Byzantine icons. Russian and Byzantine icons

It is believed that the icon is the image of God or Saint on earth, which is the mediator and conductor between the earthly and spiritual worlds. The development of writing images goes far back to ancient times. Firstly, according to legend, there was an imprint of Christ, which appeared on a towel (ubrus) when he was wiped.

Byzantine icons are the first preserved images on which the faces of the saints, the Lord God, the Mother of God and the son, were trying to capture.

Writing Images

The first Byzantine icons that have survived to this day are dated to the 6th century. Undoubtedly, there were earlier ones, but unfortunately they did not survive. The first Christians were very often persecuted and persecuted, many manuscripts and images of that time were simply destroyed. Moreover, at that time it was considered idolatry.

On the style of writing can be judged by some preserved mosaics. Everything was quite simple and ascetic. Each icon should show the strength of the spirit and the depth of the image.

At the moment, many preserved Byzantine icons are kept on Mount Sinai in the monastery of St. Catherine. The most famous of them are:

• "Christ the Pantocrator."
• "The Apostle Peter."
• "The Mother of God on the throne."

Their style of writing - encausticism - was considered one of the most popular at the time. Its peculiarity is that the image is painted with wax paint, even hot. This way of writing allowed very realistic portrayal of forms on the icon. In the future, the technique was replaced by tempera, since it was believed that it was more consistent with the canons of writing.

Also very interesting is the fact that these three icons are important images that later formed in the iconography. In the future, the style of writing was gradually reduced to a symbolic one, where the humanity depicted on the icon was not predominant, but its spirituality. In the Comnin period (1059-1204), the image of images became again more human, but spirituality remained. A vivid example is the Vladimir icon. In the eighteenth century, despite the defeat of Constantinople, a new iconography appeared. This is calm and monumental. Later the iconographers of Byzantium continued to search for the correct spelling of the face and the image as a whole. In the XIV century, the transmission of Divine Light became important in icons. Until the very capture of Constantinople, searches and experiments in this direction continued. Also there were new masterpieces.

Byzantine iconography in its time had a significant impact on all countries where Christianity spread.

Writing icons in Russia

The first images in Russia appeared right after the baptism of Rus. They were Byzantine icons, which were written by order. Masters for training were also invited. Thus, the first time the Russian iconography was greatly influenced by the Byzantine.

In the XI century, the first school in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra appeared. The first well-known icon painters appeared: Alipius and his "collaborator", as it was written in one manuscript, Grigory. It is believed that from Kiev Christianity went to other cities of Russia. Together with him and iconography.

After a while there were very large schools in Novgorod, Pskov, Moscow. Each of them has formed its own characteristics in writing. At this time, the signing of images, the attribution of authorship is in use. We can say that from the sixteenth century the Russian style of writing completely separated from the Byzantine, became independent.

If we talk about schools in particular, then in the Novgorod characteristic features was the simplicity and laconicism, the brightness of the tones and the size of the forms. The Pskov school has an inaccurate picture, which is more asymmetrical, but is endowed with some expressiveness. Characterized by a slightly gloomy color with a predominance of dark green, dark cherry, red with an orange hue of tones. Background icons are often yellow.

The Moscow school is considered the peak of the icon painting of the time. She was greatly influenced by the works of Theophanes the Greek, who brought certain traditions from Constantinople. Separately there was the work of Andrei Rublev, who created magnificent examples of icons. In the work he used the style of writing that was characteristic of Byzantium of the XV century. At the same time, he applied Russian directions. As a result, we got amazing images in style.

It should be noted that Russian iconography, although it went its way, but retained all types of writing icons that were in Byzantium. Of course, over time they were somewhat transformed, even new ones appeared. This was due to the emergence of new canonized saints, as well as special reverence for those that had little significance in Byzantium.

In the XVII century, icon painting in Russia is becoming more artistic than spiritual, and also acquires an unprecedented scale. Masters are more and more appreciated, and also sent to other countries for painting temples. Russian icons are ordered and dispensed in many Orthodox countries. In the years to come this art is only asserted in mastery.

Iconography in Russia during the Soviet Union experienced its decline, some of the ancient images were lost. However, now it is slowly reviving, new names of artists appear, which have successes in this field.

The meaning of the icons of the Mother of God in the life of believers

The Theotokos always occupied a special place in Christianity. From the very first days she was an intercessor and defender of ordinary people, cities and countries. Obviously, that's why there are so many icons of the Mother of God. According to legend, her first images were written by Luke, an evangelist. Icons of the Virgin have a special miraculous power. Also, some lists, written from different images, eventually became healing and defending.

If we talk about which icon of the Mother of God helps, it should be known that in different troubles one should ask for help and for different images. For example, the image of the Mother of God, called "The Execution of the Dead", will help with headache, eye diseases, and also will be salutary in case of alcoholism. Icon "Worthy to eat" will help with various diseases of the soul and body, as well as a good prayer to her after the end of a case.

Types of icons of the Mother of God

It can be noted that every image of the Virgin has its own meaning, which can be understood from the type of writing icons. Types were formed in Byzantium. Of these, the following stand out.

Oranta (Praying)

So the early Christian Byzantine icon of the Mother of God is represented, where it is depicted in full growth or to the waist with raised hands, which are spread out to the sides with the palms outward, without the baby. Similar images were found in Roman catacombs, the iconographic type became more widespread after 843 years. The main significance is the intercession and mediation of the Mother of God.

There is also a version of the image of the Virgin with the baby Christ in a round medallion at the breast level. In Russian iconography it is called the "Sign". The meaning of the image is the Epiphany.

Famous icons:

• "Yaroslavl".
• "Inexhaustible chalice", etc.

Hodegetria (Guidebook)

This type of Byzantine icon of the Mother of God spread widely throughout the Christian world after the VI century. According to legend, for the first time it was written by the Evangelist Luke. After a while, the icon became the intercessor of Constantinople. The original is lost when it is siege forever, but many lists remain.

The icon depicts the Mother of God holding a baby Christ in her arms. It is he who is the center of composition. Christ blesses with his right hand, and in the left holds a scroll. The Mother of God points to him with her hand, as if showing the true path. This is precisely the meaning of images of this type.

Famous icons:

• "The Kazan".
• "Tikhvinskaya".
• "Iverskaya" and others.

Eleusa (Prayer)

Similar icons also arose in Byzantium, but more widely spread in Russia. This style of writing arose later, in the ninth century. He is very similar to the Hodegetria type, only more tender. Here the faces of the infant and of the Mother of God touch each other. The image becomes more gentle. It is believed that icons of this type convey the mother's love for her son, like human relations. In some versions, this image is called "Caressing".

Icons of this type:

• "Vladimirskaya".
• "Pochaevskaya".
• "Recovery of the dead", etc.

Panahrange

Images of this type appeared in Byzantium in the XI century. They depict the Mother of God, who sits on the throne (throne) with the infant sitting on her lap. Such icons of the Mother of God symbolize her greatness.

Images of this type:

• "Sovereign".
• "The All-Russian".
• "Pecherskaya".
• "Cyprus" and others.

The image of the Virgin "Tenderness" ("Rejoice, Bride is Not Renowned")

The icon "Tenderness", where the face of the Virgin is depicted without her baby, belonged to Seraphim of Sarov. She stood in his cell, before her always burned a lamp, with the oil of which he anointed the afflicted, and they were healed. Its exact origin is unknown. It is believed that the image was written about in the XVII century. However, some think that the icon was shown to Seraphim of Sarov, since he had a special relationship with the Mother of God. She often saved him from illnesses, often appeared in visions.

After the death of the elder, the icon "Affection" was bequeathed to the Diveevo Convent. Since then, many lists have been written from it, some have become miraculous.

The image is a belt image. On it the Virgin is written without a son, with arms crossed on his chest and a slightly inclined head. This is one of the most tender images of the Virgin, where it is depicted before the birth of Christ, but after the indulgence of the Holy Spirit upon her. This is the female icon of the Mother of God. What helps it? Of particular importance is the image for girls and women from ten to thirty years. It is believed that prayers will be facilitated by a difficult teenage period, retained by maidenliness and chastity. Also this icon is an assistant during conception of children and at their birth.

Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God

This is another no less famous image of the Virgin. He is famous for his miraculous acts for a long time and is very revered among Orthodox believers. Pochaev icon is located in the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra, which is an ancient Orthodox place. The image was donated by local landowner Anna Goiskoy in 1597. Before that, she received it as a gift from the Greek Metropolitan Neophyte. The icon is written in Byzantine style with a letter tempera. Since it was made not less than 300 scrolls, which later became miraculous.

The icon of Pochaev many times saved the monastery from invaders, in addition, many healing with its help was performed. Since then, prayers raised to this image, help with foreign invasions, heal in eye diseases.

"Grieving"

Icon "Mourning" - is the image of the Virgin with lowered eyes, which are covered for centuries. The whole image shows the mother's sorrow for her dead son. The Mother of God is portrayed in solitude, and there are also images with the baby.

There are many variants of writing. For example, in Jerusalem, in the chapel of Christ Uz, there is an ancient icon depicting the weeping Mother of God. In Russia, the miraculous image of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" is popular, which is famous for its healings.

The icon "Mourner" is an assistant and savior during the loss of loved ones, prayer to this image will help to strengthen in the faith in eternal life.

The origin of the Smolensk icon of the Mother of God

This image in its iconographic type belongs to the Hodigitria, and this is the most famous icon. It is not known for certain whether this is an original or just a list. In Russia, the Smolensk icon came in 1046. It was like the blessing of Constantine IX Monomacha to Anna's daughter to marry Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavich of Chernigov. Vsevolod's son, Vladimir Monomakh, moved this icon to Smolensk, where it was kept in the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, which he also built. So this image got its name.

Later the icon performed many different miracles. For example, 1239 could be fatal for Smolensk. A huge horde Batu at the time marched along the Russian land, approaching the city. By prayers of the inhabitants, and also by the feat of the warrior of Mercury, before whom the Virgin appeared in the vision, Smolensk was saved.

The icon often traveled. In 1398 she was brought to Moscow and placed in the Annunciation Cathedral, where she stayed until 1456. This year, a list was written from it and left in Moscow, and the original was sent back to Smolensk. Later the image became a symbol of the unity of the Russian land.

By the way, the original icon of the Virgin (Byzantine) was lost after 1940. In the 1920s, she was seized by the decree in a museum, after which her fate is not known. Now in the Assumption Cathedral there is another icon, which is a scroll. It was written in 1602.

Icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Seraphim of Sarov is a Russian miracle worker who founded the female Diveevo monastery and later became its patron. God's sign he was marked from a small age, after falling from the bell tower was rid of the illness after praying before the icon of the Mother of God. At the same time, the saint also had her vision. Seraphim always aspired to monasticism, therefore in 1778 he was accepted as a novice in the Sarov monastery, and in 1786 became a monk there.

Very often the Monk Seraphim saw angels, once there was even a vision of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the future, the saint strove for hermitage, had experience of desert life. He also performed the feat of pandering for a thousand days. Most of the feats of this time have remained unknown. After a while Seraphim of Sarov returned to the Sarov monastery, because he could not walk because of illness of his legs. There, in his old cell, he continued the prayer before the icon of the Mother of God "Tenderness."

According to the stories, after a while the Mother of God told him to stop recollecting and begin to heal human souls. He received the gift of foresight, as well as miracles. Obviously, this is why the icon of Seraphim of Sarov is of great importance to the believer today. The Monk knew about his death and prepared for it in advance. He even told his spiritual children about her. He was found praying before the icon of the Mother of God, which was with him all his life. After the death of Seraphim, many miracles were performed on his grave, in 1903 he was counted among the saints.

The icon of Seraphim of Sarov has a meaning for those who are in despondency. Prayer in sorrow will also help. In any of the bodily and spiritual illnesses, the icon of the Monk will help. There is also the prayer rule of Seraphim of Sarov.

Icon of Sergius of Radonezh

Sergius of Radonezh is one of the most revered saints in Russia. He is the founder of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. He was also her first abbot. The Charter of the Trinity Monastery was very strict, as the Monk Sergius strictly observed monastic life. After a while, because of the discontent of the brotherhood, he had to leave. In another place he founded the Kirzhach Annunciation Monastery. There he did not stay long, as he was asked to return to the Trinity Monastery. Immediately he went to God in 1392.

The most ancient sacred icon of Sergius of Radonezh was executed in the 1420s. Now she is in the Trinity-Sergius Lavra. This is the sewn cover, on which the belt image of St. Sergius is represented, and around him are nineteen hallmarks of his life.

To date, there is not one icon of Radonezh. Also there is an image that is in the Assumption Cathedral in Moscow. It dates back to the XV-XVI centuries. In the museum. A. Rublev there is another icon of this period.

The image of Radonezh is an assistant in bodily and spiritual illnesses, as well as during everyday problems. They turn to the saint, if it is necessary to protect children from bad influence, and also so that there are no failures in their studies. Prayer before the image of St. Sergius is useful for the proud. The icon of Radonezh is very revered among believing Christians.

Image of Saints Peter and Fevronia

The history of the life of Peter and Fevronia of Murom shows how you can be pious and faithful to the Lord, even in family ties. Their family life began with the fact that Fevronia healed the future husband from scabs and sores on his body. For this she asked him to marry her after the cure. Of course, the prince did not want to marry a daughter of a wood-cutter, but Fevronia foresaw it. The prince's illness resumed, and already then he married her. They began to rule together and were known for their piety.

Of course, the board was not cloudless. They were expelled from the city, then asked to return. After that, they ruled until old age, and then took monastic vows. The couple asked to bury themselves in one coffin with a thin partition, but their command was not carried out. Therefore, they were carried twice in different temples, but they still miraculously appeared together.

The icon of Fevronia and Peter is the patroness of a true Christian marriage. The life of the saints, which is dated 1618, is now in Muromsk, in the historical and art museum. Also, icons of saints can be found in other churches. For example, in Moscow the Ascension Church of the Lord has an image with a particle of relics.

Guardian icons

In Russia at one time there was another kind of images - these are dimensional. For the first time such an icon was written for the son of Ivan the Terrible. Up to now, twenty surviving similar images have survived. These were guardian icons - it was believed that the depicted saints were patrons of babies for the rest of their lives. In our time, this practice has resumed. Already everyone can order for the child such an image. Now generally there is a certain set of icons, which is used for various rituals. This, for example, nominal icons, wedding, family, etc. For each case, you can purchase the appropriate image.