In their prayers to the Lord, Orthodox Christians reveal all the most intimate experiences. And it is customary to do this in front of holy images that raise the human mind to God. Among the many Orthodox icons most loved by believers images Holy Mother of God.

She is our greatest Heavenly Intercessor, and a sincere appeal to her never goes unanswered. The “Passionate” Icon of the Mother of God is known to many Christians who received great spiritual help through prayers before it.

The history of the icon "Passionate"

The holy image got its name because of the two angels depicted on it, who hold in their hands the devices of Christ's death. The very word "passion" in the old days was used in the meaning of "suffering". Therefore, "Passionate" means that the icon depicts the instruments of Christ's suffering, namely the cross and the spear.

Icon of the Holy Mother of God "Passionate"

The glorification of the image is associated with the name of a simple peasant woman Catherine, who was possessed by evil spirits for many years. More than once she tried to commit suicide, but the Lord did not allow such a big sin. Recovering from another attack, Catherine tearfully prayed to the Most Holy Lady Theotokos with a request to save her from a serious illness. For deliverance, the peasant woman vowed to enter a monastery and devote the rest of her life to serving the Lord.

However, as often happens, having received what she asked for, Catherine soon forgot about her promise and after a while fell ill again. But this time the Blessed Virgin did not leave the unfortunate woman. Having come to her in a subtle vision, the Heavenly Lady ordered Catherine to go to Novgorod. A certain icon painter lived there, who painted a new image of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Finding the icon painter, Catherine saw him painted the “Passion” icon. After a long and heartfelt prayer, the woman again received healing from her illness, and the fame of the new miraculous icon quickly spread around the area. More and more people began to come to Novgorod to venerate the miraculous shrine, and many miracles happened then at the request of the worshipers.

In 1641, the image from Novgorod was transferred to Moscow, where it was placed in a new monastery. During the years of Soviet persecution of the church, the monastery was completely destroyed and has not been restored to this day. The holy image is in the Resurrection Church in Moscow.

Read about other faces of the Mother of God:

The meaning of the icon for Orthodox Christians

All Orthodox faith rests on the voluntary suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. He voluntarily accepted death on the cross in order to atone for all the sins of the human race. The icon depicts a Baby, who, as if in fright, cuddles up to his Mother, looking at the instrument of future torture. Of course, such an image is symbolic - Christ himself went to terrible death. However, on the icon, his fear is depicted in order to highlight the attitude of the Mother of God to the future great sufferings of her Son.

"Passionate" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos

The Mother of God patiently and with great humility accepted God's will for her Son. She turned her inexpressible grief over his future death into obedience to God, thereby gaining salvation for herself. It is due to the fact that the Blessed Virgin Mary, during her earthly life, was able to submit to God and completely carry her cross, we now have such an Intercessor in Heaven.

Since the image symbolically speaks of such virtues as patience and humility, people traditionally pray before it for their acquisition. In addition, the spiritual help of the Blessed Virgin in front of her icon "Passionate" can be resorted to in such cases:

• illness;
• grief or great sorrow;
• disbelief or lack of faith
• any serious life and spiritual problems.

Important! In fact, there is no exact list of questions with which you can resort to the help of the Mother of God. Any believing Christian can ask for her intercession, the main thing is to do it with a pure heart and sincere hope in God's Will.

Iconographically, the image of the Holy Mother of God belongs to the Hodegetria type. This is a very common type of writing icons, however, it is the “Passionate” that does not withstand all the strict canons according to which Hodegetria is written. This icon is rounded, the head of the Mother of God bows to the Child and turns to the angel. Such writing makes the image more emotional and alive.

How to pray in front of the "Passionate" icon

The question of what is correct prayer and how to make it heard by the Lord has always worried Orthodox Christians. Unfortunately, now many people perceive prayer as a kind of magical act, where the main thing is to subtract certain sacred words.

Orthodox dogma strictly refutes such a pagan approach. Prayer is communication, conversation with God. And its main goal is not at all the acquisition of earthly goods or the satisfaction of desires, but unity with the Lord, the knowledge of Him. Of course, a fallen sinful person is not able to fully discover God for himself, but at least everyone can embark on this path.

Icon Mother of God"Passionate"

The very name of the “Passionate” icon, as it were, pushes us to understand that sincere prayer in front of this image helps to fight passions. And perhaps this is the main task of any Christian - to overcome the craving for sin, or at least reduce it. And the greatest helper on this path is the Mother of God.

For home prayer in front of the “Passionate” icon, you need to put aside all your affairs, clear your mind of fuss and tune in to a spiritual mood. You can light candles and a lamp in the holy corner, this also contributes to a more concentrated prayer. As for the words themselves, you can take them in the prayer book, or you can say on your own what is in your soul.

Important! Ready-made texts of prayers were compiled not because the words themselves have some special mystical power, but to help a person who is not always able to correctly formulate an appeal to the Mother of God.

You should not go to the other extreme, when no one has a decree and the person himself knows better how and where to pray correctly. Over many centuries of Orthodoxy, our church has accumulated a vast experience of following God, and it would be foolish to deny it and not use it.

In addition to home prayer, you can find a holy image in the temple. In general, the life of a believer Orthodox Christian can’t go outside the church, no matter how many people think that “God is in the soul”, and it’s not necessary to go to the temple. If a person thinks this way, he is not Orthodox, since our faith is inextricably linked with the Church of Christ.

Read about life in the church:

Having found the desired image in the temple, you can put a candle in front of it and calmly stand and pray. In addition, you can find out in the candle shop whether prayers are served before the icon. If so, it's good to attend them. Cathedral church prayer has a much greater spiritual benefit to man.

But the main thing that must not be forgotten is that one can approach the Mother of God only with sincere faith and good thoughts.

It is absolutely unacceptable to ask the help of the Virgin Mary in any criminal, evil, unclean deeds. Not only will a person never receive strengthening in such endeavors, but he will also stain his soul with additional sin.

Sincere faith, the desire to correct one's life and follow Christ, the memory of what suffering He endured for the sake of every person living on Earth - this is the path on which prayers to the Mother of God will always be heard, and a person will receive great spiritual reinforcement.

Icon of the Mother of God "Passionate Me"

Story

Passionate icon-on the Pre-Holy Bo-go-ro-di-tsy in-lu-chi-la-name from the fact that the eye-lo-ka Ma-te-ri Bo -zhi-she-bra-zha-yut-sya two An-ge-la with weapons-di-ya-mi of the passions of the Lord-under-them. About the glorification of the icons from the West, but the following: one-on-the-bla-go-che-sti-wife-on, Eka-te-ri-na, after marriage, she became subject to under-pad-kam and demon-no-va-nia: she lost her mind, ran away into the forest and didn’t once in-ku-sha-las for sa-mo-murder. In mi-well-you pro-light-le-niya she prayed to Ma-te-ri God-she and made a vow in case of healing-le-drinking in mo-on-stir. After you-health-le-niya, she remembered both of them only after a long time, in a sense of fear and from the soul th wave-not-niya fell ill in bed. Three times the Holy Bo-go-ro-di-tsa appeared to her, at the command of the sick go-ty to the Lower Novy-go-rod and buy-drink at the Iko -no-pis-tsa Gri-go-riya Her icon-well for mo-lit-you. Use this, Eka-te-ri-na-lu-chi-la is-tse-le-nie, and since then from that icon on-cha-whether to compose miracles. Celebration of the ra-di icon-us with-ver-sha-et-sya on August 13-a-hundred on the occasion of re-re-not-se-niya in 1641 from the village of Pa -li-tsy in Moscow; at the place of her meeting at Tverskaya for-a-hundred-you would-la-you-build-e-to-the-church, and then, in 1654, the Passion-noy monastery . Secondary, but the feast of the ra-di icon-us is co-ver-sha-is-sya on the 6th Sunday according to Pa-sche, on the Week of the Blind, in the pa-myat miracles that were on this day. The Passion Icons of God-she Ma-te-ri of the Moscow Church were also pro-glorified in honor of the intercession of St. An-na, in se -le En-ka-e-ve Tam-bov-sky diocese.

Prayers

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her "Passionate"

Information of the indifferently reigning grade of Moscow/ icon of the Mother of God,/ and, as a light -bearing salmon, the impulse of that is illuminated,/ the unprecedented lines and the soul of the righteous are triumphantly triumphantly. O All-merciful Lady, Lady of the Theotokos, / pray from you to the incarnate Christ, our God, / may peace and health be given to all Christians / / according to His great and indescribable mercy.

Translation: Today, the icon of the Mother of God has shone on our inexpressibly reigning city of Moscow, and, like a radiant sun, the whole world has been illuminated by its coming. The heavenly forces (angels) and the souls of the righteous spiritually triumph, rejoicing, but we, looking at her, cry out to the Mother of God with tears: “O All-Merciful Lady, Lady of the Mother of God, pray from You to the incarnate Christ, our God, may He give peace and health to all Christians by His great and inexpressible mercy.

John troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her "Passionate"

Life -giving wisdom the eccentric miraculous/ honestly of your, the Mother of God,/ praying, to be loudly tagging, we have a lot of sincereness, the sore thief, the lords, the faithfulness of the whole. , like the Mother of God, / save the Orthodox bishops, / and save the Russian land, / and all the people who honor You, observe, / yes laudatory Tidars, sins, we bring, Gracious // Rejoice, Virgin, Christian praise.

Translation: Life-giving Wisdom, the source of miracles, your revered image, Virgin Mary, with prayers diligently turning to him, we lightly celebrate and from the depths of our souls we cry out to You: , as the Mother of God, save the Orthodox bishops and save the Russian land, and save all the people who revere you, but we bring you sinful, laudatory gifts, Gracious: rejoice, Virgin, honor of Christians.

Kontakion to the Most Holy Mother of God before the icon of Her "Passionate"

The most sorry with the goodness of the impairment,/ I gave it to them, saved your healing/ miraculous honestly honestly, the Virgin of the Mother of God,/ the same as a call,/ prayer, sin. show us speedy intercession and help, / save us from our adversaries / and keep from all sorrow, / protect our earth with peace, / and cover all Your people, / and observe those who trust in You, / try to deliver, / let us not die evil, Thy servants, / but let us call Thee // Rejoice, Bride, not bride.

Translation: We have accepted the incorruptible grace that You have bestowed on us through Your revered miraculous image of Your revered, Virgin Mother of God, therefore we cry out to You and turn with joy: “Lady Queen, we pray to You humbly, sinners, saying with tears: O Most Holy Lady, show us Your quick protection and help, save us from our enemies and save us from all sorrow, protect our land with peace and cover all Your people and save those who hope in You, hasten to free us, let us not die cruelly, but we cry out to You: rejoice Bride, marriage not knowing."

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her "Passionate"

О, Пресвята́я Госпоже́, Влады́чице Богоро́дице, вы́шши еси́ все́х А́нгел и Арха́нгел и всея́ тва́ри честне́йши, Помо́щница еси́ оби́димых, ненаде́ющихся наде́яние, убо́гих Засту́пница, печа́льных утеше́ние, а́лчущих Корми́тельница, наги́х одея́ние, больны́х исцеле́ние, гре́шных спасе́ние, христиа́н все́х поможе́ние и заступле́ние. O All-merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God, Lady, by Thy mercy save and have mercy on Thy servants, the Great Lord and father of our Most Holy Patriarch (name of rivers), and the Graceful Metropolitans, the Archbishops and the Epicopes, and the sacred and Ino Chin, the God -presidential country, the military leaders, the grief and Christ -loving worship ours, may He gird us with His power from above against our invisible and visible enemies. O All-merciful Lady, Lady of the Mother of God, raise us up from the depths of sin and deliver us from famine, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from finding foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and other attacks, wind, and from a deadly ulcer, and from all evil. Give me, the lady, the world and health of Thy work, all the Orthodox Christian, and enlighten the heart and cordial, and the sedate of Thy slaves, the kingdom of thy, is blessed. His Father without beginning, and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Canons and Akathists

Akathist to the Most Holy Mother of God in front of the icon "Passionate"

Kondak 1

To the God-chosen Mistress of all creation, blessed Mary the Virgin Theotokos, we offer humble worship to Your Holy Image. But you, O Immaculate One, accept the prayer of your unworthy servants, who honor the sufferings of the Cross of your Son and our God, calling with tenderness to Thee: Rejoice, Bride of the Bride.

Ikos 1

Angels are standing before Your Son and our God, held in Your arms, showing the instruments of the Cross, but with fear we worship the passion of Your Son, and we call Thee: Rejoice, Archangels surprise; Rejoice, Servant of the Mysteries of God. Rejoice, for the Holy Spirit has found upon You and the power of the Most High autumn You; Rejoice, for it is the Son of God who was born of Thee. Rejoice, as Thy ever-virgin seed will erase the head nestled in the serpent of the devil; Rejoice, for through you hell is grieved and death is dead. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 2

Seeing, Immaculate, as if the Lord had come to earth, for mercy's sake, may He suffer for the sins of those who believe in Him and cry out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Mind, Immaculate, the verb of the elder Simeon, but in Your own heart a weapon will pass, so that thoughts will open from many hearts, we call Thee with tenderness: Rejoice, Most Serene Cherubim; Rejoice, thou who didst receive all sorrow from Herod and the Jews. Rejoice, in Thy most pure Nativity you bore doubt from Joseph; Rejoice, for in the manger of the wordless God you have twisted and laid. Rejoice, for you, with the Son and God, have no place to bow your head; Rejoice, for God makes man through You, so that God will make Adam. Rejoice, for by Thee human nature has been exalted; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 3

Strengthened by the power of grace from above, endured all sorrow and hardship, kindly embraced His Son, from the Archangels crying out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having your holy icon, called “Passionate”, like a fragrant thorn and like a valuable treasure, we bring you humbly worship, calling: Rejoice, Patroness of the Passionate monastery; Rejoice, having deigned to stand with Your holy icon in this place. Rejoice, thou who inspired the pious king to build a monastic abode; Rejoice, indestructible wall of the faithful. Rejoice, helper of nuns in salvation; Rejoice, unchanging prayer book for the whole world. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 4

We are embarrassed by the sinful storm and weighed down by the sleep of negligence, we bow down to Your holy icon, we thank the merciful visit of Your icon in this place, singing unceasingly to God the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the Orthodox people of the city of Moscow, as if the pious tsar commanded to bring the icon called “Passionate”, for this sake, and I met a lot of people with the tsar, Patriarch Job and the entire Holy Council, joyfully exclaiming: Rejoice, our joy and salvation; Rejoice, Holy Trinity, God-voiced Turtle Dove. Rejoice, call of the sufferings of Christ; Rejoice, having buried Your Son in suffering. Rejoice, confirmation of the general resurrection; Rejoice, lofty cedar of our immortality. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 5

The divine star shows you the way with the Immaculate Child. But we mentally with Joseph fall on this path, singing to the born Lord and to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

You see, O All-blameless One, our contrition for sins, no imams of other help, no other intercession, only the grace is given to you to pray for us, for this sake we call with faith: Rejoice, with Your prayers freeing us to the flame of Gehenna; Rejoice, praying for the whole world at the Cross of Christ. Rejoice, thou who drives away the flame of passions from man; Rejoice, enlightening everyone with the light of Your pure soul. Rejoice, thou who surprised the angels with thy purity; Rejoice, for the demons tremble at Your pure name. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 6

Coming at the Cross of Your Son and our God, a fierce weapon will go through Your soul, always crucifying the Life-giver on the frontal place, in the midst of two a robber, when the soldiers took off His garments and cast lots about His imatisme. Then the reasonable hosts will poyahu: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Resplendent, like a bright candle, at the Cross of Your Son, burning with motherly love, saying: “If you suffer on the Cross, but we know You, before the day was born.” Seeing the Most Pure One, as if all creation cries out to Ty: Rejoice, as in soul and body you stand at the Cross to Thy Builder; Rejoice, thou who did not part from the Lord until the last hour of death. Rejoice, for thou didst say at the Cross: “Weep the whole earth for the highlander, the Life-giver is seen as dead”; Rejoice, Giver of eternal joy to us. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 7

Help those who want to sing of the passions of Your Son, O Lady, and do not reject those who pray before Your miraculous icon and sing from the depths of their souls the song: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Thou didst show new mercy to the people, O Lady, by Your icon, when honestly I brought people to the city of Moscow, brought them to the gates of Tver, and, oh, a miracle! Your Holy Icon stands motionless in this place, where it is now the abode of Your Most Pure Name. We joyfully cry out to Ty: Rejoice, Intercessor and our Refuge; Rejoice, driving away all sorrows and sorrows. Rejoice, blessing to all ends of the earth; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 8

A strange and glorious miracle of Your rich mercy to us, the unworthy, you show, and to everyone who loves to flow to Your miraculous icon and cry out: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All give birth to blessed Thee, Immaculate, seeing Thee suffering and praying during the suffering of Your Son on the Cross and crying out to Him: “From Your perforated rib, sweetest Son, exude immortality.” For this reason, with tenderness, we call Thee: Rejoice, immortal life worthy of Thy servants; Rejoice, preparing heavenly abode for the pious living. Rejoice, Intercessor of eternal joy to those who honor Thee; Rejoice, salvation and intercession of the nuns, who call on Thee unceasingly. Rejoice, covering the whole universe with Your grace; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 9

All you suffer at the Cross and cry out to the crucified Lord: “Come to passion with your will, Son, free Adam from passions, and those who are from Adam, you were imputed with the lawless, but save a person from lawlessness, calling: Alleluia!”

Ikos 9

Vetias of many things will not be able to sing of Your sufferings at the Cross. But you, O Most Pure One, tormenting your face from your hair and beating Persian, you cried out: “Son, receive My spirit and do not leave Me alone.” But we, unworthy, with tender voices call Thee: Rejoice, helping the faithful at the hour of death; Rejoice, accompanying all Christians through fierce ordeals. Rejoice, freeing us from demonic hold; Rejoice, Intercessor of Christians at the Last Judgment of God. Rejoice, Intercessor for all who wish to receive a Christian end; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 10

Asking us for salvation, Most Pure One, stretch out Your hands, O most merciful Savior, Thou hast spoken, Thou wilt and save those who honor Your Passion with Your righteous thief, Mercy, crying out to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are an invincible wall, the world is a Refuge, mercy is a Treasure, receive the prayers of Thy servants, who stand before Thy Holy Image and tenderly call to Thee: Rejoice, rejoicing, eternally blessed Mother of God; Rejoice, well-known Refuge for the sinful and humble. Rejoice, Intercessor of virgins and orphans; Rejoice, strong Helper of people. Rejoice, great admonition by the Hierarch; Rejoice, Leader of reverent priests. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 11

Benefit from tender singing and prayerful praise before Thy miraculous icon, Most Holy Bride of God, and do not turn away Thy face from those who sing to You and God forever: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Like a luminous sun, your image rises in our temple, Passionate Mother of God, sanctifying, preserving and saving from misfortunes all those who suffer and cry out with love: Rejoice, preserving with Your grace the monastery of monastics; Rejoice, strong helper to those struggling with passions. Rejoice, Intercessor of the offended and oppressed; Rejoice, joy of the poor and wretched. Rejoice, healing and reinforcement of the sick; Rejoice, young admonition and mentor. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 12

Send down Thy Grace to us, Blessed One, who honor Thy Holy Icon, and worship the Most Honorable Passion of Thy Son, singing with faith: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing unceasingly before Your Holy Icon, we worship, magnify and with fear we kiss Your miraculous image, joyfully crying out: Rejoice, our eternal joy; Rejoice, Treasure of our Resurrection. Rejoice, freeing us from the pit of passions; Rejoice, recovery of the lost and the mindless. Rejoice, fulfilling the petitions of the faithful; Rejoice, granting forgiveness to those who trust in Thee of sins. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Kondak 13

O All-Singing Mother, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants, look at the coming people before Your miraculous icon and zealously worship the Most Pure Passion of Your Son, asking for deliverance from eternal torment, crying out to You: Alleluia.

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

Prayer one

O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, the highest angel and archangel of all, and the most honest of all creatures, Helper of the offended, hopeless hope, wretched Intercessor, sad consolation, hungry nurse, naked robe, sick healing, sinful salvation, Christians of all help and intercession. Save, Madam, and have mercy on Your servants, and Your Grace metropolitans, archbishops and bishops, and the entire priestly and monastic rank, and the faithful ruling synod, and military leaders, and city leaders, and the Christ-loving army and well-wishers, and all Orthodox Christians protect Your honest robe, and beseech, Madam, from you without a seed incarnate Christ our God, may he gird us with His power from above, against our invisible and visible enemies. O All-Merciful Lady the Lady Theotokos, raise us up from the depths of sin and deliver us from gladness, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from finding foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and from the attack of the enemy, and from corrupting winds and from the deadly plague, and from all evil. Grant, Madam, peace and health to Your servants, to all Orthodox Christian, and enlighten them with the mind and eyes of the heart, hedgehog to salvation; and make us worthy of Thy sinful servants, the Kingdom of Thy Son, Christ our God: as His power is blessed and glorified, with His Father without beginning, and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer two

Oh, Blessed Lady, Lady Virgin Mother of God! Accept prayer and zealous worship before Thy miraculous icon, graciously visit Thy humble and sinful servants, do not leave us to perish in our sins, be the Helper and Intercessor to all Orthodox Christians, and at the hour of the end of our life, intercede, O All-blameless! Have mercy on us by the mercy of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and by Thy Maternal intercession, make us worthy to be delivered from eternal death. Amen.

"Passion" icon of the Mother of God - the main shrine of the Strastnoy Monastery

The Moscow Passion Monastery is dedicated to the “Passion” Icon of the Mother of God, which has long been revered by sovereigns and people, as it symbolized Holy Week before the Resurrection of Christ.

A feature of her image is the image on both sides of the Face of the Virgin of two Angels with the instruments of the Savior's suffering on the Cross.

From the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called "Passionate":

“To the God-chosen Mistress of all creation, blessed Mary the Virgin Theotokos, we offer humble worship to Your Holy Image. But you, O Immaculate One, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants, who honor the sufferings of the Cross of Your Son and our God, calling with tenderness to You: Rejoice, Bride of the Bride. (Kontak 1)

The image of the Passion Icon of the Mother of God was close to all people, regardless of position and education, which is also explained by the second meaning of the word “passion”, as is known from the very history of the appearance and manifestation of the miraculous properties of the icon (detailed in the old book “The Earthly Life of the Most Holy Theotokos and Description of Her holy miraculous icons…”, St. Petersburg, 1898).

In the village of Palitsy, Nizhny Novgorod province, lived a peasant woman, Ekaterina, from the very moment she got married, she was obsessed with possession. Once she came to her senses, turned to the Mother of God with a plea to save her from the disaster, giving a vow to retire to a monastery. Having received healing, she forgot about the promise.

The Mother of God who appeared forgave her and ordered to inform everyone about Her appearance and command, so that those living in the world “refrain from malice, envy, drunkenness and all uncleanness; would remain in chastity and unfeigned love for one another, honoring Sunday and feast days dedicated to the name of the Lord and to mine.

And Catherine did not fulfill this and became terribly ill. But the Most Holy Theotokos again had mercy on her, ordered her to go to Nizhny Novgorod to the icon painter Gregory, who had the Passion Icon of the Mother of God painted by him, and said: “When you pray before that image with faith, you and many others will receive healing.”

Catherine fulfilled the command of the Mother of God. And from that time countless miracles began to happen from the icon.

The miraculous “Passionate” Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Moscow in 1641 by the will of the first Sovereign from the House of Romanovs, Mikhail Fedorovich, and, in memory of this event, the day of the celebration of the icon was set - August 13. (O.S.), as well as the sixth Sunday after Easter in memory of the miracles that were from her that day. At the site of the installation of the icon, the people perceived the presence of the Most Holy Mother of God.

The icon was met at the Tver Gates of the White City by the Sovereign, his son Alexei Mikhailovich, the Holy Patriarch and the Holy Cathedral, with a large gathering of people.

From the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, called "Passionate":

“Hearing the Orthodox people of the city of Moscow, as if the pious tsar commanded to bring the “Passionate” icon, for this sake, and I met a lot of people with the tsar, Patriarch Joseph and the entire Holy Council, joyfully exclaiming: Rejoice, our joy and salvation; Rejoice, Holy Trinity, God-voiced Turtle Dove. Rejoice, call of the sufferings of Christ; Rejoice, having buried Your Son in suffering. Rejoice, confirmation of the general resurrection; Rejoice, lofty cedar of our immortality. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride." (Ikos 4).

The icon stopped by itself in front of the Tver Gates, and Sovereign Mikhail Fedorovich ordered the construction of the Passion Cathedral on this site, which was built in 1646 by his son Alexei Mikhailovich. In 1654, he founded the maiden Strastnoy Monastery near the walls of the cathedral.

From Akathist:

“You showed new mercy to the people, O Lady, with Your icon, when you honestly brought people to the city of Moscow, brought them to the gates of Tver, and, lo and behold! Your Holy Icon stands motionless in this place, where it is now the abode of Your Most Pure Name. We gladly cry out to Ty: Rejoice, Intercessor and our Refuge; Rejoice, driving away all sorrows and sorrows. Rejoice, blessing to all the ends of the earth; Rejoice, Bride, not bride. (Ikos 7)

Why did the icon not want to enter the city? Perhaps God's providence was that the Passion Icon of the Mother of God (and this was a particularly revered image of the Mother of God in the Romanov family) did not go to the royal residence, but remained in the most crowded place in the city. Indeed, the area in front of the Tver entrance gate was always crowded. Here not only guard functions were carried out, but also solemn meetings of prominent guests, royal entries and exits. And, of course, everyone who came in tried to visit the Holy Cathedral and bow to the miraculous icon.

The Strastnoy Monastery stood in front of the Tver Gates until the end of the 18th century, when the walls of the White City and its Tver Gates were demolished. And again found himself in the most crowded place in the city.

Strastnaya Square was formed in front of the monastery, and Sennaya Square behind it. Strastnaya Square was located on a hill, the Kremlin towers were visible from it, elegant boulevards descended on the sides, formed on the site of the destroyed walls of the White City: the first Tverskaya (in 1796) and the last Strastnaya (in 1821), which closed the Boulevard Ring.

The square was located ancient church Saint Demetrius of Thessalonica. On Malaya Dmitrovka, for a long time there was the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Putinki, almost the same age as the Passion Cathedral, also built by Alexei Mikhailovich.

The area was built up along the perimeter with residential buildings and mansions. In the middle of the 20th century, a new, majestic-looking bell tower was erected to replace the old, hung one. And in 1880, a monument to Pushkin was erected at the tip of Tverskoy Boulevard, which completed the formation of the town-planning ensemble of Strastnaya Square.

Its main element has always been the Strastnoy Monastery, thanks to which the square has become a spiritual and cultural historical place in Moscow. It was also attractive because on the bell tower, above the entrance gate, there was big size Passionate icon of the Mother of God with an inextinguishable lamp. On the busy street, a multitude of people crowded and passed, and everyone tried to bow to the Holy Image.

On the right side of the gate there was a small chapel, which also contained the Icon of the Passionate Mother of God of ancient writing, which used to stand on the old Tver Gates.

Strastnaya Square was preserved in its historical form up to the first 10 years Soviet power when they began to expand Tverskaya Street and build it up with massive residential buildings. First, the church of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica, many historical buildings around the perimeter were destroyed. And in 1937 - the Passion Monastery.

It is noteworthy that the monastery in terms of urban planning did not interfere with anyone; he was always, like an island, among historic streets and lanes. It was demolished in a godless time, as an object that had too much spiritual cultural significance for society. In the 1920s, they tried to turn the monastery into an anti-religious museum, but nothing came of this venture. Perhaps for the same reason- high spirituality ancient maiden abode. It was more honest and easier to demolish it from the face of the earth, which they did. The values ​​of the monastery were plundered, but many of them were saved by unknown ascetics.

She miraculously survived miraculous icon The Passionate Mother of God, who is now in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Sokolniki, waiting for her time to return to the historical place.

The ancient locally venerated Life-Giving Cross of the Lord (located in the church in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" in Pereyaslavskaya Sloboda). The Great Bell of the Strastnoy Monastery survived (transferred to the monastery of Optina Pustyn).

Nothing capital and significant for society was built on the site of the Strastnoy Monastery during the years of Soviet power, and its territory has been preserved. This is a square with a monument to Pushkin, which was moved from Tverskoy Boulevard and installed in the place of the bell tower of the monastery. So great poet, who endured worldly passions and mortal suffering, turned out to be the guardian of the territory of the monastery.

There is an objective possibility of the revival of the ancient Holy Monastery on its historical place, where the foundations of the bell tower with the church of Alexei the Man of God, the Passion Cathedral and the church of Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves remained. long time the city authorities promoted an investment project of underground parking of cars on the site of the Strastnoy Monastery, which threatened the destruction of the ancient foundations and burial places of the ascetics of the monastery. Unfortunately, the new city government does not abandon the idea of ​​building a tunnel and an underground parking lot on Pushkinskaya Square. Whether the historical territory of the Strastnoy Monastery will be spared is unknown to the public and heritage protection specialists.

Believers pray for the preservation of the territory of the Strastnoy Monastery and for its revival at its historical site on Pushkinskaya Square in the future. Signature lists with 57,000 signatures of the laity were sent by an initiative group of laity to the Patriarchy and the City Hall in the hope that the church and city authorities would save the territory of the Strastnoy Monastery from underground construction.

For 6 years, every Saturday and Sunday at 14.00, a PRAYER STAND with the reading of an akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos “Passion” is carried out on the site of the altars of the Passion Cathedral (stairs to the cinema) and a procession around the territory of the Strastnoy Monastery (Pushkinskaya Square, a square with a monument to Pushkin, including cinema "Pushkin" and the surviving building of the monastery, to which it was attached).

Thanks to the prayers of the faithful in front of the image of the Passion Icon of the Mother of God, the passions of people in power will be appeased, who will stop in their perseverance to realize the old hopeless idea of ​​launching a continuous flow of transport from the periphery to the center of Moscow and building an underground garage on the site of the Passion Monastery. They will understand that the location of the Passion Monastery, where Angels stand invisibly over its seven thrones, is holy, and destroying it is blasphemy. And they will make the only right decision - not to affect the miraculously preserved territory of the Strastnoy Monastery with new construction. Then there will remain the possibility of reviving the ancient maiden monastery dedicated to the miraculous Passion-working Icon of the Mother of God, which came to Moscow on August 26, 1641.

At present, relations between individual strata of society with Orthodox Church, up to the monstrous desecration of its shrines. The general prayer service held on April 22, 2012 on the square in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior with the participation of the Patriarch, the higher clergy and many tens of thousands of believers showed the demand for the image of the Passionate Mother of God, symbolizing not only the Passion of the Lord, but also human passions.

This icon is unusual - it is known for the fact that next to the face of the Virgin, two Angels hold the instruments of the Passion of the Lord. Known case miraculous healing by prayers before the icon. One God-fearing woman, Ekaterina, after marriage, began to be subjected to fits of possession, she even attempted suicide. In moments when she could control herself, Catherine prayed to the Mother of God for healing.

Catherine's prayer was heard, but she did not immediately fulfill her promise, but, remembering it, fell ill with fear that she had not fulfilled her vow given to God. Then, in a dream, the Mother of God herself appeared to her and ordered her to go to Nizhny Novgorod and buy Her icon for prayer from the icon painter Gregory. After praying before the Passion Icon of the Mother of God, Catherine was finally healed, and through prayers before the icon, miracles began to happen.

The holiday takes place on the day of the transfer of the icon from the village of Palitsy to Moscow in 1641. At the Tverskaya Zastava, where the icon was met, a temple was built, and later, in 1645, the Strastnoy Monastery. A second feast for the sake of the icon takes place on the 6th Sunday after Pascha, on the Sunday of the Blind Man, in memory of the miracles that took place on that day.

Iconography

The passionate icon of the Mother of God belongs to the type of Hodegetria icons. The Mother of God bowed her face to the Divine Infant. The Divine Infant holds the Mother of God by the hands. The face of Jesus is turned to the Mother of God and turned away from the forthcoming torment on the cross. In the hands of the angels on the icon are the instruments of suffering on the cross - a sponge, a spear and a cross.

What helps the Passionate Icon of the Mother of God

The passionate icon of the Mother of God is known for numerous healings through prayers in front of her. Therefore, in front of the icon they often pray for

• getting rid of physical and mental ailments;
• release from thoughts of suicide;
• about help in all matters;
• about the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer

Troparion of the Mother of God before the Icon of Her Passion

voice 4

Today, the ascension to our inexpressibly reigning city of Moscow / the icon of the Mother of God, / and, like a radiant sun, with the coming of that light up the whole world, / The heavenly forces and the souls of the righteous mentally triumph, rejoicing, / we, looking at her, cry out to the Mother of God with tears: / about the All-merciful Lady, the Lady of the Mother of God, / pray from you to the incarnate Christ, our God, / may peace and health be given to all Christians / according to His great and indescribable mercy.

John troparion of the Mother of God before the icon of Her Passionate

voice 4

Life-giving Wisdom is the source of miracles / Your honest image, Virgin Mother of God, / praying, diligently flowing to him with love, we lightly celebrate / and from the depths of our souls we cry out to You: / save, Mistress, by faith worshiping Your whole-bearing holy image, / thanksgivingly, we magnify You , like the Mother of God, / save the Orthodox bishops, / and save the Russian land, / and all the people who honor You, keep, / yes laudatory gifts, sinners, we bring, Gracious: / rejoice, Virgin, praise of Christians.

Kontakion of the Mother of God before the icon of Her Passion

voice 3

Grace by the reception of incorruption, / if you have given us Your saving healing / in Your miraculous way honest, Virgin Mother of God, / we also cry out to You and call with joy, Lady Queen, / we pray tenderly, sinners, with tears saying: / O Most Holy Lady, / show intercession and help to us soon, / save us from our adversaries / and observe from all sorrow, / protect our land with peace, / and cover all Your people, / and observe those who hope in Thee, / try to deliver, / let us not perish evil, Thy servants, / but let us call Thee: / rejoice, Bride, not bride.

Prayer of the Mother of God before the icon of Her Passion

O Most Holy Lady, Lady Theotokos, exalt all the Angel and Archangel and all creatures most honest, Helper of the offended, hopeless hope, wretched Intercessor, sad consolation, hungry Nurse, naked robes, sick healing, sinful salvation, Christians of all help and intercession. O All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God, Lady, by Thy mercy save and have mercy on Thy servant, the Great Lord and our father, His Holiness the Patriarch (name of the rivers), and His Grace metropolitans, archbishops and bishops, and the entire priestly and monastic rank, our God-protected country, military leaders, mayors and Christ-loving hosts and well-wishers, and all Orthodox Christians, protect Your honest robe, and implore, Madam, from You, Christ our God, incarnated without a seed, may He gird us with His power from above on our invisible and visible enemies. O All-Merciful Lady, the Lady of the Mother of God, raise us up from the depths of sin and deliver us from gladness, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from finding foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and from enemy attacks, and from corrupting wind, and from deadly sores, and from all evil. Grant, Madam, peace and health to Your servant, all Orthodox Christians, and enlighten their minds and eyes of the heart, even for salvation, and make us, Your sinful servants, the Kingdom of Your Son, Christ our God, as His power is blessed and glorified, with His Father without beginning, and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

In order to pray before the image of the Mother of God, many people make a long journey to churches and monasteries. If a person is in dire need of constant communion with the Mother of God, he can buy this shrine in the church and keep it at home.

Prayer to the Passionate Icon of the Mother of God is a powerful tool in the fight against all evil. After reading the prayer, a person immediately feels relief and a surge of strength. Priests advise anyone who wants not only to get rid of short-term ailments, but also to inherit the Kingdom of God, to learn a few prayers addressed to the Mother of God.

Important! The image of the Blessed Virgin is exalted in many Christian lectures, psalms and prayers and is of great importance.

No wonder the Virgin Mary is considered main woman in the Christian world, because it was to her that the Lord granted the honor to bring into the world the Infant who became the Messiah and Savior for all people.

The passionate icon of the Mother of God is a special shrine. It is called so because it depicts the Virgin with angels hovering above, holding the instruments of murder of Jesus - a sponge, a cross and a spear. These symbols remind everyone who prays of how the Son of God suffered on earth, so that all could be saved and have eternal life.

Origin legend

Once upon a time, a woman named Ekaterina lived in the Novgorod province. From her youth, she was tormented by incurable nervous attacks, because of which those around her began to consider Catherine a leper and possessed by demons.

Life among people became a burden for the poor peasant woman, and she began to earnestly pray to the Mother of God for healing. The merciful Mother of God heard the prayers of the needy and granted her healing. Recovery was given to Katerina on the condition that she go to preach the word of God in the streets. Also, the holy fool had to stop living with her husband in sin and commit adultery.

For her recovery, the unfortunate woman promised the saint that she would go to a monastery and take monastic vows. But the woman was afraid that preaching about God would give her a bad reputation, so she kept silent about the reason for her recovery. For this, she was soon paralyzed.

The unfortunate woman realized her mistake, and began to pray to the Virgin even more zealously. The Noble Mother of God appeared to Katerina in a dream and said: “And now I will give you healing for the second time, but you must find an icon painter in the city who has my Image and pray for him.”

The woman went to the master Gregory and began to pray passionately at the image of the Most Pure. For this, the woman was granted by God complete healing. It was from this image that the Passion Icon was subsequently painted, rumors about which quickly spread around the neighborhood.

Useful video: Icon of the Mother of God "Passionate"

What helps

Immediately after the case of the amazing healing of the holy fool in Nizhny Novgorod, people began to visit the temple where the holy icon was located and ask for healing for themselves and their relatives. Today, many believers bow their heads before the face of the Most Pure.

Requests with which people often come to the icon:

• about healing from physical ailments, getting rid of psychological trauma;
• about relatives and relatives who have gone astray and are doing lawlessness;
• to set on the path of correction people who have fallen into despair and do not see the point in later life;
• about a successful pregnancy and easy childbirth, as well as the conception of a child;
• about getting rid of dark and gloomy thoughts.

Often believers pray for the well-being of their families and homes. You can ask the Mother of God not only for health, but also financial well-being. But in such requests one should be extremely careful, because one can ask only as much as is necessary for a prosperous and comfortable life, but not excessive wealth.

How to pray

The Mother of God sees the hearts of those who turn to her, therefore she is always open to the perception of prayers and is ready to help everyone in need. But do not forget that you need to turn to the Mother of God not only in moments of extreme need, when there are no other options for solving problems. The Virgin Mary wants us to thank her for everyday graces, which, in the rush and everyday turmoil, are often not appreciated or noticed by us.

Important! In order to find mercy in the eyes of the Virgin and always be under her protection, you need to turn to her in daily prayer.

The text of the prayer: “Most Pure Mother, I ask you to cleanse my heart of all evil and keep my home and my family in peace and prosperity. I ask you to be my intercessor and my children in all life situations and lead us out of conflicts and misunderstandings by the hand. Thank you for your mercy and the fact that you hear our appeals. do not leave our house and stay always in our hearts, so that we feel your presence and can glorify your Son, testifying to people about His great deeds. Amen".

Location of the shrine

Icon on this moment located in the Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki. This place has long been a center of pilgrimage for many Christians. Often people who are thirsty for healing travel thousands of kilometers in order to get to this temple and stand at the miraculous image, mentally or aloud expressing all their desires and experiences. By the way, the candle, with which a person stood at the miraculous image, is considered the most powerful amulet for home and family.

Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki

For those people who do not have the opportunity to come to Sokolniki to pray, there is an alternative. Many lists were made from the icon, so today you can see the Passion Icon in many churches and monasteries.

We list some of them:

• Church of the Nativity in Lipetsk is a well-known place where thousands of pilgrims come to pray every year. The Lipetsk Icon of the Mother of God is very popular and works real miracles. Some people even take photos of the holy face, which they then pray at home;
• Church of the Annunciation in the village of Enakievo;
• Assumption Cathedral and the Spaso-Prilutsky Monastery in the city of Oryol;
• Passion Chapel in the village. Repninskoe.

This shrine was created in the unique Hodegetria icon painting style. Today, people with different needs and requests pray before the Face, but several centuries ago this icon was perceived as a symbol of sorrow and suffering. People came to her, wishing to testify before God their reverence and regret for His torment.

The icon depicts the Mother of God holding the Child in her arms. The baby, clasping his Mother's hand, looks at an angel hovering above her head, who holds a cross in his hand. This means that from the very birth Jesus knew that He would have to accept a great sacrifice for all the people created by His Father.

Church of the Nativity in Lipetsk

veneration day

AT Orthodox world the day of the holy image of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated on August 13. This tradition originated during the reign of Alexei Romanovich, who ordered the transfer of the holy face from Nizhny Novgorod to Moscow. It happened exactly on August 13, the day when thousands of people took to the streets in order to meet the shrine with great honors and solemnly lead it to the place of its storage. Soon a temple was erected at the place where the holy image was kept.

In 1937, due to political events, the temple was demolished, but the wasteland was still considered a holy place where the needy came to pray. The believers managed to save the holy image and transfer it to Sokolniki, where the passionate icon of the Mother of God is located to this day. The Orthodox community is in favor of returning the holy image to the place where it was delivered by Alexei Romanovich.

Useful video: Akathist in front of the miraculous Passion-working Icon of the Mother of God

Conclusion

Praying in front of this icon, reading an akathist to the Mother of God is possible not only on the days of her veneration. Every day you should contact Holy Virgin for help, without waiting until serious problems appear in life. It doesn’t matter where and what to ask for, the main thing is to turn to the image with great faith and an open soul.