Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (SERAPHIM - DIVEEVSKAYA)
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The icon of the Mother of God was a cell image. With oil from the lamp that burned in front of the cell icon, the Monk Seraphim anointed the sick, and they received healing. In front of this icon, the monk departed to the Lord. Another name for the icon is “The Joy of All Joys.” This is what Saint Seraphim himself often called the icon of TOUCHING.
After the glorification of St. Seraphim as a saint, Emperor Nicholas II presented a precious robe for the icon of Tenderness. In 1927, the Diveyevo Monastery, where the original “Joy of All Joys” icon was located, was closed, but the holy image was secretly removed. For decades it was kept by pious people. In June 1991, the icon was handed over to Patriarch Alexy II, and now it is in the Patriarchal residence. Once a year - on the holiday of Praise Holy Mother of God– The Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of “Tenderness” is brought out for public veneration at the Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral.
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Veneration of the icon Tenderness is associated with the name of St. Seraphim of Sarov (P.I. Moshnin, 1759-1833, canonized in 1903). According to the biography, compiled from the memoirs of people who knew the Sarov elder closely, his entire life passed under the patronage of the Mother of God. The Mother of God repeatedly appeared to him in visions and healed him from deadly diseases. At Rev. Seraphim had several icons of the Mother of God. Among them special place occupied by the cell icon called Tenderness, which the elder also called “The Joy of All Joys.” Before her, kneeling in prayer, he died. The icon was painted on canvas stretched over a cypress board. After the death of Rev. Seraphim Abbot Nifont transferred the image to nearby Diveyevo convent, who was under the patronage of Elder Seraphim. In Diveyevo a silver gilded robe was made for the icon. Here in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity a special chapel was built for the icon, dedicated to its name - the Tenderness of the Mother of God. The icon was celebrated on July 28 and December 9 (the founding day of the monastery). Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov) composed a special service for the illustrious icon. To the discovery of the relics of St. A copy of Seraphim from the icon was made for the Sarov Monastery. After the canonization, the production of lists began in the icon-painting workshops of the Diveyevo Monastery and its courtyard in Peterhof. The icon was depicted in various printed publications and in hagiographic images of St. Seraphim.
The icon from the Tretyakov Gallery is an exact copy of the revered image. The image of the Mother of God is half-length, with her hands folded on her chest, her head bowed and her gaze downcast. Western iconography, which appeared in Russia in the 17th century. On the copy icon, the gilded frame and chasuble, ubrus and crown, decorated with precious stones, are imitated by means of painting. The faces of the hand are executed with soft chiaroscuro modeling in the style of academic painting of the early 20th century, used for painting icons. The crown is framed by the inscription: “Rejoice, unbrided bride.”
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Everyone is familiar with the “Tenderness” icon: what is its meaning, how does it help? One of the oldest isographical subjects, according to legend, was written by the Evangelist Luke. The Mother of God even then personified the Church in all its symbolic meanings.
This is hope, the continuous connection of people with Heaven, the not lost possibility of forgiveness and salvation, perseverance and devotion to God in the most terrible trials. And at the same time - endless condescension, help, guidance, acceptance, consolation, affection and unconditional love.
The image speaks absolutely brilliantly and naturally about all these things in language family relations. That’s why all hearts respond to her, like a mother’s kiss. In the Greek tradition, this image is called “glycofilus”, which means “sweet kiss”. We have stuck with the designation “tenderness” or in Greek “eleusa”.
Many of the famous images of the Virgin Mary go back to him: for example, Vladimir, Pskov-Pechersk, Don, Feodorovsk and Yaroslavl. The difficult fate of Russian Orthodoxy was shared by a special type of “eleusa” - Seraphimo-Diveevskaya.
The history of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness” Seraphimo-Diveevskaya
The original image has survived to this day. Initially, it was a cell icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov. She was the “joy of joys” for the great ascetic; he prayed in front of her for many years, healed many people with the oil from her lamp, and went to God on his knees before her.
What the original is is an oil painting covered in canvas on a cypress board. Created in the second half of the 18th century in the likeness of the Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God, equally revered by Orthodox and Catholics.
The Virgin Mary is depicted here at the moment of the Annunciation. The icon looks like a bust-length portrait of a young woman: the girl’s face attracts all the viewer’s attention. But the woman’s eyes are half-lowered - the girl in herself is experiencing the great news entrusted to her, both joyful and terrible. Her arms crossed on her chest also emphasize her chosenness and loneliness among other human mothers, being also a gesture of humility before God's plan.
Seraphim of Sarov bequeathed the image to the sisters of the Mill community in the Diveyevo monastery he founded. The image of the Mother of God remained in the local Trinity Cathedral until the twenty-fifth year of the 20th century, being reputed to be miraculous, like many copies from it.
Closer to the thirtieth year, the monastery was “cleaned out.” Abbess Alexandra, who escaped execution, took the icon along with its frame to Murom. The next keeper of the relic from the beginning of the Second World War until her death was the nun Maria (in the world - Barinova), she was replaced by Patriarch Pimen. He hid it in the family of Archpriest Viktor Shapovalnikov from the village of Kratovo near Moscow.
From the early seventies, believers secretly came to him for almost 20 years: the holy image continued to bestow miracles and healings. Finally, in 1991, Sarovsky’s legacy passed to Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus'.
From now on, the newfound “Tenderness” adorns the capital’s Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral.
What do they pray for in front of the icon?
All souls who are in serious illness, sorrow or despondency should turn to her. The Most Holy Theotokos hears everyone, saves them from sinful thoughts and fear of life’s difficulties.
Most often, women turn to Her, but men should not be embarrassed to turn to Eleusa for consolation and encouragement. Lik sends help to protectors and educators of children, trustees and guardians. Before him, it is customary for parents to ask to protect their children from the temptations of adolescence.
He often becomes last hope for women who are desperate to conceive a child. And women who are already preparing to become parents ask before the “Tenderness” to send down a successful pregnancy and childbirth.
Married couples can ask the Unmarried Bride to strengthen family ties, and young people can ask for help in making a choice life path, maintaining spiritual purity or a successful future marriage.
Prayer before the icon of “Tenderness”
The person praying asks the Virgin Mary to protect him from the slander of evil people, premature death without repentance, from all troubles, misfortunes and sorrows, to give joy instead of sadness in response to prayerful zeal.
The speaker of the sacred text begs to be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the text of another prayer, the speaker addresses the Mother of God as if she were a caring mother protecting a disobedient child from the wrath of the stern God the Father. She is called the giver of soul-saving gifts (sincere repentance and godly tenderness) and the comforter. The Mother of Christ is endowed with the ability to send down tears of repentance, reviving the immortal soul of a person from sin.
They ask her for the help necessary for temporary and eternal life. They beg to “pacify the world,” to protect the temple, to grant serenity and abundance of earthly fruits, and also to say a merciful word for the sinful soul on the day of its meeting with the Creator, to help enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the third voice of the kontakion, the worshiper likens himself to a barren fig tree, giving no gifts to the world, but still alive - and tormented by the fear of being cut down. He looks at the icon with hope, praying to the Benevolent Lady for “tenderness” - softening his own sinful “stony” heart, awakening in him Christian compassion, desire and ability to give love.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the Tenderness Icon Seraphimo-Diveevskaya
Every year on the fifth week of Great Lent, on the feast of the praise of the Most Holy Theotokos, the eleusa is taken out of the Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral.
Everyone who comes to the temple on Saturday of the fifth week of Great Pentecost can touch the ancient shrine. At the same time, the corresponding akathist is read in front of the sacred image.
In addition, a choir of praise in honor of the Intercessor of people in front of icons such as “Tenderness” is performed in all churches on December 22, August 1 and 10.
Conclusion
It is difficult to briefly express the full significance of this iconographic subject for a believer. Perhaps the most appropriate word is “hope.” It is the Christian woman’s inner confidence in the goodness of God’s plan and her humble trust in Him that gives the image of the Virgin Mary such a majestic peace, which is so lacking in modern man.
This icon depicts the Most Holy Theotokos at the moment when Archangel Gabriel appeared before her and announced that she would give birth to the Messiah, the Son of God. The young Virgin Mary looks down, crossing her arms over her chest, and her face shows the deepest humility.
“Tenderness” icon of the Mother of God
Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”, description
“Tenderness” - the image of the Most Holy Theotokos of Pskov-Pechersk - belongs to the type of icon painting “Eleusa”, which is the most common in Russian icon painting. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding the hands of her Son Jesus Christ. The child pressed his cheek to the Mother of God, showing high degree filial love.
The Seraphim-Diveyevo icon of the “Tenderness” of the Most Holy Theotokos differs from others in that the Mother of God is depicted alone. Her arms are crossed crosswise on her chest, and her entire appearance conveys a state of deep humility and love. This image does not belong to the “Eleus” type of iconography.
Pskov-Pechersk image Mother of God“Tenderness” was written by the monk Arseny Khitrosh in 1521. This holy icon is known for its miraculous means of supporting and protecting Orthodox Christians in difficult moments of life.
Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” Seraphim-Diveyevo story
The Diveyevo Icon “Tenderness” is considered one of the main shrines of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery. The nuns consider her their heavenly abbess. This icon was in the cell of Seraphim of Sarov. He revered this image very much, calling it “The Joy of Joys.”
Seraphim of Sarov used oil from the lamp that burned in front of the icon to bless many visitors who came to him for the sacrament of confession, anointing them with the cross and saying a prayer for the remission of sins. Those who had physical illnesses reported that they were healed by this sacred oil.
At the end of his life, St. Seraphim instructed the sisters of the Diveevo monastery to prepare suitable place for the Blessed Mother.
On January 2, 1833, the great ascetic, Christian miracle worker and spiritual father Seraphim was found dead in his small cell in the forest surrounding the Sarov Monastery, Russia. He was found on his knees in prayer before the Tenderness icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which served as his inspiration throughout his life.
After the glorification of Seraphim as a saint in 1903, gems were donated by Tsar Nicholas II to decorate the icon.
This connection of the icon with Seraphim and the Diveevo monastery gives the Icon its third name - after “Tenderness” and “Joy of Joys” - “Seraphim-Diveevo”.
In the post-revolutionary period, when the Diveyevo monastery was closed, the “Tenderness” icon of Seraphim-Diveyevo was delivered to Abbess Alexandra of Murovskaya Diveyevo.
In 1991, the miraculous image was handed over to Alexy II, the Patriarch of Moscow, who placed the icon in the Patriarchal Church, where it is currently located. Every year the miraculous image is brought to the Epiphany Cathedral for veneration. The Divesky Monastery now houses a copy of the miraculous image.
Icon of “Tenderness” of the Blessed Virgin Mary meaning, what it helps with
When praying to the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness,” many Christians ask for strengthening of faith, reconciliation of warring parties, deliverance from enemy invasion and preservation Russian state. But most often young girls and women come to her, pouring out numerous requests for a successful marriage, healing from infertility and the birth of healthy children.
Any “Tenderness” icon shows the state of the soul of the holy Mother of God: her endless love for people, great purity and holiness.
Many Christians, after sincere prayer in front of the holy image, note deep calm, faith and hope in the miraculous power of the Most Holy Theotokos. The value of this sacred image of the Mother of God is to help everyone who asks for her help.
In the Christian faith, many icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary are venerated, which is depicted both with and without the Child. One of them, deeply revered, is the icon of Tenderness.
Description of the icon
The Virgin Mary is depicted on such an icon waist-deep, with her hands folded crosswise, as if in prayer. Her eyes are downcast and her head is slightly tilted to the side. The icon depicts joyful event, when the Blessed Virgin Mary learned from the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared to her at night, that she would give birth to the Son of God. The image is permeated with joy and meekness, precisely those feelings that the Virgin Mary experienced at that moment.
There is also an icon of “Tenderness” where the Mother of God is depicted with the Baby, whom she holds in her arms, and her head is tilted towards him in love and joy. Little Christ also reaches out with his hands to the Virgin Mary and presses his cheek to her cheek. This icon is permeated with warmth and love, which only happens between a mother and a baby.
Initially, the icon was painted on ordinary canvas. It was attached to a board made of thin wood - cypress. After a while, it was presented as a gift to St. Seraphim of Sarov, a deeply revered saint in Rus'. Nicholas II became the donor of this icon. She was depicted in magnificent clothes, and her whole face shone with meekness and joy.
It was in front of the Tenderness icon that Seraphim of Sarov prayed most often. He also often climbed onto a stone with his hands raised to the sky and could stand for hours in motionless prayer. All the forest animals loved him, they say that he even fed wild bear from his hands and he never attacked him. The oil that burned in the lamp in front of the holy image had miraculous powers. It was with them that the Reverend began to treat and heal people.
Seraphim of Sarov lived a long life and presented himself before this icon in prayer. He was found by monks who came to the monk’s monastery. He knelt in front of the Tenderness icon with his hands folded in a prayerful gesture.
After his death, he bequeathed this icon to the Diveyevo monastery, which was located not far from his monastery.
In 1991, the “Tenderness” icon was transferred to Patriarch Alexei II in Moscow. After which she was placed in the patriarchal church. Every year, for veneration, this icon is solemnly transferred to the Epiphany Cathedral, where a large number of believers gather. On this day, a special service is held in front of the icon, and the church ministers themselves are dressed in festive clothes.
After a while, they began to draw from this icon and make a huge number of copies, which also worked miracles among Christians.
Holiday in honor of the icon “Tenderness”: when and how is it celebrated?
In honor of the Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness, deeply revered in churches throughout the Orthodox world, celebrations are held, which are held three times a year at different times.
December 22 is celebrated as the day of the Venerable Seraphim of the Maiden Mill Community. Also, the celebration falls annually on August 1 and 10 according to the new style. On these days, it is customary in church to light candles in front of the icon for the health of one’s family and friends, read an akathist and special prayers, and also understand that meekness and humility before the will of God, which the Virgin Mary showed, should settle in the hearts of every Orthodox Christian.
The meaning of the icon of the Tenderness of the Virgin Mary
This icon is rightfully considered female.
- Before her they pray for the preservation of purity, innocence, and morality.
- They also ask for intercession and patience in everyday situations before the Holy Image.
- The icon shows that before any news, it is necessary to show meekness and meet any trials with humility.
How does the icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God help?
First of all, miraculous face helps sick people get rid of any illnesses and misfortunes. Also, the icon is able to console the rebellious soul and calm down bad thoughts and any mental disorders. If a girl doesn't succeed for a long time to conceive a child, a prayer service is also held in front of the holy icon. As a rule, after this everything works out, and the couple learns about the good news.
In cases where a girl cannot find a worthy life partner for a long time, they also resort to the help of a holy image. But it is also worth remembering that each person has his own so-called icon. If seeing this face resonates something in your soul, you should read prayers in front of it more often, light candles and order a prayer service. Sometimes the icon of Tenderness can be a sign and appear to a woman or man in a dream. This always foreshadowed goodness and joy that would happen in a person’s life in the future.
Many Orthodox Christians attach great importance to this icon. The image is permeated with humility and love, and the bright and joyful face of the Mother of God is capable of calming the most evil and difficult thoughts of a person, just by looking at this image. It is also necessary to pray fervently in front of the icon if a person has lost the joy of life and does not see his future path. We must not despair, but humbly accept our cross, as the Mother of God did in her time.
In which churches is the “Tenderness” icon located today?
In the Cathedral of Seraphim of Sarov there is the same icon that was presented as a gift to St. Nicholas II. The cathedral itself was built in Golitsyno. This icon was painted in the 19th century before last. For more than forty years it was in the house of the artist who painted it. But over time, when they began to build the cathedral St. Seraphim Sarovsky, the artist gave the icon to him in Golitsyno.
In the Trinity Cathedral of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Church there is also one of the most revered and significant faces of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The border was consecrated in his honor. At the end of the twentieth century, the nuns of the monastery painted this holy image, which became famous for the many miracles performed through the prayers of the laity in front of the image of the Mother of God.
It was in honor of this icon that the special days her veneration. According to the new style, they fall on July 28 and December 9. Paraklis, church hymns, are held every Sunday before the holy face.
Another revered image, which is widely known among Orthodox Christians, is located in the Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral.
Miracles created by the image of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The chronicle of 1337 describes an incident that occurred in Novgorod. At that time, there was a terrible pestilence in the city, which took away a large number of people every day. human lives. Having fallen into despair, all the remaining people marched to the Trinity Cathedral. So the Christians began to sigh tearfully and cry out for salvation, reading a prayer service that would save their city from a cruel disease. After their desperate prayers, the epidemic subsided, and in memory of this event they began to make an annual crusade to the Trinity Monastery.
There was another case of a miracle, which also occurred in 1337, on July 8. That day, tears began to flow from the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the image itself soared in the air, as if supported by an unknown force. After this incident, the clergy were convened and a religious procession was held to conduct a service in the Trinity Cathedral.
Also, more than once there were cases of complete healing of cancer patients who prayed fervently in front of the icon, located in the family of Victor and Natalia Remezov, in the settlement of Lokot, Bryansk region. After one woman prayed fervently in front of the image for a long time, her upcoming operation to remove the tumor was canceled because it simply could not be found. She disappeared without a trace.
Prayer to the icon of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Prayer 1
Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from slander evil people and from vain death, give us first and give us a place of joy in sorrow. And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all evil, and grant us, your sinful servants, to be at the right hand at the second coming of Your Son, Christ our God, and to be our heirs, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for endless ages. Amen.
Prayer 2
Accept, O all-powerful, Most Pure Lady, Lady the Mother of God, this honorable gift, the only one applied to You, from us, Your unworthy servants: chosen from all generations, the highest of all creatures of heaven and earth, who appeared, because for Your sake the Lord Almighty was with us, and through You we have known the Son of God and become worthy of His holy Body and His most pure Blood; Blessed are you, too, in the birth of generations, O God-blessed One, the brightest of the cherubim and the most honest of the seraphim. And now, all-sung Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil council and every situation and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil; but even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if through Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the One God and the Creator of all, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Each icon of the Mother of God helps in the most difficult moments of both one person and the entire Orthodox society as a whole. The Virgin Mary is the first prayer book and protector of the Christian race before the Throne of God, therefore it is customary to pray to her in any need, mental anguish, illnesses and sorrows. She will always hear our prayers and help everyone who asks. The main thing is to believe and offer a fiery prayer every time a person stands before the Holy Face.
The type and icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is one of the most vivid and touching images of the Mother of God. They have very great power, so prayers to them are always strong.
There are several ways to depict the Virgin Mary in icons. One of the main ones is the so-called “Tenderness” or “Eleus” icon. On them the Most Holy Theotokos is depicted with the Child in her arms, carefully bending towards Him. The baby comes into contact with Her cheek and palm. But there are also different images, also called “Tenderness”. Images of the Virgin Mary and the Child are considered necessary for believing families, so the Tenderness icon literally should be in your home, like several others. Why is this image strong, and what should the Mother of God pray for, which is depicted on this icon?
What to pray for in front of the Tenderness icon?
Our Lady is our intercessor before the Lord. She is definitely asked about atonement for sins, because throughout her earthly life she showed how righteous a person can be. Therefore, the Virgin Mary is also asked patronage and protection.
Another area that this icon can greatly influence is reconciliation between two warring parties And defense of the right. You can pray to Our Lady for conflict resolution at all levels: so that in the family the relations between household members are good, so that there are no quarrels and scandals between people close to you and even about military conflicts ceased.
Since on icons of this type the Mother of God is depicted in her arms with a baby, she can be asked about family happiness, and especially about children. The “Tenderness” icon reflects the moment of happiness of mother and child, so the correct appeal to the Virgin Mary can grant the long-awaited pregnancy. Strong prayers to the Mother of God will help you with any of the above. Of course, it is advisable to pray in church, but if you do it at home, the matter will not become any less good.
How to address the Mother of God correctly?
Remember that your prayer should not just be from the heart. One must pray consciously and with full faith in the power of prayer. We can say that turning to the Virgin Mary, as well as to all the saints and to the Lord God himself, includes repentance for sins and only after that - a request for something. To do this, it is absolutely not necessary to remember all your bad deeds. It is important to approach with humility and restraint, as if admitting sin.
The request itself should be just that: a request. After all, a person prays about what worries him: the desire for peace in the world, the problem of lack of children or quarrels with relatives. Address the Mother of God not as if you are right in the dispute (even if this is true), but as if you want to resolve the problem itself and make peace.
Famous icons of the Mother of God “Tenderness”
Icon of the Kykkos Mother of God: this icon is located on the island of Cyprus and is its main spiritual heritage. According to legend, this icon was painted by the Apostle Luke from the Mother of God herself. It is interesting that it is almost always covered with a silver frame and chasuble. No one has seen the icon itself almost since it was painted. But she served as a model and example for many others Orthodox icons. The days of celebration of this icon are November 25 and January 8.
Vladimir icon Mother of God: The “Tenderness” type of icon includes one of the most revered icons in Russia: the icon of the Vladimir Mother of God. It was also written by the evangelist Luke. Back then Kievan Rus This icon came from Byzantium in the 12th century. It is called Vladimir because it was moved to Vladimir by Andrei Bogolyubsky. When he was traveling to the principality, the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream, in whose honor Grand Duke built more than one monastery and moved the capital to Vladimir. The icon more than once defended the city from foreign invaders. The holiday dedicated to her is celebrated on June 32, July 6 and September 8. At the moment, the icon is in the Church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi at the Tretyakov Gallery.
Icon “Tenderness” Diveyevo: differs from the previous two icons in its image, although it is called “Tenderness”. On it, the Virgin Mary is depicted with crossed arms in humble prayer, there is no baby in her arms. It belonged to Seraphim of Sarov and was in his cell. In front of the icon is a lamp with oil, with which Seraphim of Sarov anointed the sick for healing. Needless to say, the Mother of God helped everyone who asked, and illnesses themselves retreated from people. At the moment, the original icon is in the home church of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'. The day of this icon is celebrated on August 1 and 10.
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19.10.2016 02:12
Icons of the Mother of God are known to everyone. However, some of them have miraculous properties, the ability to heal...
