How does the icon of Our Lady of Tikhvin help? Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God

Icon Mother of God Tikhvinskaya

According to many testimonies, the Tikhvin image of the Mother of God is the same age as the Most Pure Virgin Mary, because this icon was painted by the Evangelist Luke. The Tikhvin icon has shown people countless times miraculous phenomena that play a fateful role in the life of all mankind.

The Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God belongs to the “Odigrian” type of images of the Most Pure Virgin Mary: On this icon the Virgin is depicted at the moment of a conversation with her youth Christ, while he is depicted holding a right hand Gospel, and makes a blessing with his left hand.

In this article you will learn: in what cases a holy image helps, its role, the day of veneration of the Divine image, and in which churches it is kept.

In which temples is it kept?

The divine image, painted by the Byzantine monk Luke, is one of the most important relics of the Tikhvin Church, which is located in Belokamennaya. As the legend says: during the war years, when the Nazis were approaching Moscow, church ministers gave this icon to the pilots so that they would fly around the city with it. And a miracle happened, the Nazis were defeated.

Copies of the miraculous Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God are also located in the Assumption Church of the Moscow Kremlin.

Among other things, this holy image is located in several metropolitan churches, such as:
Trinity Church;
Cathedral of the Virgin Mary in Sushchev;
Novodevichy Women's Convent;
Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is located on Lyshchinskaya Mountain;
In the city of Zyuzin there is a cathedral of the Orthodox rulers Gleb and Boris;
Also in Bogorodskoye, the icon is kept in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration.

Miracles revealed by the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God

Getting rid of infertility

For more than twenty years, the married couple Elena and Vladimir tried in vain to have a child. Elena and Vladimir went through a lot so that children's laughter could finally sound in their house. The married couple even tried IVF, but unfortunately, twice, it ended unsuccessfully, and the doctor’s medical report became a death sentence for the couple.

Then Elena decided to turn to the Most Holy Theotokos by reading the akathist in front of the Tikhvin Icon, and after a while Vladimir’s wife felt that her dream had come true. But insanely worried about the unborn child, Elena read prayers day and night. And the Mother of God heard all her requests and on time, the heir Mikhail was born into the family of Elena and Vladimir.

Protection from misfortunes

Marina heard many times about the miraculous properties of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God and that this face especially helps children, but she herself never prayed in front of the miraculous face for help. But one day trouble happened in her family. Valentina, Marina’s daughter, was bitten by a tick, she was immediately given an injection, but after a while Valya became very ill and developed a strong fever.

Doctors began to fear that these were signs of encephalitis, and Marina went to the temple and began to read a prayer in front of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God so that it would help protect her daughter from misfortune. And the Mother of God heard Marina’s prayer, and a day later Valechka recovered and the illness subsided.

What does it help with?

A prayer read before this icon of the Most Pure Mother of God can have a miraculous effect:
Provides assistance to patients in healing psychological trauma and sore joints;
If you have to make an important fateful decision, they advise you to pray in front of the Tikhvin Icon, because, according to many sources, which testify that this face protects enemies from the machinations and tricks, and also protects from dishonest transactions;
This icon is the protector of children, which is why it is sometimes called a children's icon. The holy image of the Mother of God helps to find peace of mind for a rebellious soul, and also protects children from illness;
The Tikhvin icon helps to get rid of paralysis, epilepsy and can help people gain sight;
Most believers believe that the Tikhvin image can help in relationships between relatives and in strengthening family ties;
The Virgin Mary can help girls conceive a child, as well as facilitate childbirth;
This shrine is able to protect children from the adverse influence of the streets, peers and helps them find true comrades.

The purpose of the Tikhvin image of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This icon represents one of the miraculous holy images of the Virgin Mary, which showed people a huge number of miraculous events. With the help of this image, at the behest of the Almighty, the Mother of God has been helping the Christian people for six centuries.

Because it’s not in vain that Tikhvinskaya miraculous icon, like Kazanskaya, was revealed at a fire in difficult time for Christians and is depicted mainly in the style of Hodegetria - the Guidebook: “The Mother of God walked along the Novgorod land, and people followed her to find a house near the Tikhvinka River.”

With her icon, the Mother of God showed the site of the future monastery and cathedral. After a little time, the wooden church caught fire three times, which was a sign that the Most Pure Virgin Mary said that the monastery of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God should be built from stone, since difficult trials would soon come to the Novgorod land.

And according to the decree of the Russian prince Vasily Ivanovich and at his expense, the stone Assumption Church was built in the mid-fifteenth century.

Another sign was that during the Great Patriotic War the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God disappeared. Archpriest Sergius, his son, and Archbishop John of Riga were able to understand this sign. It was they who protected this icon, and therefore sent it for preservation to Chicago to the Holy Trinity Church.

But after the war, almost all of the removed shrines were returned to the Russian Land and returned to their monasteries, among which was the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God.

All this indicates that this holy image is not ordinary layers of paint and primer that were applied to a wooden tablet, but in fact a miraculous image that contains a living image and opens the way to a world where Angels watch and protect everyone who really believes who really needs help is those who ask for blessings and help.

Day of Veneration of the Tikhvin Icon

The divine face of the Most Pure Virgin Mary was found at the end of the thirteenth century and since that time every year on the twenty-ninth of June (ninth of July) is considered the day of remembrance of the Tikhvin image.

Prayer before the Tikhvin face of the Mother of God is offered to every Orthodox Christian who, with pure thoughts and a good heart, turns to the Mother of God for help. This is what the prayer to the Tikhvin Mother of God sounds like:

“O Most Holy and Most Pure of all people, Lady of Heaven, Our Savior, Mother of the Most High Jesus, Most Blessed Guide Mary! Do not despise the prayers of our sinful and humble Servants at this time asking and worshiping Your Holy Face with tears and tremblingly saying: deliver us from unclean emotions, Queen of Heaven, heal us from various griefs and misfortunes, protect us from every disease and evil tongue, and from unfair and terrible unfriendly slander. Because you are our Merciful Mother, you can protect your believers from various troubles and reward and preserve them with various benefits; Who, if not You, is every Patroness in misfortunes and sorrows, and a merciful Petitioner for us, unworthy and sinners. Ask, O Lady of Heaven, Your Youth Jesus our Savior to open for us the doors of Heavenly Paradise; For this reason, we constantly praise You as our Helper in the salvation of us unworthy, and we lift up the most pure and holy name of God the Father and the Son of God and the Holy Spirit, in the life-giving Trinity the glorified and revered Most High, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen".

The Russian Orthodox Church has long revered the miraculous Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God - its significance in the formation of the Orthodox state and the life of the people is difficult to overestimate. The history of the image is closely connected with the fate of the entire country, especially with the northwestern regions. Until the early 50s of the last century, the holy face was located in Tikhvin, being the largest shrine of the Novgorod lands.

After the king Vasily III visited the banks of the Tikhvin River to see the wonderful shrine; until the beginning of the twentieth century, the city became a place of pilgrimage for other high-ranking persons. For this he was nicknamed the “royal pilgrim.” By calling the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God “the palladium of Russia,” believers confirmed its power as a protector and assistant in military matters. Generations of Russian soldiers went into battle carrying a treasured image.

Now (since 2004) the miraculous icon is kept in the Assumption Cathedral on the territory of the Tikhvin Mother of God Monastery. The celebration of the Orthodox shrine takes place annually on June 26 (according to the old style - July 9).

Creation of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, iconography

According to legend, the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God is one of the first Christian icons painted by the Evangelist Luke. What gives the image special value is the fact that the image was created during the lifetime of the Ever-Virgin Mary. The artist personally saw and communicated with the Mother of God.

The image belongs to the iconographic type of the Mother of God Hodegetria icons, which translated from Greek means “showing the way” or “guide”. A special feature is the visual representation of not static figures, but those facing each other in the process of communication between the Mother and the Son. We see a half-length image of the Mother of God with the Child Jesus sitting on her left arm. Christ's right foot is located under his left. With his left hand He clutched a scroll with sacred scripture, and with his right hand He blessed those praying. Mary's head is tilted towards the Son, which is the main difference between the painting of the Tikhvin Mother of God and a similar image on the Smolensk icon. The iconographic style of the Tikhvin Icon is one of the most solemn and strict in the Orthodox tradition.

History of the icon

After creating the icon of the Virgin Mary (Tikhvin), the Apostle and Evangelist Luke transferred the bright face to the city of Antioch, where his disciple Theophilus was then located. Then the holy image was in Jerusalem for almost 500 years, until the Byzantine empress Eudokia of Constantinople found it. During the time of iconoclasm, the holy icon, which preserved the face of the Mother of God, was hidden by the monks of the monastery of Pantocrator. Then the canvas became one of the main relics of Constantinople. But one day the image miraculously disappeared from storage in order to appear on Russian soil some time later (1383).

Finding the image of the Virgin Mary near the Tikhvinka River

The first chronicle mention of Tikhvin was in 1383, when a miraculous image of the Mother of God appeared to people in this area. The third Novgorod chronicle testifies that in the summer in a place (Tikhvin), not far from Veliky Novgorod, an icon of the Most Pure Theotokos, Ever-Virgin Mary, with the Eternal Child on her hand appeared.

The legend tells that the image on the tree moved independently - “Svetozarno” floated across the sky, occasionally appearing before eyewitnesses. On Lake Ladoga, fishermen admired the face of the Holy Mother and Child. Further, an image with a radiant light was seen in Smolkovo, Imochenitsy, on the Oyat River, Kozheli on Kukova Mountain, on the mountain above the Tikhvinka River, on the other side of the river. It seemed as if angels were invisibly carrying a bright face through sparsely populated places, lands that had not yet fully accepted the Christian faith. The icon was shown to people only seven times, and when they began to pray, it was given into their hands.

“Reverent men” set off on a journey from Tikhvin to Veliky Novgorod to notify the archbishop and the city administration about the appearance of the icon of the Mother of God and the miracles it performed. After hearing what he heard, the archbishop thanked God for his mercy and love for mankind. And then he notified the reigning Moscow autocrat. By order of the Grand Duke, the first Tikhvin church was built - the archbishop blessed the deacons and priests for the new church.

They say that those who had found faith laid down a crown for a new wooden temple, but the next morning they saw a miracle - a living image moved to the other side of the river along with the hewn logs and the crown. The Mother of God suggested best place to build a church, she herself chose where her home would be in Rus'. The wooden church that was built was named after the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. During its history, the church, built of wood, was engulfed in fire several times, but the icon itself remained undamaged.

Later, at the expense of the Grand Duke, a stone cathedral was erected to worship the shrine in Tikhvin (1507-1515). Since then, the miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos began to be called Tikhvin.

The annexation of the Novgorod lands to Moscow (1478), the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks (1453), and the miraculous discovery of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God began to be interpreted in a new way. The shrine left Rome and the second Rome (Constantinople) for the trampling of piety, the decline of morality, replacing them with a truly Christian people - Holy Rus' (which from now on became the third Rome). The icon became a symbol of the centralized power of Russia and confirmed its special mission before God.

Veneration of the icon

Already the 16th century turned Tikhvin into a widely known place of Christian pilgrimage and pilgrimage. The temple is visited by royalty:

Basil III accompanied by Archbishop Macarius.
The son of Vasily III, Ivan IV is also with Archbishop Macarius.
Ivan Vasilyevich the Terrible before his coronation before the start of the Kazan campaign.

By order of Ivan the Terrible, the Mother of God Assumption Monastery was founded in Tikhvin (1560). The king raises the veneration of the shrine to new level. He considers her his patroness and intercessor. During the campaign against Kazan (1552) on the Pyana River, a miraculous image of the Tikhvin Mother of God appeared to John, which strengthened him to defeat enemy forces. After the campaign, the king founded a monastery here, giving him a copy of the miraculous icon, written in Tikhvin.

The emergence of a new dynasty of Russian tsars, the Romanovs, was also associated with the Tikhvin image of the Virgin Mary. In the Ipatiev Monastery of the city of Kostroma, Mikhail Fedorovich was blessed for the kingdom by his mother, Elder Martha, with a copy from the Tikhvin icon.

Processions of the cross with the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God were held 24 times every year. The image was richly decorated with a golden robe, and a golden lamp was hung in front of it. Before the October Revolution, the monastery was rich and prosperous.

New times

1920 was the year the Assumption Monastery was closed. The icon was transferred to the Tikhvin Museum of Local Lore as an exhibit, where it was not studied until 1941. During the occupation of Tikhvin by German troops (November 1941), the image was sent to Pskov and transferred to the Pskov spiritual mission. There he remained for two years, where every Sunday he was transferred to Trinity cathedral for worship. In the spring of 1944, the icon arrived in Riga, then ended up in Libau, Jablonec nad Nisou, and the American zone of occupation of Germany.

After long wanderings, the miraculous image was transported to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago (1950). The rector of Riga John and his adopted son Archpriest Sergius dedicated their lives to serving and preserving the icon. The will left by Archbishop John stated that the iconographic image of the Tikhvin Mother of God could be returned to Russia only after the complete revival of its place of preservation - the Tikhvin monastery.

Return to the Tikhvin Monastery

With the spiritual revival of Orthodox Rus' and the appeal to eternal values in 1995, the Tikhvin Monastery was returned to the fold of the Church. The Assumption Cathedral was restored and consecrated. The year 2004 was marked by an important event for Orthodox faith and Christians - the Tikhvin shrine returned with honor to its original place - to the monastery of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Along the route, the image was displayed to parishioners of Orthodox churches.

Lists of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God

The Tikhvin icon, like its numerous copies, is famous for miraculous salvations, healings, and military deeds. The miraculous copy of the image is preserved in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Copies of the holy face are also venerated in other churches, for example:

Trinity Cathedral;
Church of Our Lady (Sushchevo);
Novodevichy Women's Convent;
Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Lyshchikova Mountain;
Church of the Blessed Princes Gleb and Boris (Zyuzino);
Church of the Transfiguration (Bogorodskoe).

Ancient lists of icons console Orthodox Christians not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders. One copy is in the church of the Sergius Metochion in Paris . In 2007, an accurate list of the Tikhvin Mother of God was acquired by the Murmansk and Monchegorsk dioceses (the village of Varzuga on the Tersky coast of the White Sea). The icon has a precious chasuble, not inferior in beauty to the frame of the original.

Miracles of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tikhvin)

The miracles performed by the icon and copies of the Tikhvin Mother of God, throughout the history of her existence, have attracted Christians from all over the world, instilling faith and hope for her help in matters:

Field Marshal B.P. Sheremetev, a major military leader and associate of Peter the Great, was saved by the icon of the Tikhvin Icon from an enemy bullet during the Battle of Poltava. After this, the general founded the Borisov Tikhvin Convent. His descendants honored the icon and presented it with rich gifts.
The miracle created by the icon is associated with the liberation of the Tikhvin Dormition Monastery of the Mother of God from conquest by the Swedes (1613) under the command of General Delagardie. At this time, the Mother of God appeared to the monastery novice Martinian. She was accompanied by Nikolai Ugodnik, Varlaam Khutynsky, Zosima Solovetsky. The monk was told to convey to all people that the Mother of God begged Her Son for deliverance from her enemies, victory is near. The Swedes fled as if they were broken by a spiritual eclipse - they dreamed of a countless Russian army.
The list of the Tikhvin icon “Militia” became protection for the Tikhvin militias Patriotic War 1812. Thanks to her, many of the representatives of the nobility did not suffer “neither from cannonballs and bullets, nor from deadly diseases,” despite participating in many battles.
According to legend, during the Great Patriotic War, the miraculous icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God saved Moscow. She was taken on board a plane and then flown around the capital. After the service, the defeat of the Nazis near Moscow began.

The Tikhvin Blessed Virgin Mary does not leave her mercy ordinary people. Helps you heal and get what you want. The appearance of the image was always accompanied by numerous miracles. Only true believers can ask for help. They turn to the holy face of the Most Pure Virgin Mary with a pure heart, fully trusting in Her goodness. It is advisable that this image always be in the house; it will protect the home from enemies, uninvited guests, help preserve the family hearth, and protect children.

Sincere pure prayer before the Tikhvin image, it really works miracles: believers get rid of terrible diseases that have tormented them for years, women suffering from infertility give birth to healthy babies, blind people regain their sight. Ask for healing by praying in front of the Tikhvin Icon.

What can you do with an icon?

Since ancient times, mothers have prayed to the Tikhvin Icon - the Most Pure Mother of God patronizes babies and protects them. Kneeling women ask for obedience, pacification, the gift of good friends for their children, protection from evil thoughts, the temptations of modern life, and the reassurance of anxious and restless babies.
The icon gives women who have lost faith the happiness of motherhood; they often turn to it when they have problems with conception. The miraculous image of the Mother of Jesus is taken with them to childbirth to alleviate suffering.
The Mother of God and Jesus Christ written on the icon help in strengthening mental strength, treating depression, disorders, nervous attacks, epilepsy, and paralysis.
The icon has long protected the people from conquerors and robbers, and bestowed help and victory in defending their lands. Therefore, her intercession can preserve the peace and integrity of the house, and turn away uninvited guests, ill-wishers, envious people, and encroachers from the threshold. This icon is a reliable, strong talisman for family and home.
Advise before taking important life decision, venerate the image of the Tikhvin Mother of God. The holy icon will protect you from intrigues, intrigues, and protect you from deception.

Tikhvin Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Story

In the handwritten “Tales of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God”, the earliest of which date back to the turn of the 15th-16th centuries, its appearance in Novgorod land dates back to 1383. “Walking luminously through the air” from one village to another, “carried invisibly by angels,” the icon appeared to local residents until it reached the bank of the Tikhvinka River. The icon appeared before eyewitnesses seven times: first on Lake Ladoga, in the Smolkovo churchyard on the Oyati River in Imochenitsy, then “on Kozhel on Kukova Mountain,” then on the mountain above the Tikhvinka River and, finally, on the other bank of the same river. On the site of the last appearance of the icon, in the same year, the wooden Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was built, which became the storage place for the shrine. The church burned three times, but the icon itself remained unharmed each time. The antiquity of the icon was emphasized by its connection with the first image, painted, according to legend, by the Evangelist Luke during the earthly life of the Mother of God.

From the middle of the 16th century, the miraculous Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God began to be identified either with the Blachernae Hodegetria, from the Blachernae Church in Constantinople, from where, shortly before the capture of the city by the Turks, it was miraculously transported to 1383 on the banks of the Tikhvinka River, 70 years before the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire, or with the “Mother of God” Roman”, considered a copy of the miraculous Lida image made by Patriarch German at the beginning of the 8th century. During the iconoclastic heresy, this image, as legend says, miraculously floated across the sea from Constantinople to Rome. And after the Triumph of Orthodoxy he returned there the same way. The appearance of the icon on the Tikhvinka River played a special role in the merging of the mentioned images of Hodegetria. After the annexation of Novgorod to Moscow in 1478 and the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, the appearance of the icon “on Tikhvin” began to be perceived as the abandonment of the shrine by Rome and the second Rome (Constantinople), which had lost their piety, for the sake of staying in the new inheritance of the Mother of God - Holy Rus', which became the third Rome. In 1507-1515, in Tikhvin, by decree and at the expense of Grand Duke Vasily Ioannovich, a stone Assumption Cathedral was built specifically for the veneration of the icon. From that time on, the miraculous icon began to be called the Tikhvin icon. In the 16th century, Tikhvin became famous place for pilgrims. In 1527, the temple was visited by Vasily III, and in 1547, on the eve of the Kazan campaign and just a few days before the crowning of the kingdom, by John IV, who founded the Tikhvin Assumption Monastery of the Mother of God here in 1560.

In 1910, on the initiative of the Committee of Trusteeship of Russian Icon Painting, the ancient icon was uncovered from under the later records of G.O. Chirikov. After the closure of the Dormition Monastery in the 1920s, the icon was an exhibit of the local local history museum. Until 1941, the icon was in the Tikhvin Museum. During the occupation of Tikhvin in November 1941, the icon was taken by the Germans from the cathedral and sent to Pskov, where it was transferred to the Pskov spiritual mission. There she stayed for two years, where, as a most important value, she was given out to the Trinity Cathedral for worship every week on Sundays. Then the icon arrived in the spring of 1944 in Riga, Libau, Jablonec nad Nisou, and the American zone of occupation of Germany. As a result of long wanderings, in 1950 the miraculous image was transported to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, where the rector and custodian of the icon was first Archbishop John (Garklavs) of Riga, and then his adopted son Archpriest Sergius (Garklavs), who devoted his entire life to preserving the icon . According to the will of Archbishop John, the return of the icon to Russia was to take place only when the Tikhvin monastery was revived. In 1995, the monastery was transferred to the Church, the Assumption Cathedral was restored and consecrated. In 2004, the icon was solemnly returned to its historical place in the Tikhvin Dormition Monastery of the Mother of God.

Miracles of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God

Tradition reports many miracles associated with the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. The liberation of the Tikhvin Mother of God Assumption Monastery from the invasion of the Swedes in 1613, led by General Delagardie, is believed to be associated with one of them. The Mother of God appeared to the novice Martinian, led by Varlaam Khutynsky, Zosima Solovetsky and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. “Tell the commanders and all the people,” said the Wonderworker, “ Holy Mother of God, a general prayer service for the Christian race begged His Son, Christ our God, to deliver you from your enemies, and you will see God’s mercy and victory.” A spiritual eclipse struck the Swedes, who fled after it seemed to them that they were surrounded by a countless army.

Troparion and kontakion for the holiday

Troparion, tone 4

Yes, this bright sun shines upon us in this world, in all things and in all things. and 3 with the rays of yours, enlighten 2 the whole world. This is a great honor, because some gifts of life, having been received with great reverence, will glorify our gods, and 3 t you the birth of ours. є3mY pray1sz, q zhce tsRtse bcde, and 3save all the cities and3 countries2 of the Christians, unharmed from all the slander of the enemy, and3 save all and 4those who worship with faith, to your holy image, oh not and3skusobrachnaz.

Today, as if the sun has brightened for us, the all-honorable icon of Your Lady has risen in the air, and the rays of Your mercy will shine through the whole world. Right now great Russia, as if some divine gift, having reverently received from above, glorifies You, the Virgin Mother of God, and Christ our God born from You: pray to Him, O! Madam Queen Theotokos, may He deliver all Christian cities and countries unharmed from all the slander of the enemy, and save all who by faith worship Your Most Pure Image, the Virgin without art.

Kontakion, tone 8

According to the people in the 8th century, the saving tsRts and 3 btsdy: unspeakable mercy є3S, then the good morning has come true. It befits the most honorable and 3 most honorable image: firstly, for the saving vision of the world, you came to us most gloriously and luminously, illuminating2 us, who are brightly creating the celebration of your coming2. and 3 ўkrepi2 slavzschіz tS people, and 3zpno enemies2 victorious and 4m givers, and 3 all flowingz to 8 you, and3 with faith sing1schyz tz save2. Yes, we call you, gladly, to the world of salvation.

Let people come to the house of the saving Queen and Mother of God for Her ineffable mercy. Beneficence has faithfully resorted to Her, falling to Her Most Pure Image, and piously crying out: O Lady, for the saving vision of the world, having come to us most peacefully and radiantly, enlighten us who brightly celebrate the celebration of Your coming. And strengthen the people who glorify Thee, giving them great victory over their enemies, and save all who flow to Thee, and by faith sing Thee, let us call Thee, the rejoicing Virgin of the world’s salvation.

————————

Library of Russian Faith
→

Iconography of the Tikhvin image of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Tikhvin icon belongs to the iconographic type of icons Virgin Mary Hodegetria, characteristic feature which is the communication of the Blessed Virgin with the Infant Christ, their turning towards each other. The image of the Mother of God is half-length, the Child sits on the left hand of the Mother. The Baby's legs are bent at the knees, and His right foot is under the left. He holds a scroll in his left hand and blesses with his right. The image of the Mother of God on the Tikhvin icon is almost identical to the Smolensk icon of the Mother of God, the main difference is the tilt of the head.

Tikhvin Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Paintings

Temples in honor of the Tikhvin Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tikhvin Church located in Suzdal on the site of the long-vanished St. Andrew's Monastery, founded in the 13th century. The building of the church itself was built in the 17th century. Previously, on the site of the Tikhvin Church there was a Monastery of St. Andrew; The warm chapel in the name of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called serves as a monument to the monastery that was once here. In the inventory of the city of Suzdal of 1617, this monastery is not mentioned, therefore, the monastery no longer existed at that time. The inventory shows St. Andrew's Meadow, which belonged to the said monastery, and it is said about the inhabitants of the nearby area that they were plundered and beaten by the Lithuanians in 1611. Probably, at that time St. Andrew's Monastery was plundered and destroyed. When the existing Tikhvin Church was founded is not known with accuracy, but it can be assumed that it was founded no earlier than the 17th century, because it is not listed in the inventory of the city of Suzdal in 1617. In the church there is an ancient icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God, which is locally revered. Ananiy Fedorov said about this icon: “ The icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God in 1513, the Tsar Grand Duke Vasily Ioannovich brother to Moscow and returned to this church the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Tikhvin with decorations and sent priestly vestments, which are stored in the church in the sacristy».

Located in the Republic of Tatarstan, Verkhneuslonsky district, in the village. Sobolevskoe. On the site of the new church in the village of Sobolevskoye there was a wooden single-altar church in the name of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in 1903 with donated funds.

The former Old Believer Church of the Russian Orthodox Church is located in Moscow.

Edinovercheskaya is located in the village of Pavlovo-on-Neva Leningrad region. The parish was founded in 1991. By the end of the 90s, a wooden temple was built in the name of St. Sergius Radonezh.

The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, or, as it is also called, the Northern Queen, is honored in the Russian Orthodox Church on July 9. Read more in our material!

Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God: Queen of the North

Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God without frame

Many miracles, past and present, are associated with this icon. Tikhvinskaya is a symbol of the indestructibility of faith and Orthodox Russia, a reminder that victories are not won with weapons alone. Tikhvinskaya is a star shining at the northern borders of our homeland. Prophecies about today are also associated with it.

"Pass it on to your children"

Elder Seraphim (Rosenberg)

At the end of the 70s, one deeply religious woman, a doctor who went through the entire war as a field surgeon, came to the ancient city to visit her spiritual father. That time, blessing her farewell, Father, Elder Seraphim (Rosenberg), gave her a small “tablet” that had darkened with time. The image on it was not visible at all, but Fr. Seraphim said: “Remember, this is an icon. Keep it carefully and pass it on to your children. It will appear before Tikhvinskaya returns to Russia.”

The woman was amazed. She knew that the ancient Tikhvin icon, the “pearl” of the Russian spiritual treasury, was taken from Russia in the years , and since then has been in America, in Chicago. For believers, this is a great, immeasurable loss. Painted according to legend by the apostle and evangelist Luke himself, this icon was the personification of the former spiritual and military glory of Rus'. And the fact that the Mother of God allowed her to be taken away was a punishment for fighting against God, for Russia’s apostasy from the faith, for desecrating the Church of Christ in the first half of the 20th century. And suddenly, these confidently spoken words that Tikhvinskaya will return to Russia!

Years passed, and then, in the early 90s, something happened that was recently difficult to believe: all over the country they reopened Orthodox churches, the Church began to be reborn. And one day this woman’s daughter ran into her room shouting: “Mom, mom! Icon, look!” On the dark matte surface of the board, the bright, shining gilding of the ornament appeared, like the first ray. Day after day, the image changed: first the outline appeared, then the face became clearer, the whole image became clear, like new.

And just a month later, on June 23, 2004, the original Tikhvin icon was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church, and it again took center stage in the newly opened Tikhvin Monastery. The event is joyful and significant. Our Lady gave a sign of Her protection and special care over our country. And at the same time, for believers this was also evidence of the fulfillment of prophecies about the coming times of Russia, serious prophecies that require internal composure and courage.

Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God in frame

Appearance on the waters

That morning in 1383, the water on Ladoga was still and quiet. The worn, weathered hands of the fishermen habitually pulled the net. But then, another minute, and the nets were released, and hands were folded to make the sign of the cross: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us! Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us sinners!” Slowly, measuredly in the air above the water itself, surrounded by a flash of light, the majestic icon of the Mother of God with the Child in her arms floated. It was as if an Angel was carrying her, remaining invisible to people. Like the gospel fishermen - the future apostles, these Novgorod sea workers were honored to witness the manifestation of the power of God.

In reverent silence they followed the shrine with their gaze, noticing where the icon had gone.

She was found 30 miles from Ladoga. The news of the wondrous event spread instantly. Streams of pilgrims came from everywhere to worship the shrine. A temple was built at the site of the appearance of the icon. However, the icon did not remain there for long. Several times she disappeared and moved from place to place, as if consecrating the land of the Russian north with her presence, gathering believers who gave praise to God. Finally, she stopped at the last place not far from Tikhvin, where a ceremony was held in her honor. new church, and already at - a monastery was founded.

Assumption Cathedral of the Tikhvin Monastery

From the east

Five years after the appearance of the icon, by God's providence its origin was also discovered. In the capital of the Orthodox world of that time - Constantinople (Constantinople), Novgorod merchants told the Byzantine patriarch about the miraculous discovery of a new image of the Mother of God. It was then that it was discovered that the icon that appeared in the Russian lands had been known since ancient times in the Orthodox East.

In the 5th century, it was transferred to Tsargard from Jerusalem by the Greek Empress Eudokia. It was kept as the greatest shrine. In Constantinople, a temple was built in her honor, which was named Blachernae.

The news of the appearance of the icon in the north of Rus' forced the Byzantine patriarch to grieve for his people - the Mother of God retreated from Constantinople for the multiplication of human sins and spread Her blessed cover over young Orthodox Russia.

This event turned out to be no coincidence: after 70 years, Constantinople would be captured by the Gentiles. The Lord, merciful and slow to punish, will this time hand over the city to the sword of the enemy for cooling off the faith.

Strengthening walls and giving bodily strength

Until the 17th century, the Tikhvin Icon became famous as a cure for many diseases. However, it was noticed that most often people suffering from relaxation receive help from it, i.e. paralyzed, unable to move independently.

And in Russia, Tikhvinskaya became famous for the fact that her patronage turned all the efforts of external enemies into dust. In 1613, the Swedes managed to briefly occupy Novgorod and its surroundings along with the Tikhvin Monastery. But they were soon forced out of there. The Swedish general Delagardi, in a rage, ordered the monastery to be razed to the ground. The heroic defense of the monastery began. While the monks and militia fought off the attacks of the enemy, the elders and women with children prayed near the miraculous icon. And so, the Mother of God appeared to one pious woman, Mary, who two years earlier received insight from the icon, commanding her to surround the image with procession along the walls of the monastery and promising a quick victory. In the intervals between the attacks of the Swedes, this command was carried out, and then mortal horror attacked the enemy. Throwing down their weapons, the Swedes fled without looking back. Delagardie, beside himself, ordered to resume the siege, take the monastery, and cut the icon into pieces. But none of the subsequent attacks were successful. The Mother of God appeared to the besieged again and again.

The Swedes saw countless troops approaching the monastery - help, and retreated in panic. Who can stand against a people among whom God Himself walks! Finally, the interventionists were forced to sue for peace.

Since then, knowing the history of the icon, people most often pray in front of it for strengthening, be it a physical illness or attacks from the outside.

Here are just a few cases of healing.

In the 50s In the 19th century, a resident of St. Petersburg, the wife of the merchant Mochalov, suffered from leg disease. Doctors declared her illness incurable. With great difficulty she came to St. Isaac's Cathedral - to one of the miraculous lists - repetitions - of the Tikhvin icon. As soon as she crossed the threshold, the disease seemed to “jump up” in her - this is how the culprits of many human diseases - the spirits of evil - resist the shrine. The unfortunate woman was afraid to fall, but with faith she came up and kissed the icon, and after the prayer she felt extraordinary lightness and she cheerfully rose from her knees to her feet.

And in 1860, a case of healing of Lutheran Catherine Levestam, who suffered from paralysis and severe headaches, was witnessed. Although the girl did not belong to the Orthodox Church, she liked Orthodox rituals, she revered icons and prayed in front of them, imitating the Russians, often made the sign of the cross and strictly observed fasts. Once, in the midst of an unbearable illness, she had a revelation in a dream - to serve a prayer service in front of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, light candles for Her, St. Nicholas and the Icon of All Saints, and when leaving the temple, give alms to all the poor. The patient, almost unconscious, was carried into the church in her arms. During the service, Catherine came to her senses, and at the end of the prayer service she was completely healed.

The blessed appearances from the Tikhvin icon do not stop to this day. Three years ago, a new “ordinary miracle” occurred in the Moscow Novodevichy Convent. A woman praying near this icon received her sight. Thus, what seems to people far from the Church to be fiction, “a tradition of deep antiquity,” is fulfilled from century to century: God is the same yesterday and today.

A Call to Stand in Faith

2004 Meeting the icon in Tikhvin

Russian Orthodox Church in 2004 she accepted the Tikhvin Icon with trepidation, not only as a spiritual value, but also as a sign of strengthening before trials.

Since the 19th century, prophecies have been preserved in the Church that the Tikhvin icon will return to Russia after a long absence, in order to be permanently in Rus' until recent times. And difficult times will come: the duel between good and evil, faith and dishonor will reach throughout the world highest point. And in this spiritual battle, Russia will stand like a rock, preserved by the grace of God, if only the people sincerely repent and turn to faith. Not rich materially, but strong in spirit, Russia will remind the whole world of the enduring gospel values: devotion to God, love, piety, truth and mercy. And then one “warrior” will become like “a thousand.” And over the Russian lands the symbolic Holy Cross, formed by the great icons of the Mother of God, will again shine: in the central lands - , in the east - , in the south - , in the west - Pochaevskaya, and on the northern borders - Tikhvinskaya.

On the day of honoring the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, our Church will ask the Mother of God that “relaxed” Russia will stand firmly on its feet with the prayer of faith.

In particularly difficult life situations Christians resort to prayer to higher powers. They turn to Christ, saints and, of course, to the Mother of God. A whole variety of things are associated with Her miraculous image. miraculous phenomena, testifying that the Virgin Mary hears everyone who prays and cares for us in various sorrows.

The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, otherwise called the “Queen of the North,” is unique in its ability to heal people and protect the earth from the invasion of enemies. For the first time, Her miraculous image was revealed to the people in 1383.

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

The face of the Blessed Mother is capable of working miracles (and this is proven by facts):

drives away demonic forces from a person;
relieves serious physical illnesses (blindness, deafness, paralysis);
helps young children recover;
protects the house from ill-wishers;
helps with infertility and facilitates childbirth;
protects children from bad company and negative influences environment etc.

From time immemorial, the Tikhvin icon has been turned to when there is a threat of military invasion and invasion of foreigners. The Mother of God has always helped Russian soldiers in protecting themselves from enemy troops, as stated in many sources. For example, one belief says that during an attack fascist troops In Moscow, the face of the Tikhvin Mother of God was carried around the city by plane, and a miracle happened - the enemy was defeated.

Today, churches of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God can be found in many cities of Russia - there are about 400 of them in total. This is due to the existence large quantity lists with icons, which are stored in various places. Most of the temples to this image can be seen on the map:

The Church of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God in Alekseevsky was built in the period 1673-1680. and became part of the “travel” palace of Alexei Mikhailovich, the second Russian Tsar from the Romanov dynasty.

The Tikhvin icon is main shrine, which is kept in the iconostasis next to the face of Christ the Savior. The decoration of the temple impresses with its beauty and consistency of style. The author of the wall painting, according to researchers, is the talented artist Giovanni Scotti. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II has been celebrating divine liturgies here since 1962. Each of his visits is a real holiday for believers.

Other attractions of the temple in Alekseevsky can be considered the luxurious iconostasis of the 18th-19th centuries, as well as the old Empire bell tower. To today The prayer rooms of the royal persons have been preserved here.

Help of the Tikhvin icon in various everyday situations

The Tikhvin icon helped many people in sorrow, mental illness, and serious illnesses. This is evidenced by a huge number of documented facts and real-life incidents confirming the miraculous power of a unique icon.

According to the reviews of those praying, the Tikhvin Mother of God helps to heal from many ailments: epilepsy (“black”), paralysis of various degrees, arthritis and arthrosis, blindness. The list of diseases can be continued, as well as the list of problems that Christians address in prayer to the Tikhvin icon.

“The meaning of the Tikhvin Icon”, “How does the face of the Tikhvin Mother of God help?” - these questions are of interest to many Christians who find themselves in difficult circumstances. They say that this icon is the Patroness of children, the Mentor and the Guide.

Prayer to the Tikhvin icon can strengthen family ties between children and parents. It is read in situations where a woman has problems conceiving or bearing a child. Before birth to the expectant mother It is recommended to place an icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God near you and read a prayer for the safe birth of the baby. It is not for nothing that this icon is called the “Chad Giver”. It calms restless and disobedient children and protects babies from the “evil eye.”

In addition, a prayer service before the face of the Mother of God can have the following miraculous effects:

Direct your thoughts in the right direction before making any fateful decision.
Protect a person from deception and intrigue of ill-wishers.
Give the person praying spiritual insight.

Those who want to touch the shrine with their souls, pray for healing and resolution of difficult life situations come to Tikhvin, where the icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God in its prototype is located.

Tikhvin icon: description and style of iconography

According to many historical sources, The Tikhvin icon is considered the “peer” of the Virgin Mary, since the face of the Mother of God was painted by the holy Apostle Luke, who personally communicated with the Most Holy Theotokos.

The image is made in the iconographic style known as "Hodegetria". According to this style, the icon depicts the communication of the Mother of God with the baby Jesus. As a sign of his divine dignity, the Son of God holds a scroll with sacred scriptures in one hand, and makes a blessing gesture with the other.

In this case, the Mother of God of Tikhvin is made differently - with her head bowing towards the Son. It is important to note that this iconographic style is considered one of the most strict and solemn.

Brief historical information about the Tikhvin icon

The face of the Tikhvin Mother of God is revered among the people as the image of a “strong helper”, patroness ruling dynasties. For a long time, the city of Tikhvin was called the “royal pilgrimage”, because this place was visited by the highest persons.

The history of the Tikhvin icon dates back to the 4th century. According to legend, its author was the Apostle Luke, who visited the already elderly Mary to learn about the details of the birth of the Savior in order to create his Gospel. In total, Luke painted about 70 icons of the Mother of God, but, unfortunately, only a few images have survived to this day. Mary personally blessed the works of the Apostle Luke and noted that Her mercy would always be with these images.

After the Tikhvin Icon was transported to Constantinople and placed in the Blachernae Church, it mysteriously disappeared in 1383, and some time later appeared over Lake Ladoga in a radiant glow. Appearing to people in different places, the icon finally landed near Tikhvin. Thus, the Mother of God herself indicated the place for the construction of the temple. This fact is evidenced by the texts of manuscripts and chronicles, which later took shape in the “Tale of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God.”

Nowadays this miraculous icon can be seen in the Assumption Cathedral, located at the Tikhvin Monastery. History testifies that during the capture of Novgorod, Swedish troops tried several times to destroy this monastery, but they were never able to do this due to the intercession of the Mother of God. She always sent a large army of warriors (even the armies of heaven), who successfully repelled the enemy's attack.

The Tikhvin icon often “moved,” as evidenced by historical data. In 1941, the Germans took it to Latvia, and in 1944, Archbishop John, saving the shrine, took it to the USA (Chicago). The icon returned to its native place in June 2004. An important event was a large-scale celebration of the 600th anniversary of the appearance of the Tikhvin icon in 1983. A church celebration in Her honor is held on July 9.

Sincere prayer before the Tikhvin Icon really works miracles: many believers get rid of ailments that have tormented them for years, barren women become mothers, and the blind receive their sight. If you are suffering from mental distress or have serious health problems (paralysis, loss of vision, epilepsy, joint diseases), ask for healing by sincerely praying in front of the Tikhvin Icon.

Texts of Orthodox prayers to Our Lady of Tikhvin

Prayer 1

O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the highest powers, Queen of Heaven and earth, our city and country, Almighty Intercessor. Accept this singing of praise and gratitude from us, unworthy Thy servants, and lift up our prayers to the throne of God Thy Son, that He may be merciful to our iniquities and add His goodness to those who honor Thy all-honorable name and with faith and love who worship Thy miraculous image. You are not worthy of being pardoned by Him, unless you have propitiated Him for us, Lady, since everything is possible for You from Him. For this reason, we resort to You, as to our undoubted and immediate Intercessor; Hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection and ask God Your Son to be our shepherd, zeal and vigil for souls, a city ruler for wisdom and strength, judges for truth and impartiality, a mentor for reason and humility, love and harmony for spouses, obedience for children, patience for the offended, to those who offend the fear of God, to those who grieve complacency, to those who rejoice at self-control: to all of us is the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. To her, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on Your weak people: gather the scattered, guide those who have gone astray to the right path, support old age, educate young people with chastity, raise infants, and look upon us all with the gaze of Your merciful intercession, raise us up from the depths of sin and enlighten our heartfelt eyes to vision of salvation, be merciful to us here and there, in the land of earthly arrival and at the terrible judgment of Your Son: having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, our fathers and brethren in eternal life Make life with the Angels and with all the saints. For you are, Lady, the glory of Heaven and the hope of earth. According to God, You are our Hope and Intercessor of all those who flow to You with faith. We therefore pray to You, and to You, as the Almighty Helper, we commit ourselves and each other and our whole life, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer

We thank Thee, O Most Blessed and Most Pure, Most Blessed Virgin, Lady, Mother of Christ our God, for all Thy good deeds that Thou hast shown to the human race, especially to us, the Christ-named people of the Russian people, about whom the most angelic tongue will be pleased with praise. We thank You, for even now You have surprised Your ineffable mercy on us, Your unworthy servants, with the supernatural self-coming of Your most pure icon, with which You have enlightened the entire Russian country; Likewise, we, sinners, worshiping with fear and joy, cry out to Thee: O Most Holy Virgin, Queen and Mother of God, save and have mercy on all people, and grant them victory over all their enemies, and save all Christian cities and countries, and this holy temple Deliver us from every slander of the enemy, and grant everything for the benefit of everyone, who now come with faith and pray to Your servant, and who worship Your most holy image: for blessed are You with the Son and God born of You, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.