The image of the Virgin Mary, which is called “The Everlasting Color”, sometimes called the “Fragrant Color”, is perhaps one of the most beautiful and famous images. The Mother of God holds the Infant Christ on one hand, and in the other - a white lily flower, which has long symbolized purity and purity, and in this case emphasizing the virginity of the Unbrided Bride.
In some photos and copies of the icon, you can see a rose branch in the hand of the Mother of God. But this does not change either the power of miracles or the meaning of the icon.
Presumably the painting of the image “Unfading Color” dates back to the 16th century, and the touching story of its creation is connected with the Greek island of Kefalonia, located near the Holy Mount Athos, and a miracle that was repeatedly revealed not only to clergy, but also to numerous pilgrims.
According to the tradition that still exists, on the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - April 7 - pilgrims bring flowers, most often lilies, to Her image and lay them at the icon case. Such a flower was in the hands of Archangel Gabriel when he told the Virgin Mary the Good News that she had been chosen to become the mother of the Son of God.
The flowers are in front of the face of the Mother of God until the Dormition of the Mother of God - August 28. During this time they, of course, fade. But it was noticed that on the eve of the holiday, all the withered flowers seemed to come to life: they filled with new strength, gained freshness and brightness, began to smell fragrant, and formed new buds. This began to happen every year. This miracle inspired Athonite icon painters to create an image with such a symbolic name - Unfading Color.
According to another version, an inspiring moment texts from divine services were used to paint the icon, often mentioning the Mother of God and comparing Her to a flower, the hymn writer uses the epithets “unfading, fragrant.”
There is an opinion that the icon came to Russian lands in the 17th-18th centuries thanks to pilgrims and that most likely it was originally brought to Moscow and placed in the church of the St. Alexeevsky Monastery, which was once located on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was later built. The original icon is irretrievably lost, but many miraculous copies are kept in different churches of the country.
- One of these miraculous icons is located in the Church of the Archangel Michael, which is located in the Clinics on Devichye Pole, in the current Moscow district of Khamovniki.
When you look at this icon and see the bright and gentle Face of the Most Pure One, the anxiety in your soul involuntarily subsides. Everyone who needs consolation and help in insurmountable difficulties turns to the Mother of God. Believers, praying in front of the holy image, gain spiritual strength, receive instruction on the righteous path, and retain youth and beauty for a long time.
Young girls who dream of a successful marriage are also recommended to first read the prayer and akathist to the “Unfading Color” icon. One should ask Her for preservation of spiritual purity, chastity, modesty, and deliverance from carnal sins. Only then can one hope for a happy marriage based on love and mutual respect.
Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Other icons in front of which you can pray for marriage
Every person dreams of love, on which family life will be based. Based on the postulate “God is love,” it is logical to assume that one should turn to the Lord God with a prayer for a happy marriage.
Oh, All-Good Lord, I know that my great happiness depends on the fact that I love You with all my soul and with all my heart, and that I fulfill Your holy will in everything. Rule Yourself, O my God, over my soul and fill my heart: I want to please You Alone, for You are the Creator and my God. Save me from pride and self-love: let reason, modesty and chastity adorn me. Idleness is disgusting to You and gives rise to vices, give me the desire to work hard and bless my labors. Since Your Law commands people to live in an honest marriage, then lead me, Holy Father, to this title, sanctified by You, not to please my lust, but to fulfill Your destiny, for You Yourself said: it is not good for man to be alone and, having created He gave him a wife to help him, blessed them to grow, multiply and populate the earth. Hear my humble prayer, sent to You from the depths of a girl’s heart; give me an honest and pious spouse, so that in love with him and in harmony we glorify You, the merciful God: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
However, in the Orthodox tradition, with a prayer for marriage, it is customary to turn to other icons - the Mother of God and some saints, who are, as it were, intermediaries between mortals and the Heavenly Father, conveying our prayers to Him.
- In addition to the already described image of “Eternal Color”, they pray for a solution to this problem before Kozelshchansk Icon of the Mother of God.
It is worth knowing that prayers for marriage, no matter how ardent the love, should not be addressed if the chosen one is married. This can only make the situation worse.
One of the rare, but very beautiful icons “Unfading Flower” (Fragrant Flower) is the favorite image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of all believing parishioners in Russia.
Days of veneration of the holy image are held on April 16 in all churches and temples of the Orthodox faith.
Both women and men turn to the face of the Most Holy Mary in prayer, asking for intercession, healing, successful marriage and other needs.
This article tells the story of the appearance of the icon and where it can be found.
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Icon “Unfading Color” - the face of purity and purity
The main feature of the image of the Mother of God in the icon is that the Most Holy Mary holds the Son of God with her right hand, and in her left hand a beautiful flower - a white lily. This flower, according to legend, was given to her when he appeared to the Most Pure One with good news. And also the lily is a symbol of the purity and purity of the Mother of God.
Today, the lists of the miraculous icon have not retained their original appearance and can be very different from each other. But they still fascinate with their beauty and awe.
History of the origin of the icon
The origin of the icon, according to ancient legends, originates from the islands of the Ionian Sea. On one of these islands there is a tradition of laying white flowers to the face of the Mother of God. Flowers are used to decorate the Icon of the Most Pure One at the Annunciation and flowers remain until the Orthodox holiday. The flowers are kept without light and moisture for five months. But on the eve of the holiday, they are miraculously filled with life, produce new buds and bloom again. This is where the name "Eternal Color" comes from.
In turn, the ancient monks from the nearby island of Athos were surprised and inspired by this phenomenon. Thus, the first image of the Mother of God appeared with a white lily in her hands. The original version of the face of the Most Holy Mary became the prototype for many versions of the icon, which began to spread among Orthodox Christians around the world.
The appearance of the name of this face can also be attributed to the fact that the Most Holy Theotokos is compared to a flower that does not lose its beauty and can bloom forever.
On the territory of our state, the first mentions of the icon “Fadeless Color” date back to XVII–XVIII centuries. It is known that the pilgrims brought the image to the St. Alexeevsky Monastery, which is located in Moscow. But the origin of the iconography is not known for certain.
Later, various lists begin to appear throughout Russia, which amaze with their beauty. Despite the variety of lists, the “Unfading Flower” icon is considered a festive and even wedding icon among Orthodox parishioners. According to the description, icons depicting the Mother of God painted in ancient times, characterized by a riot of colors and an abundance of flowers. Wreaths, bouquets and even vases with various flowers were often depicted around the face of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today the image has become somewhat more restrained and laconic. But the main attribute from the prototype remained - the white lily.
The meaning of the ancient face and the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The “Unfading Color” icon represents purity and purity, so initially considered the patroness of young unmarried girls. Often girls, like boys, turned to the Mother of God asking for purity and purity before marriage. What is asked for in front of the image of Saint Mary with the Child of God and a white lily in her hands?
- They ask for the preservation of chastity and purity before marriage.
- The prayer of Saint Mary helps in a successful marriage.
- The ancient face helps in family problems and troubles.
- About preserving family ties.
- The older generation asks for deliverance from emotional experiences, as well as carnal passions.
- Prayer before the face of the Mother of God helps to cope with difficult thoughts and...
- Women pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for the preservation of youth and beauty.
Icon of Unfading Color
Miracles of the “Unfading Color” Icon
There are often miraculous incidents associated with the face of the Virgin Mary “Unfading Color”, which are described by eyewitnesses.
In the Samara region, there is a known case when the image “Unfading Color” appeared on the window of a parishioner’s house. With the onset of darkness, the image disappears, but appears again every morning. This image is not man-made. Orthodox Christians consider this a miracle of the Lord. Pilgrims and clergy come to this miraculous image to ask for intercession and help.
In Ukraine, in the Kherson region, the icon “Unfading Color” began to stream myrrh, which caused a huge stir among believers and skeptics. After this event, many cases are known when inexplicable healings occurred after prayer and veneration of this icon.
Churches and temples of the image “Unfading Color”
Before 1917, there is not a single mention of a temple or church dedicated to the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”.
According to history, as soon as church persecution subsided and people gained freedom of belief, two chapels and four churches were built on the territory of Moscow and the Moscow region.
Construction of the temple, in honor of the image of the Most Pure Mary, began in 1998. It is located in the Moscow region. Temple address: Rublevo village, st. Vasily Batyleva, house 45.
This temple is the most famous throughout Russia. A huge number of pilgrims visit the walls of this monastery every year.
In Krasnoye Selo there is also the icon “Fadeless Color”. There is a chapel of the same name located here.
In the center of the capital, the Assumption Church was erected, in which was the most beautiful face of the Virgin Mary. On the icon, the Most Holy Mary is depicted with the Son of God, who stands on a flower, and above the head of the Mother of God Angels are depicted holding a royal crown. And of course, in the hands of the Blessed Mother is an irreplaceable flower - a lily. Unfortunately, the icon has not survived to this day and disappeared during the Soviet era.
In 2012, a small temple was erected in the Ruzsky district, in the village of Sumarokovo.
How to pray in front of the “Unfading Color” icon
If you become the owner of the image of the Mother of God, you need to choose the right place to place the icon.
It is better to place the face in the right corner of the room, on a special shelf. The best place for the icon is the bedroom of the spouses or the room of a girl in need of the help of the Most Holy Mary.
How to pray to the “Unfading Color” icon?
- Before prayer, you need to clear your thoughts of unnecessary things.
- You need to do this alone and make sure that no one interrupts the prayer.
- It is better to pray to the Blessed Virgin in the morning.
- The prayer can be learned or come from the heart in your own words.
It is worth remembering that only true faith and sincere prayer can perform a real miracle and help with your problems.
The Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” is not very often found in Russian churches today. But everyone who sees it, at first sight, is attracted by its unearthly purity and tenderness. Its main feature is the image of the Virgin Mary holding the Divine Infant in one hand and a beautiful flower in the other. Most often it is a white lily.
According to legend, it was once upon a time that Archangel Gabriel presented it to the Mother of God as a sign of the good news that she would become the Mother of God himself. This flower is of utmost importance in the symbolism of the “Unfading Flower” icon, denoting the deep spiritual purity of the Mother of God, who was placed by the Lord above even the disembodied Angels.
The icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” or, according to the second name, “Fragrant Flower” first appeared in the 17th century in Greece. Her unusual appearance arose as the embodiment in colors of the words of the Akathist - a solemn chant read in honor of the Mother of God. In it, the Most Pure Virgin is called “the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity.”
The appearance of the “Unfading Flower” icon was influenced by the tradition of painting the Orthodox icon “Praise to the Mother of God,” the earliest Russian copy of which dates back to the 14th century. This was the first icon created on the basis of the ancient akathist dedicated to the Mother of God.
The reason for its creation was the miraculous deliverance of Constantinople from the enemy invasion through the mediation of the Mother of God. On the icon, the Prophets who once spoke about the birth of the Virgin Mary are written with the symbols that served as her prototype. So the Prophet Aaron holds a rod, on the top of which you can see a wonderful flower.
This image is associated with the ancient tradition of the Church. It says that once upon a time God, through the prophet Moses, determined only the descendants of the clan of Aaron to be Old Testament priests. But later, representatives of other clans began to protest, also laying claim to the honor of the priesthood. Then, in order to stop the strife, it was decided to get an answer from above. For this purpose, the rods of representatives of the twelve tribes of the Jewish people were left in the Jewish temple.
After some time, it was discovered that the eleven wands remained unchanged. But on the rod of the descendants of Levi, on which the name of his grandson, Aaron, was written, an almond flower appeared. Moreover, it did not dry out and, later, produced fruit. This phenomenon finally convinced everyone of the chosenness of the family that served in the temple of Jerusalem.
In the Christian tradition, the miracle with Aaron's rod is considered as follows. The rod itself, blooming with a fragrant flower, is a symbol of the pure and immaculate Virgin Mary. And the fruit that appeared on it is the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Therefore, on the icon “Praise to the Mother of God” they sometimes began to depict the Mother of God with a flower branch in her hands.
Thus, the authors of the “Unfading Color” icon, having borrowed this version of the image, isolated it into an independent iconographic plot. Its development was also influenced by the process of literal embodiment in Christian painting of the words of various liturgical books and hymns, especially the thanksgiving canon of Joseph the Songwriter, written in the 9th century. In them, the appearance of the Mother of God is shown by prototype symbols:
- a source that gives life;
- lily;
- star;
- rose;
- the sun;
- olive branch;
- beautiful garden and many others.
Almost all of these meanings, somewhat earlier, began to be displayed in Catholic painting. The 15th-16th centuries is the time when special compositions appeared there in the form of allegories called “Concepcio immaculata”, which means “Immaculate Conception”, which in the form of engravings began to be included in prayer collections. Probably, these engravings also influenced the emergence of the Greek version of the “Unfading Color” icon.
Variety of images of the “Fadeless Color” icon
It is believed that the first such icon was most likely painted in Constantinople. Then, despite the Turkish yoke, more and more new variants began to appear in Greece. She was especially revered in Thessaloniki. One of the copies of the “Unfading Flower” icon was created on Mount Athos and, around the end of the 17th century, brought to Russia.
In the 18th century, both in Greece and Russia, many other versions of the icon appeared, different from the first image. This century, known for its love of ostentation and multiple figures, endowed the image with a large number of new details. Crowns or crowns appear on the heads of Christ and his Mother. The rose that appears in the hands of the Divine Infant often becomes a flower of purity.
Sometimes graceful branches or even entire garlands of flowers are depicted around the figure of the Virgin Mary, placed in beautiful flowerpots, and turned into pedestals.
Very often the Virgin Mary holds a scepter covered with the most beautiful flowers. Many symbols appear around her: a candle, a tree of paradise, a censer, a staircase leading from earth to heaven, royal chambers, the moon, and so on. They seem to clearly demonstrate the feelings of admiration and praise contained in the words of Christian hymnography.
Here we see some influence of the Catholic tradition with its splendor of forms and love of detail, which was not initially characteristic of Orthodox icon painting.
Lists of the icon “Fadeless Color” glorified in Russia
Moscow shrines
In pre-revolutionary Russia, several revered copies of the “Fadeless Flower” icon are known. One of the most ancient was kept in the Alekseevsky Monastery in Moscow. This was the first monastery in the city intended for unmarried girls. Therefore, the icon was in its place here, because one of the main requests that are addressed to this image is a prayer for the preservation of the purity of soul and body.
The Alekseevsky list was apparently brought to Russia at the end of the 17th century, since a copy of it made in 1691 is known. It was significantly different from the now widespread image. The Infant of God stood on it at full height, leaning his bent arm on the shoulder of the Virgin Mary. The right hand of the Mother of God was wrapped in a ribbon on which the name of the icon was inscribed. A beautiful flower branch was placed on the throne, in a special jug.
Another famous Moscow copy of the icon was in the Assumption Church in Mogiltsy. In it, Christ, supported by the Mother of God, stands on a beautiful flower growing from the lower part of the image. The Mother of God has a white lily in her hand, and above her head are Angels crowning her with a royal crown. This temple, erected in the very center of the capital, is mentioned in the works of Russian classics: L. Tolstoy, F. Dostoevsky and A. Griboedov. Today it has been revived again, but the miraculous icon disappeared under Soviet rule, and now a modern copy of it has appeared in the church.
Miraculous icons from the outback
The Russian province was also not left without a wonderful image. In a small monastery in the town of Kadom, Ryazan province, a special list became famous. On it, near the head of Christ, one could see a half-length image of John the Baptist.
The history of the icon is unusual. It was brought as a gift to the monastery by the Bogdanov family. The head of the family brought the image from Georgia. The icon accompanied him everywhere and saved him more than once during military campaigns: both when crossing the stormy Terek, and from the bullets of the Circassian cavalry. And most importantly, the image, according to the recollections of old-timers, was already in the temple, very revered by the great Russian Saint Seraphim of Sarov.
The list located in the city of Kungur, Perm Territory, was also especially revered by parishioners. Its peculiarity was the half-length image of the Virgin Mary, as if growing from a magnificent flower garland. A copy of it is kept today in the Tretyakov Gallery.
In 19th-century icons, the plurality of elements tends to disappear. Mary is most often depicted with a modest branch or even a single flower in her hand. Lush garlands of flowers shimmering with a richness of colors are not visible in such images. Their authors try to return to more expressive examples of the Middle Ages, trying to focus on the main thing - the figures and faces of the Mother of God and Christ.
There is no information about the existence of churches dedicated to this image in Russia before 1917. After the end of the persecution of the church in our country, four churches were built in his honor (all of them are in Moscow and the Moscow region) and two chapels.
Since 1998, such a church began to be built for the first time in the village of Rublevo near Moscow. The temple of the “Unfading Flower” icon is located on the banks of the Moscow River, from which there are beautiful views of its picturesque surroundings. The church project was created by a descendant of the famous family of Russian artists - architect and musician Nikolai Vasnetsov.
The lower church was consecrated in the name of the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”. The church operates Sunday schools for children and adults, where you can get acquainted not only with the basics of Orthodoxy, but also with the symbolism of the temple of the “Unfading Color” icon, and find out what people pray to this icon for.
By 2012, in the best traditions of Russian northern wooden architecture, a small temple of the “Unfading Flower” icon was built in the village of Sumarokovo, Ruzsky district.
The celebration of the icon took place in Russia on April 3 and December 31 according to the Julian calendar. Currently, it is usually only April 3, or, accordingly, April 16 according to the new style.
How does the “Fadeless Color” icon help?
The icon is popular, first of all, among young girls and boys, since, according to ancient tradition, they pray to it for the preservation of girlish and youthful purity and chastity, protection from temptations, which are so common in the modern world. Also, before the image of the “Unfading Flower”, a prayer is made for marriage or marriage, so that the Mother of God sends a worthy and decent husband or wife. Older people ask before the image for help in the fight against spiritual and carnal passions. In addition, it helps to overcome adversity and misunderstanding in family life.
There is a wonderful akathist to the “Unfading Color” icon, praising the Virgin Mary in the most sublime terms. In it, the Mother of God is called the “inexhaustible source of love” and immortality.
Orthodox hymnography also created a troparion and a prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon, which are read in front of the image by everyone who has a request to the Mother of God or wants to glorify her and thank her for her help.
Prayer for marriage to the Unfading Color icon
“Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners!
Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring.
Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection.Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession.Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.
O Mother of our Lord Creator!You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts.Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.
By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son.To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen".
How to pray to an icon correctly
First prayer:
“To my Queen, to my hope, to the Mother of God, friend of the orphans and the strange, to the Representative, to the sorrowing, to Joy, to the offended to the Patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow; help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as if by will: for I have no other help except You, no other intercessor, no good comforter, except You, O Mother of God, for may we preserve and cover forever and ever. Amen".
Second prayer:
“Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.
Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen".
Troparion:
“Rejoice, Bride of God, secret rod, blossoming unfading color, rejoice, Lady, with Her we are filled with joy and inherit life.”
Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Unfading Color”
In the icon, the Most Holy Theotokos holds Her Divine Son in her right hand, and in Her left hand is a white lily flower. This flower symbolically marks the unfading color of virginity and purity of the Most Pure Virgin, to Whom the Holy Church addresses itself: “You are the Root of virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity.” Copies of this icon became famous in Moscow, Voronezh and other places of the Russian Church.
Kontakion 1
Oh, Most Blessed Virgin Mary, joy and refuge for all Christians: worshiping Your Most Pure Image, we sing a song of praise to You, we offer You our needs, grief and tears. You, oh, our meek Intercessor, all our earthly sorrows and sorrows are close to You, accept our sighs in prayers, help us and save us from troubles, tirelessly and with tenderness we call to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Ikos 1
Like God's blessing and like a heavenly gift, the long-awaited one, requested by unceasing prayer from God, was sent down to you, O Theotokos, by your righteous and much-joyed parent - Joachim and Anna. But you, O God-chosen Youth, left your parental womb and, like an unquenchable lamp of faith, like a fragrant censer, you appeared in humility at the threshold of the Lord, and the power of the Most High lifted you up to the very entrance, led you into the Holy of Holies and opened all the secrets of heaven. Oh, Most Merciful Virgin Mary! Open our hearts to Your praise and lift up our prayer to Your Son and our God, let us call You this: Rejoice, purity unattainable and meekness ineffable; Rejoice, exalted in Your humility. Rejoice, inexhaustible source of love; Rejoice, vessel chosen by God. Rejoice, our zealous Intercessor. Rejoice, Mother of God, unfading color.
Kontakion 2
Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mary, we are bowed down with sinful thoughts and cold deeds, our heart is enveloped in the cold of life, our eyes are burdened with sinful sleep. But You, O Unfading Flower, washing us with the morning dew, warm us with the sun of love and mercy. Raise us, O Lady, from the dust of the earth to the Lord, so that we may offer Him this humble prayer of ours and cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The Archangel Gabriel was sent quickly from God to the city of Galilee, Nazareth, and brought to Thee, O Most Pure Virgin, the holy gospel, saying: “Rejoice, O Gracious One, the Lord is with Thee! You have found grace from God.” But we, who are unworthy of seeing such greatness, cry out in humility of heart: Rejoice, O full of grace among women; Rejoice, thou who has found grace from God and is even more exalted as an angel. Rejoice, for you have conceived a Son, who will inherit the throne of David, His father; Rejoice, you who kindled the unquenchable Light in the darkness of hearts. Rejoice, thou who openest the door of eternal happiness to us. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 3
We are troubled in sorrow, we spend our days in the vanity and sadness of our lives. But you, O Blessed One, illuminate our souls with Your gospel, fill our hearts with humility. Let us bow our heads and say: “Behold, servants of the Lord, may it be done to us according to Your will!” To You, O Unfading Flower, and to You who was born, we sing all the time: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
In the days of thyself Mariam flowed into the city of Judah, and into the house of Zechariah, and kissed Elizabeth. And hearing Elizabeth kiss Mary, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and cried out with a great voice, saying: “Where does this come from to me, so that the Mother of My Lord may come to me!” Oh, Most Pure Virgin! Visit us, the weak and wretched, and lift up our sighs like incense smoke to the throne of the Most High, so that from the fullness of a grateful heart we sing to you: Rejoice, for the Lord has looked upon the humility of His servant; Rejoice, for all your birth will please You. Rejoice, for You have created greatness, the Mighty One; Rejoice, Source of life and immortality. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 4
Oh, the Unfading Flower! Oh, fragrant beauty! Visit us in our sorrowful earthly vale, beg Your Son to save us from all trouble and sorrow, anger and sighing, and send us peace into our hearts; May He grant us, as we ask Him, according to our needs, and cover us with His inexhaustible mercy. We, expecting Your all-powerful intercession, magnify our Lord with our souls and cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
As a shepherd guarding the night watch, the Angel of the Lord brought great joy with good news: for Christ the Lord was born in the city of David, Bethlehem, and was laid in a manger. Oh, Most Pure Mother, who gave birth to Your First-born Son, receive from us the following: Rejoice, Virgin Mother of God, for through You the world has risen, the Light of reason unstoppable;
Rejoice, star, showing us the way in the darkness. Rejoice, Dawn, mysterious day; Rejoice, rebirth of our souls. Rejoice, faithful refuge and quick Helper in sorrows; Rejoice, Lily of Paradise. Rejoice, all-singing Virgin; Rejoice, meek Dove, who gave birth to the Merciful. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 5
Behold, the King of the world is coming: Behold, the secret Sacrifice is being accomplished; The angels sing in heaven: “Glory to God in the highest!” The Savior of the world is born. Christ comes - a great Divine mystery. God has appeared in the flesh, and we, unworthy servants, having put aside all worldly cares, with the Angels we glorify God in passion and joy, like shepherds and like wolves, we worship You, O Mother of God, and we constantly call to Your Divine Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Behold, righteous Simeon came in spirit to the church and received the Child Jesus into his arms, and blessed God, and said: “Now dost thou let thy servant go, O Master, according to thy word, in peace!” And for you, O Mother Mary, a weapon will pierce your soul, as the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. We, having been saved by You, cry out: Rejoice, Most Blessed One, who brings great sorrow into joy; Rejoice, eternal treasure of Mother's love and tenderness. Rejoice, Mother of our God, who endured the greatest joy and the greatest sorrow for Her Son; Hail, Queen of Peace. Rejoice, Hope and Consolation for those who cry. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 6
Oh, Offering Mother Mary! The sea of life rises with storm and anger, deep abysses have opened up and are ready to swallow us: our heart trembles, our joy is darkened, but You, O Meek and Merciful One, beseech Your Son; may he help us, the sorrowful and the orphaned, in our sorrows; may he tame the rebellious waves of sinful passions; may he turn away all misfortune and danger from us; may He teach us how to keep His eternal righteousness. And at the end of our life, show us a quiet haven and make us worthy to cry out with Simeon the God-Receiver: “Now do you let go of your servant, Master!” Help us, O Unfading Flower! Do not leave us and save those who call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
As a child, he grew stronger and stronger in spirit and grace; and You, O His Mother, with love composed all the verbs about the Son in Your heart. Sorrowful and sad, seeking Him both in the squad, and among relatives and acquaintances, always returning from the festival of Jerusalem and having found Him with great joy, sitting in the church among the teachers, who marveled and were horrified at His Divine Mind. Oh, our Most Pure Meekness! Oh, Sweetest heart, warming the whole world with love! Hear us, crying out to You like this: Rejoice, you who increased the Divine Son with love. Rejoice, sweetest Heart, warming our cold souls with love. Rejoice, wise Leader of parental hearts; Rejoice, unbreakable wall for our children and youth. Rejoice, Cover and Refuge for the orphaned and helpless in sorrow; Rejoice, Guardian of chastity and virginity. Rejoice, you who show the honest and right path to meek men; Rejoice, softening of evil hearts. Rejoice, tenderness of the good. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 7
"Child! What will you do for us? - So you asked His Son - Jesus and wondered; seeing Him sitting in the temple in the midst of the proud and superstitious high priests of the Jews, the Divine Mind, revealing the Divine revelation to them. Oh, descend, O All-Blessed Mother, also to our children: pray for them to Your Son and our God, that the Light of true knowledge of God will reveal to them; cover them with the edge of Your fragrant cover; Enlighten our sons and daughters with the light of reason; strengthen their physical and mental strength; keep them in the passion of God, in obedience to parents and in purity of soul, grant them to grow to the glory of God and to the happiness of the earth father in ours. O Lamp of unquenchable love, anoint them with the oil of Thy mercy; warm them with the meekness of Your eyes; cover them with the robe of His Motherhood. Oh, the Unfading Flower! With strong faith, unshakable hope and great contrition of heart, falling at Your feet, we unceasingly cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Warm intercessor for an adulterous and sinful race! According to your command, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, your Son and our God made the firstfruits a sign and turned water into wine. Ask, O Mother of God, and now Your Son, may he perform a miracle on us, may he transform our sorrowful days, entwined with lies, resentment and tears, into the joy of rebirth, into the happiness of love and truth; May the beginning of the Divine Light strengthen in us - the pure source of the Spirit - the Holy God, the Triune. Let all that is evil and unclean be cast out from our hearts. Oh, unattainable Purity and Ineffable Mercy! Incline Your ear to our prayer and make us worthy to call you: Rejoice, radiant Light of love and forgiveness; Rejoice, Divine vessel of eternal bliss. Rejoice, zealous for all of us before the Lord to the Prayer Book; Rejoice, you who quickly bring our needs to the throne of God. Rejoice, for according to Your word Your Son performs signs, giving joy to man. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 8
There is no love, truth has disappeared, lies and enmity, anger and hatred are sown in the human heart. Brother rebels against brother, children against parents, and parents against children. Oh, Merciful God! Who has desecrated Your wondrous harvest, who is all the tares and thistles among the wheat? Your anger is righteous, even the ax is at the root, but behold, Your Mother, the zealous Intercessor of the world, falls to You. Oh, greatest Love and most fragrant heart! Turn away from us the wrath of God, for our sins, righteously moved against us; strengthen those who love us, so that neither persecution nor cruel times will shake them; bring to reason those who hate us and those who harm us; forgive our enemies who do not know what they are doing, soften their angry heart and illuminate their darkness with the light of Christ’s love, and transform their anger and hatred into shame and repentance. Oh, fragrant flower! Our vessels are empty, we do not have the oil of good works, and the lamps of our faith are extinguished by the storm of life. Have mercy on us: fill our hearts with the joy of pure joys, renew us spiritually, and with grateful lips we continually sing to God with tenderness: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All having been in the lower and the Highest, he did not retreat in any way, the Divine Teacher; He healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed lepers, filled the whole world with love, Meek Sufferer! Se visishi, nailed to the cross among the evildoers; and all the people, standing, cursed at You, and with them the princes and warriors. And You, O sorrowful Mother, bowed your head at the cross of Your Son, and the weapon passed through Your Mother’s heart. We, honoring the sorrows of Your Mother’s heart, from the depths of our souls cry out to Ty: Rejoice, sweetest Virgin Mary, for Your sorrow will be turned into joy and no one will take this joy from You; Rejoice, who experienced the greatest torment, who in vain experienced Your Son, bleeding on the cross, humiliated, crucified, spat upon. Rejoice, for you have been called Queen of Peace and have sat at the right hand of the throne of Your Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ; Rejoice, for in the sorrow of Your heart, You washed away the sorrow of the whole world and the sins of all people with tears. Rejoice, Meek One, Your Son will rise again, having trampled down the sting of death, and the Light of His resurrection will shine forever; Rejoice, Mother of God, heavenly image of purity and goodness. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 9
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, then have eternal life. And behold, ungrateful and malicious people, like a villain, nailed Him to the Cross. We, seeing such a thing, are seized with horror, crying out: God, be merciful to us sinners! For our sins, we endure terrible torment. Oh, Sorrowful Mother, do not turn Your face away from us, break our sinful bonds, cleanse our hearts from the passions and lusts of the evil one; Yes, in spiritual burning, as a light of repentance, let us worship before the cross of Your Divine Son, constantly praying with the prudent thief: Remember us, Lord, in Your Kingdom! Through Your prayers, Mother of God, straighten our steps to do the commandments of the Lord; wash us from sin, make us better, rise to the Radiant Unstoppable Light, let us call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
“It’s done! Father, I commend My Spirit into Your hands.” Oh, Most Pure Mother! Do you hear how the earth trembles with sadness, its chest disintegrates, coffins are opened, the dead rise and the church veil is torn? You see, how great darkness has covered the earth and people, in fear and trembling, are beating their hearts, saying: “Truly this is the Son of God!” We marvel at such miracles and truly confess Thy Son of God, truly crying out to Thee: Rejoice, Mother of God, behold, all the words that Thou hast composed in Thy heart have been accomplished; Rejoice, Blessed Virgin, Unfading Dawn, Unfading Day, Golden Light. Rejoice, Dawn of the unflickering Light of the non-evening; Rejoice, Sanctuary of great mystery. Rejoice, Source of our immortality; Rejoice, Giver of Divine goodness. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 10
Let all human flesh remain silent, and let it stand with fear and trembling, and let it think of nothing earthly within itself. Behold, a great sacrifice is made for the sins of the world, behold, the Savior of the world is placed in a new tomb by the noble Joseph and wrapped in a clean shroud. With His soul He ascends into hell to destroy the eternal faiths and bring to freedom from time immemorial those who have been bound: from His tomb He proclaims to His mother: “Do not mourn Me, Mother, when you see in the tomb, Whom You have given birth to a Son: for I will arise and be glorified, and will be ascended from with glory like God, magnifying You with faith and love.” Let us put aside everything earthly and vain, and with a pure heart let us fall to the throne of the King of Glory, constantly crying out: Holy. Holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! O Mother of our salvation! Make us also partakers of the bright Resurrection of Your Son to eternal bliss, so that we call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
One day on the Sabbath, a woman came very early to the tomb, carrying aromas, and behold, when they came, they saw: the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, and the Body of the Lord Jesus was gone. The angel, shining brightly towards them, said: “Oh, wives! Do not be afraid and do not look for the living with the dead: Christ is risen, just as he said!” Teach you, O Lady, to invite everyone: Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary and the river again; Rejoice, Thy Son is risen three days from the grave. Rejoice, for the whole earth rejoices and all the angels sing in heaven: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to us all and to those in the tombs!”; Rejoice, Giver of eternal and endless life. Rejoice, for through Your love and Your prayers we have been delivered from eternal darkness; Rejoice, for through You you brought us a bright holiday. Rejoice, for through You a bright day has come for us, on which we will embrace each other, forgive all by the resurrection, we will rejoice and rejoice with eternal joy. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 11
Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who killed the prophets! Your grave crime has been forgiven by the Lord, and the unsetting Sun of righteousness has risen over the world. Cleanse our souls too, Meek Virgin! Purify our senses, so that we may see Christ emerging from the tomb; Dress us in wedding garments, so that we may joyfully enter the decorated chamber of Christ, singing to Him who has risen: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
When the hour of Your departure to God approached, O Virgin Mary, the angel of the Lord Gabriel, shining brightly, appeared before You, handing You the bright, unfading lily of paradise, and behold, You accepted the will of the Lord with humility and joy and quietly went to Your Divine Son . Oh, our tireless prayer book! Oh, Unfading Color of the bright heavenly paradise! Send us also, O Merciful One, a quiet and painless departure from this vale of weeping, sighing and sorrow, so that we may cry out to You like this: Rejoice, ascended to Heaven by Your Son, Queen of Heaven; Rejoice, our quick and faithful Helper and Intercessor before Him. Rejoice, All-Singing Virgin, for Your name unfadingly shines and is blessed from generation to generation; Rejoice, our safe and quiet refuge in the storms of life. Rejoice, O Joyful One, who does not leave us in Your Assumption. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 12
Oh, our terrible last hour! Our hearts and all our hearts tremble whenever we think about him! Why should we leave our near and dear ones orphaned? How shall we go, unwashed, in the midst of darkness and the shadow of mortals, to a new life? How will we appear at the Last Judgment of the Creator and God? O our Comforter! O our good Helper! Help us, when this comes, place your loving Mother’s hand on our forehead, so that our suffering will subside and our soul will be reborn, pacify the melancholy of our separation from this world, and may the light of eternal truth shine before our eyes. Oh, Most Pure Mother! We hope in You, we pray to You and cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Oh, my soul, my soul! Rise up, what are you writing off? The end is approaching! Why are you rich in sins? Why aren't you getting ready? The Lord is at the door, where do you place your hope? What answer will you say to the Lord, when He comes - the terrible Judge to judge the earth; Do not weigh this hour or this day, from the edge of the earth to the edge the Arkhangelsk trumpet sounds; and from the dead all the nations are raised and gathered together. And behold, the Son of Man comes to the clouds with His power in all His glory. Where are our good deeds? Where is the mercy? Where is Love? Our inexhaustible multitude of sins has covered the sky. Oh, All-Merciful Mother of God! On this terrible day, appear to us and be an Intercessor for us before Your Son. We rely on You alone, do not forsake us sinners. Be our protection and strengthening, with warm faith and undoubted hope we fall before Your Most Pure Image and with tears we call this: Rejoice, lightning illuminating our darkness; Rejoice, you who intercede for us at the terrible judgment of Christ. Rejoice, covering the whole world from troubles and sorrows with Your omophorion; Rejoice, for you have adopted this world as a son of the One Mother. Rejoice, for you alone have been given the ineffable grace to pray for us; Rejoice, Thou who preparest eternal joy for all Thy faithful children. Rejoice, fragrant with your Unfading Flower among us sinners forever. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.
Kontakion 13
Oh, Unfading Flower! Oh, All-Singing Mother Mary, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Accept our present offering and deliver us all from every misfortune. Warm us with Motherly love and rejoice us with eternal joy. Save us from eternal torment through unceasing prayer to Your Son and grant us, O Queen, the heavenly Kingdom as we cry out for You: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
The meaning and history of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Unfading Color”
The history of the origin of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is touching and at the same time majestic. For a long time, on the island of Kefalonia, located near Athos, a very beautiful and largest island in the Ionian Sea, there is a tradition - it is preserved even now: on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, white flowers are brought here, similar to the lily with which the archangel appeared in his hand to the Most Pure One. Gabriel, to reveal to Her the will of God about Her. Flowers are reverently and carefully placed under the icon case, to Her face, and there they remain until the very holiday of Her Assumption without water and without sunlight. But a miracle happens: after almost five months, their stems, dried out and in the twilight, incredibly fill with moisture, come to life, new buds appear instead of dried inflorescences and bloom into white lush flowers - here it is, “unfading color”!
Presumably, it was this wonderful tradition that inspired the Athonite monks to paint a unique image, which in turn gave birth to many iconographic versions, very different from each other, but in type going back to Hodegetria the Guide. According to other sources, the first appearance of this image occurred in Constantinople, but fewer researchers of the diverse iconography of the “Unfading Color” are inclined to believe this.
But, probably, in addition to the miraculous resurrection of dried flowers near the image of the Mother of God on the island of Kefalonia, the inspirational basis for the visual embodiment of the indispensable and distinctive attribute of the icon “Unfading Flower” were epithets from the texts of divine services, where the Most Pure One was compared to a flower - “unfading, fragrant.” From the second epithet arose another common list - “fragrant color”, its first appearance is considered to be later. The epithet “unfading” is taken from the “Canon of Gratefulness to the Most Holy Theotokos” by Joseph the Songwriter. The canon became part of the current liturgical literary collections of the Orthodox Church, and its spiritually sublime content, admiring and touching the soul with sincere love for the Intercessor, became the source for painting a new icon.
The Monk Joseph the Songwriter created many canons that have been preserved in the prayer heritage of Russian Orthodoxy. As nun Ignatius writes about him in the article “Church Songwriters” (chapter “The Liturgical Heritage of St. Joseph the Songwriter”): “The canons of St. Joseph are distinguished by the thoughtfulness of the images that he used as the basis for each of his works, exceptional elegance of expression, and often a special form of presentation of that idea , which he wants to emphasize in canon e. Working on the form, the holy Songwriter often turned to those stylistic techniques that were developed by ancient Greek rhetoric.”
It is believed that from the first Athos list, which spread in the Orthodox world, three main ones arose - Greek, Russian, Bulgarian. From them, in turn, came subsequent variants, which gave rise to this amazing iconographic diversity. In terms of time, the creation of the first, Greek original of this icon dates back to the 16th–17th centuries, and its appearance in Russia dates back to the 17th–18th centuries. One of the first revered lists came through pilgrims to the Moscow St. Alexeevsky Monastery, the first mention of which dates back to 1757, and it is in her honor that the celebration is held on April 3/16. It is not known for certain where the iconography of the image came from, but there is an assumption that it was from the Balkans.
Russian icon painting of the 17th century was moderately, but nevertheless noticeably influenced by Western tradition during the decade and a half of the Time of Troubles, which ended in 1613. It penetrated into Rus' from Catholic Poland and Lithuania, where attributes uncharacteristic of the Byzantine tradition - royal crowns, flowers, etc. - had long been used. But their depiction in Russian icon painting was consecrated by the hymnography of Orthodoxy, where the epithet “unfading color” was awarded to both Christ and His Mother in various prayer works. For example, on the Alekseevsky list, the flowering branch in the hand of the Mother of God is entwined with a ribbon, and on it is written the irmos of the First Song “Canon of the Grateful”: “Unfading Blossom! Rejoice, O One who has vegetated the fragrant apple: Rejoice, O fragrance of the One King!”
Around the same time, other lists appeared in Central and Southern Russia, and their variety is simply enormous, they are all magnificent, and their indispensable attribute is white, pink, red flowers in flowerpots, garlands, trellises, in other images these are lushly blooming wands in hand of the Mother of God. Sometimes flowers are woven into halos around the head of the Infant Jesus or form a pedestal on which the Most Pure One stands with the Child of God in her arms. In the marvelous inflorescences, stylized to one degree or another, one can discern roses, lilies, and immortelle flowers, which grow abundantly on the slopes of the Holy Mount Athos and are considered a symbol of not only immortality, but also purity.
Also, this image arose from the Orthodox iconographic heritage: in the Benaki Museum, in Athens, there is an icon of St. Anne with little Mary, dating back to the 15th century. The Blessed Virgin has a white flower in her hand, and in this symbolism one can clearly read the prototype of the white lily that the Archangel Gabriel will one day hand to Her. In the State Historical Museum there is an icon of the 16th century “The Virgin and Child with a Flower”, where the flower is in the hand not of the Virgin Mary, but of Jesus, as in the icon of the first half of the 17th century “The Virgin and Child” created in Belarus. It is believed that this list became the source for images of the crown on the heads of the Mother of God and the Infant and organically fit into the canonical principles of Orthodox icon painting.
By the 19th century, the most complex compositions of the icon were simplified, the abundance of attributes was gone, except for the crown, flowers were often indicated by one branch in the hand of the Mother of God, the icon became less colorful both in composition and in color, therefore, according to historians and art historians of church painting, later lists are inferior ancient. From this point of view, the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”, created by the icon painter Marina Filippova, continues the original, ancient tradition, although the basis of the image is taken from a later canon, not overflowing with attributes.
It’s as if the robes of the Mother of God and the Child are woven from flowers, the halo around the central composition is lined with the same ornamental field of flowers - in everything the author’s appeal to the Russian tradition is clearly felt, and so even a hint of the original influence of Western culture in the iconography of the image “Fadeless Color” is leveled out, gone away. . Kuznetsov's writing style is based on the history of Russian ornament, its fundamental connection with our native nature, and icon painter Marina Filippova fully applies this wonderful creative heritage to the new presentation of the beautiful Orthodox icon. On the one hand, this image is now seen as truly Russian, originating in the Byzantine school, and on the other hand, in its new incarnation, the “Unfading Flower” icon of the 21st century still enthusiastically and admiringly glorifies the Mother of God and Christ as “an unfading, fragrant flower.” It brings back the joyful, life-affirming meaning of the first lists, partially lost in the century before last, reflecting the feelings of St. Joseph, the Athonite monk, the creator of the original, and those who observe the miracle on the island of Kefalonia from year to year...
Meaning of the icon
The epithets characterizing the Mother of God, the source of which were Her inherent qualities as the Mother of the One who will come through Her to give True Life to all humanity, the beautiful poetic and sublime comparisons that sound in the words of the services, make up the fullness of the spiritual meaning of this image. If you look at this image, rejoicing and admiring, they simply arise in the soul from the prayers that we offer to Her. She is the “life-giving garden”, She is the “root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity”, She is the “fruitful earth that raised the Bread of Heaven.” By the Bread of Heaven is meant the image of Christ, Who, as we remember from the Gospel story of the Last Supper, breaking the bread and distributing it to the disciples, said: “This is My Body, which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19, Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22), therefore, in some images in the hand of the Most Pure One we see not flowers, but an ear of corn.
Thank God that by His will we can now fall in prayer to the images that we love so much, and it is not without reason that the first hand-made icon to come out from under the brush of the Apostle was the icon of the Most Pure One, Who “took the whole world into adoption.” Her Face on the “Unfading Color” icon, the whole icon is a combination of joy and peace, so sought by our soul, eternally confused in the daily bustle, and all Russian Orthodox iconography is an amazing treasure given to us by the Lord for salvation, admonition and the acquisition of spiritual joy and grace .
Miracles from the icon
They often resort to this image, full of tenderness, tender compassion and love for us, tired of the imperfections of this world, for saving help. Then those who prayerfully turned to Her in front of Her icon “Unfading Color” talk about how the soul is enlightened, what consolation descends on it, inner balance returns, and the world seems full of new hopes, unexpected solutions are found to get rid of problems and strength for action. Anxieties and sorrows go away, and in gratitude to Her, a strengthening of faith is born, seemingly ready to be shaken. Isn’t this a miracle of spiritual resurrection, when the soul of a person who has fallen into despondency, drying up like a sprout, is again reborn to life like the flowers at the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Kefalonia? Well, it is known that from many revered and miraculous icons of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” many miracles occurred related to the finding of a life partner by girls and women who wanted to find their other half and live with her in good harmony.
But there are also modern miracles. Here are just two of them noted in our century.
In 2012, in the village of Chernovka, Sergievsky district, Samara region, on the window of the house of an elderly woman, a believer and virtuous, on April 16 - just on the day of the celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” - an image of this image appeared. The owner of the house, Ekaterina Ivanovna Malygina, saw it when, on that day, after the weather warmed up, she removed the oilcloth from the window, which was used to protect the house from the winter cold. It was in the morning, and in the bright morning light the amazed woman saw the image of the Mother of God and the Child, in which at first she did not recognize the “Fading Color,” but then she looked in the reference books and found this image.
In the evening the image disappears, and with the onset of daylight it gradually appears. Both priests and laymen came to the image, completely unbelievers tried to rub and scratch the amazing glass, but the image remained untouched. So they went home, amazed, saying a prayer to themselves.
In the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Novovoskresenovka, Novovorontsovsky district, Kherson region, in 2007, the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” began to flow myrrh. Then the miracles that came from her began. The fame of the icon quickly spread throughout the area and beyond. According to the testimonies of those who flocked here, through the prayers of this image, family relationships were restored and conflicts between household members were resolved. There are known cases of healing of adults and children, especially those suffering from speech problems - the children began to speak.
All these and other miracles that give us solutions to many, many problems are wonderful. But one more conclusion can be drawn: no matter what skeptics and those who do not trust the obvious, albeit incredible, may say, miracles from God exist in our lives and are given according to our faith, not only, figuratively speaking, for pragmatic purposes. Also, to be seen and remembered: Where the Throne of God is, all of us who lift up words of prayer and thanksgiving to Heaven are seen and remembered. We will receive an answer to every word, every movement of the soul towards God, to every thought addressed to Him, if they are honest and sincere, if they are imbued with trust and love. Therefore, icons stream myrrh and miraculously are found, healings are performed at life-giving holy springs - this is all evidence that God is with us here and now, and we, if we decide to follow Him, constantly live in His presence, and this fact becomes extremely important for one who considers himself a believer and Orthodox person.
Before the Mother of God image “Unfading Flower”, Mother of Heaven is asked to protect the family from troubles between loved ones, from empty temptations that may visit one of the family members. For girls who have not yet found a betrothed, but want to start a family, a prayerful appeal to this icon will protect them from premature temptations and from the wrong choice of a future spouse. If an adult woman cannot find her “half” for a long time - her personal life is not working out, turning to the Most Pure One in front of Her “Unfading Color” icon will protect from loneliness.
It is curious that since 1999 this truly blooming and fragrant image has been proclaimed by Russian ecologists as an Orthodox symbol of Russia’s ecology. Thus, the Mother of God now patronizes the Russian environmental party “Greens,” which in our country unites many movements for the preservation of our native nature.
Prayer before this image helps in preserving a marriage, strengthening a family, resolving family problems, and overcoming sorrows that sometimes happen in our everyday life.
For girls who want to get married, prayer in front of the “Unfading Color” icon helps not to make a mistake in choosing a life partner, to find someone who will become a caring head of the family, a faithful and reliable support and protection, and this marriage will stand and remain indestructible in any everyday conflicts . Unmarried girls of adolescence, who are raised in the faith from a very early age, entering adulthood, ask the Mother of God in Her image of the “Unfading Color” to protect them from the temptations of the world, to help cultivate in themselves the likeness of the prototype - the Most Pure One, in order to pass on this wonderful experience over time to my children.
Sincere and earnest prayer in front of the “Unfading Color” icon guides those who are spiritually suffering on the right path, helps to find the strength to endure deep sorrows, not to become weak from disappointment, and relieves them of despondency and heavy thoughts.
There is evidence that prayer in front of the image helps to preserve health and youth for a long time - mental and physical.
Second prayer
Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.
Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion to the icon
Rejoice, Bride of God, secret rod, blossoming unfading color, rejoice, Lady, with Her we are filled with joy and inherit life.
In more ancient images the difference was as follows. On the icon “Unfading Flower” the Infant God sat on the right hand of the Mother of God, and on the icon “Fragile Flower” - on the left. In modern icons these distinctions are often not respected.
The “Unfading Color” icon is one of the most beautiful images of the Mother of God. In the icon, the Mother of God is depicted with a baby, whom she holds with one hand, and in the other she holds a white fragrant flower - a symbol of unfading purity and innocence.
“You are the root of virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity,” this is how Orthodox Christians address the Queen of Heaven.
Not far from the island of Athos, on the holy Mount Kefalonia, every year you can see a miracle that inspired Greek icon painters to create the image. There has been a tradition here for a long time: pilgrims who come to this holy place on April 7, for the Annunciation, bring white flowers to the Church of the Virgin Mary. They are placed under the icon case.
The plants are there without water or sunlight, gradually drying out. However, by the celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (August 28), the flowers come to life and fresh buds bloom. Thus, white flowers become an everlasting or fragrant color.
Research says that the first Athonite copy of this image appeared in Constantinople.
Then three known directions of icon painting of the Intercessor arose:
- Russian.
- Greek.
- Bulgarian.
Description of the icon Unfading Color: the first copies depicted the most pure Virgin Mary, who sat on a throne and held a scepter entwined with a white branch. The face of the Most Pure Virgin Mary is soft, gentle, radiating joy and peace. When you look at him, all worries and worries subside in your soul.
The Historical Museum in Athens contains a 16th-century copy in which a branch is held by the Infant of God.
Around the same time, a list was created in Belarus with royal crowns on the heads of the Virgin Mary and her Son.
It is alleged that this copy began the tradition of painting the Infant and the Blessed Virgin with crowns on their heads. This does not conflict with the principles of Christian iconography.
Each direction has its own traditions. Flowers on copies can be white, pinkish, or red, depending on the color used.
On one icon “Unfading Flower” you can see a rose, on the other – just a blooming branch. The compositions on the lists of the 19th century are not so bright and luxurious. It is noticeable that they lack many attributes, but the slight difference in the images does not affect the significance of the shrine, which does not lose its power and miraculous power.
Meaning of the icon
Image is of great importance in Christianity. The lily symbolizes the virginity and purity of the One who is called the Unbrided Bride.
With such a flower, reminiscent of a white lily, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Mother of God. He brought the good news of the virgin birth.
Thus, the white shade symbolizes the purity and purity of the Virgin Mary and her Son.
In Christianity, there are also claims that a revived fragrant flower in sacred iconography means that even a deeply fallen soul can be reborn for a righteous life.
This happens after sincere repentance and prayer addressed to the Mother of God and Jesus Christ.
The face of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is beautiful, gentle, enchanting. Preserves female beauty for many years, radiates peace, joy, love. One glance at a beautiful face soothes sadness, calms the soul, and drives away illnesses.
Since ancient times, it has been believed that a touching image helps virgins find a worthy husband. It is with this icon that the bride is blessed before leaving the house so that her marriage will be happy.
What to pray for
Where and for what do they pray to this icon. There are no special rules. You can pray anywhere.
The main thing is that the face of the Savior “Unfading Color” should be in front of you.
When reading a prayer, abstract yourself from pressing problems. Ask your mother for what you need.
It is advisable to look at a burning candle during prayer. It is believed that its flame helps to concentrate attention on the main thing.
Important! It has been noticed that the prayer to the “Unfading Flower” icon for marriage has special power for the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On this day, young girls went to church with their cherished desires. On October 14, the day of the Intercession of the Mother of God, the period of matchmaking began. In ancient times, young girls who wanted to get married quickly looked forward to this holiday so that early in the morning they could light a candle and pray before the holy face of the Heavenly Mother.
The holy image helped the young girl to improve her personal life, to find a worthy companion with whom she could be happy. Young virgins who want to devote themselves to serving the Almighty also prayed to the Savior. Married women asked to protect them from everyday problems, discord and misunderstanding in the family.
“O Mother of the Lord, our Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us, weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the paths of God’s truth,” these are the words addressed to the Intercessor.
The mother can also pray in front of the “Unfading Flower” icon for her daughter’s successful marriage. And since the mother’s prayers have miraculous power, this will serve as a strong impetus for the completion of the intended plan. If marriage doesn’t happen, don’t be upset.
Keep in mind that there is a time for everything. It is important that when reading prayers a person maintains faith in his soul.
Attention! It is forbidden to contact the Queen of Heaven with a request to attract the attention of a married man.
What does the shrine help with? The face of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is invaluable in Christianity.
A prayer addressed to the Savior and coming from the heart:
- preserves the chastity of an unmarried virgin;
- helps a girl find a faithful and reliable life partner;
- maintains the attractiveness of a woman;
- solves problems faced by a married couple;
- promotes the preservation of family values;
- protects family people from devilish temptation;
- helps to find peace in the family.
The prayer of the Mother of God truly works miracles:
- banishes dark thoughts;
- gives healing or relief from illness;
- dispels mental confusion;
- guides you on the path of righteous life;
- fills with faith in tomorrow.
Many Christians testify to the healings that occurred thanks to the “Unfading Color” icon.
There have been cases where seriously ill children were completely healed after the prayers of their parents.
In addition, prayers to the Queen of Heaven are aimed at getting rid of sinful passions and forgiving the sins of the person praying.
Do not forget that our wrong sinful life builds a barrier between us and God, so we need to think about our meaning of life and direct it in the right direction. Then what you want will come true faster.
The priests warn that the Savior helps only those who are sincere in their prayer, whose request comes from the heart.
Where can I see the lists?
Below are the addresses of churches in Moscow where the “Unfading Color” icon of the Mother of God is located:
- Street. V. Botyleva, house 45 (at the Church of the Unfading Color of the Icon of the Mother of God);
- Bolshoi Vlasyevsky Lane, building 2/2 (at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary).
Also, the holy face of the “Fragrant Flower” is located in the Samara region, in Voronezh, in the Kherson and Kyiv regions.
Where to put it at home
For the “Unfading Color” icon, it is advisable to highlight the “red corner”, where it should be placed above the other faces (except for the Savior). It is not recommended to place the shrine in cluttered closets. You cannot place foreign objects next to the iconography. It is only allowed to leave any element of the interior that will decorate the Blessed Virgin.
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Let's sum it up
Thus, the significance of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” for people professing Orthodoxy is difficult to overestimate. Orthodox Christians turn to the revered image of the Mother of God with gratitude, asking for help or consolation.
The Most Pure Virgin Mary will not leave anyone alone with her sorrows and problems.
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