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Icon with a lily in hand. Icon of the Mother of God "unfading color". Prayer to the “All-Blessed” icon will encourage the spouses to reconcile

16.12.2023
Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Color"...

April 16
Day of Remembrance
Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Color"

The celebration in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” takes place on April 3/16, and in honor of the related image of the Mother of God “Fragile Flower”, which is almost completely close to it today, on November 15/28.

In more ancient images the difference was as follows. On the icon “Unfading Flower” the Infant God sat on the right hand of the Mother of God, and on the icon “Fragile Flower” - on the left. In modern icons these distinctions are often not respected.

How does an icon help?
The image of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is the iconographic embodiment of chastity and purity, first of all, as spiritual properties, therefore the Mother of God grants help to those praying before her in acquiring and preserving these wonderful and saving qualities for each of us. Chastity is the integrity of wisdom, inner peace, spiritual silence, humility and meekness; they give the female nature that fortitude that cannot be found anywhere else.

Prayer in front of this image helps in saving a marriage, strengthening a family, resolving family problems, and overcoming sorrows that sometimes happen in our everyday life.

Sincere and earnest prayer in front of the “Unfading Color” icon guides those who are spiritually suffering on the right path, helps to find the strength to endure deep sorrows, not to become weak from disappointment, and relieves them of despondency and heavy thoughts.

First prayer
C Blessing my Arita, my hope, the Mother of God, friend of the orphans and the strange, the Representative, the sorrowing, the Joy of the offended, the Patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow; help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as if by will: for I have no other help except You, no other intercessor, no good comforter, except You, O Mother of God, for may we preserve and cover forever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer
ABOUT, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.
Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the icon
R Hail, Bride of God, secret rod, unfading blossom, rejoice, Lady, with Her we are filled with joy and inherit life.

About the history and meaning of the icon


Our Lady of Unfading Color,
XVIII century, Tretyakov Gallery 		The history of the origin of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is touching and at the same time majestic. For a long time, on the island of Kefalonia, located near Athos, a very beautiful and largest island in the Ionian Sea, there is a tradition - it is preserved even now: on the day of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, white flowers are brought here, similar to the lily with which the archangel appeared in the hand of the Most Pure One. Gabriel, to reveal to Her the will of God about Her. Flowers are reverently and carefully placed under the icon case, to Her face, and there they remain until the very holiday of Her Assumption without water and without sunlight. But a miracle happens: after almost five months, their stems, dried out and in the twilight, are incredibly filled with moisture, come to life, new buds appear instead of dried inflorescences and bloom into white lush flowers - here it is, “unfading color”!






Brought from Fr. Rhodes Greece.
Located in Moscow 		It is believed that from the first Athos list, which spread in the Orthodox world, three main ones arose - Greek, Russian, Bulgarian. From them, in turn, came subsequent variants, which gave rise to this amazing iconographic diversity. In terms of time, the creation of the first, Greek original of this icon dates back to the 16th–17th centuries, and its appearance in Russia dates back to the 17th–18th centuries. One of the first revered lists came through pilgrims to the Moscow St. Alexeevsky Monastery, the first mention of which dates back to 1757, and it is in her honor that the celebration is held on April 3/16. It is not known for certain where the iconography of the image came from, but there is an assumption that it was from the Balkans.





Moscow, Armory Chamber,
end of the 17th century Salary - silver 		Around the same time, other lists appeared in Central and Southern Russia, and their variety is simply enormous, they are all magnificent, and their indispensable attribute is white, pink, red flowers in flowerpots, garlands, trellises, in other images these are lushly blooming wands in hand of the Mother of God. Sometimes flowers are woven into halos around the head of the Infant Jesus or form a pedestal on which the Most Pure One stands with the Child of God in her arms. In the marvelous inflorescences, stylized to one degree or another, one can discern roses, lilies, and immortelle flowers, which grow abundantly on the slopes of the Holy Mount Athos and are considered a symbol of not only immortality, but also purity.





Our Lady of Unfading Color
from the Church of the Intercession in Fili, Moscow, 18th century 		Also, this image arose from the Orthodox iconographic heritage: in the Benaki Museum, in Athens, there is an icon of St. Anne with little Mary, dating back to the 15th century. The Blessed Virgin has a white flower in her hand, and in this symbolism one can clearly read the prototype of the white lily that the Archangel Gabriel will one day hand to Her. In the State Historical Museum there is an icon of the 16th century “The Virgin and Child with a Flower”, where the flower is in the hand not of the Virgin Mary, but of Jesus, as in the icon of the first half of the 17th century “The Virgin and Child” created in Belarus. It is believed that this list became the source for images of the crown on the heads of the Mother of God and the Child of God and organically fit into the canonical principles of Orthodox icon painting.




Yaroslavl regional public organization
artists, icon painters, restorers -Sofia- 		By the 19th century, the most complex compositions of the icon were simplified, the abundance of attributes was gone, except for the crown, flowers were often indicated by one branch in the hand of the Mother of God, the icon became less colorful both in composition and in color, therefore, according to historians and art historians of church painting, later lists are inferior ancient. From this point of view, the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”, created by the icon painter Marina Filippova, continues the original, ancient tradition, although the basis for the image is a later canon, not overflowing with attributes.


On the Greek island of Kefalonia, a bright tradition has existed for centuries. On the holy feast of the Annunciation, believers bring modest white flowers to the Church, similar to those that the Archangel Gabriel presented to the Mother of God with the news of God’s will to become the mother of the Savior.

The young, embarrassed girl accepted Gabriel's gift, and from then on The lily flower became the personification of the Virgin Mary, as a symbol of purity and innocence. Remembering this phenomenon, Orthodox Christians, feeling the protection and patronage of the Mother of God, place fragile flowers on the icon case in front of the icon, where they remain for a long five months without watering or rays of sunlight.

And on the Feast of the Assumption, an incredible event happens every time - miraculously the withered stems are filled with juice, new shoots of buds are expelled and the temple is filled with a wonderful fragrance and luxurious blossoming of lilies. This is the unfading color. The priests say that Like a flower, the human soul can dry out, losing its divine spark. But as soon as one regains faith, the hardened spirit, with the help of prayer and trust in Christ, again joins the mercy of the Mother of God.

Description

Since the original image of the Mother of God was lost and her image was restored from numerous preserved church scrolls, there is no single prototype. Most often, the Virgin Mary is depicted in festive clothes of blue or red decorated with ribbons. With one hand the Mother of God supports the Divine Infant, and with the other she holds a branch of a lily with a blossoming bud. The face of the Queen of Heaven is depicted as soft and gentle.

The Synod allows variations in the image:

  • Jesus is supported by both the right and left hands of the Virgin Mary.
  • The head of the Mother of God can be covered with a veil, with a crown, or not covered at all.
  • Christ is depicted as both a baby and a youth in rich clothes with a crown on his head. He holds a scroll or orb in his hands.
  • Flowers may differ in variety, shade and splendor.

It is noted that the older and more ancient the icon, the more carefully the details are drawn on it. The plot can be supplemented by the image of a throne, flower garlands and the apostles present.

Meaning

Since ancient times, the “Unfading Color” icon has symbolized innocence, pure thoughts and the unfading beauty of the soul before suffering and grief. Purity and chastity emanating from the Mother of God are the standard for young unmarried girls and single boys who dream of finding their other half to create a strong family.

Often the image of the Mother of God is used to bless brides for marriage. and escorted into married life, having carried out the Sacrament of Wedding. Looking at the lovely image of the Virgin Mary, women of different ages pray for the preservation of health and beauty. Single Christians of both sexes, bowing before the icon, ask to be given a bright feeling of love, to relieve anxiety and receive recognition from the people around them.

What do they pray to the icon for and how does “Fadeless Color” help?

The Mother of God has always been considered the main intercessor of Orthodox Christians. Despite the fact that more women turn to the “Unfading Color” icon, a sincere prayer for the mercy of the Mother of God is acceptable for people of both sexes and a wide range of ages.

Young boys and girls are asking:

Married ladies and respectable men pray:

  • About the pacification of spiritual and carnal passions.
  • About help in overcoming obstacles.
  • About mutual understanding in married life and maintaining loving relationships.
  • About a calm future pastime with family.
  • About the proper upbringing of children.
  • About the decision in the event of family adversity and preservation of the home.
  • About preserving the beauty of soul and body.

“Fadeless Color” helps you find:

  • Peace of mind.
  • Comfort after sad news.
  • Recover your fading faith in Christ.
  • Find the strength to overcome obstacles and overwhelming dark thoughts.
  • Get hope for tomorrow.
  • Get rid of worries.

The “Unfading Color” icon is considered miraculous. Prayer before it helps to cleanse yourself of negativity, irritation and resentment. The Mother of God joyfully softens hardened hearts and restores faded feelings. Christians raised in the faith pray to the Virgin Mary for guidance on the true path, and ask to bestow knowledge about the Lord on the younger generation.

Icon in the house

Home iconostasis. Usually the icon is placed in the home iconostasis along with the other images or placed on a specially equipped shelf in the eastern side of the home.

Lace and fresh flowers are considered good decorations for “Unfading Color.” or willow branches. It is necessary to remember about regular cleaning of the home icon case; the image must be kept clean.

Respect for the holy image greatly strengthens the prayer of the believer.

It is also permissible to place icons in rooms:

  • Marital bedroom. Love relationships between spouses are not considered a sin, but lead to the continuation of the human race.
  • Girl's bedroom. The image helps to maintain purity of thoughts and refrain from sinful thoughts.
  • Children bedroom. Under the auspices of the Mother of God, children's sleep will be pure and bright.

Clergy have no special requirements for the placement of icons. It is possible to place the icon anywhere in the house.

Read Also:

Prayer

Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer.

Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten and teach us, do not retreat from us, Your servants, for our murmuring.

Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful Protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life, so that we may pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most kind and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession, protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.

O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the Root of Virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.

By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we may be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son, to whom we give glory, honor and worship now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

It may seem to people far from faith that the image of “The Unfading Flower” is just a pretty picture, but thousands of believers talk about the ambulance of the Mother of God, about her intercession and guardianship over the petitioners.

Useful video

One of the most ancient icons in the Christian world is considered the “Unfading Flower.” She is revered by a huge number of Orthodox people. The prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon is said with a specific purpose and only with sincere faith. Then the Mother of God hears the request and helps people.

Description and meaning of the icon

The image “Fadeless Color” is also known as “Fragrant Color”. It depicts the Most Pure Mother of God holding the Divine Son in one hand. In her other hand she holds a white lily. This flower is considered a symbol of purity and childhood. The face of the Virgin Mary is shown tender and soft. Just by looking at it you can get rid of anxiety and sadness.

Initially, the Mother of God held a whole bouquet of lilies in her hand. But today she is painted with only one flower. Some icons depict the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms in a slightly different form. So, the lily can be replaced with a rose branch. The baby's location also changes. It appears either on the left or on the right hand.

Over time, the colors of the composition also changed. She became more reserved. The crown has also disappeared from the image. However, regardless of appearance, the icon does not lose its original meaning and miraculous power.

The Fragrant Flower icon is considered one of the most beautiful images. This image first appeared on the island of Kefalonia, which is located near Athos. There is a tradition here to bring white flowers to her face on the feast of the Virgin Mary. They lie in front of the icon until the feast of Her Dormition. Without water and in sunlight, the flowers lie for almost 5 months.

One day many years ago, when the flowers were lying in front of the image, a miracle happened: the flowers suddenly began to fill with moisture and gradually come to life. After some time, instead of withered flowers, a lush bouquet appeared.

The miracle that happened inspired icon painters. This is how this icon appeared. Then copies were written from it in Bulgaria, Greece and Russia. Thanks to this, many different images of this image have appeared in the world.

In Greece, the icon appeared in the 16th century. Pilgrims brought it to Russia a little later. She first appeared in the St. Alexeevsky Monastery in Moscow. More precise information about how exactly “Fragrant Flower” came to Russia has not been preserved. However, experts suggest that the icon was brought by believers from the Balkans. The first records of this image appeared in 1757. In our country, on April 16, a celebration is held in honor of this image.

The prayer to the Mother of God before the “Unfading Flower” is read in the following situations:

  • the need to drive bad thoughts out of your head;
  • to gain faith in tomorrow;
  • the need for strength to face life's challenges;
  • to receive help in getting married, as well as finding a true soulmate;
  • to obtain protection from the vicious temptations with which today's world is rich;
  • assistance in choosing the truly right path;
  • assistance in acquiring family happiness;
  • to obtain knowledge for the purpose of properly training the future generation.

Also, a prayer said in front of this image of the Virgin Mary helps young girls preserve their youth and beauty for many years. She protects women, gives them strength to live the right life and remain clean.

This image is considered very powerful, as it has created many different miracles over the past centuries. However, most often a prayer request helps in family matters, giving a woman strength to overcome all domestic troubles.

Anyone who sincerely believes and asks the Mother of God in front of this icon always receives help from her.

Video “Prayer before the icon of the “Unfading Color” of the Mother of God”

In this video you can listen to an audio recording of a prayer before the “Unfading Color” icon of the Mother of God.

How to pray in front of an image

First prayer

To my Queen, to my hope, to the Mother of God, friend of the orphans and the strange, to the Representative of the sorrowing, to the Joy of the offended, to the Patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow; help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. Weigh my offense, resolve it as if by will: for I have no other help except You, no other intercessor, no good comforter, except You, O Mother of God, for may we preserve and cover forever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer

Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.

Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the icon

Rejoice, Bride of God, secret rod, blossoming unfading color, rejoice, Lady, with Her we are filled with joy and inherit life.

Prayer for Marriage

Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners!

Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring.

Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; Let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our most kind and quick Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.

O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.

By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Almost every icon has an interesting and unique origin story. The most interesting are the ancient images, which have created many miracles during their existence. It is precisely these icons that include the image of the Mother of God called “The Unfading Color.” In fact, it is not known for certain how exactly the icon “Fadeless Color” » has become a tradition. There are different versions. One way or another, here we are talking about the smooth movement of Christian culture, which underwent some metamorphoses.

Features of the “Fadeless Color” icon

The time of creation of the miraculous image of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is unknown. For many years, humanity tried to solve this mystery, but all the efforts were in vain. The reason for this fact is the gradual entry of the image of flowers into the iconographic type. This version of the icon of the Mother of God is called akathist, that is, some epithet is taken here that glorifies the Virgin Mary in akathists and this epithet is reflected in the icon. It is easy to understand the meaning of the “Unfading Flower” icon - the flowers here indicate the purity of the Virgin, and eternal purity, that is, unfading. It is worth saying that the comparison with the unfading color was also used in some texts for Christ. The symbolism of this image is very multidimensional and deep.

As we found out, it will not be difficult to find out why the icon bears this name. The icon began to be called that because of the chants that were sung in honor of the Mother of God.

How does the “Fadeless Color” icon help?

For the spiritual practice of the Orthodox, the significance of the “Unfading Color” icon cannot be exaggerated. This icon is a symbol of purity and sinlessness. That is why young girls bow their heads before her, wanting to preserve their chastity before marriage.

Also, girls at the image of the Virgin Mary “Unfading Color” often pray for help in choosing a spouse and ask for happiness in family life. The “Unfading Color” icon is often used to give a blessing to future spouses.

This image helps married women cope with all the troubles that happen in their lives. There are beliefs that prayers to the Fragrant Flower icon of the Mother of God help representatives of the fair sex maintain youth and beauty for many years.

Icon spelling options

The icon depicts the Mother of God holding a child in one hand and a white lily in the other. This flower is considered a symbol of purity and beauty. However, there are many images where the Blessed Virgin is depicted with a rose. In general, there are a lot of options for writing this icon. The only common feature for such an icon is the presence of a flower. In this case, the flowers can also be a garland that frames the image. Icons of the Mother of God with a flower in her hand are popular, that is, a certain property of the Mother of God is emphasized.

The Virgin and Child in the image are most often dressed in royal attire. In earlier versions, the holy image was depicted somewhat differently. Previously, the Blessed Virgin Mary was depicted sitting on a throne and holding a scepter. However, due to the complexity of the drawing, it was no longer depicted in this way.

Making changes to the image did not diminish its beauty. To this day it evokes a feeling of peace in all sincere believers. The icon especially helps girls and women who go to him to pray in order to find their own feminine happiness and at least in some way become like the Mother of God, to embody the best feminine qualities in this world.

Such a craving for this image is quite understandable. After all, it is this image that helps make dreams come true and fills the heart with goodness and faith in the power of the Virgin Mary.

It is not surprising that women are most drawn to her. This icon gives them feminine wisdom and helps them survive the most difficult periods of their lives. For women who worry a lot and want to find happiness, they are advised to choose where in the house to hang the “Fadeless Color” icon and pray in front of this image. A good option is a home altar, since the image of the Virgin Mary here does not deviate from the canon and can be the main one in the house. In order for a sincere prayer to the “Unfading Flower” icon to get married to be heard, one should use miraculous images. For example, in Moscow alone there are four famous icons that belong to this type of image.

Prayers to the icon

Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners!

Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring.

Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; Let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our most kind and quick Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.

O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.

By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

The wealthiest, most successful and beautiful person needs support, a feeling of wholeness in the presence of his soulmate - his spouse. While we are children, the family provides support, but when we grow up, a person “will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh,” with the blessing of Christ. The Holy Church names two main favorable paths to salvation: Orthodox marriage and the monastery. Therefore, the Lord blesses dreams of a happy marriage.

Many people fail to meet their love soon. This is natural, because a person must be prepared for a serious relationship psychologically, be able to love, find compromises, and be faithful. There are many factors in communication: probabilistic, psychological, social, even mystical, because a person who is not protected by the weapon of prayer and church Sacraments easily falls under the influence of evil forces and deception. “Do not be afraid, only believe,” says the Lord. Turn to the saints, who have the special grace to relieve loneliness, with faith. Ask for a meeting with your soulmate, and you will feel peace of mind and be able to let God’s grace into your life.

Saints are faithful helpers of believers. With a prayer for a quick marriage or marriage and for a happy marriage, it is customary to turn to the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”. The difficulties of family life are covered by God's help. After all, the head of the family is the husband, and the head of the husband is Christ. Address the Mother of God as the Patroness of your future or existing family.

ICONOGRAPHY AND FEATURES OF THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “UNFADING COLOR”

    • The icon is easily recognized by the white lily or flowering branch in the right hand of the Virgin Mary. It is thanks to this attribute that the icon got its name. The image can also be called “Fragrant Color”.
      The roots of the image of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” go back to ancient centuries and are associated with the historical icon of the Praise of the Mother of God, where the Queen of Heaven sits on a throne, showing the Child Christ to people and looking at those praying to her, surrounded by saints and angels. This image can be perceived as a less solemn (without a throne and a host of saints), closer to people, image of the Praise of the Mother of God.
    • The first mention of the veneration of the Icon of Praise in the Byzantine Empire dates back to the 9th century. In Constantinople, the first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great, created a temple dedicated to the Mother of God and a holiday in Her honor. As centuries passed, the spiritual meaning of the holiday was reflected in icon painting - this is how the icon of the Praise of the Virgin Mary appeared.
    • The Virgin Mary has interesting clothes; Although they are traditional for icon painting - red underwear and a blue cloak - they are very bright both on the original icon, and on its copies, and on reproductions. The head of the Virgin Mary is covered with a maforium (head veil) of dark blue color, which lies on top of a white scarf. The traditional colors of the Virgin's clothing on ancient icons are usually darker: the tunic is blue, the upper omophorion is red-brown.
    • The Infant of God also in the icon has bright, dazzling white or gold clothes. The long tunic of ocher or golden color in which Christ is dressed is a sign of God’s acceptance of human nature, and the golden assist threads on it are a symbol of Divine energies, that is, Jesus also remained God by nature.
    • Obviously, through the clothes and poses of the Holy Family, the icon painter wanted to convey Their simplicity, responsiveness to prayers and at the same time strength.
    • Like every miraculous image of the Mother of God, the icon of the “Unfading Color” has many copies created in different styles while maintaining the details of the iconography. So, in some versions of the image, the clothes of the Infant Jesus are gold or white with the addition of green or brown shades. The background of the icon can also be different: on the original image it is heavenly in color, but sometimes they also make a traditional icon-painted gold background.
    • In the 18th century, many variants of the icon appeared: many additional details appeared, most often with crowns on the heads of the Virgin and Child, with a large number of flowers around the Mother and the Divine Son. Sometimes the figure of the Mother of God is framed by entire garlands of flowers, vases with bouquets and, of course, flowers appear in the hands of the Infant God.

THE MEANING OF THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “UNFADING COLOR”

Each image of the Most Holy Lady of Heaven carries an important theological and edifying meaning. The “Unfading Color” icon shows both the praise of the Mother of God - she appears in a solemn pose, and the spiritual unity of God in the image of the Infant Christ and man - the Virgin Mary, because the Blessed Virgin was chosen from ordinary people due to her purity and holiness.

A beautiful flower or blooming branch in the hands of the Mother of God arose as a symbolic embodiment of the words of the Akathist, where the Virgin Mary is called “the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity.”

This is the first akathist, which gave rise to the religious, poetic, prayer tradition of akathists, which are now written for almost every icon of the Mother of God and every saint. The Akathist “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride” is a masterpiece of literature and theology. It is the most famous among others and the only one of all the akathists that is included in the liturgical charter: it is read by the entire Church on Saturday Akathist of Great Lent, which also has the name “Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos.” The name “akathist” means “a song performed while standing,” that is, especially solemn. It is divided into kontakia - small prayer texts - and ikos, where the greeting “Rejoice” (in Greek “hayre”, as the Greeks greeted each other) is repeated twelve times, ending with “Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.” Such words refer to the greeting on the day of the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Most Pure Virgin: “Rejoice, Full of Grace! The Lord is with You."

Archangel Gabriel is also depicted with a lily in his hands, announcing to the Most Holy Theotokos the news of Her future birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The icon “Unfading Color” can also depict other attributes of the Mother of God, sung in the akathist and clearly showing the feelings of admiration and admiration for the Queen of Heaven, described in the words of Christian hymnography:

    • Candle,
    • Censer,
    • heavenly staircase,
    • A pedestal for the Infant God, who in this case stands on it, and does not sit in the arms of the Mother,
      Moon and sun.

MIRACLES FROM THE ICON “UNFADING COLOR”

To this day, a miracle occurs every year on Mount Kefalonia, in the holy places of Greece. On the day of the Annunciation, the Greeks bring any white flowers, usually lilies, to the icon of the Mother of God. All of them are in the church until the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, that is, from April to August, they are not watered. Naturally, the flower heads dry out. However, it is precisely on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption that each flower regains life, and new buds appear on the stems.

Thus, the Mother of God Herself confirms by this miracle the truth of the name of the icon and Her title “Unfading Color.”

The Mother of God performed many miracles of healing after prayers before this icon. The most important of them:

    • Healing children from dumbness,
    • Saving families
    • Finding a soulmate for women who could not get married for a long time.

Memorial Day of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is April 16. On these days, the All-Night Vigil is celebrated the day before, and on the very day of remembrance of the image, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated, during which special short prayers are sung to the icon of the Healer: troparia and kontakion. The icon is placed in the middle of each temple. A short prayer to the Mother of God in front of the “Unfading Color” icon can be read online or by heart at any time; prayer is especially recommended in cases of despair, sadness, or illness:

Rejoice, Bride of God Himself, secret rod, Unfading Flower blossoming in humanity, Rejoice, Lady, thanks to Whom we are filled with joy and gain the Kingdom of Heaven

WHAT TO ASK FOR IN THE “UNFADING COLOR” ICON

Through this icon, the Mother of God especially helps in family matters. Can:

    • ask to marry a good man;
    • ask with sincere faith for a good choice of a spouse and to avoid mistakes;
    • to ask for protection from dangers, from an unhappy marriage to a tyrant, an adulterer, a wicked man, a deceiver;
    • pray for peace and peace of mind;
    • ask for family preservation and domestic well-being;
    • Prayer to protect yourself and your child for conception, healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and baby’s health.

HOW TO PRAY TO THE ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “UNFADING COLOR” ABOUT MARRIAGE

Girls and women often dream about getting married sooner. Men are usually determined to succeed in business. The realization of her talents and wealth in money are important for a woman, but in her heart she worries about loneliness and is looking for a loving protector and patron. A woman needs love for harmony with herself and the fullness of her life.

However, girls should get rid of the belief that “the main thing is to get married.” You need to take a closer look at your potential spouse, see the man’s inner world, try to see his shortcomings and decide whether you are ready to accept them. Pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for the right choice: she will give advice in your heart, because while it is blind from love, it is difficult for you to decide.

A happy marriage is the result of studying the psychological differences between men and women, the characteristics of communication in marriage, working on oneself, as well as the fruit of prayer. Read morning and evening prayers, which the Church blesses to read daily, visit church and pray during services. Receive Holy Baptism, if you have not yet been baptized, so that the Lord and the saints can help you more.

    • with faith in the Lord and that He will do the best for you;
    • realizing that you are asking God not for entertainment, but for creating a family;
    • realizing that sex outside of marriage is the sin of fornication (if you have committed it, confess it along with other sins in the Sacrament of Confession and then take communion);
    • Having thought it over and thanking God for the successes, they happened thanks to God’s help.

Prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon for help

My most blessed queen, my hope is the Mother of God! Receiver of orphans, wanderers, Representative, Joy of the grieving, Patroness of the unjustly offended! You see my misfortune, you see my sorrow - help me as a weak person, feed me as a stranger. You know my offense, deliver me from it as you wish. I have no other help than You, no other Representative before God, no good Comforter but You, O Mother of God! Save me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.

MIRACLE LISTS OF THE ICON OF THE VIRGIN “UNFADING COLOR” IN RUSSIA

    • Until 1757, the original image remained in the St. Alekseevsky Monastery of Krasnoye Selo (Moscow region). Then many copies were made from it, but the image itself was lost.
    • In the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary in the city of Voronezh there is another icon
    • The image in front of which the Monk Seraphim of Sarov himself prayed is located in the church in the village of Kadom, in the Ryazan region.
    • In 2012, in the Samara region, on the window of one of the houses owned by a believing woman, a miraculous image of the “Unfading Color” appeared.

WHAT DOES THE “UNFADING COLOR” ICON HELP WITH?

If there are problems, misunderstandings or even betrayals in your family, it is important to pray more to the Lord and the Mother of God. Prayer is help in any difficult situation. Pray also in case of poverty, troubles, material difficulties - after all, the Lord is the first Helper to every person in any difficult circumstances.

Crises often occur in long-term relationships. Sometimes it seems that the family is collapsing, people want to separate and never see each other. Alas, violation of fidelity in marriage, betrayal, deception - all these sins are inherent in people. Sometimes, not because of evil intentions, but through negligence, your spouse can inflict such a wound on you.

However, it is easier to destroy than to create. Try to save your family through your joint prayers. Traditionally, they pray to the patron saints of the family: Blessed Ksenyushka of St. Petersburg, Saint Matrona of Moscow and, of course, the Mother of God.

Read the prayer of the Mother of God for your family morning and evening.

“My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, take my family under Your Protection. Instill peace, love and all that is good into the hearts of my wife and our children. Help, Mother of God, so that together we glorify Your name and Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen"
- with these words you turn to the Most Pure Virgin with a request to take you under her Cover.

The prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the “Unfading Color” icon can be read online in Russian according to the text below:

“Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of God, Virgin Mary, hope of Christians and refuge of sinners! Protect everyone who comes to You in misfortune, hear our sad groans, bend down from Heaven and hear our prayer. O Lady and Mother of our God, do not turn away from those who require Your help, do not push us sinners away, but enlighten and teach us: do not leave Your spirit from us, Your servants, because of our murmuring and despair.
Be yourself our Mother and Patron, we entrust ourselves to You and hope to remain under Your merciful protection. Lead us, careless and inattentive people, to a quiet and peaceful life and repentance for our sins. Oh, Virgin Mary, our Good and quick Intercessor, with your intercession for the mercy of God, protect us from visible enemies - evil people and invisible - spirits of darkness, soften the hearts of evil people who attack us. O Mother of our Lord and Creator! You are the foundation of virginity and chastity, the unfading and fragrant flower of purity, give help to us, weak and obsessed with the passions of the flesh, lost in heart. Enlighten our souls so that we can see the ways of God's truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will, so that we fulfill the commandments and get rid of spiritual troubles and misfortunes, so that upon leaving earthly life we ​​will be justified through Your miraculous intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son, Whom may we be worthy of forever glorifying and honoring in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen".

The Orthodox Church blesses the desire to find love and create a good family. Christ said: “A man will leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife (unite with his wife), and the two will become one flesh (that is, one whole).” It is not for nothing that husband and wife are officially considered to be “in zero degree of relationship.” Therefore, pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and do not give up hope for God’s help.

May the Lord Jesus Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos protect you and your family!