Feodorovskaya Kostroma icon of God. The Fedorovskaya Mother of God prayer helps in some ways. Finding the image by Prince Vasily

The first Christians, who believed in Christ and accepted Christ’s teaching, at the same time learned to love and reverently honor His Most Pure Mother, whom He Himself pointed to as their Intercessor and Patroness, when, suffering on the tree, He gave Her the entire human race as an inheritance. in the person of the holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. During the days of the earthly life of the Most Holy Theotokos, both near and far hurried to Her to see Her, everyone considered it a great joy to receive blessing and instruction from Her; those who did not have the opportunity to appear before the Mother of their Lord, grieving at heart, expressed an ardent desire to see at least a written image of Her.

The apostle and evangelist Luke, who was a doctor and a skilled artist, heard this pious desire many times from many Christians, and in order to satisfy the desire of the first Christians, he, as church tradition tells, depicted on the board the face of the Mother of God with the Eternal Child in her arms; then he painted several more icons and brought them to the Mother of God Herself. Seeing Her image on the icons, She repeated Her prophetic word: “From now on, all generations will bless Me,” and added, “Let the grace of the One born of Me and My grace be with these icons.”

From generation to generation, Orthodox Christians express reverent love for the Mother of God by venerating Her holy icons, building churches in Her honor, and church holidays in memory of Her countless benefits. The revealed and miraculous icons, as well as the endless miracles performed in front of them through the prayers of believers, present a wondrous and incomprehensible picture for reverent eyes. The Heavenly Intercessor herself, acting invisibly through Her holy images, bestows abundant mercies on the faithful, exudes inexhaustible grace and delivers them from all troubles and misfortunes.

At all times of the existence of the Russian Church, miraculous icons have been and remain an integral part of it, its visible image and grace-filled beginning. Among the especially revered icons in Rus' since ancient times, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary called “Feodorovsky” has been known. Tradition attributes this famous icon to a very ancient origin and painting by the Evangelist Luke himself, however, it is unknown by whom and when it was brought to the Russian lands.

This icon was first mentioned in Rus' at the beginning of the 12th century, when it stood in a chapel near the city of Kitezh. Soon, through the efforts of Grand Duke Georgy Vsevolodovich, the Gorodets Monastery was founded here. After the devastating destruction and burning of the monastery, the icon miraculously appeared again.

Younger brother of St. blgv. Prince Alexander Nevsky, Prince Vasily of Kostroma, got lost in the forest while hunting, this happened on August 16, 1239, on one of the trees he saw a wonderful icon of the Mother of God, which he wanted to remove, however, it suddenly rose into the air. Upon returning to the city, Prince Vasily told the clergy and people about the miraculous image, after which everyone moved to the place indicated by the prince. Seeing the icon, everyone fell to their knees, offering a deep prayer to the Mother of God. Then the priests, having removed the icon, transferred it to the Kostroma cathedral church. In the absence of the prince in the city, the residents saw that a certain holy warrior, who resembled the image of the Great Martyr Fedor Stratelates, was carrying the holy image of the Mother of God around the city, so from that time on the icon began to be called “Fedorovskaya”.

Archpriest John Syrtsov narrates: “The newly appeared Feodorovskaya icon, according to the ancient description, at the time of being brought to Kostroma had this appearance: painted with oil paints “on dry wood.” The board is 1 arshin 2 ½ inch long, 12 vershoks wide. The Mother of God is depicted slightly bowed the head on the right shoulder. The right hand of the Infant God is supported by the Mother of God. The right leg of the Infant God is covered with a robe, while the left leg is uncovered up to the knee. On the reverse side is written the Holy Great Martyr Paraskeva, called Friday... The lower part of the icon ends with a handle 1 1/2 arshins in length."

The cathedral's wooden church soon burned down, but on the third day after the fire, the icon of the "Feodorovskaya" Mother of God was found intact in the ashes, and soon, instead of the burnt cathedral, a new one was erected. Some time later, a fire broke out in the cathedral church again. When the people rushed to the miraculous image to save it, they saw that the icon was standing in the air above the fire. Seeing that the Mother of God wanted to take the icon away from the city for the sins of the inhabitants, everyone began to tearfully pray to the Mother of God not to leave them, then the holy image descended and, supported by an invisible force, stood in the middle of the city square.

In 1260, during the Tatar invasion of Kostroma, a great miracle was revealed from the icon of the Mother of God. When the army entered into battle with the enemy, the holy image, which was carried with prayer singing, began to emit light brighter than the sun, which, blinding and scorching the Tatars, plunged them into indescribable horror and sent them into disorderly flight. After the victory, Prince Vasily ordered the icon to be placed in the Assumption Cathedral and richly decorated with precious chasuble - “gold and silver, and precious stones, and multi-colored beads and precious pearls.” Here, in the cathedral, the icon remained until 1929.

The “Feodorovskaya” icon of the Mother of God is especially revered in Rus', also because it was through this image that God’s blessing was given for the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov, whose election to the Russian throne, which took place in 1613, ended the state unrest that had long tormented the Russian state . An embassy of the Zemsky Sobor was sent from Moscow to Kostroma, which brought with it the icon of the Virgin Mary of Vladimir and the icon of the Moscow miracle workers. In Kostroma they were met by the clergy with the “Feodorovskaya” icon and everyone went to the Ipatiev Monastery, where young Mikhail was with his mother nun Matryona.

Michael’s “begging” for the kingdom took a long time. Young Mikhail and his mother categorically refused such a heavy burden. Finally, Archbishop Theodoret of Ryazan and Murom, taking the “Vladimir” icon in his hands, said: “Why did the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Moscow wonderworkers march with us on a distant journey? If you do not obey us, then for the sake of the Mother of God and the great saints, bow to mercy and do not anger God ". Elder Matryona could not resist such words. She fell prostrate before the icon of the “Feodorovskaya” Mother of God and said: “Thy will be done, Lady! I commend my son into Your hands: guide him on the path of truth, for the good of Yourself and the Fatherland!” In memory of this event, an annual celebration was established (March 14, old style) in honor of the “Feodorovskaya” icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, in addition to its appearance on August 16 (old style).

Having gone to Moscow, Mikhail Fedorovich took with him a copy of the miraculous icon and placed it in the court church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary “on Senya”. From that time on, the “Fedorov” image of the Mother of God was especially revered by all representatives of the Royal House of Romanov.

In 1618, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich sent to Kostroma to decorate the icon with “cassock pendants”, a pearl overlay and a small icon of the Virgin Mary in a silver setting. In 1636, thanks to the efforts of the tsar, the icon was renewed and again richly decorated with a chasuble.

The people of Kostroma also took great care of decorating the icon. At the beginning of the 19th century, a new golden chasuble was made for the icon, leaving the original precious stones and decorations on it. A contemporary testifies: “In this image, the chasuble, made in 1805 of the purest gold, by the cathedral’s support, and more by the zeal of the citizens, weighs 20 pounds 39 spools with a crown; it and the crown are decorated with diamonds, yachts, emeralds, rubies (of which one red is the most precious ), garnets and other precious stones, large pearls and Burmite grains... This image includes cassocks or earrings more than half an arshin in length, with Burmite grains, precious stones, gold dies, rings and blocks, on which the inscription is depicted...” In 1891, a new golden robe weighing almost 10 kg was made for the miraculous image, which adorned it until 1922.

The terrible events of the early 20th century did not bypass Kostroma. However, Divine Providence preserved the great shrine of the Russian land. The icon not only escaped desecration at the hands of the atheists, but was also kept in churches throughout the 20th century. It should be noted that, given the spiritual and cultural value of the miraculous “Fedorov” icon and its historical connection with the Royal House of the Romanovs, this case is unique in the modern history of the Church.

At the beginning of December 1919, the miraculous image of the Mother of God was examined in Kostroma by an expedition of the museum department of the People's Commissariat for Education under the leadership of I.E. Grabar in order to reveal the original paint layer. But, unlike other icons that have become the subject of attention of art historians, the Kostroma shrine did not leave the church walls for many years.

In the spring of 1922, during an all-Russian campaign to confiscate church valuables, a precious robe was removed from the miraculous image of the “Feodorovskaya” Mother of God. In the summer of the same year, the churches of the Kostroma Kremlin were captured by renovationists; Thus, the miraculous icon ended up in their hands. In 1928, the renovation community took the icon to Moscow for restoration, but soon the image returned to Kostroma.

In 1944, after the self-liquidation of the Renovationist schism, the icon was returned by the rector of the “Renovationist Cathedral,” Archpriest Nicholas, to the Orthodox church. Initially, the miraculous image, as during its stay with the Renovationists, did not have a chasuble; only in 1947 a copper-gilded chasuble from one of the lists was put on it.

On August 7, 1948, during a trip to the Volga cities, His Holiness Patriarch Alexei I visited Kostroma. Having venerated the “Fedorov” icon of the Mother of God, the Patriarch expressed the wish that the miraculous image be decorated with a robe worthy of the spiritual greatness of the shrine. To install a new vestment, the clergy and laity of the St. John Chrysostom Cathedral began collecting donations, which took several years. By the spring of 1955, Moscow craftsmen had made a new silver-gilded chasuble.

In April 1964, in connection with the forced transfer of the department of Kostroma archpastors to the Resurrection Cathedral on Nizhnyaya Debra, the miraculous image was also transferred there.

The revival of the Russian Orthodox Church, which began with the celebration of the Millennium of the Baptism of Rus' in 1988, was also reflected in the fate of Kostroma shrines. On August 29, 1990 - for the first time after many decades, on the day of the celebration of the appearance of the “Feodorovskaya” icon of the Mother of God, a procession of many thousands took place, after the Divine Liturgy, from the Resurrection Cathedral through the whole of Kostroma to the Church of the Savior on Zaprudnya; from that time, as before, the procession of the cross again became a tradition. On August 18, 1991, the miraculous icon of the “Feodorovskaya” Mother of God was solemnly transferred to the Epiphany-Anastasia Cathedral, recreated from the ruins, which became the new cathedral.

With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II, on May 12, 2001, for the first time since 1928, the miraculous image of the “Feodorovskaya” Mother of God was delivered to Moscow, to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior; in October of the same year, for the veneration of believers, the icon was transferred to Yekaterinburg. In 2002, the “Feodorovskaya” icon was welcomed in the Arkhangelsk and St. Petersburg dioceses. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II, in 2003 the miraculous image was again delivered to Moscow, where it was located in the Trinity Cathedral of the St. Daniel Monastery.

In 2003, the Kostroma diocese began collecting donations to recreate the precious golden robe. On June 23, 2003, the blessing for the development of the project and the production of an exact copy of the lost chasuble (1891) was given by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II.

Nowadays the miraculous icon of the “Feodorovskaya” Blessed Virgin Mary resides in the Kostroma Cathedral, in a separate gilded icon case under a canopy, to the right of the Royal Doors.

She has long been revered by believers not only as miraculous, but also as especially protective of family well-being, the birth and upbringing of children; they pray to the Mother of God before her to grant help during difficult childbirths.

The monastery received its name from the nearby town of Gorodets.
Later the Grand Duke of Vladimir.
The temple was consecrated in honor of the Great Martyr Fyodor Stratilates.
Syrtsov V.A., priest. The legend of the Fedorovskaya Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God, which is in the city of Kostroma. Kostroma, 1908, p. 6.
Until the 20s of the 20th century, the icon of the “Feodorovskaya” Mother of God was in the iconostasis of the Assumption Cathedral in Kostroma.
Arsenyev Iakov, archpriest. Description of the Kostroma Assumption Cathedral. St. Petersburg, 1820, p. 17-18.
For some time the icon was in the hands of schismatic renovationists.

17 / 09 / 2004

According to legend, during the life of the Mother of God, the Evangelist Luke painted about seventy images of her, one of which later received the name Fedorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God.

Description of the icon

According to iconography, it belongs to the “Tenderness” type: the Baby clings to the Mother’s cheek and hugs Her, but there is no smile on Her face, only sorrow and endless love for the Son, who will be sacrificed for all humanity. The color of the Mother of God's robe is purple, which symbolizes royal power, and in the Christian tradition - the Passion of Christ. The naked legs of the Baby remind us of His impending suffering.

The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God has one amazing feature that sets it apart from other images of the Mother of God: on the reverse side of it is written the image of St. Martyr Paraskeva Friday, who in Rus' was the patroness of brides and weddings.

The history of the icon goes back centuries, and over these centuries it has demonstrated its miraculous power more than once.

Finding an icon in Rus'

From the 1st century AD, when the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Fedorov was painted, and until its discovery at the beginning of the 13th century in the small Russian city of Gorodets, its history is shrouded in darkness. It is only known that when the Mongols burned Gorodets in 1239, the icon disappeared, but after some time it was miraculously found by Prince Vasily of Kostroma, the younger brother of Prince Alexander Nevsky.

It happened like this: while hunting, Prince Vasily noticed an icon on the branches of a tree, but when he tried to get it, it rose into the air. Surprisingly, at exactly the same time, many Kostroma residents saw an unknown warrior walking through the city with an icon in his hands. This warrior looked like St. Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, a cathedral was erected in his honor in the city.

A huge procession headed by the clergy moved to the place where the icon of the Mother of God was found. After a long kneeling prayer, it was solemnly transferred to the cathedral church of Kostroma, and the icon was given the name Feodorovskaya as part of the appearance of Theodore Stratilates, the patron saint of warriors.

The meaning of the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God

Soon after finding the icon, Alexander Nevsky received from his father, Grand Duke Yaroslav Vsevolodovich, a blessing to marry Alexandra Bryachislavna, the daughter of the Polotsk Tsar.

During the seven centuries of its stay in Kostroma, the Feodorovskaya icon showed many miracles. Thus, the Kostroma Cathedral, where she was staying, was twice engulfed in fire, and both times the flames did not affect the miraculous one.

When in 1260 the Mongol army approached Kostroma, threatening the complete destruction of the city, the prince came out against the enemies with the Feodorov icon, which was carried in front of his small squad. Suddenly, in the midst of the battle, the face of the Most Holy Theotokos began to emit a dazzling radiance, forcing the enemies to flee from the battlefield. The lake, not far from which the battle took place, received the name Saint, and at the site of the miracle, the prince ordered to build first a cross, and then a stone chapel.

The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God played a special role in 1613, when the first representative of the Romanov dynasty was called to the throne. Only the archbishop's appeal to her broke the resistance of the nun Martha, the mother of the future Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, and forced her to give her son a blessing to reign. Falling to her knees, she turned to the image of the Virgin Mary:

Thy will be done, Lady! I commend my son into Your hands: guide him on the true path, for the good of Yourself and the Fatherland.!

Since then, Kostroma began to be considered the “cradle of the House of Romanov,” who regularly went there to bow to the icon, including in 1913, when the 300th anniversary of the royal dynasty was celebrated. It is noteworthy that many foreign brides of heirs to the throne who accepted the Orthodox faith received the patronymic “Fedorovna” at baptism as a sign that the Mother of God herself acts as their Receiver and Patroness.

Even during the years of Soviet power, the Fedorov Icon of the Mother of God was not touched, which became a unique phenomenon in the modern history of the Russian Orthodox Church, and in the new millennium, believers in many Russian cities had the opportunity to venerate it and ask for help.

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

It is traditionally believed that this icon patronizes girls who want to get married and expectant mothers, as well as peace in the family and overcoming disagreements between loved ones. There is especially a lot of information about the miraculous healings of women who could not get pregnant for a long time - after daily sincere prayers in front of the Feodorovskaya icon, they were granted the happiness of motherhood.

Prayer to the icon

To whom will I call, Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow; to whom will I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and earth: who will pluck me from the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from anger and sorrow, and all sorts of ailments and illnesses, from visible and invisible enemies, pacify the enmity of those who suffer me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice ; Likewise, free me from your flesh’s vile customs. Cover me under the canopy of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I commend myself to your Motherly intercession; give me Mother and hope, protection, and help, and intercession, joy and consolation, and a quick Helper in everything. Oh, wonderful Lady! Everyone flows to You, without Your all-powerful help does not leave; For this reason, even though I am unworthy, I come running to You, so that I may be delivered from sudden and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I am worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to You in the tenderness of my heart the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever. Amen.

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Description of the icon of the Mother of God of Feodorovskaya:

According to legend, Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God written by the holy evangelist Luke. It is unknown by whom and when it was brought to Russia, but already in the 12th century the icon was in a chapel near the city of Gorodets and was considered miraculous. In 1164, the Pskov prince Georgy Vsevolodovich built a monastery on the site of the chapel, called Gorodetsky. During Batu's invasion the monastery burned down. Everyone thought that the icon had also perished in the fire.

In 1239, on August 16, on the day of the feast of the Image Not Made by Hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, Prince Vasily Yuryevich of Kostroma, while hunting, saw an icon on a pine tree. When he tried to take it in his hands, the icon rose into the air. Amazed by this miracle, the prince invited the clergy and people. After general prayer, the icon was removed from the tree and taken to the main cathedral of Kostroma.

And the day before, residents of the city saw how a warrior in rich clothes, very similar to the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, in whose honor a cathedral was built in Kostroma, walked through the city with an icon in his hands. Therefore, the revealed icon of the Mother of God was called Feodorovskaya.

Among the people who came to venerate the found icon of the Mother of God of Feodorov, there were also people from Gorodets, devastated by the Tatars, who immediately recognized that the found icon was the one that had stood in the Gorodets chapel for several years.

The election of Mikhail Feodorovich Romanov to the kingdom in 1613 is associated with the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. The Kostroma clergy with the Feodorov icon came out to meet the Moscow embassy, which was coming to ask young Mikhail Romanov for the kingdom, and together they went to the Ipatiev Monastery, where young Mikhail lived with his mother, Elder Martha. The old woman entrusted her son to the patronage of the Mother of God in front of Her Feodorovskaya icon.

Since then, the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos began to be especially revered by the Imperial House of Romanov, and all foreign princesses who were married by Russian emperors and grand dukes received the patronymic name Feodorovna after baptism.

The Kostroma Cathedral survived fire twice, and both times the icon was unharmed. After these fires, Prince Vasily decided to build a special temple for the icon of Our Lady of Theodore - the Assumption Cathedral with a chapel in the name of the Great Martyr Theodore Stratilates. The altar was facing not to the east, but to the north - to the place where the icon was found. The Feodorovskaya icon remained in this cathedral, which became a cathedral in 1835, until 1929. After various movements from church to church associated with “historical changes” in the country, on August 18, 1991, the icon was moved to the Epiphany Cathedral of the Kostroma diocese, where it remains to this day.

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Prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called “Theodorovskaya”

First prayer before the icon of the Mother of God Feodorovskaya

Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, the only hope for us sinners! We resort to You and pray to You, for you have great boldness before the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who was born of You in the flesh. Do not despise our tears, do not abhor our sighs, do not reject our sorrow, do not disgrace our hope in You, but with Your Mother’s prayers beseech the Lord God that He will grant us sinners and unworthy to be freed from sins and passions of the soul and body, to die to the world and to live for Him. one for all the days of our life. O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, travel and protect and protect those who are traveling, deliver those captives from captivity, free those suffering from troubles, comfort those in sorrow, sorrow and adversity, alleviate poverty and all bodily suffering, and grant to everyone everything necessary for life, piety and life more temporary. Save, O Lady, all countries and cities, and this country and this city, to whom this miraculous and holy icon of Thy was given for consolation and protection, deliver me from famine, destruction, cowardice, flood, fire, sword, invasion of foreigners, internecine warfare, and turn away all anger towards us who are righteously motivated. Grant us time for repentance and conversion, deliver us from sudden death, and during our exodus appear to us, the Virgin Mother of God, and deliver us from airy ordeals, the princes of this age, vouchsafe to stand at the right hand of Christ at the Last Judgment, and make us heirs of the eternal good, may we glorify forever the magnificent name of Your Son and our God with His Originless Father and His Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Second prayer before the icon of the Mother of God of Feodorovskaya

O Most Merciful Lady, Queen Theotokos, accept our humble prayer, and do not reject us, our Intercession and Refuge, and do not disdain us, unworthy, but as the Merciful One, do not stop praying, Whom You gave birth to, that He may grant us forgiveness of many of our sins, yes will save us in the image and news of destinies. Have mercy on us, Lady, have mercy on us, for there is no salvation for us from works. It is also true that we cry to Thee: have mercy on Thy servants, and show our barren heart fruitful in good deeds. Look down on us unworthy. You are our hope and protection, life and light to our heart. As you raised up the Everlasting Light from Your womb, illuminate our soul, O Pure One, and drive away all darkness in our hearts. Grant us tenderness, repentance and contrition of heart. Grant us, all the days of our lives, to do the will of Thy Son and our God and to please Him alone in everything. O Mother of God, do not stop praying to the One born of You for all those who flow with faith to this miraculous image of Yours and give them quick help and consolation in sorrows, misfortunes, and misfortunes, deliver them from slander and human malice, from enemies visible and invisible, and all kinds of needs and sorrows. Save our fatherland, this city and all cities and countries from all troubles and needs, and make the existence of our God merciful to us, turn away all His wrath against us and deliver us from His due and righteous rebuke. O God-loving Lady, adornment of the angels, glory to the martyrs and joy to all the saints, pray to the Lord with them, that he may grant us in repentance to end the course of our life. The hour of death, Most Holy Virgin, deliver us from the power of demons and condemnation, and the answer, and terrible trials, and bitter ordeals, and eternal fire, yes, you will be honored with the glorious Kingdom

God, we magnify You and glorify Christ our God incarnate from You, to Him be glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer three before the icon of Our Lady of Feodorovskaya

To whom will I call, the Lady; to whom shall I resort in my sorrow; To whom will I bring my tears and sighs, if not to You, Queen of Heaven and earth. Who will pluck me from the mire of sins and iniquities, if not You, O Mother of the Belly, Intercessor and Refuge of the human race. Hear my groaning, comfort me and have mercy in my sorrow, protect me in troubles and misfortunes, deliver me from bitterness and sorrows and all sorts of ailments and illnesses, from visible and invisible enemies, pacify the enmity of those who suffer me, so that I will be delivered from slander and human malice; So free me from your flesh and vile customs. Cover me under the canopy of Your mercy, so that I may find peace and joy and cleansing from sins. I entrust myself to your Motherly intercession: be my Mother and Hope, Protection and Help and Intercession, joy and consolation and a quick Helper in everything. Oh, wonderful Lady! Everyone flows to You, without Your all-powerful help does not leave: for this reason, even though I am unworthy, I come running to You, so that I will be delivered from sudden and cruel death, gnashing of teeth and eternal torment. I am worthy to receive the Kingdom of Heaven and to You in the tenderness of my heart the river: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor, forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called “Theodorovskaya”

Troparion, tone 4

With the advent of your venerable icon, O Mother of God, the God-protected city of Kostroma, now rejoiced, like ancient Israel to the ark of the covenant, flows to the image of your face and our God incarnate from you, and through your maternal intercession to Him you may ever intercede for all who flee under the shadow of your blood, peace and great mercy.

Troparion, tone 4

Today the famous city of Kostroma and the entire Russian country are shining brightly, calling all the God-loving Christian peoples to joy, to the glorious triumph of God's Mother, coming for the sake of Her miraculous and multi-healing image, today for the bright great sun has appeared to us, come, all God's chosen people, new Israel, to a source of healing, exudes for us the boundless mercies of the Most Holy Theotokos and delivers all Christian cities and countries unharmed from all the slander of the enemy. But, O All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God, Lady, save our country, and the bishops, and all the people of Your heritage from all troubles according to Your great mercy, let us call You: Rejoice, Virgin, praise to Christians.

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Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Theodorovskaya”

Kontakion 1

To the chosen Voivode, the Most Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, our Intercessor and the shameless intercession of Christians, with the appearance of the wondrous icon, who gave His joy to the land of Russia, and all the faithful children of the Church who enlightened us, we earnestly offer thanks to Thee, Mother of God, and falling upon Thy wonderful image we tenderly say: save, O Lady, and have mercy Thy servants calling: Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Ikos 1

The angel Gabriel was sent from God quickly to the city of Nazareth to the Most Pure Virgin Mary, and he came to Her and said: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women. Imitating the angelic voice, we, sinners, are filled with the joy of thanksgiving in our hearts, before the revealed image of Your blessings we dare to offer up to You, Most Holy Theotokos. Rejoice, blessed branch from the root of David; Rejoice, having been sacrificed to God by the vow of your parents. Rejoice, holy righteous Joachim and Anna, Daughter of God; Rejoice, you were brought into the temple of God for three years and raised there. Rejoice, you who surprised everyone there with your humility and purity; Rejoice, you who have been honored with angelic conversations. Rejoice, Virgin, who humbly accepted the gospel of the conception of God the Word; Rejoice, chosen Youth, overshadowed by the power from above for the conception of God the Word. Rejoice, you who have revealed the secret of the incarnation of the Son of God, hidden in God for centuries; Rejoice, O Lamb, who gave birth to the Lamb Christ, who took away the sins of the world. Rejoice, through You we are delivered from the torments of hell; Rejoice, for through You we are worthy of Eternal Life. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 2

Seeing Your icon, Most Holy Virgin, standing on a tree, the pious prince of Kostroma shuddered with horror, wondering why this vision had happened. I want him to receive it, and from above I will withhold it from him, but I can’t: having realized how miraculous the appearance of that icon is, I cried out to God Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Desiring with reason, the pious prince, to understand the coming of Your wonderful image to the city of Kostroma, the Mother of God, with a soul filled with joy, surrendering to the guidance of God, and bow your knees, crying out to You with fear: Rejoice, Virgin, who showed Your image wonderfully; Rejoice, Blessed One, who shows us mercy in the manifestation of Your image. Rejoice, you who provide for all who honor your Son; Rejoice, you who give gifts to all who ask You, according to the measure of faith, leading to salvation. Rejoice, you who show the path of truth to those who have gone astray; Rejoice, raising our minds to the heavenly world with your miracles. Rejoice, remover of confusion from doubtful thoughts; Rejoice, you who glorify you always glorify you. Rejoice, teaching us purity through Your purity; Rejoice, through Your purity you reprove our uncleanness. Rejoice, you who accept our prayers; Rejoice, you who do not sweep away sobs and tears. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 3

The pious prince recognized the power of God in the ascension of Your wondrous image, Mother of God, and in the manifestation he saw Your mercy for everyone who wants to receive salvation, saying: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the thought of acquiring the given Heavenly treasure, Your bright Face, Mother of God, secondly stretched out your sovereign hand to the lower image: having seen again his ascent, he will soon go to the city and the victory of the Blessed Council that was for him, so that when they come and see the icons of Your appearance, they will cry out with him faithfully : Rejoice, Queen of Heaven and earth; Rejoice, Throne of the King of Kings. Rejoice, Pre-vicious Virgin; rejoice. Mother of the Impregnable Light. Rejoice, Most Honest Cherub; Rejoice, Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison. Rejoice, magnified by the Heavenly Powers; Rejoice, blessed one from all your earthly relatives. Rejoice, inexpressible joy of the Angels; Rejoice, royal crown of all the prophets and apostles. Rejoice, Orthodoxy protects the Church of Christ; Rejoice, all superstitious teachings and heresies have been overthrown. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm inside with bewildered thoughts, the Consecrated Council with psalms and spiritual songs abyssed to see Your image, Unartificed. Seeing him standing marvelously on the tree and shining with splendid beauty, he said: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the coming of Thy venerable icon, O Mother of God, people flowed to it and bowed down to it, as if it were You who exist, and with tenderness and tears I cry out to You: Rejoice, O blessed Virgin. in wives, in Your womb you bore the Bearer of all things; Rejoice, through the birth of Your Son you have revealed salvation to all the world. Rejoice, you who united people with God; Rejoice, O Exceeding Heaven, who delivers us from the oath. Rejoice, you who guide us to Eternal Life; Rejoice, Lady of the world. Rejoice, God's favor towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God. Rejoice, thou who observest the good in goodness; Rejoice, turning the wicked to the good path. Rejoice, you who have mercy on those who come running under the shadow of Your shelter; Rejoice, you who bestow all that is necessary for life and piety to those who trust in Thee. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 5

Like the God-bearing star, people saw your icon, O Blessed Virgin, and like a many-bright lamp you placed it in the holy cathedral church, rejoicing and crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

When the inhabitants of the city of Gorodets saw Your image, O Lady, standing in the temple of the city of Kostroma, and holding the Infant Jesus in Your hand, they were overcome with grief: before his departure came from their city. We, overjoyed by Your favor to our city, bring gifts to You, and with love kissing Your holy image, we cry out to You: Rejoice, Star, the Sun of Truth revealed to us; Rejoice, thou who loved this country. Rejoice, finding for You those who seek; Rejoice, filling the hearts of the faithful with inexpressible joy. Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of grace; Rejoice, ever-flowing source of mercy. Rejoice, you who save us from grave troubles; Rejoice, thou who deliverest from a deadly ulcer. Rejoice, Intercessor of the whole world; Rejoice, Healer of all who are ill. Rejoice, incomparable beauty; Rejoice, unspeakable kindness. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 6

The preachers of God-bearing life saw Your image, Mother of God. When each one returned to his own country, he announced his coming and the miracles that would come from him, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The grace that has arisen from Your wondrous image, O Pure One, has strengthened the faith of the weak, and gladdened the hearts of the faithful with love. For this reason, we rejoice and cry out to You: Rejoice, Most Holy Virgin, illuminating us with the light of Heavenly truth; Rejoice, you who drive away the darkness of sin from us. Rejoice, thou who through Thy miracles brings us to knowledge of God; Rejoice, you who strive for piety among all repentant sinners. Rejoice, strong intercession of all who flow to You; Rejoice, affirmation of those who are mentally weak. Rejoice, you who restore those who are weak in faith; Rejoice, quiet haven in the sea for those overwhelmed by life. Rejoice, revealing the evil advice of the sons of perdition; Rejoice, subduing the exalted pride of the enemies of our fatherland. Rejoice, Power of the Orthodox Tsars; Rejoice, all Christians Praise. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 7

Although Thy Son, Mother of God, glorified Thy holy icon in the city of Kostroma, on the day of Thy Dormition I commanded the holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates to carry it around this city, so that everyone who sees this miracle will cry out to Him with a grateful heart: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Show us a new miracle, the Lord, through Your prayers, Mother of God, when the temple burned down, in which Your holy image was placed, preserve it

in the ashes, unharmed by the fire, and so those who have burned it, turn their sorrow into joy. We, who know this miracle, sing thee: Rejoice, Burning Bush; Rejoice, fiery Pillar, instruct those who exist in darkness. Rejoice, O Belly, gilded by the Spirit, who has contained the inconceivable God; Rejoice, golden censer, like fragrant incense, ever raising Your prayers for us to God the Son. Rejoice, O Rod of Aaron for the coming into the world of Thy Son; Rejoice, Fleece of Gideon, watered with the grace of God for our salvation. Rejoice, uncut Mountain, from which the cornerstone Christ was cut off; Rejoice, animated Temple, in which the physical Divinity dwells. Rejoice, guardian of virginity; Rejoice, blessing of marriage. Rejoice, thou who loved the Lord more than all; Rejoice, exalted above all others by Him. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 8

Having seen a strange miracle, the icon of the Mother of God standing in the air, as if I were holding it with the hands of angels, when the second burning of the temple, in which this icon stood, we will reject this world, turning our minds to Heaven: for this reason, for this reason, a wonderful icon of the Mother of God has been given to us, yes Looking at the heavenly nude, we are wise, and not the earthly one, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You are not separated from the Highest Villages, and from the lower ones, O Mother of God, with Your miracles enlightening all who come to You by faith: for this reason you hear this from us: Rejoice, Mother of Christ our God, abiding in Heaven; Rejoice, you who do not leave us on earth. Rejoice, for the sake of Your Majesty, surrounded by Angels in Heaven; Rejoice, for the sake of Your glory, glorified by men on earth. Rejoice, for all the Heavenly Powers serve You; Rejoice, for you, according to God, are praised by the Cherubim and Seraphim. Rejoice, contemplating the face of God in Heaven; Rejoice, before the throne of Your Son, the Mother of God stretches out Your hand for us in prayer. Rejoice, covering us who are on earth from all evil with Your omophorion; Rejoice, thou who removest the faithful from all soul-destroying deeds. Rejoice, who through the birth of the Son of God opened the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to us; Rejoice, you who delight the souls of the faithful with the hope of receiving heavenly blessings. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature extols Thee, O Virgin, great for the sake of Thy love for the Christian race: invisible and unapproachable, like the Mother of God who ascended from earth to Heaven, I see and approach myself in Thy most pure image to all who sing to Thy Son: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The prophets of many things, like mute fish, we see about You, Mother of God: they are perplexed to talk about the glorious miracles that happened from the appearance of Your icons. We are silently amazed and gratefully crying out to You: Rejoice, O sight of the blind; Rejoice, lame walking. Rejoice, you who heal from dark and evil spirits; Rejoice, having driven away the enemies of our land with the rays from Your Most Pure Image. Rejoice, Thou who hast given Thy vision to the sick; Rejoice, you who grant healing to those who pray to your revealed icon. Rejoice, you who raise up the paralytic from the bed of sickness; Rejoice, you who resolve dumb lips. Rejoice, you who return us from the captivity of the enemy; Rejoice, quenching the fierce passions of the flesh. Rejoice, touching the souls of the faithful with Thy ineffable mercy; Rejoice, you who encourage the discouraged with your unspeakable love for mankind. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 10

You want to maintain the purity of the house-building of the Orthodox, Pure Church, and to establish the scepter of the Russian power with your wonderful icon, you have placed in the heart of the blessed sovereign Mikhail Feodorovich to receive the royal crown of the Russian land, so that all who see can see that the Most High owns the kingdom, and to whom he wants he gives it, and they will cry out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are an insurmountable wall, O Virgin Mother of God, to all who come running to You; no one who flows to You quickly leaves. For this reason, we are humbled by Your mercy, in the tenderness of our souls we proclaim to You: Rejoice, solid wall, protecting from enemies visible and invisible; Rejoice, strong protection of those who placed their trust in you. Rejoice, pure mirror of the knowledge of truth; Rejoice, maintaining the faith has taken away the strength. Rejoice, thou who art saving Christian cities and countries from their enemies by Thy intercession; Rejoice, thou who combatt the faithful tsar. Rejoice, thou who dwellest in the world in cities; Rejoice, you who prosper in good behavior. Rejoice, thou who by the power of Thy prayers turns evil thoughts into nothingness; Rejoice, you who destroy the strength of your neighbor's enemies. Rejoice, instruction to youth; Rejoice, maintenance of old age. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 11

All singing is overcome by striving to meet the multitude of Your many bounties: for when we bring songs equal to the sand of the sea to Thee, the Virgin Mother of God, we do nothing worthy of what You have given to us who cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

We see the light-receiving candle, which appeared in ancient times, in Your holy icon, the Virgin Mary, when You protected our city from the destruction of the enemies of our land by the rays emanating from Your holy icon. For this reason, falling to her with faith and kissing her with love, we cry out to Ti: Rejoice, Mother, of the Eternal Light of Christ, enlightening His soul with the teachings; Rejoice, by the grace of God you bring unbelievers to faith in God. Rejoice, traveler who travels; Rejoice, needy sailing helmsman. Rejoice, you who save us from all sorrow, anger and need; Rejoice, preserving you from famine, destruction, cowardice and fire. Rejoice, deliverer from foreigners; Rejoice, protector from internecine warfare. Rejoice, in Your holy icon you have risen like the sun within the Kostroma region; Rejoice, here you have magnified the royal branch. Rejoice, for through You kingdoms are established; Rejoice, for through You kings are crowned. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 12

The grace that you received from God of your Son, the Virgin Mother of God, and that of old poured out on all those who resort to your image, do not now deprive us of your rich mercy, grant us repentance for sins, so that with a pure heart and lips we cry out to your beloved Son and our God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your mercies and miracles, we all praise You, Mother of God, and like ancient Israel to the Icon of the Covenant we flow to the image of Your face, and from the depths of our souls we cry: lift up Your hand to Your Son, that He may give us all that is good and saving with faith and love crying out Ti: Rejoice, our consolation in sorrows; Rejoice, quenching our sorrows. Rejoice, our endless joy; Rejoice, lordship and joy of heart. Rejoice, our strong hope; Rejoice, dear friend. Rejoice, strange refuge; Rejoice, patroness of the offended. Rejoice, justification for the slandered; Rejoice, protection of good things. Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, salvation of my soul. Rejoice, Mother of God, our zealous Representative and Intercessor.

Kontakion 13

O our most merciful Intercessor, for the sake of your great mercy, who bestowed your miraculous icon on our fatherland and our city for our sanctification, consolation and protection, accepting the present praise, deliver your servants from every evil situation. Establish the scepter of our blessed emperor, grant him health and salvation, victory and victory over his enemies, and free us all from the eternal torment of freedom, crying out with our lips, soul and heart: Alleluia.

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

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Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

In Christianity, the earthly mother of Jesus Christ, one of the most revered personalities and the greatest of Christian saints.

Christian prayer before the icon of Theodore's Mother: comments

One comment

I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not, but after praying to this icon I got married! I didn’t know the truth about the rules that are described here before (But now I will definitely take this into account! Because I really want a baby) And the icon, by the way, is very beautiful! She really attracts you! Only it has such an effect on me) Probably, it really has great power)

The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God: what it helps with

If you want to know how the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God helps and what it protects from, we advise you to read our article.

History of the Icon of the Feodorovskaya Mother of God

This icon was painted by Saint Luke, but no one knows exactly when it was brought to Mother Russia.
And the icon owes its name to Saint Theodore Stratilates, who found it hanging on a pine tree.
The Gorodetsky Feodorovsky Monastery was later built on that site.
This icon survived several fires, but remained unharmed.
It only darkened, but after abdication of Nicholas II happened, she again brightened and shone.
And on March 27 and August 29 she is honored and remembered.

What is depicted on the icon?

This icon is painted in black and red shades.
It depicts the Mother of God and the little Christ.
The baby hugs his mother tightly by the neck, and she presses her cheek to him.
The eyes of the Virgin Mary are sad and full of suffering.
With one hand the Mother of God supports her child, and with the other hand she reaches out to his little hand.
On the reverse side of this icon you can see the face of a martyr named Praskeva. This is how the Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God differs from others. This two-sidedness makes it unique.

Where is she now?

The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God had to travel a lot around the world to different churches and temples.
But nowadays you can see it in the Epiphany Cathedral, which is located in Kostroma.
It was moved there in 1991, on August 17th.

Who can you pray to before her image?

How to pray before this icon?

You cannot put ultimatums either in front of the Theodore Mother of God or in front of other icons.
Ask for help in raising children, in childbirth, in conceiving a baby, you can also ask for health.
You can ask for strength to live on and strengthen your faith in the Lord.
You can’t ask for a lot of money in order to be richer than everyone else, because happiness does not lie in it, and it won’t bring any good anyway.
If you are poor, you can ask for help in finding a decent job that will provide you and your children with a normal life without hunger and cold.

What words should be read next to it?

If you have this icon, then you can read before it either an Orthodox prayer or your own. Even prayers of one’s own making are pleasing to the Lord.
The text of the prayer might be something like this: “Dear Mother of God, Blessed Virgin Mary, help me give birth to a healthy baby, so that no complications occur during childbirth. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen!"

Now you know how the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God helps and what prayers you should read next to it.

How does the Fedorovskaya Mother of God help?

The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God was created by the Apostle Luke. On the reverse side of this image is the martyr Paraskeva. Every year, believers celebrate the feast of this icon twice a year: March 14 and August 16. The first miracle occurred at the beginning of the 12th century, when the temple and the lands where the image was kept were burned, and it disappeared. By God's will, the icon was returned to Russian lands.

Before we find out what the Fedorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God helps with, let’s find out what is depicted on it. This image belongs to the iconographic type of Eleus. Many believe that it is a replica of the famous icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. There is one significant difference – the leg of the Infant God is bare to the knee. The Virgin Mary and son touch their cheeks to each other, which symbolizes the warm feelings between them. At the moment, the appearance of the icon is very shabby and many details cannot be seen. On the other side of the image, Paraskeva is depicted in red robes, decorated with gold floral patterns. Her hands are raised in prayer at chest level.

How does the Fedorovskaya Mother of God help?

The main purpose of this image is to help girls get rid of existing fears that relate to the upcoming birth. Many representatives of the fair sex are worried about their situation, worried that everything will be fine with the baby, and that the birth will be easy without complications. A prayer addressed to the Feodorovskaya Mother of God will help you cope with all these problems. They offer petitions to the holy woman for family well-being and the preservation of warm feelings between lovers. The Mother of God also helps with requests to protect her child from various problems and diseases. Another meaning of the icon of the Feodorovskaya Mother of God is that it helps to get rid of numerous diseases, especially women’s ones.

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Icon of the Mother of God of Fedorov. The miraculous power of the icon

The entire history of the Russian Orthodox Church is inextricably linked with the veneration of icons, especially those that became famous for the miracles revealed through them. They are called miraculous. One of these miraculous images is the Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God. This is the oldest image of the Queen of Heaven. Its authorship is attributed to the Evangelist Luke. When and how he came to Rus' is unknown, but many legends and traditions are associated with his stay in Russian lands.

The first information about the miraculous icon

The first information about this miraculous icon dates back to the beginning of the 12th century. It is known that it was kept in a chapel, near the legendary city of Kitezh, in the Gorodetsky Monastery. This continued until Batu’s hordes passed through the Russian lands. Gorodets, and with it the monastery, were completely plundered and burned. The miraculous image also disappeared without a trace. Those who were lucky enough to survive the invasion of the Tatars believed that it was hopelessly lost, but after some time what is now called the first of its known miracles happened.

By the will of the Creator, having survived the fire of the conflagration, the image was again revealed to the Russian soil. Legends present us with several versions of this event, and they name the names of various historical figures who were honored to be the first to take the newly found shrine into their hands, but one thing is indisputable - the Queen of Heaven, by the appearance of a miraculous image, testified to her persistent help and support to all who, with deep faith, trust in her.

Finding the image by Prince Vasily

In connection with this event, Prince Vasily of Kostroma is most often mentioned. It is said that one day while hunting he saw the image of the Mother of God in the branches of a tree. With great honor and accompanied by the clergy, the find was transferred to Kostroma and placed in the city church. There were those who immediately recognized this icon as an image that was considered lost in the fire.

Soon another miracle occurred, which served as the reason for naming the icon as is customary today. One day, the amazed residents of Kostroma witnessed how a certain wonderful warrior in the image of the holy great martyr Fyodor Stratelite walked through the city, carrying a recently acquired icon in his hands. It was from then on that it began to be called the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God.

New disasters and miracles

Further, church tradition tells of new disasters that befell the inhabitants of Kostroma, and of new manifestations of miraculous powers. Thus, it is mentioned that soon after the discovery of the icon, the wooden church where it was located burned down, but when the inconsolable townspeople began to rake away the still smoking ashes, they suddenly discovered a completely intact and undamaged image. And this was not the last time when the icon of the Mother of God of Fedorov miraculously remained untouched by fire.

In those days in Rus', buildings were most often erected from wood, which is why fires were not uncommon. After some time, the newly rebuilt cathedral church also burst into flames. When the townspeople rushed to save their shrine from the fire, they suddenly saw how the icon, slowly rising from the fire, hung in the air and was ready to disappear forever into the sky. It became clear to everyone that the Queen of Heaven was leaving them for the sins committed by people. Everyone fell to their knees and tearfully repented before the shrine. Only after this the icon, floating in the air, landed on the city square.

Saving Kostroma from the Tatars

It is difficult to list all the miracles revealed by the Mother of God through this miraculous image of hers. Suffice it to remember how in 1260, when hordes of Tatars again approached the city, the icon saved Kostroma from inevitable destruction. Carried out of the temple in the arms of the city’s defenders, she blinded her enemies with the powerful radiance emanating from her. The enemies, distraught with horror, ran away and never returned. By order of Prince Vasily, the icon was installed in the Assumption Cathedral of Kostroma and decorated with a precious robe. She remained there until 1929. An akathist to the Fedorov Icon of the Mother of God was compiled.

The elevation to the reign of Mikhail Fedorovich

But the most striking event in Russian history, in which the icon of the Mother of God of Fedorov played a crucial role, was the accession to the reign of the founder of the Romanov dynasty, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich. It is known for certain that the embassy of the Zemsky Sobor, which arrived from Moscow to Kostroma, with the goal of announcing to young Mikhail the great mission entrusted to him, brought with it two icons - the Mother of God of Vladimir and the icon of the Moscow miracle workers.

Residents of Kostroma, having met the embassy with the Fedorov icon, went to the nearby Ipatiev Monastery, where the future sovereign was at that time with his mother, nun Matryona. It is known how stubbornly mother and son opposed accepting the royal scepter, and only by the will of the Queen of Heaven, depicted on the miraculous icon, was their consent obtained.

It was in front of the Fedorovskaya icon that the nun Matryona fell to her knees, blessing her son Mikhail Fedorovich to the kingdom. This happened in the memorable year 1613. He put an end to a difficult period in the history of the country - the Time of Troubles. This year began the three-hundred-year countdown of the reign of the reigning house of Romanov.

Icon preserved by God's providence

In the 20th century, with all its upheavals and troubles, God’s providence preserved the Fedorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. How does the Most Holy Theotokos help people? In what is asked of her in fervent prayers. So the Most Pure One preserved her image, heeding the prayers of many, many Orthodox Christians who suffered in the era of atheistic theomachism.

Nowadays, this miraculous image is kept in the Kostroma Cathedral, and in St. Petersburg, the restored and brought back to life Church of the Fedorov Icon of the Mother of God opens its doors every day. It is located in the city center, not far from Nevsky Prospekt, and is always full of people. People come here to pray in front of one of the icon copies, also famous for its miracles. As the Gospel says, everyone receives according to their faith. The Fedorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God also brings help to true believers.

What does she help with and what do you usually ask her for?

You can turn to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of this image of her with any requests - the Lady of Heaven will hear them, and if it is her will, she will help. But most often the prayer to the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God is offered by women during pregnancy and childbirth. It is especially necessary to ask for her help in cases where, for one reason or another, childbirth may be difficult. As in all cases of life, there is no more reliable support and protection than the Protection of the Most Pure Mother of God and her help, revealed through miraculous icons, one of which bears the name of Fedorovskaya.

How does the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God help? The miraculous Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God: prayer, akathist, photo, reviews of miracles, history of the icon

Today there are many famous icons in the world that are miraculous and help people at their requests and prayers. These include the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. This image has a fairly ancient history of miracles, acquisitions, and healings. Believers turn to her in many sorrows and sorrows, receiving consolation through their prayers.

In this article we will look at various legends that mention the icon of the Mother of God of Feodorovskaya, what this image helps with, how they pray in front of it, as well as the history of its discovery.

Legends about the appearance of the icon

The first mention of this image appeared around the middle of the 13th century. However, it was written by the Evangelist Luke. There are several legends about the rediscovery of this icon in Rus', and they are all quite contradictory. But for the first time the image was found in an old wooden chapel near the city of Gorodets. This place was marked by grace, and after some time the Gorodetsky Feodorovsky Monastery was built here.

The further history of the icon of the Feodorovskaya Mother of God is rather vague. It is believed that it was in this image that in 1239 Yaroslav Vsevolodovich blessed his son Alexander Nevsky for marriage. He married the Polotsk princess Bryachislava. A sign of this action is the second image, which contains on its reverse the Theodore Icon of the Mother of God, namely St. much Paraskeva, which is also called Friday. She is considered the patroness of the Polotsk princely house.

Be that as it may, after 1238, when the country was invaded by Batu Khan, the chapel, like many other buildings, was looted and completely destroyed. She was simply burned. Everyone thought that the icon was lost. However, very little time passed, and the image was found again. And here there are several legends about this event.

Rediscovery of an icon

The most popular legend, which mentions the Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God (photo presented below) and its re-discovery, is the following. In the city of Kostroma a warrior appeared who walked through all the streets with this image. The next day she was found by Vasily Yaroslavovich, the younger brother of Alexander Nevsky. This happened on the banks of the Zaprudny River. This event happened in 1263. The found image was identified by residents of Gorodets. And the warrior who brought it was the martyr. Theodore Stratelates.

The second legend regarding the location differs only in that it was found in 1239 (a year after it went missing), and Vasily Kvashnya, the then prince of Kostroma, found it. The image was discovered on a tree near the river, and then transferred to the temple. The icon immediately became revered and capable of working miracles. Subsequently, more than one prayer before the icon of the Theodore Mother of God saved this city from various misfortunes.

Study of the icon and its iconography

It should be noted that there is some debate among experts regarding the origin of the icon. Some believe that it was painted to order from the Vladimir icon (but disagree on who it was for), since the iconography of these images is very similar. Both of them can be attributed to the “Tenderness” type, but the miraculous Theodore Icon of the Mother of God has a number of features and distinctive features.

For example, the main feature of images of this type is preserved - the Baby turns to the Mother and hugs her by the neck, touching her cheek with his cheek. However, the difference from the Vladimir image is that little Jesus sits on the Mother’s hand. This image is more typical for icons of the “Hodegetria” type. Next, the Baby’s feet are depicted in such a way that it seems that he is taking a step. Moreover, the hands of the Mother and the cloth of Maforia are depicted in such a way that a symbolic bowl is formed into which the feet of Christ are lowered. This is a symbolic image of a vessel into which prosphora is lowered and wine is poured during the Eucharist.

The Virgin's clothes are purple, which in ancient times was a symbol of royal power. And even later, in the Christian tradition, the meaning of this color began to refer to the suffering of Christ. The Baby's clothes symbolize his incarnation. Christ's cloak is covered with golden assist rays. In ancient times, the color gold was not only a divine symbolism, but emperors were also wrapped in cloaks of this color during burial. Therefore, this detail of the vestment has a double meaning.

The naked leg of Christ symbolizes the memory of his suffering. In general, the entire image of the Feodorovskaya icon is not only the caressing of the Mother and Son, but also their farewell. This can be seen on icons that relate to the mourning and burial of Christ. The Mother of God in these images has a mournful face.

A distinctive feature of the Feodorovsky image is also that on its reverse there is another image of the saint, presumably Paraskeva Friday. There are several options for the appearance of this image. According to one of them, the image was painted when Alexander Nevsky was married, and the saint was the patroness of the bride’s house. According to the second version, the icon was considered altarpiece, since it once had a shaft at the bottom (which directly indicates this). Similar icons were once made in Byzantium.

Meaning of the icon

For the Russian people, the significance of the Feodorovskaya icon is very great. At one time, she saved the country from various misfortunes more than once. For example, in 1272, Prince Vasily set out from Kostroma on a campaign against the Tatars, taking with him the image of the Mother of God. According to eyewitnesses, it emitted bright rays that scorched enemies. Thanks to this, the victory was won.

The icon became more famous after the end of the Time of Troubles, when Mikhail Romanov ascended the throne. This happened in 1613. Since then, the image was considered the patron saint of the royal family, numerous copies were written from it, some have survived to this day. It should be noted that believers still reverence the icon of the Mother of God of Feodorovskaya. You can read below how it helps ordinary Christians.

What does an icon help with?

Not only the country is patronized and assisted by the icon of the Mother of God of Feodorovskaya. How does image help in everyday life? She is considered the patroness of women, those who are getting married or just planning, as well as expectant mothers. If there are any disagreements in your family, and you want to maintain peace and find lost understanding, then you should also turn to the image.

Help in difficult childbirth or the opportunity for a woman to become pregnant - this is what the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God most often helps with. The prayer to get pregnant is quite simple; it needs to be read every day. You need to approach the Mother of God humbly, with a pure soul and a great desire to give birth to a child. Today there are many cases where such prayers actually helped. And besides this, women also got rid of their ailments, which also contributed to a successful pregnancy.

Prayer and Akathist to the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. Help in worldly affairs

You can turn to the Feodorovskaya icon in different cases (as was written above). Most often this is done by women. There are several prayers to read on different occasions. Of course, you need to turn to the Mother of God every day; for this you can purchase a small home image. But it is advisable to go to the place where the miraculous Theodore Icon of the Mother of God is located. Praying before this image will bring more benefits, but your heart must be pure, and you must really desire a child or a change in the situation in your family. And also be prepared for these changes.

Usually, to be able to get pregnant, you need to read almost the entire akathist to the Theodore Icon of the Mother of God. And then a prayer. It is advisable to talk about this with the priest so that he can give instructions.

Miracles associated with the icon

Throughout the history of the image, the icon of the Mother of God of Feodorovskaya has seen considerable miracles. The very first miracle was her rescue from the burning temple, when it was destroyed by the Tatar-Mongol troops, and then her amazing discovery. When the icon was transferred to the cathedral in Kostroma, in 1260 it saved the city from the destruction of the same Mongols who were attacking Rus' at that time. The rays of light emanating from the image forced the opponents to flee, and the prince ordered the installation of a cross and later a stone chapel at the site of victory. Since then, the Feodorovskaya icon has been considered the protector of the Russian Land.

Less global miracles also occurred, but just as significant. People who began to go on pilgrimage to the miraculous icon began to find healing (this was especially true for women). Numerous families who had been unable to conceive a child for a long time suddenly received this opportunity through their prayers. Women who had illnesses and, as a result, also could not conceive a child, recovered and gave birth. The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God helped them in all this. What they pray to the image for and why they turn to it is now clear.

Icon Veneration Day

As you can see, the miraculous Theodore Icon of the Mother of God helps in different situations, and everyone is rewarded according to their prayers. And celebrations in honor of this image take place twice a year. The first time this happens is on the twenty-seventh of March according to the new style (or the fourteenth of March according to the old style), and the second time on the twenty-ninth of August according to the new style (the sixteenth according to the old style).

In the first version, this is a tribute to tradition, a memory of the fact that in 1613 the Time of Troubles ended, and Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich ascended the throne. It should be noted that this number was fixed only in 1620; earlier the holiday was determined by fasting. It must also be said that an instruction was issued that this day is equivalent to the Feast of the Annunciation and is celebrated with great pomp even on days of fasting. And the second option is dedicated to the day of the miraculous discovery of the icon.

Churches and temples that are consecrated in honor of the icon, as well as places where you can find its lists

The Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God, whose prayer has great power, is ancient and miraculous. Throughout the history of its existence, many lists have been written from it (most of which were created after Mikhail Romanov ascended the throne), which were placed in many churches. Some of them were also consecrated in her honor. Let's look at the list of temples.

Feodorovsky Cathedral, which is located in the Feodorovsky Monastery in the ancient city of Gorodets.
Theodore Sovereign's Cathedral. It was built in Tsarskoe Selo and belonged to the royal family.
Feodorovsky Cathedral in St. Petersburg. It was built for the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty. Construction was completed in 1913. Also this year its chapels were consecrated.
Feodorovskaya Church in the city of Yaroslavl. It has an ancient history, it was built back in 1680.

Now you need to note in which churches and cathedrals you can find the icon. The most important miraculous image is located in the city of Kostroma, in the Epiphany Cathedral. It is this icon that has been around for more than eight centuries; it was she who helped Alexander Nevsky, and after that she was the intercessor and patroness of the royal Romanov family. A copy of this image, which is revered, is located in Tsarskoye Selo in the city of Pushkin. It was written for Tsar Nicholas II in honor of the fifteenth year of his reign.

Today, a copy of the Feodorovskaya icon is located in the Kashinsky Klobukov Monastery, which is located in Tver. It has a fairly ancient history and was abandoned for some time. In 1994, it was restored, and in 2004, the Theodore Icon was brought to the monastery, thus consecrating a copy of it, which was written specifically for the monastery. The last one was left there.

The image can also be found in other churches, for example, in the Church of St. Nicholas in Klenniki, in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, in Obydensky Lane, in the Small Cathedral of the Don Icon of the Mother of God in Moscow.

Currently, there are many icons in the world that are miraculous and help people upon their requests and prayers. The Theodorovskaya Mother of God also belongs to them. This image is shrouded in many secrets, miracles and healings. Believers turn to her in moments of illness, sorrow and sorrow, receiving answers to their prayers in the form of miraculous healings.

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Legends of the appearance of the icon

The first mentions of this miraculous icon date back to the 13th century, but in fact, the first person to paint it is considered to be. There are a lot of stories about the re-acquisition of the icon by Russia and most of them are extremely contradictory. The image of the Virgin Mary was first discovered in one of the chapels near the town of Gorodets. It is believed that this place was marked by grace, and therefore, after some time, the Gorodetsky Feodorovsky Monastery was built on this site.

The subsequent history of Theodore's image of the Mother of God is very vague. There is a legend that Yaroslav the Wise blessed his son Alexander Nevsky for marriage in this very way. In 1239 he married the Polotsk princess Bryachislava. It is believed that evidence of this action is the image on the reverse side of the icon of St. Martyr Paraskeva, called Friday. It is she who is considered the patroness of the Polovtsian princely house.

But, after some time, the city was destroyed during the invasion of Batu Khan. The church was not easily destroyed; it was burned to the ground. Most people believed that the icon was irretrievably lost. However, after some time, she was found again. There are several legends about this.

The missing icon and its return

The most popular legend is that a warrior suddenly appeared in the city of Kostroma and walked through its streets with an image in his hands. And the next day the icon was found by Vasily, the younger brother of Alexander Nevsky. This event took place on the banks of the Zaprudnya River. The icon was recognized by all the residents of Gorodtsy, and the soldier who carried it through the streets of Kostroma was the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates.

According to the second legend, the image of the Mother of God was discovered in Kostroma by Prince Vasily Kvashnya. And this happened a year after the loss of the relic. The icon was found on a tree on the river bank and was immediately brought to the temple. The image was recognized as miraculous, because it immediately began to flow myrrh and work miracles. In subsequent years, many times prayers before the icon saved the city from many misfortunes.

Research and iconography of the image

There is still debate about the origin of the image. But most researchers agree that it was painted to order from an icon Vladimir Mother of God, because the iconography of these two images is very similar. Both of them can be attributed to the “Tenderness” type of writing, but the miraculous icon of the Theodore Mother of God has multiple differences and features.

The common feature of all icons of this type is preserved - the Baby reaches out to his mother and hugs her by the neck, pressing his cheek to hers. But the difference between the Feodorovsky image and the Vladimirsky one is that the baby sits in the arms of the Mother of God. This image is more consistent with the type. Another feature of the image is that the baby’s feet are depicted in such a way as if he is taking a step. But the mother’s hands and her cloak are gathered in such a way that the Baby’s feet seem to be lowered into a bowl. In a similar way, bowls are symbolically depicted into which prosphora are lowered during their consecration, and also wine is poured.

The clothes of the Virgin Mary are painted in purple colors, which from ancient times symbolized the royalty of the person, and later the red color of the clothes began to symbolize the suffering of Christ and his blood shed in the name of all people. The clothing of God's son symbolizes his purity and incarnation. On it you can see the golden rays of the sun that illuminate Him. In the Middle Ages, the golden color was considered not only the shade of clergy and saints, but also the color of funeral clothes and bedspreads for rich and noble people. Every detail of the clothing of the Mother of God and the Child on the Feodorovsky image has a double meaning.

Symbolism of the image

The leg of Christ, which is depicted naked, symbolizes his suffering. And if we talk about the entire icon in general, then it shows not only the tenderness and love of a mother for her son, but also their farewell to each other. Similar things can be found in those images that describe farewell to Christ. The Mother of God always has a mournful face on them.

An equally important feature of the image is that on its back there is another holy face. Presumably - . There are many disputes and legends about how the second image appeared. According to one of them, it was written during the wedding of Alexander Nevsky, because Paraskeva was the patroness of his bride’s house. According to another version, the icon was once an altarpiece, as evidenced by the shaft at the bottom of the image. Such icons were once made in Byzantium.

What is the meaning of the image

For Russian Orthodoxy The image of the Feodorovskaya Mother of God is of great importance. She saved the Russian people from enemies and death many times. There is a legend that Prince Vasily went to battle against the Tatars and took an icon with him. It shone with a bright light and scorched the enemies, thanks to which the victory was ultimately won.

But the icon gained its fame and popularity during the time of Mikhail Romanov. This happened at the end of the Time of Troubles and has since been considered a symbol of the ruling Romanov family. Numerous copies were made from it, which are preserved in many churches today.

How does an icon help?

But the icon helps not only the country, it provides enormous assistance to everyone who turns to it in everyday life. However, you should remember that you should pray to each icon only if it is important to you. This image is a symbol and protection:

motherhood;
families;
pregnancy;
bride getting married.

When there is misunderstanding, discord and disagreement in the family, then you also need to pray to the Feodorovskaya Mother of God. She always hears those praying, always gives them her protection and goodness.

When a woman cannot get pregnant for a long time, she should also turn to the image. This miracle is the most frequent in the icon - she gives a child to a family that has lost all hope. But the prayer must be offered with a pure soul and completely sincerely, having a great desire to give birth to a child. Currently, there are many cases where women became pregnant and got rid of many ailments after visiting the temple and venerating the icon.

Akathist to the Feodorovskaya Mother of God

In order for the Mother of God to help, you need to read a prayer to her. To do this, there is absolutely no need to make a pilgrimage or visit a temple. It is enough to place an image of the Mother of God in your house or apartment and read a prayer before it every day.

Of course, if the illness is very serious, then you should still go to holy places and venerate the miraculous icon. But before worship, you must cleanse yourself and be ready for changes in your life. The main thing is to remain grateful for the miracle that has happened..

In order to get pregnant, it is recommended to read the entire akathist for several days in a row, and after it a prayer. But for this you need to visit the temple and take the words of the akathist and prayer from the priest. The icon will help even if it is not prayed to in church.

On what day is the icon and its temples venerated?

Each icon has its own day of honor. And the image of the Theodore Mother of God has two such days - March 27 and August 26. The first day is considered a tribute to tradition. It was on March 27 that Mikhail Romanov ascended the throne. This day is equal to the Annunciation and is celebrated with special pomp.

The second date coincides with the day of the rediscovery of the icon in Kostroma.

There are many temples in the world that bear the name of Our Lady of Theodore. AND each of them contains a list from the image:

Feodorovsky Cathedral, located in ancient Gorodets;
Feodorovsky Tsar's Cathedral, located in Tsarskoye Selo;
The Cathedral of Our Lady in St. Petersburg, which is revered by many Orthodox Christians; even from Moscow, pilgrims and believers often come here to kneel before the wonderful icon;
Cathedral in Yaroslavl.

But the most important image is in Kostroma, in Epiphany Cathedral. This icon is already more than eight centuries old, it was she who helped Alexander Nevsky fight for peace in the country, it was she who anointed Mikhail Romanov to the throne, and she protected the Romanov family from all troubles for a long time.

One of the copies of the icon is located in the Kashinsky Klobukovsky Monastery in Tver. This temple has its own special history - for some time it was completely forgotten by parishioners and was in disrepair. But in 1994 it was completely restored. And in 2004, the image of the Theodore Mother of God was brought here, with which the temple was illuminated. One of the lists from him remained in the temple.

In Moscow, in the Cathedral of the Don Icon of the Mother of God, there is a copy of the glorified image. Many people go here every day to ask for help and intercession from the holy image. Every day an akathist and a prayer are read at the miraculous icon, and every day the Mother of God fulfills the requests of those praying.

Feodorovskaya Kostroma icon of God. The Fedorovskaya Mother of God prayer helps in some ways. Finding the image by Prince Vasily

Description of the icon

Finding an icon in Rus'

The meaning of the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God

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

Prayer to the icon

Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Christian prayer before the icon of Theodore's Mother: comments

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Prayer and Akathist to the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. Help in worldly affairs

Miracles associated with the icon

Icon Veneration Day

Churches and temples that are consecrated in honor of the icon, as well as places where you can find its lists

Legends of the appearance of the icon

The missing icon and its return

Research and iconography of the image

Symbolism of the image

What is the meaning of the image

How does an icon help?

Akathist to the Feodorovskaya Mother of God

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