Icon of the unfading color for which one prays. Miraculous icons from the outback
Presumably, it was this wonderful tradition that inspired the Athonite monks to paint a unique image, which in turn gave birth to many iconographic versions, very different from each other, but in type going back to Hodegetria the Guide. According to other sources, the first appearance of this image occurred in Constantinople, but fewer researchers of the diverse iconography of the “Unfading Color” are inclined to believe this.
But, probably, in addition to the miraculous resurrection of dried flowers near the image of the Mother of God on the island of Kefalonia, the inspirational basis for the visual embodiment of the indispensable and distinctive attribute of the icon “Unfading Flower” were epithets from the texts of divine services, where the Most Pure One was compared to a flower - “unfading, fragrant.” From the second epithet arose another common list - “fragrant color”, its first appearance is considered to be later. The epithet “unfading” is taken from the “Canon of Gratefulness to the Most Holy Theotokos” by Joseph the Songwriter. The canon became part of the existing liturgical literary collections of the Orthodox Church, and its spiritually sublime content, admiring and touching the soul with sincere love for the Intercessor, became the source for painting a new icon.
The Monk Joseph the Songwriter created many canons that have been preserved in the prayer heritage of Russian Orthodoxy. As nun Ignatius writes about him in the article “Church Songwriters” (chapter “The Liturgical Heritage of St. Joseph the Songwriter”): “The canons of St. Joseph are distinguished by the thoughtfulness of the images that he used as the basis for each of his works, exceptional grace of expression, often special shape a statement of the idea he wants to emphasize in the canon. Working on the form, the holy Songwriter often turned to those stylistic devices that were developed by ancient Greek rhetoric.”
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.
Russian icon painting of the 17th century was moderately, but nevertheless noticeably influenced by Western tradition during the decade and a half of the Time of Troubles, which ended in 1613. It penetrated into Rus' from Catholic Poland and Lithuania, where attributes uncharacteristic of the Byzantine tradition - royal crowns, flowers, etc. - had long been used. But their depiction in Russian icon painting was consecrated by the hymnography of Orthodoxy, where the epithet “unfading color” was awarded to both Christ and His Mother in various prayer works. For example, on the Alekseevsky list, the flowering branch in the hand of the Mother of God is entwined with a ribbon, and on it is written the irmos of the First Song of the “Canon of Gratefulness”: “Unfading Blossom! Rejoice, O One who has vegetated the fragrant apple: Rejoice, O fragrance of the One King!”
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.
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 from 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.
TO 19th century the most complex compositions of the icon are simplified, the abundance of attributes is gone, except for the crown, flowers are often indicated by one branch in the hand of the Mother of God, the icon becomes less colorful both in composition and in color, therefore, according to historians and art critics of church painting, later copies are inferior to ancient ones. 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.
It’s as if the robes of the Mother of God and the Child are woven from flowers, the halo around the central composition is lined with the same ornamental field of flowers - in everything the author’s appeal to the Russian tradition is clearly felt, and so even a hint of the original influence of Western culture in the iconography of the image “Fadeless Color” is leveled out, gone away. . Kuznetsov's writing style is based on the history of Russian ornament, its fundamental connection with our native nature, and icon painter Marina Filippova fully applies this wonderful creative heritage to the new presentation of the beautiful Orthodox icon. On the one hand, this image is now seen as truly Russian, originating in the Byzantine school, and on the other hand, in its new incarnation, the “Unfading Flower” icon of the 21st century still enthusiastically and admiringly glorifies the Mother of God and Christ as “an unfading, fragrant flower.” It brings back the joyful, life-affirming meaning of the first lists, partially lost in the century before last, reflecting the feelings of St. Joseph, the Athonite monk, the creator of the original, and those who observe the miracle on the island of Kefalonia from year to year...
Meaning of the icon
The epithets characterizing the Mother of God, the source of which were Her inherent qualities as the Mother of the One who will come through Her to give True Life to all humanity, the beautiful poetic and sublime comparisons that sound in the words of the services, compose the fullness of the spiritual meaning of this image. If you look at this image, rejoicing and admiring, they simply arise in the soul from the prayers that we offer to Her. She is the “life-giving garden”, She is the “root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity”, She is the “fruitful earth that raised the Bread of Heaven.” By the Bread of Heaven is meant the image of Christ, Who, as we remember from the Gospel story of the Last Supper, breaking the bread and distributing it to the disciples, said: “This is My Body, which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19, Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22), therefore, in some images in the hand of the Most Pure One we see not flowers, but an ear of corn.
Thanks be to God that by His will we can now fall in prayer to the images that we love so much, and it is not without reason that the first hand-made icon to emerge from the apostle’s hand was the icon of the Most Pure One, Who “took the whole world into adoption.” Her Face on the “Unfading Color” icon, the whole icon is a combination of joy and peace, so sought by our soul, eternally confused in the daily bustle, and all Russian Orthodox iconography is an amazing treasure given to us by the Lord for salvation, admonition and the acquisition of spiritual joy and grace .
Miracles from the icon
They often resort to this image, full of tenderness, tender compassion and love for us, tired of the imperfections of this world, for saving help. Then those who prayerfully turned to Her in front of Her icon “Unfading Color” talk about how the soul is enlightened, what consolation descends on it, inner balance returns, and the world seems full of new hopes, unexpected solutions are found to get rid of problems and strength for action. Anxieties and sorrows go away, and in gratitude to Her, a strengthening of faith is born, seemingly ready to be shaken. Isn’t this a miracle of spiritual resurrection, when the soul of a person who has fallen into despondency, drying up like a sprout, is again reborn to life like the flowers at the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Kefalonia? Well, it is known that from many revered and miraculous icons of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” many miracles occurred related to the finding of a life partner by girls and women who wanted to find their other half and live with her in good harmony.
But there are also modern miracles. Here are just two of them noted in our century.
In 2012, in the village of Chernovka, Sergievsky district, Samara region, on the window of the house of an elderly woman, a believer and virtuous, on April 16 - just on the day of the celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” - an image of this image appeared. The owner of the house, Ekaterina Ivanovna Malygina, saw it when, on that day, after the weather warmed up, she removed the oilcloth from the window, which was used to protect the house from the winter cold. It was in the morning, and in the bright morning light the amazed woman saw the image of the Mother of God and the Child, in which at first she did not recognize the “Fading Color,” but then she looked in the reference books and found this image.
In the evening the image disappears, and with the onset of daylight it gradually appears. Both priests and laymen came to the image, completely unbelievers tried to rub and scratch the amazing glass, but the image remained untouched. So they went home, amazed, saying a prayer to themselves.
In the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Novovoskresenovka, Novovorontsovsky district, Kherson region, in 2007, the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” began to flow myrrh. Then the miracles that came from her began. The fame of the icon quickly spread throughout the area and beyond. According to the testimonies of those who flocked here, through prayers at this image they were restored family relationships, conflicts between household members were resolved. There are known cases of healing of adults and children, especially those suffering from speech problems - the children began to speak.
All these and other miracles that give us solutions to many, many problems are wonderful. But one more conclusion can be drawn: no matter what skeptics and those who do not trust the obvious, albeit incredible, say, miracles from God exist in our lives and are given according to our faith, not only, figuratively speaking, for pragmatic purposes. Also, to be seen and remembered: Where the Throne of God is, all of us who lift up words of prayer and thanksgiving to Heaven are seen and remembered. We will be answered to every word, every movement of the soul towards God, to every thought addressed to Him, if they are honest and sincere, if they are imbued with trust and love. Therefore, icons stream myrrh and miraculously are found, healings are performed at life-giving holy springs - this is all evidence that God is with us here and now, and we, if we decide to follow Him, constantly live in His presence, and this fact becomes extremely important for one who considers himself a believer and Orthodox person.
Many icons, whether personalized, wedding or holiday icons, have their own history. And the tales about ancient images, which are considered miraculous, are especially amazing. One of these is Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”.
Where and when the image “Unfading Color” appeared in Rus' is not known for certain, but it is known where this name came from. This name comes from a chant in honor of the Mother of God. In addition, since ancient times the Mother of God has been compared to an unfading flower. In Rus', the icon appeared thanks to pilgrims in the 17th and 18th centuries. During that period, copies of the icon began to appear in various Russian monasteries. 
This image, which is rarely seen in Russian churches, is dearly loved by believers. Prayer in front of the icon “Unfading Color” (“Fragrant Color”) helps people in the “invasion of sadness”, with the loss of loved ones, in a state of loneliness. Many healings of the sick are being done. In all these cases, the Mother of God helps to gain spiritual strength to overcome trials, continue life, and fulfill Christian duty. One of the most heartfelt prayers addressed to this icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is the akathist.
The meaning that has Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Unfading Color” very large. It itself symbolizes purity and innocence. Therefore, the girls pray before her precisely to preserve their righteousness and purity. It takes on special significance for young girls, since they ask her for help in choosing a future spouse. It is often also used as a wedding icon for the bride. She is blessed and given to her wife. During family life The icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” helps to cope with sorrows. Which may fall to the spouse.
Pure and fiery prayer to this icon helps in resolving difficult family problems. There is a popular belief that the “Fadeless Color” icon helps girls and women maintain beauty and youth. This icon is for begging for the beauty and love of the people around you.
In front of the icon Everlasting Color“Believers pray, first of all, to preserve themselves in purity and righteousness, as well as for admonition when choosing a future spouse.
Only today audio cast + brochure “Fadeless color - a female icon for youth and beauty” + present
It is important to note here that if the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God became the patroness of family and marriage, then this is like a premarital standard!
This is precisely the meaning of this image, and therefore it becomes very important for women.
The Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is my favorite, it is painted on silk and is very, very beautiful. Here is her picture.
On the icon itself “ Everlasting color” and her numerous lists, the Most Holy Theotokos holds Her Divine Son on right hand, and in Her left hand is a white lily flower.
This flower symbolically marks the unfading color of virginity and purity of the Most Pure Virgin, to Whom the Holy Church addresses itself: “You are the Root of virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity.”
Some lists show roses or other flowers instead of lilies.
Lists of icons “ Unfading color” (“Fragrant color”) became famous in Moscow, Voronezh and other places of the Russian Church.
D. Dallas cited as the earliest image of “Our Lady of the Unfading Color” an engraving, executed in Western style, in the Venetian edition of the Bible, called the New Treasury (1612, Greek), in which the Mother of God and Child stands on a month, growing from the head of Christ roses
The combination of Western elements with the theme of the Akathist, according to this author, gave a new iconography, which is a product of the iconographic creativity of the post-Byzantine era.He indicated early Orthodox icon paintings of the Mother of God with flowers.
The first of them dates back to around 1700 and represents a contamination of the iconography of “Our Lady of the Life-Giving Spring” and “Our Lady of the Unfading Flower”.
Among the iconographic sources of this type of icon of the Mother of God, the author names the Catholic “Rosencranzmadonna”.
They have one obligatory detail - flowers, which are placed in flowerpots or woven into garlands, decorate flourishing wands or are a pedestal on which Christ and the Mother of God are depicted.
Sometimes these icons have lengthy inscriptions.
Most often, Mary and the Child on the icons of “Our Lady of the Unfading Color” are dressed in royal clothes.
The emergence of this image was preceded by separate orthodox icons Mother of God, in which either Christ or the Mother of God are holding a flower in their hands.
When clarifying the question of the origin of the icon “” Everlasting color” if only you are guided by data from Orthodox websites or books like “ Orthodox calendar on...” then the following picture emerges.
1. They claim that the origin of the “Unfading Flower” icon is connected with Athos: immortal flowers grew on the slopes of the Holy Mountain, considered a symbol of purity.
But then why do the vast majority of icons belonging to the type under study depict lilies?
The appearance of the icon itself in the Moscow kingdom dates back to the 17th – 18th centuries. And the icon obviously got there through pilgrims.
It was also found that the most ancient image, belonging to the type of icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” mentioned in historical documents, dates back to the 18th century and that it was located, appears in the Moscow St. Alexis Monastery, which stood on the site of the later built Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This image itself has not survived, but numerous copies of it – “lists” – have remained. But they still appealed because, from an artistic point of view, this icon stood out from the background of other icons of the Mother of God with its attractiveness.
The icons of “Our Lady of the Unfading Color” are varied, sometimes completely dissimilar to each other, as, indeed, are some other iconographies of late origin.
They have one obligatory detail - flowers, which are placed in flowerpots or woven into garlands, decorate flourishing wands or are a pedestal on which Christ and the Mother of God are depicted. The oldest and most revered Russian icon of the Mother of God “ Everlasting Color” became famous in the Moscow Alekseevsky nunnery.
Its first mention dates back to 1757, but most likely it was there before.
The icon of the Alekseevsky Monastery had complex iconography:
In the foreground of the icon was a throne with a jug and a flower branch; to the left (from the Mother of God) is the Infant of God in full height, barefoot, with his right hand He leans on the left shoulder of the Mother of God, in His left hand is a scepter; The head of the Mother of God is bowed towards the Baby, on Her head, not covered with maforia, there is a crown, in her right hand there is a branch entwined with a ribbon with the inscription: “Unfading Flower!
The celebration of this image took place on April 3, old style (April 16, new style)
“Fadeless color” – a female icon for youth and beauty
The Infant Christ is represented standing on a throne, in some icons covered with a veil with the Calvary cross.
But the complex composition of the icon “Our Lady of the Unfading Color” practically disappears over time.
According to the legend recorded in the work of F. Lovtsov, the icon “Our Lady of the Unfading Flower” was brought from Athos to church parishioner Malevsky-Malevich in 1865 and was revered as miraculous.
From this icon a copy was made for the Church of the Assumption in Mogiltsy. The iconography of the miraculous image was significantly different from the Alekseevskaya shrine, widely known by that time.
According to Lovtsov’s description, in it Mary sits on a throne, with her right hand supporting the Baby standing on a flower that grows from under the feet of the Mother of God.
The Baby has an orb in his right hand, his left hand is pressed to his chest. Mary has lilies in her right hand. Both of them are represented in royal crowns. Angels hold the crown over the Mother of God. The celebration of the icon took place on December 31.
The exact iconographic analogy of this miraculous image is an icon of the first third of the 19th century from the Central Museum. Andrey Rublev.
In the writings of some authors, the appearance of the iconography “Our Lady of the Unfading Flower” was associated with a miracle from the flower of the Mother of God, called “the unfading flower.”
But there is no mention of the miraculous icons of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” on Athos either in the works of the popular spiritual writer Svyatogorets, in which there are entire passages dedicated to the Mother of God flowers, or in numerous Russian publications dedicated to Athos shrines.
In 1864, shortly before the icon of the Church of the Assumption on Mogiltsy appeared in Moscow, a miracle of healing from the Mother of God flower occurred, which is reported in detail in the “Tale of the Miracles of the Mother of God that Recently Performed on Holy Mount Athos” by the monk, published by the Russian Panteleimon Monastery Meletia.
This event, coupled with popular descriptions of pilgrims’ journeys to Athos, most likely served as the impetus for explaining the name of the icon in connection with the Mother of God’s unfading flowers and for the greater popularity of this iconography in the 19th century.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon “Fadeless Color”
O 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 all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften hearts evil people, rising up 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.
Sincere prayers said in front of the “Unfading Color” icon can not only restore the spiritual strength of believers and guide them on the path of righteousness, but also help preserve youth and beauty.
Appeal to the Mother of God in front of the miraculous icon contributes to the preservation loving relationship between spouses, helps close people find understanding, strengthen family relationships, resolve serious problems, with whom household members interact. Girls resort to prayers in front of the icon, turning to the Most Pure One for help in finding a reliable and loving spouse. Those who need consolation also come to the Virgin Mary; the icon is revered among people who have experienced some kind of grief. Prayers to the Mother of God in front of the “Unfading Color” icon help to gain faith in the future, strength to continue life, and inspire to fight dark thoughts , and also allow you to forget about mental anxieties.
There are many miracles associated with the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”. It happened more than once that after praying in front of the shrine, young girls found a life partner, finding harmony and happiness in family life. The sufferers also testified that the Virgin Mary helped them, after turning before the icon, to find peace of mind, find the meaning of their existence, and reevaluate their lives. Other Christians came to the shrine in moments when sadness gripped their souls and thoughts, and only the Queen of Heaven was able to guide them on the true path, indicate a righteous way of life, find happiness and accept themselves as a person is.
The Orthodox know that the Most Pure One cannot leave to the mercy of fate those who need her affection. Many miracles associated with the “Unfading Flower” happened in the old days; the appearance of the image of the Mother of God saved thousands of Christians from mental burdens. But even today miraculous phenomena are happening.
For example, on Mount Kefalonia, located near the island of Athos in Greece, something amazing happens every year. One very interesting tradition is maintained here: on the day of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Christians bring white flowers to the temple, similar to those that Gabriel appeared with them to the Virgin Mary. These flowers are stored until the celebration in honor of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Moreover, there is no need to water the plants.
And every year a bright miracle is observed - the dry stems of flowers after 5 months are filled with new strength, without knowing either moisture or solar heat. Not only do the plants not die, but new snow-white buds appear on the stems. According to some beliefs, it was this event that became the reason for the creation of the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”. The authors of the creation were the Athonite monks, inspired by the miracle.
The flowers held in the hands of the Virgin Mary and the Baby Jesus are a symbol of the virginity and purity of the Virgin Mary, Her spiritual perfection and righteousness. That's why I started contacting Orthodox Church to the Most Holy One: “You are the Root of virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity.”
Among the clergy of the church on Mount Kefalonia, there is a widespread belief that the dried flowers, which anyone can see under the icon case, symbolize human souls. We, like plants, often lose that divine spark that the Lord God gave us. It’s not just our body that is wasting away (that’s not so scary). Our soul is desolate, because we forget about what the life of a true Christian should be like, and we resort to sinful acts. But just like flowers, we can always return, having set foot on the path of a righteous life. To blossom spiritually - to believe and trust in Christ our Savior. For everyone who resorts to the Mother of God with fervent prayer, the merciful God is always ready to help.
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 his hand to 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, incredibly fill with moisture, come to life, new buds appear instead of dried inflorescences and bloom into white lush flowers - here it is, “unfading color”! |
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 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. |
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 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. |
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 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 from 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. |
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 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. |
All believers turn to the Most Pure Virgin Mary, some with a request for help, others with gratitude, and others simply for consolation. The Mother of God is the most revered image among Orthodox Christians; judging by legends and testimonies, the Mother of God does not leave people alone with their misfortune. The Icon of the Unfading Color is one of the most touching images of the Virgin Mary.
The history of the appearance of the Unfading Color
On the largest Ionian Greek island of Kefalonia, a tradition has been carried out for a long time: on the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (April 7), pilgrims coming to the island bring white lily-like flowers. According to the apocrypha, with a similar white flower, which symbolizes immaculate purity, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary with the good news of. The flowers placed by parishioners under the icon case are not removed until one of the main Orthodox holidays - the Assumption (August 28), they lie without water and light. In the twilight, without moisture, the flowers and stems gradually dry out, but by the Dormition the plants miraculously come to life, the stems are filled with moisture, and instead of dry inflorescences, buds appear, white flowers bloom, thereby becoming an unfading color.
What does the image mean for the Orthodox?
According to the Byzantine akathists, Jesus Christ and the Queen of Heaven are compared to unfading flowers. It was on the basis of the akathists that the miraculous image of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” (XVII century) was created on the sacred Mount Athos.
On the shrine, the Mother of God is depicted with her Son, whom she holds in one hand and in the other hand a white unfading flower. On some icons you can see a pink plant (a rose or just a pink branch), and a baby - sometimes on the right hand, sometimes on the left. But from a slight difference in the images, the meaning of the icon does not lose its power and miraculous power. It is argued that the first icons depicted the Mother of God seated on a throne and holding a scepter entwined with a white branch.
The significance of the “Unfading Color” icon for believers is difficult to overestimate; legends are made about its power. One of the legends tells that the Blessed Virgin helps women preserve their beauty long years. The icon is especially important for virgins who want to find a worthy mate for life. In ancient times, this information was secret, and it was transmitted exclusively through the female line.
Image help
The face of the Mother of God on the “Unfading Flower” is one of the most gentle, peaceful, beautiful, radiating calm, joy, love. It seems that one glance at the enchanting image is enough for sadness to subside, worries to dissipate, and the soul to calm down.
What does the image help with:
- preserve women's youth;
- maintain chastity;
- girls find a life partner;
- gain understanding between loved ones;
- relieve mental turmoil;
- guide you on the righteous path;
- solve family problems;
- protect the family hearth from harm;
- family people to get rid of temptations;
- preserve family, family values.
The “Unfading Color” icon was used to bless the bride at her wedding for a happy marriage.
What to pray for
The main thing when reading a prayer is sincerity and faith. Sincere prayer to the Mother of God helps dispel fears and anxieties. Rebellious searching soul calms down, becomes peaceful. Before the image you need to pray for the expulsion of dark thoughts, peace of mind, ask the Mother of God for understanding and peace for the family. People who are confused in life, looking for their path, can safely turn to the holy image for guidance on the true path.
Most often, young virgins turn to Mother to find the one person with whom they can live their whole lives without troubles. Girls who want to avoid worldly temptations and devote their lives to serving the Almighty also pray. Married women
They pray if problems arise at home, if there is a schism and misunderstanding. It is believed that the Queen of Heaven helps a married couple maintain good relationships and strengthen their family.
Miraculous image
Since ancient times, people have believed in miracles sent by the “Unfading Flower”. Hundreds of thousands of Christians were freed from mental anxieties thanks to the holy image. Many testify to real healings. Mother especially loves and helps children. Cases are described when parents prayed to the Intercessor for the health of sick children and the children received healing. The children's speech problems disappeared, and one day, a mute child began to talk after his parents prayed.
World shrine lists
- The study of the iconography of the image is varied. After the appearance of “Unfading Color,” many versions of icon painting arose, differing in detail, but identical in meaning. Some researchers are inclined to believe that the appearance of the first Athonite copy was in Constantinople. Whether this is true or not, since then three main known trends in icon painting of the Virgin Mary have emerged:
- Russian.
- Bulgarian.
Greek.
Each direction has its own traditions. Flowers on copies can be found not only white, but pink and even red. But in all the images one can discern the prototype of the lily presented to the Queen of Heaven by the Archangel Gabriel. In the Historical Museum of Athens there is a 16th-century image in which the Son of God, rather than the Mother of God, holds the branch. And in the 17th century, icon painting was created in Belarus with royal crowns on the heads of the Mother of God and the Child. It is assumed that it was from this copy that the tradition of painting the Infant God and the Virgin Mary with crowns on their heads arose, which does not contradict the principles of Christian icon painting.
On later copies in the 19th century, the compositions are simpler and inferior to ancient images in the richness of color and detail. The compositions become simpler, many attributes disappear, the branches are depicted less luxurious and bright.
Moscow lists In pre-revolutionary Russia there was a Moscow monastery for, it was called Alekseevsky. It was there that the oldest copy of the “Unfading Color” icon was kept, in front of which the girls prayed to preserve spiritual purity and maintain bodily purity. Most likely, the list was brought to Russian Empire almost immediately after the painting of the image in the 17th century, since one known copy is dated 1691. The copy is different from the others: on it the baby stands at full height, leaning his hand on the shoulder of the seated Mother of God. On the right side of the Mother of God there is a ribbon with the name of the icon. On the throne there is a jug with a beautiful white branch.
Another famous list was kept in the Church of the Assumption in Mogiltsy. The bottom of the copy depicts a beautiful blooming lily on which stands the Son of God. The mother supports the baby with one hand, holds a white branch with the other, and Angels hover above her head. The Church of the Assumption was mentioned in their works by Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Alexander Griboedov. Currently, the church has been revived and houses modern list"Fadeless colour" as the vintage copy disappeared under Soviet rule.
Where can you see "Eternal Color"
Lists of miraculous icons can be seen by visiting the following holy places:
- Russia, Moscow: Krasnoye Selo, St. Alekseevsky Monastery (the original was located here until 1757).
- Voronezh: Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The image was revered and loved by Seraphim of Sarov, who prayed to him in the temple of the town of Kadom (Ryazan region).
- Samara region: an amazing incident occurred in the house of a Christian woman; a miraculous image of the “Unfading Color” appeared on the window glass, which disappears with the onset of night and appears at dawn. It was in 2012 on April 16 (the day of celebration of the “Unfading Color”, April 3 - according to the old style). Since then, countless pilgrims have come to see the miracle and pray. They even tried to convict the owner of fraud, there were a lot of commissions in the house, but nothing came of it, the Face of the Virgin Mary appears on the glass every morning.
- Yeisk district: a miraculous spring, which was revived in 2008.
- Ukraine, Kiev region: in the Vasilkovsky district there is a temple consecrated in honor of this image.
- Kherson region: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, here the icon differs from the others in that it bleeds, many sick people and simply believers come here to look at the miraculous icon and pray to it from the heart.
The Power of Image for Modern Believers
Pilgrims come en masse to Greece to Mount Athos to admire the amazing image of the Virgin Mary and tell her about their troubles, asking for healing for themselves and their relatives. Orthodox believe that they will receive healing or relief from illness, peace, help and resolution of family problems. The Holy Fathers warn that Mother helps only with sincere prayer, if the request for “help” comes from the heart, only with faith.
Athonite priests compare the tender branches on the images with the pure souls of people. This means that without vital moisture, plants wither, and without true faith and love, the human soul becomes stale, its most positive features disappear. But after spiritual prayer from comprehensive unconditional love The soul of God and the Mother of God can be reborn to a new righteous life, just as the miraculous branches in sacred icon painting are reborn.
Where in the house should the icon be located?
The main place in the house should be given to Jesus Christ and the Savior. For home interiors, there are no strict rules for the placement of icon paintings, as there are for churches. “Fadeless Color” can be placed in any place convenient for quiet prayer. The main thing is to highlight the “red corner” of the image, place it above the other lists (except for Christ), and decorate it, as is customary in Orthodoxy. Placement in cluttered cabinets is unacceptable, and there is no need to place any foreign objects next to the shrine, except for the actual details decorating the Mother of God.