his Mother, and with the other he makes a gesture of blessing.

On the icon you can see inscriptions made in Greek. On the sides are small icons of several saints. The face of the Blessed Virgin is painted in oil on wood in a manner typical of the Byzantine icon painting school. Initially, the image was covered with a silver salary, but it was lost. Now the icon is framed by a star made of pearls of small caliber, which was donated to the monastery Russian emperor Alexander II as a token of his gratitude for the hospitality of the monks, which they showed during his pilgrimage to the Lavra in the middle of the nineteenth century.

Origin of the icon

The authorship of this icon has not been established. Most experts agree that this image is a family icon. It is possible that initially it belonged to the family of the Greek Patriarch Neophyte himself.

As you know, some peoples had a custom to choose a heavenly patron for the family. The day of veneration of this saint became a family holiday, and the icon with his image enjoyed special respect. There were also those that were given to newborns. They got this name due to the size of the image corresponding to the growth of a newborn baby. Some researchers tend to believe that the icon of the Pochaev Mother of God was painted by Russian icon painters.

Feast and daily veneration

On August 5, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Pochaev Icon. What are they praying for on this day? This holiday was approved in memory of the miraculous reflection of the Tatar army by the forces of the Most Holy Theotokos and St. Job, the first abbot of the monastery. In addition, every day after the morning service, which begins at exactly five in the morning and is held by the light of some lamps, the icon, located in the third row of the iconostasis, descends to the level of human growth on special mounts. At this time, the church choir sings the chant "The Impassable Gate".

Near the icon, according to tradition, a hieromonk, who is called a kiot monk, should stand. He is the first to approach the icon in order to venerate it. After him, all the monks of the monastery are applied to the image, and after them comes the turn of the laity present at the service. You can also venerate the shrine on Saturdays, these days, before lowering the icon, the monks read the cathedral akathist. The image is lowered on ribbons for general worship and on Sundays and public holidays, after the Late Divine Liturgy has been served.

Finally

To worship the holy image flocks every day a large number of residents of the city of Pochaev. The Assumption Cathedral also receives a huge number of pilgrims. All of them come to the icon to pray and ask the Most Pure Virgin for help in front of the Pochaev icon. What is usually asked of the Heavenly Intercessor?

Most often, prayers relate to physical health, since, as already mentioned, according to church tradition, this image favors a special mood for just such a prayer.

It is also believed that before the icon it is good to pray for people in places of detention, or to ask for protection from unjust punishment. But even if a person has committed a crime and is sure of the inevitability of punishment for his deed, then in this case it is never too late for him to kneel in repentant prayer and thereby follow the example of the right-handed thief from the Gospel.

It is only necessary to remember that a certain mood is important for prayer, and also, in addition to the request, it must certainly contain words of gratitude to the heavenly patrons. As for the texts of the prayer before Pochaev way, then there are about five prayers, each of which contains different requests. You can also read the Akathist to the Pochaev Icon. Its content is based on the events of the military conflict with Turkey, when the monastery withstood the siege of the enemy army.

Many miraculous icons of the Mother of God were revealed to the Russian people, but not all of them were able to reach our days. It is difficult to say whether they are lost forever or hidden for the time being. But there are those who today remain a spark of hope that the Lord did not leave his people. The Pochaev icon has been such a lamp of faith for several centuries. Having become famous more than five hundred years ago, today it attracts thousands of pilgrims.

The history of the holy image

In the 16th century Metropolitan Neophyte was passing through Pochaev, where he was very warmly received by the Goysky nobles. In memory of his visit, he presented them with an icon. Soon the metropolitan became patriarch, and the icon became famous for its great miracles. She was destined to become the shrine of an entire people.

The Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God spent several decades in the home of pious Christians until the first healing happened. Then the owner decided that it was unworthy to have such a shrine alone. The image was transferred to the monastery, where it became the property of everything Orthodox people. True, this did not last long. After the death of Anna Goyskaya, the relatives decided to return the icon to themselves.

The mockery of the holy image was not in vain - the wife of the heir became possessed. On the advice of a pious monk, the image was given back to the monastery. The quiet life of the monastery was again disturbed in 1721, when it was handed over to the Catholics. They were very respectful of the image - Pope Clement even sent a golden riza, decorated with crowns.

Almost a century later, the monastery was returned to the bosom Orthodox Church. Today it has the status of a Lavra and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. Every Saturday, an akathist is sung before the Pochaev Icon. It is done in memory of the miraculous healing of a blind girl.

The meaning of the Pochaev icon

A characteristic difference of the icon is that under the faces of the Savior and the Virgin there is a footprint. This is the footprint of the Virgin herself. Why did they begin to depict him on the image? This was done in memory of the visit of the Queen of Heaven herself.

The Pochaev Lavra is located on the mountain of the same name. But once it was empty, and one night two monks were awarded a miraculous vision. The Mother of God stood in a pillar of fire - a crown crowned her head, the Virgin held a scepter in her hand. The flame did not burn her - it was like the one that Moses saw at Sinai. When the vision stopped, a footprint was left on the rock. The print was filled with clear water.

From this place, the monks began to build up the mountain, on which today there are 16 temples. First, the Assumption Church appeared here, then a Cathedral was erected over the footprint of the Virgin. The source, together with the foot, is covered with an ark and fenced with a grate.

This is what the image of the imprint on the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God reminds us of.

The original image was made on a lime board, like many icons. used oil paints. The thin strip of silver that was applied on top was lost. It was replaced with a pearl riza. The frame is also unusual, resembling a star, the rays of which are richly decorated with stones.

Where is the image

The miraculous icon is placed above royal doors. In the church where the Pochaev Icon is kept early in the morning (the monks still get up after dark), the brethren of the monastery serve the Midnight Office. Then, with the singing of troparia, the miraculous icon is lowered to the usual level. It hangs on silk ribbons, a monk is always on duty nearby. One by one, everyone who came to the service approaches the icon.

In the same temple, you can get water from a miraculous spring opened by the Mother of God. The spring itself is located behind a fence, where inextinguishable lamps are glowing. You can attach to the image of the foot. The water itself is distributed by a novice ("stack"). But the Pochaev Lavra is rich not only in these shrines.

The monastery has been a stronghold of the Orthodox faith throughout western Ukraine for several centuries. The illustrious man of prayer, the Monk Job, reposed here, having lived for more than a hundred years. Now his holy relics are also kept here.

Neither the first nor the second world wars prevented the monks from carrying out their obediences - the monastery was not closed. German occupation, Khrushchev's persecution - in all these difficult moments for the country, prayer sounded in the ancient walls, services continued. They say that the world will stand as long as the Liturgy is celebrated. Therefore, monasteries are the spiritual stronghold of the whole earth.

Russian churches of the Pochaevskaya Icon of the Mother of God are being built in Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, and there are functioning churches in other cities.

The meaning of the holy image

Most icons of the Mother of God fit into several basic types. In this case, it is “eleusa” (“merciful”) - although the name is not entirely accurate and is one of the epithets awarded to St. Mary, it switched to an iconographic scheme. You can recognize it by its main features:

• The Infant and His Mother touch each other with their faces. This opens up a very personal relationship between them.
• The head of Mary bows to the Son.
• Christ embraces the Mother of God with his left hand.
• The image is half-length.

The Pochaev version is also distinguished by the fact that the Mother of God in her right hand holds a kerchief with which the Infant is entwined. Also, the miraculous icon is known for its precious salary, which is comparable in size to the image itself. The faces seem to be surrounded by a golden glow.

There are faces of saints on the icon:

• martyr Stephen - it is believed that he was the first to be killed for the Christian faith;
• the Monk Abraham - in history there were a lot of ascetics with this name, perhaps this is Abraham of Rostov, who crushed idols and converted several pagan tribes to Christianity;
• the prophet Elijah is the most famous Old Testament prophet, the patron saint of paratroopers and pilots, also revered in Islam and Judaism. Known for being taken to heaven alive;
• Martyr Mina - the first Florentine martyr;
• the great martyr Catherine - lived in the first centuries of Christianity, was executed after refusing to marry the Roman emperor, deciding to devote herself to Christ;
• St. Irina - put to death along with two Christian sisters in the 4th century;
• St. Paraskeva is one of the first martyrs who died with her entire family during the reign of Nero.

The meaning of the composition of the Pochaev icon is deeper than it might seem at first glance. Of course, here is shown an affectionate Mother, a loving Son. Any person can "try on" one of the roles - everyone was a child, even if they themselves did not become parents. But it also depicts the ideal relationship between God and the human soul.

What do they pray for and what does the Pochaev icon help in

Over the centuries, a very extensive list of miracles (more than 500) has been collected, which the Lord honored the believers who prayed before the icon. How did the Pochaev icon help people?

• The very first known miracle happened in the house church of a noble family, where the image was located. The man, blind from birth, prayed in front of the icon, after which he began to see. After this incident, it was decided to transfer the image to the monastery.

• One monk was captured by the Tatars. Being in shackles, he bitterly lamented that he would no longer be able to see the walls of his native monastery. And suddenly he found himself in the midst of festively dressed people - the Mother of God transferred him to the Pochaev Lavra.

• Among the Turks, a legend has been preserved about the appearance of the Virgin during the siege of Pochaev. In a host of angels, she appeared before the attackers, who lost their heads from fear and began to kill each other.

• In 1664, the son of a landowner died. His grandmother prayed all night before the Pochaev Icon, begging for the return of her beloved grandson. In the morning he woke up and asked for food.

• Among modern wonders- Healing a little boy who lost his hearing. It became a complication after the illness. The doctors said it would take a long time to recover. Grandmother brought Yura an icon, which they left overnight in the ward. And in the morning the child was discharged - he was healthy.

Soul Education

When meeting with inexplicable phenomena, a person may be confused, because the mind is used to giving its own interpretation to everything. But not everything lends itself to explanation - even scientists recognize this. In this case, prayer will help to gather your thoughts. The "Pochaev" icon sounded countless of them, many received a wonderful response.

The concept of "miracle" has many meanings, especially in the field of faith. The main miracle that God can create is the healing of the human soul, the change of the heart. It becomes softer, more sensitive to the voice of conscience, open to the pain of others. Then a person understands that he can work miracles himself - taking care of his neighbors, sacrificing something for them, becoming an example. This is something you need to keep asking the Lord for.

What else do the Orthodox pray at the Pochaev Icon?

• About healing from ailments of the body, including problems with hearing, vision.
• About protection from enemies in any situation.
• To end hostility.
• About strengthening faith, healing the soul from the demons of despondency.

Prayer to the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God

To Thee, O Mother of God, we prayerfully flow, sinners, Thy miracles, manifested in the holy Lavra of Pochaev, remembrance also of our contrite sins. Vems, Mistress, vems, as if it is not befitting to us, sinners, what to ask, only about the hedgehog of the Righteous Judge of our iniquity leave us. All of us endured in life, sorrows, and needs, and illnesses, as the fruits of our falls are vegetating to us, this God to allow our correction. The same, all this, with His truth and judgment, the Lord has brought upon His sinful servants, even in their sorrows to Your intercession, Most Pure, flowing and in tenderness of hearts to You cry out to You: our sins and iniquities, Good, do not remember, but more than all-honestly raise up Your hands , to Your Son and God, stand up, so that the cruelty that we have done will let us go, but for many unfulfilled promises our face will not turn away His face from His servants, but His grace, contributing to our salvation, will not be taken away from our souls. To her, the Lady, be the intercessor to our salvation and, not disdaining our cowardice, look at our groaning, even in our troubles and sorrows before your miraculous image we lift up. Enlighten our minds with tender thoughts, strengthen our faith, affirm our hope, make us accept the sweetest gift of love. With this, O Most Pure One, with gifts, and not with diseases and sorrows, let our belly be raised to salvation, but, protecting our souls from despondency and despair, deliver us, the weak, from troubles that come upon us, and needs, and human slander, and unbearable diseases . Grant peace and prosperity to the Christian life through Your intercession, Lady, affirm Orthodox faith in our country and throughout the world. Do not betray the Apostolic and Catholic Church to belittle, preserve the charters of the holy fathers unshakably forever and save all those who flow to You from the pit of perdition. Also, bring the heresy of our deceived brethren or the saving faith in the sinful passions of those who have destroyed the packs to true faith and repentance, and together with us, worshiping Your miraculous image, Your intercession will be confessed. Vouchsafe us, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, even in this belly to see the victory of truth with Your intercession, vouchsafe us grace-filled joy before our death to perceive, as anciently the inhabitants of Pochaev By Your appearance, the victors and educators of the Agarians showed Thou that we all with a grateful heart, together with the Angels, and prophets, and apostles, and with all the saints, Your mercy is glorifying, we will give glory, honor and worship in the Trinity to the sung God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.