Icon "Worthy Is" of the Mother of God. Meaning of an Icon and Prayer

A lot of miracles have happened since the beginning of the Christian era. Some people created divas, angels brought another joy to the earth. So it happened with the holy image of the Virgin Mary.

Holy place

The events through which the icon "Worthy Is" was opened to mankind developed on Mount Athos. This land is located in the eastern part of Greece, on one of the peninsulas. This region is a peculiar state of monks. Now there are about 20 Orthodox communities in which only men live.

One of the most stringent laws of this desert: entry to this territory to women of any age is strictly prohibited. Violation of the rule entails a criminal penalty of imprisonment for a period of 8 to 12 months. Men of any religion can visit this territory, having received a special permit. Clothes pilgrims should be closed and modest. During the trip they can spend the night in any community.

The Virgin's Land

It should be noted that it is forbidden to build new monasteries in this territory. But in addition to 20 existing communities on this land there are many monasteries, single settlements and cells. In one of them the icon "Worthy Is" began its history.

Mount Athos is very important for the Orthodox world. This is one of the four domains of the Virgin, that is, it is under the protection of the Virgin Mary. Here, as the documents note, on June 11, 980 (according to other sources - 982), one of the miracles occurred.

According to legend, in one of the cells of Mount Athos lived an old monk-hermit. The young servant helped him. His abode, named after the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was left only rarely. All the time the recluses prayed.

Marvelous guest

One day the elder left the cell to spend the night in the temple, and ordered his young pupil to serve at home. And it happened. The young man sincerely and passionately prayed before the image of the Virgin, later known as the icon "Worthy Is".

During the service at the door, someone quietly knocked. The young man approached the entrance and saw an unknown monk. According to the Orthodox tradition, he, without questioning the traveler about anything, affectionately invited him into his cell. When the time came for worship, the men began to pray together.

The stranger was perfectly able to read all the texts in memory, so their singing was so wonderful, as if these people had not met for the first time, but had known each other for many years. When it was time to praise the Virgin Mary, both stood before the image of the Queen.

Country of angels

The young novice began with the words "Honest Cherub and the most glorious Seraphim." The guest listened to the youth's prayer, and when he finished, for the first time he said: "We have a different name for the Mother of God." The boy did not know what the new acquaintance meant when he said that they had a different service. The stranger fell to his knees, before him stood the icon of the Mother of God. "Worthy Is" - with such a phrase his glory began. The unfamiliar guest song consisted only of one sentence, but was so beautiful and touching that the sender's heart froze. Then the monk, as it should, read out the "Honest Cherub".

The young man asked him to teach him this praise, but in the poor cell there was neither ink nor paper. Then the guest sat down at the stone table and began to write a finger on his surface. Granite spread out at hand, like wax. A few minutes later the words were carved.

Miracle of the Archangel

The stranger asked to teach everyone else this song. When he was about to leave, the young man asked his name, and he answered: "Gabriel." After that, the miracle worker disappeared without a trace. But the icon that they prayed for a long time glowed with a pleasant light glow.

The monk could not come to his senses. The adventure seemed to him a strange dream. But the reality of events was reminiscent of the inscription on the stone surface of the table. By morning the boy had learned a new melody and words by heart. When the old man returned to the cell, he immediately heard a beautiful song. Then the student told about what happened at night. The sage understood that the archangel had been invited to visit.

On the wonderful events the monk told the leadership. Since then, the prayer for the Theotokos began with the words of Gabriel, and the image before which the monk and his unfamiliar friend prayed became known as the icon "Worthy Is".

As a sign that the miracle really happened, the holy person was transferred to the Cathedral of Karelia. There it is kept until now. Plate with the text was sent to Constantinople.

New Traditions

A lot of details on the icon appeared from that time. And at first it was a perfectly ordinary waist-face of the Virgin with a baby on her right hand. Today, like a thousand years ago, before us, as before the novice and Gabriel, there is an image of the Virgin Mary and the little Jesus, who gently presses against her hands.

All the other elements of the picture are fantasy masters. They tried to fill their works with spiritual components in order to bring the viewer closer to the events that occurred that night. Traditionally, the heads of Mary and Jesus are represented by angels who stretch out their hands to the Theotokos. And the picture is crowned by God, but He is almost invisible because of the radiance. Winged creatures should remind a person that the song that Gabriel wrote on the stone was sent to earth from heaven.

After the events on Mount Athos, the icon of the Mother of God "Worthy Is" is created with new features of faces. They radiate royal majesty. The heads of Mary and the son of God are crowned with golden crowns. In his small hand, Christ holds a paper on which the words of prayer are written. The eyes of the saints look toward the text.

Domestic artists

But there are other types of images, in particular, painted in Russia. Here in the picture, besides the Virgin Mary, they also depicted angels or saints who sat around her in the clouds and asked for blessings. Along with the depiction of the Virgin, the text itself was written, which the archangel Gabriel once opened to a young novice. But the Heavenly Queen could draw in full growth. She held the baby in her arms. A thin mill was emphasized by magnificent angelic clothes. Also often in Russia along with the Virgin put various saints. The martyrs were depicted in order, depending on the rank.

Now June 24 (June 11, old style) in the Orthodox world is celebrated the icon of the Virgin "Worthy Is". "Merciful" is its second name, because the image has miraculous power. Everyone who prays to the Virgin Mary receives help.

Now in honor of this face there are temples. Such churches can be seen in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Sacred text

Almost everyone knows about the miraculous power of the icon. Of course, the basis of religion is faith, but apart from the fact that a person does not question the existence of the Lord, he must still understand the fundamentals of the Christian world. Today, at an hour when the church is open to all, and priests have the opportunity to explain information to the people, ignorance of the dogmas of Orthodoxy is a big sin. Therefore, before asking the Heavenly Queen for help, you should at least have a minimum to learn about what the icon "Worthy Is" means, and why the archangel Gabriel used these phrases and sentences in his prayer. The essence of the text itself can be found below.

The first word should be understood as "fair" or "legitimate". These words were spoken by the archangel, so you can not doubt their truthfulness. The next "is" means "I exist."

Interpretation of words

Then the archangel spoke of "the grief of Ty". He had in mind "to glorify the Theotokos." "Blessed" should be understood as happy, because this woman has the honor to be the mother of Christ. It is also known that Mary was a virgin, and conception occurred without a husband, because Gabriel calls the Queen in prayer "unexplained". The word "real" may be incomprehensible. Its meaning is very simple and is interpreted as "truth", or such that it does not require proof.

Partially reflects the celestial hierarchy of the icon "Worthy Is". Value and symbolism are very deep. For example, very few people know who Cherubim and Seraphim are, and why they are also mentioned in prayer. In fact, these are the angels who are closest to the Almighty. The former has great wisdom and is able to transmit knowledge to people. The second is the protector of love, light and fire. Here it becomes clear that even these angels recognize that the Mother of God stands above them.

Envy and pride

This miraculous icon has great power. In particular, it can release all mortal sins. The main thing is that the person praying pleads guilty. Pride is one of the biggest problems. To realize that everyone is equal is very difficult. A wise proverb says: one person can look down on another only when he gives him his hand. If you notice for yourself that you are increasingly disparaging towards others, then you can ask for forgiveness. The icon of the Theotokos "Worthy Is" will save the soul from sin, and the mind - from wrong thoughts.

Neither will good result lead to jealousy. She will induce to trouble. Pray to the Virgin Mary before the image, and the Queen of Heaven will teach you to rejoice over the happiness of your neighbor, and not to wish him evil through success.

Gluttony also affects not only the body, but also the soul. A person who does not know the measures will soon lose himself. Before the image "Worthy Is" ask the Mother of God to teach you to rejoice in a small and simple, and not to demand luxury and wealth.

From all misfortunes will help the image

Fornication is a kind of demon of passion that does not let go of a person. It is almost impossible to fight against it independently. It is necessary to enlist the support of heaven. The face of the Mother of God helps overcome sin and restore the light again.

Destroys and evil feelings icon "Worthy Is". What are people praying for before the image? Of course, that the Heavenly Queen would help overcome anger. This emotion is like a grain, that weeds grow into the heart. Subsequently, it grows and begins to suppress good feelings. The pure Virgin destroys evil intentions, and in exchange sows the light.

They come to the icon and in order to overcome greed. A real Christian understands that the material benefits against the spiritual are nothing. Only charity and self-giving can lead a person to good. Therefore, before the image of the Mother of God, many are asked to fill thoughts with good and take away from their heads bad intentions.

Prayer from the heart

Another reason for anxiety is laziness. It also refers to the seven mortal sins. Often such a feeling causes a distance from the Lord. A person does not want to go to church or pray. For a little bit, he loses his soul. Revive the faith and refill the life with the meaning of prayer prayer icon "Worthy Is".

To the image are laymen with various problems. Some ask to heal the body, others - the heart. The history knows many wonderful events that occurred before the face of the Virgin Mary. She is merciful and kind, understands everyone and has a great influence on destiny.

Prayer to the Theotokos in front of this image for each one is unique. With the Queen you can communicate as you like. She understands all languages and words. If possible, it is better to read the texts that were composed by the clergy or sent by angels from heaven. Each phrase is chosen in such prayers, so their content is very deep.

It becomes a salvation for hopeless people icon "Worthy Is". What helps the Virgin? He cures bodily illnesses, guides the way of truth and lets go of sins.

Appeal to the Mother of God

For those who wish to speak with the Most Pure, it is worth reading the following: "The Most Holy and Great Lady, I turn to you, merciful and kind, Forgive your servant, before falling down on your knees, you are all-seeing and all-knowing, see our sins and our sorrows. Me, the guilty, the Creator and the Son, let them forgive me of the sins that were committed deliberately and subconsciously, let them be affectionate towards me.

Queen of Heaven, bless on good deeds. Let the road along which I walk will be full of light and good. Arm me with truth and mercy. Protect the soul from evil thoughts, heal the body from the ailments of the earth. Teach yourself to live right: to appreciate near people, to give enemies patience, to destiny - humility. Let my temptations be confronted with restraint, understanding will overcome anger, greed will be replaced by mercy, and pride - simplicity.

Great and glowing, before you I will. I hope for you. "

Significant energy is the icon "Worthy Is". History confirms its strength. Touch it can anyone who hangs his head before the image of the Virgin.