Icon of Saint Helena. Intercessor icon by date of birth What is my icon by date of birth
Only a small part of Christian ascetics are awarded the title of Equal-to-the-Apostles. As a rule, we are talking about those saints who appeared on earth after the life of Christ himself in the body, that is, they could not be appointed as apostles by the Savior himself. Nevertheless, the feat of these people was incredibly significant for the church, so they were awarded the title of equal to the apostles, that is, equal to the apostles themselves.
The icon of Helena, Queen of Constantinople, considered here, also belongs to these saints. It was under her that Christianity ceased to be persecuted and became an allowed religion on the territory of the Roman Empire.
The history of Helen Equal to the Apostles and the appearance of the icon
The saint comes from Bethany, a relatively small city in Asia Minor, where Roman rule extended. Thanks to this, the girl at a young age managed to fall in love with a Roman warrior (named Constantius Chlorus) and give birth to his son, Constantine.
Over time, the husband was offered the important post of ruler of the Roman lands, but for this he needed to leave his current marriage and become engaged to the emperor’s daughter. Constantius agreed and eventually became the ruler of the Western Territories of the Roman Empire. This title was inherited by his son Konstantin, who also became a warrior.
As a result, Constantine comes into confrontation with the ruler of the Eastern lands, Maximilian, and becomes the ruler of the entire empire. It was by his decree that Christianity was legalized.
Later, he turns to his own mother so that she becomes the empress. This is why the icon of St. Helena and the icon of St. Constantine are often combined. They are also venerated on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
On the icon, Queen Helen is often depicted with the found Cross, which remained in the ground for more than three hundred years. It is thanks to this merit that the queen is largely revered.
Finding the Cross
Elena and Constantine did many good deeds for Christianity, so the icon of these rulers is a symbol of selfless devotion to the faith. They used their position only to spread the faith and do things pleasing to the Lord.
Being in old age, the queen went to Jerusalem, which by that time (fourth century) remained under the rule of the pagans. Where the Savior was crucified, there was a temple of a pagan goddess. The queen ordered the demolition of the temple and those same three crosses were discovered under it.
The new temple was consecrated by Bishop Macarius, who, seeing the cross of the Lord, ordered it to be placed on the deceased, whose procession was passing nearby. Those present saw the miracle of the resurrection.
What does the icon of St. Helena help with?
The meaning of this icon is very high; it symbolizes perseverance and faith.
The queen became one of the first women to become saints.
Princess Olga took her name in baptism.
On the icon, Saint Helena is most often depicted with a large or small cross. The background is Jerusalem, or a plain background is used. Also a common option are the stamps that frame the icon of Helen and Constantine.
Where this image helps is mostly in various material matters or when it is necessary to pray for rulers or fulfill some political needs. However, believers can turn to these images to fulfill any other needs.
Other personalized icons of Elena
Let us also note other ascetics with identical names, in particular:
- Elena of Serbia - the icon is dedicated to the mother of two Orthodox rulers: St. Stephen and Dragutin, she led pious activities and helped many people, built shelters, churches and much more.
- Elena Diveevskaya - the icon depicts an Orthodox saint, whom Seraphim of Sarov himself blessed to become a monk, this girl at a young age experienced a vision and rejected secular entertainment, becoming completely pleasing to the Lord, her relics remain incorruptible and still work various miracles and help believers.
Helen's name day according to the church calendar: the martyr Helen and Elpidia are venerated on January 28. However, veneration of these martyrs is not widespread. They are among the numerous ascetics whose memory has been lost through the centuries.
Prayers
Troparion to the Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine and Queen Helena, tone 8
Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven and, like Paul, the title is not received from man, Thy apostle has become a king, O Lord, put the reigning city in Thy hand, which you always save in the world through the prayers of the Mother of God, who alone loves mankind.
Kontakion of Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine and Queen Helena, tone 3
Constantine today with the Mother Helena the Cross is revealed, an all-honorable tree, a shame for all Jews, and a weapon against faithful people: for for our sake a great sign has appeared and a terrible sign in battle.
First prayer to Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine and Queen Helena
About the wonderful and all-praised king, the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen! To you, as a warm intercessor, we offer our unworthy prayers, for you have great boldness towards the Lord. Ask Him for peace for the Church and prosperity for the whole world. Wisdom for the ruler, care for the flock for the shepherd, humility for the flock, desired repose for the elder, strength for the husband, beauty for the wife, purity for the virgin, obedience for the child, Christian education for the baby, healing for the sick, reconciliation for the offended, patience for the offended, fear of God for the offended. To those who come to this temple and pray in it, a holy blessing and everything useful for each request, let us praise and sing the Benefactor of all God in the Trinity of the glorified Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Second prayer to Equal-to-the-Apostles Tsar Constantine and Queen Helena
About Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen! Deliver this parish and our temple from every slander of the enemy and do not abandon us, the weak (names), through your intercession, beg the goodness of Christ our God to grant us peace of mind, abstinence from destructive passions and all filth, and unfeigned piety. Ask us, pleasers of God, from above for the spirit of meekness and humility, the spirit of patience and repentance, so that we may live the rest of our life in faith and contrition of heart, and so at the hour of our death we will gratefully praise the Lord who glorified you, the Father Without Beginning, His Only Begotten Son and the Consubstantial All-Blessed One. Spirit, the Indivisible Trinity, forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion to Venerable Helen of Serbia, Queen, tone 4
From the western country/ the holy vine of Serbia, having gathered together,/ a well-grown branch appeared,/ the faithful princess Elena./ Bringing red fruit to the holy son,/ bringing to the Serbian family, / finally left all the vanity of the world / and you were joined to the venerable: / with boldness to the Lord Pray for everyone/ to grant universal peace// and for the Slovenian sons to be saved.
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Only from us you can order a personalized icon in the form of a folding icon with an image and a prayer
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The saint of the same name to your name, that is, your heavenly patron, is the first assistant in your appeal to God. Having an icon with his image in your house, honoring it and praying to the saint imprinted on it, you receive his protection and patronage. The icon helps you throughout your life. Before her, you ask God for intercession in an hour of sadness and thank your saint for the joy you have experienced, since true joy in the life of an Orthodox person occurs, of course, with his assistance through his prayers to the Lord. You turn to the icon for a blessing before a difficult and important task. The heavenly protector will protect you from troubles and troubles, will help you avoid actions that are not necessary for your spiritual growth, and will also protect you from evil and illness or, if this is not possible, will soften their impact. Thus, with Higher guidance, you can live a more joyful and harmonious life and, with constant work in this direction, be healthier and happier.
On our website you can see reviews of those who became the owner of the Yuri Kuznetsov icon. The icon painter says: “In ordinary writing, only one event can be shown. Using the Kuznetsov writing technique, you can show not only the entire action from beginning to end, but also be present...”
Painting a personalized icon takes from 10 days, depending on the size and complexity of the plot. You can order it on the page order an icon
Personalized icon - great spiritual value
The need for a constant feeling of the invisible Lord's protection and connection with the Highest world gives rise to the need in us to bring the icon into our home, assigning it a worthy place in its space. These can be images, when choosing which we are guided by the name given to us at baptism. Also, the saint of the same name is often considered the heavenly patron, especially revered in the family, regardless of the time of the name day celebration. A personalized icon has great spiritual value for a person, since it depicts his heavenly patron and intercessor. It would be nice for every Orthodox Christian to have in his home an image of the saint in whose honor he received his name. On his memorable day, we, as Orthodox Christians, go to church for the Divine Liturgy, light candles in his face, and bring flowers.The historically established iconography (that is, the image diagram) of a nominal image is as follows: the image can be full-length or waist-length. Sometimes a guardian angel is written together with the saint; the saint can be depicted in prayerful admiration of the Lord or the Most Holy Theotokos, under Her Holy Veil or the Image Not Made by Hands. At the same time, let us mention that in the home iconostasis there must certainly be images of the Savior and to the left of Him - the Mother of God. All others are located next to them at the request of the household. Usually the home iconostasis is small - the current size of our homes does not always allow us to make it the way we would like. Therefore, if there is not much space allocated for the iconostasis, it is better to choose the namesake images first.
Previously, in Rus', a special place was always reserved for icons in the house - the so-called “red corner”, where they were all located together, and a lamp or candle was always burning. Nowadays, with the loss of this tradition, everyone determines the place at their own discretion. It is important to remember that this place should not be located near heating devices and be away from drafts, since the icon is painted on wood - a natural material and is therefore very sensitive to changes in its environment.
Since 1994, Yuri Kuznetsov has painted more than 1,400 icons, the bulk of which are personalized icons. The number of people wishing to have a personal icon of Kuznetsov’s writing is growing every day. Each icon is unique and has its own unique ornamental and color embodiment. Color and ornament, like scenes from life, symbolically convey the essence of the saint’s earthly deed and the place at the throne of God, which is now established for him by God forever and ever...
Look at the icon of the Blessed Prince Alexander Nevsky. Bright rich colors. Courageous purple, bright as the sky blue, scarlet - a sign of beauty and valor; with his left hand he holds a light shield interspersed with pure greenery - evidence not of the desire to attack, but of the defense of the world of his Motherland. The halo shines in gold with the same scarlet color - like gold, which is called red. How many tones, how many shades, seemingly incomparable otherwise! However, thanks to a unique technique, they do not cross, do not merge, do not crowd each other, but create a magnificent harmonious chord of line and color. It contains everything – both a civil feat and a spiritual feat.
And how different, but just as expressive, the artist chose for three images of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helen, uniform in canonical execution, but different in palette, only five female saints were awarded this high title! One image is predominantly scarlet hot tones, showing us the impulse of a soul loving the Lord, another image is made in cooler colors, the icon is more transparent, heavenly, for the third the icon painter used contrasting blue, scarlet, golden tones - rubies, sapphires and gold. It is clear that the icons were painted for three different individuals, three human souls, each of which needs its own spiritual treatment. And the saint turns to each of them with that side of his Divine fullness that meets the needs of this particular human soul...
Spiridon is a rare name in Russia today, almost never seen, but popular in Hellas, where this amazing Christian saint comes from. However, despite the fact that we are now talking about a personalized icon, I would like to talk about it as an example of Yuri Kuznetsov writing an icon for a specific person. Based on the canonical model, the icon painter nevertheless created an image addressed to a specific person. This female soul - the icon painter created an icon for a woman - was sorely lacking external spiritual warmth, some kind of warm pre-evening peace, strengthening in Love. And in this work - she herself spoke about this to the author of these lines - looking at it every morning, she draws warmth, compassion, and support flowing from the image. Feels the prayerful intercession of the icon before God. And now she has a need for a personalized icon. You can also purchase a ready-made, copied one - the miracle of the icon as such is also in the fact that their copies do not lose their wonderful heart-healing effect - what can we say about the amazing Kuznetsov letter! – but intended for a specific person, it is even more healing and effective.
You can buy or order a personalized icon by Marira Filippova on our website. Just select your saint, click on the frame with the inscription “Order an icon”, and you will have all the information on how to do this.
From birth, everyone receives an intercessor icon to help them, which covers them with a divine veil from worries, protects them from adversity and helps them find happiness.
Faith determines a person's future destiny. How strong is the love for the Lord, so strong is His protection over the life of the righteous. Each icon is a kind of divine revelation. Since ancient times, holy images of God's saints have saved entire cities, repelled the onslaught of enemies, healed and protected ordinary people.
But the purpose of icons is primarily to cleanse the soul of the person praying, to reunite him with the Creator. Every person living on earth has his own heavenly patron, and his image is an intercessor icon. Turn to the Lord in front of your shrine, asking through your defenders for the fulfillment of what you want, and it will certainly happen.
Born from December 23 to January 21
Your happiness is protected by the “Sovereign” icon of the Mother of God. This amazing icon, omnipotent and having shown miracles to the world more than once, will become your intercessor in the most difficult situations. People call for her help in moments of sorrow and despondency. In front of this icon of the Mother of God, they pray for the speedy acquisition of love, for peace in the whole world, for the salvation of Russian lands, for a great ruler who will raise Russia from its knees, for deliverance from enemies and for healing from mental and physical ailments.
Born from January 22 to February 21
Your patroness is the icon of the Mother of God “Vladimir”. For her miraculous power, she is especially loved and revered by many Orthodox people. The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God will reflect the blows of fate from the lives of those praying in front of it. The power of the image is incomprehensible. People come to her intercession in moments of difficult trials. The image of the Mother of God heals bodily ailments, especially heart disease, and protects from the onslaught of enemies, from natural disasters and mortal dangers. The Vladimir shrine will soften people’s hearts, forever settling in them peace and tranquility, which will strengthen faith and give prosperity.
Born from February 22 to March 21
The Iveron Icon of the Mother of God will illuminate your life with divine help. At the request of the Virgin Mary herself, this image was drawn during the days of Her earthly life. Evangelist Luke worked tirelessly, trying to convey in detail the face of the Mother of God, so that afterward every believer could contemplate Her beauty and feel the miraculous help. The picturesque icon appears before the audience as if it were a mirror image of the Great Mother of God. And the Holy Mother’s instruction truly lives in her to this day: “As long as those present look at my image, my power and that of the one born by me passes to them...”.
In front of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, people ask the Mother of God to console their hearts, strengthen their faith, deliver them from severe misfortunes, soften grief and sadness, heal earthly torments and help them get out of financial problems.
Born from March 22 to April 21
People born during this period should turn in prayer and ask for protection near the image of the Kazan Mother of God, which was painted from the Byzantine icon of the Mother of God, called “Hodegetria”. Translated from Greek, “Hodegetria” means “guide”. The face of the Most Pure Virgin exudes warmth, majestic severity and genuine love. For those born in spring, the icon of Our Lady of Kazan will become a saving force in our world. She gives strength to the weak, restores sight to the blind, and strength of spirit to the faithless. A prayer said in front of the shrine will protect from the attacks of ill-wishers, enemies and all witchcraft.
Born from April 22 to May 21
The saving icon for you is the image of the Mother of God, popularly called the “Helper of Sinners.” It is worth turning to the miraculous image in moments of weakening faith. Our whole world is a battlefield with sinful acts, in which the Virgin Mary, the guarantor before the Lord and Jesus Christ, will help us win. Prayers addressed to the Mother of God will give liberation from sadness, despair, grief and healing from various ailments. The image of the Lady of Heaven will help you carry faith in your soul throughout your life and protect you from the fall.
Born from May 22 to June 21
If you were born at this time, then your intercessor icon is the image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.” The face of the saint will help you achieve the highest spiritual perfection, invisibly protecting you from devilish attacks and temptations. The icon will give you part of its power, free your heart from vices, and help you in family life. In front of her you can pray to the Most Pure Virgin for the health and well-being of loved ones, in particular children. The icon “Seeking the Lost” will also deliver you from worldly ailments of any complexity, and free you from addictions and sinful temptations.
Born from June 22 to July 21
The icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” is designated as your intercessor. This image is widely known, loved and deeply revered by everyone. The icon gained fame thanks to numerous healings and deliverances from troubles. Prayers in front of the holy image will protect you from insults, illnesses, sorrows, and the fall. The icon of the Mother of God instills hope and love even in greedy and selfish people, guiding them along the path of light and happiness.
Born from July 22 to August 21
Those born during this period are under the holy patronage of the “Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos” icon. The very name of the image of the Mother of God contains a reference to the Orthodox festival and great intercession. If you were born under the tutelage of this image, do not hesitate to ask the Mother of God for intercession and help in everyday affairs. It was not in vain that it was given to you from Above. The power of the miraculous icon is to strengthen and preserve the grace of the Lord.
Born from August 22 to September 21
Pray for protection and help near the icon of the Mother of God “Passionate”. The revered image protects family happiness, personal well-being, and acts as the keeper of the hearth, comfort and harmony. Through prayers in front of the holy image of the Mother of God, you can repel gossip, envy and intrigue of ill-wishers.
Born from September 22 to October 21
You were born under the protection of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God and the image of the “Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord.” The life-giving power of the Savior’s Cross, which at one time demonstrated miracles of revival and resurrection, extends to your life. And the image of the Blessed Virgin will protect you from betrayal, gossip, and envy, giving you justice that will accompany you throughout your life.
Born from October 22 to November 21
Your life is under the care of the intercessor icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear.” For several centuries, the image of the Mother of God showed miracles to the world, acting as an intercessor against fatal diseases and obsession. The power of the icon lies in its quick, almost lightning-fast help. Prayers addressed to the Virgin Mary will give spiritual insight that will illuminate any difficult situation and relieve doubts, hesitations and illnesses.
Born from November 22 to December 22
You are protected by the icons of the Mother of God “Tikhvin” and “The Sign”. The miraculous Tikhvin Icon protects babies and children, helping to avoid serious illnesses, disobedience, bad influences, strengthens the bond between children and parents, and also helps them find true friends. The holy image, called the “Sign,” protects from thieves and criminals, returns what is lost, lost, stolen, stops internecine wars and provides support in the fight against diseases.
Holy Queen Helena was canonized as Equal-to-the-Apostles for her invaluable services in the discovery of holy places in Jerusalem associated with the last days of the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only five women are canonized as equals of equals, among them the Holy Queen Helen. She was the mother of Saint Constantine the Great. Thanks to her and her son, Christianity became one of the main religions in the world. People come to her asking for help in healing. When Queen Helen is depicted together with her son, Tsar Constantine, politicians, businessmen, leaders at various levels, as well as those experiencing financial difficulties turn to them in prayer for help in matters.
The Day of Remembrance of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helen is celebrated twice a year: March 6/19 (memory of Helen’s finding of the Life-Giving Cross) and May 21/June 3.
Elena Diveevskaya (Manturova), reverend
Remembrance Day was established by the Orthodox Church on May 28/June 10.
Saint Elena Diveevskaya was born in 1805. Together with her brother, she lived on their family estate, which was located in the village of Nucha, Nizhny Novgorod province. She was a cheerful girl, loved social entertainment and dreamed of marriage.
Her brother, Mikhail Vasilyevich, was much older than her sister. One day he got sick. The desire to be cured led him to St. Seraphim of Sarov. The man left the old man healthy and full of strength. Meanwhile, Elena Vasilievna, traveling, remained without servants in the carriage. Suddenly she saw a terrible snake above her. In fear, she prayed and promised the Mother of God to go to a monastery for her salvation. The monster disappeared at the same moment. Saint Helena decided to fulfill her vow. The seventeen-year-old girl turned to St. Seraphim of Sarov for advice. But on the first day and all subsequent days, when she came to him again, he answered her that she would get married, she didn’t need to go to the monastery. In fact, the elder was testing her. Elena Vasilievna changed a lot during this time, she became serious and thoughtful. Three years passed, and finally Saint Seraphim told her that she would soon become a bride, as he had promised, but the bride of the Lord.
Saint Helena became a novice at the age of 20 and lived in the Kazan community for seven years. The Monk Seraphim appointed her as a churchwoman and sacristan. In the monastery she worked and prayed a lot. She always helped people, but she did it secretly. Elena Vasilievna’s brother sold the estate, bought the land on which they began to build a temple, but fell ill again. Father Seraphim told Saint Elena Diveevskaya about this: “He needs to die, but he is needed for the monastery, accept obedience, die for him.” And so it happened. Before her death, the saint spoke about a wonderful vision. The Mother of God showed her the monastery of Heavenly Diveyevo, which was of extraordinary beauty.
Elena, martyr, daughter of St. Alfea
Remembrance Day was established by the Orthodox Church on May 26/June 8.
Holy Martyr Helen, daughter of the Apostle Alpheus, who, together with her brother Averky, died for their confession of faith in Christ.
Personalized icons, as a rule, depict the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helen of Constantinople.
Helen Equal to the Apostles - see
Olga (baptized Elena) Equal to the Apostles, leader. Princess of Russia
Remembrance Day was established by the Orthodox Church on July 11/24.
The first Russian saint. Princess Olga became the first ruler of Kievan Rus to be baptized, and thus predetermined the adoption of Christianity by the entire ancient Russian people. She began to be revered as a saint during the reign of her grandson Vladimir, the Baptist of Rus'. She is revered as the patroness of widows and Christian converts.
According to the chronicles, the future Grand Duchess Olga was from Pskov; she belonged to the family of the Izborsky princes - one of the ancient Russian princely dynasties. This family had both Russian and Varangian roots. Helga, in Russian pronunciation Olga, became the wife of the Grand Duke of Kyiv Igor, the son of Rurik. Igor is the first Russian prince, known from synchronous Byzantine and Western European sources. He was killed by the Drevlyans (one of the Slavic tribes), from whom he collected tribute.
After the death of her husband, Princess Olga was forced to take power over the huge, still emerging state into her own hands. During her reign, she showed herself as a person with an unyielding will and high dignity, indestructible courage and a truly statesmanlike mind. She had the honor of making a choice that determined the subsequent fate of Russia, and determined church veneration for the princess herself as equal to the apostles.
Icons of the same name:
Helena of Serbia, Queen, Reverend
Remembrance Day was established by the Orthodox Church on October 30/November 12.
She was a queen, perhaps one of the kindest queens in the history of mankind. Her generosity knew no bounds. She helped the poor and widows. She opened a school for orphan girls where they lived and studied. The Queen supported and built temples and churches, including the beautiful Gradac Monastery on the banks of the Brvenik River. She was a pious ruler and a wonderful mother. Helena - Princess of Anjou, was born in France. Having become the wife of the Serbian King Uros I, she gave birth to two sons and gave them an excellent upbringing. Her subjects loved not only her, but also her children, who were also later recognized as saints.
Elena of Serbia died in 1314; before her death she accepted monasticism. She was buried in the Gradac monastery. Three years passed after that. The monk saw the queen in a dream, where she ordered her relics to be raised from the ground, which was done. The relics turned out to be incorrupt.
There are icons in the home of every believer. Of course, you can turn to God without their help. However, it is human nature to think in images. It is impossible to imagine God, since he is outside of space and time. Icons, which depict the faces of holy people, become our guides on the path to the Highest.
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Everyone knows how difficult it is to make your way forward along an untrodden path, through waist-deep grass and windbreaks. It is much easier for those who follow to reach their destination. The saints, with their lives and their deeds, showed us the path to God. By praying to their images, we can feel His presence, His light, His love. Each person has his own intercessor icon, which is called upon to protect him and serve as a mediator on the path to the Lord.
How not to make a mistake when choosing a personal icon?
In Rus' during infant baptism It was customary to give them the names of one saint or another. The chosen saint became the child’s patron, protecting him from illness and danger from birth, and helping him in difficult times. Now this tradition is being restored. Each baptized person has his own Heavenly helper, whose life path should serve as an example and lead forward.
A personalized icon depicting the patron saint has enormous power. She is able to drive away illnesses and bring peace and harmony to the soul. By sincerely praying before her, a person receives support. It is important not to treat a personal icon mercantilely, as a means of solving all problems. Thank your protector for the good things in your life, share your joy and your feelings with him.
Find out which saint is the patron saint of a person, you can do it in the following ways:
Personalized icons are selected in the church shop. Usually the patron is depicted waist-high; icon painters pay special attention to the eyes. They must look into a person’s soul, filling it with light and harmony. If you are named after a little-known saint, you can order a personalized icon from an icon-painting workshop.
Personalized icons for children
Often done for newborn babies measuring icons baby-sized. They depict the patron in full height. This image is hung above the crib. It protects the baby and helps to establish a special spiritual connection between him and the saint.
A personalized icon will help the child visibly feel the presence of a saint in his life. It is good if parents read to their grown-up child the life of his spiritual patron and learn together the prayer addressed to him. It is important that the holy “namesakes” become for children not just a lifesaver to which you resort in difficult situations, but a powerful moral guide.
Icons of the patroness by date of birth
One of the most powerful protective images in Orthodoxy is image Holy Mother of God. Anyone can pour out their soul to her, ask for help and support. The icon of the Mother of God should be in every home, protecting and protecting it.
In church shops you will find a huge number of different iconographic faces of the Virgin Mary. Many Orthodox people are confused, not knowing which one to choose. The clergy suggest buying the one that suits your heart the most. We must not forget that the icon is only a conductor between us and the Holy Heavenly Forces. We pray not to the picture on the board, but to God. The main thing is that our prayer is sincere and fervent.
But man is weak by nature. He wants to have “his own” icon of the Mother of God, his own saints. So they seem closer, dearer, more understandable. Therefore, the custom arose of buying an icon of the intercessor by date of birth person. The binding of a particular image of the Mother of God to a time period is determined by the date of veneration of the icon.
You can choose the image of the Mother of God depending on your date of birth using the list below.
For those born in winter
- November 23 – December 21. Icons of the Mother of God “The Sign”, “Tikhvin”.
On the icon “The Sign” the Mother of God stretches out her hands in protective prayer. The first miracle associated with the image occurred in 1170. When battles were going on near the city walls of Novgorod, Archbishop Elijah brought out the “Sign”. The stele hit the face of Mary. Tears flowed from her eyes. Having seen the miracle, the Novgorodians gained strength and drove out the enemy. In 1611, the image protected the Novgorod Cathedral, protecting it from the attacking Swedes with an invisible wall.
Our Lady of Tikhvin was painted by the Evangelist Luke during the life of Mary. The image is stored in Moscow. During the Great Patriotic War, according to legend, he was carried by plane over the capital, and the enemy was repulsed. People pray before her for healing; she is considered the patroness of children.
- December 22 – January 20. Icon of the Mother of God “Sovereign”.
This image was found in the basement of the Ascension Church in the village of Kolomenskoye on the day of Nicholas II’s abdication from the throne. The Queen of Heaven sits on a throne in red purple and with the attributes of royal power. At a moment when all the usual foundations were collapsing, the Mother of God revealed herself, promising protection to the Russian land. That is why the icon is one of the most revered.
- January 21 – February 20. and "The Burning Bush".
The first of them was written on a board from the table at which the Savior, the Most Pure Mother and Joseph took food. Its author was the Evangelist Luke. The Mother of God, seeing her image, promised grace to everyone through this image.
The Burning Bush icon protects from fire and lightning, heals diseases, and saves from terrible disasters. In the photo you can see its unusual composition. Before us are two four-pointed stars of red and green, superimposed on each other. They symbolize the burning bush that the prophet Moses saw. It was then that the voice of God predicted to him the birth of Jesus Christ.
In the middle of the star is depicted the Mother of God and the Child, and around them are angels and archangels, visions of prophets and symbols of the holy evangelists. The ladder is in the hands of the Mother of God. This is a symbol of the fact that it was through the Virgin Mary that the Savior descended to us on earth and led the believers with him to heaven.
For those born in spring
- February 21 – March 20. Icon of the Mother of God "Iverskaya".
It was written by the Evangelist Luke during the life of Mary. On the right cheek of the Mother of God you can see a wound from which blood is oozing. According to legend, the wound appeared after the image was pierced by an overseer during the reign of Emperor Theophilus.
At that time, Christians were persecuted. The wonderful icon was thrown into the river. The current carried her to the Iveron Monastery on the sacred Mount Athos. A pillar of fiery light emanated from the image, but it was not given to anyone. After praying to the Mother of God, Elder Gabriel was able to pull the icon out of the water. She became the protector of the monastery and performed many miracles.
- March 21 – April 20..
In 1579, after a fire in Kazan, little Matrona saw a vision of the Mother of God. She told her and her mother to find the icon among the rubble. The image found in the fire was kept for a long time in the Kazan Assumption Cathedral.
It was to him that Russian troops prayed before the decisive battle with the Polish-Lithuanian occupiers. The icon also helps in the fight against internal enemies, returning strength and vision. The original has not survived to this day; only numerous copies remain.
- April 21 – May 20. Icons of Our Lady of Iverskaya and “Support of Sinners”.
Before the latter, one must ask for forgiveness of sinners or those who care about them. Tradition says that in the 40s of the 19th century in the village of Odrino, Oryol province, people began to have dreams about an old icon. She stood in the old chapel, faded and forgotten. The image was renewed and taken to the temple. He was the first to heal a paralytic boy, and since then there have been many miracles. The help of the “Helper of Sinners” was invaluable during the cholera epidemic.
For those born in summer
- May 21 – June 21. Icons "Vladimir", "Burning Bush" and "".
There are several known images called “Recovery of the Lost”, to which people who are on the other side of life and death turn with their final prayer. This image saves from imminent death, from dark forces, in cases where there is no longer any hope of salvation.
- June 22 – July 22. The Kazan Mother of God and the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow”.
The miraculous image of “Joy to All Who Sorrow” comes to the aid of all those who suffer, saves from illness, poverty, sorrow, and supports those who turn to it in difficult times.
- July 23 – August 23. Icon "Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary".
It depicts a procession to heaven. The Mother of God walks ahead on the clouds, carrying a small covering, and behind her are the saints.
The image was made in memory of the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary. During the attack on Constantinople in 910. The parishioners were in the church and saw the Mother of God praying for them. She took off her veil and threw it over everyone present. As a result, a whirlwind came, expelling the enemies.
For those born in autumn
- August 24 – September 23. And « Burning bush".
On the “Passionate” icon we see the Mother of God humbly carrying her child towards the upcoming suffering. Symbols of future trials are present on the icon in the form of two angels holding a sponge, a cross and a spear. Those weapons from which the Savior will perish.
This image teaches us to humbly accept the will of God and gives us hope in the most hopeless situations.
- September 24 – October 23. Images of the Pochaev Mother of God, “Exaltation of the Holy Cross” and “Burning Bush”
Many miracles are attributed to the “Pochaev” image of the Mother of God. He cured diseases, resurrected people, saved them from enemies. This icon is revered by Christians of all faiths. It is kept in the Dormition Pochaev Lavra, built on the site of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to people. After her disappearance, the imprint of the Virgin’s right foot remained on the stone.
The image “Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord” is dedicated to the discovery of the Cross on which the Savior was crucified. It can cure serious diseases, infertility, and brings peace of mind.
- October 24 – November 22. Icons of the Virgin Mary “Jerusalem” and “ » .
The “Mother of Jerusalem” was written by the Evangelist Luke in the 15th year after the Resurrection of the Savior. This image saved us from many troubles, accidents, and epidemics. The first miracle attributed to him was healing from the evil eye.
“Quick to Hear” is kept in the Dokhiar monastery on Mount Athos. Legend has it that in 1664, the monk Neil was walking into the refectory at night with a torch and heard a voice urging him not to burn incense near the image. The monk did not attach any importance to this and became blind. Through prayers, he regained his sight, and the Mother of God promised, through this icon, quick help to all who turned.
Having chosen an icon by the name given at baptism or by date of birth, you should treat it with respect. But still the main thing is sincere faith. It is she who works miracles, heals diseases and averts troubles. It is not for nothing that the words of Jesus Christ are repeated in the New Testament: “May you be rewarded according to your faith!”
Icons by date of birth
