One of the most important for Christians is the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, which began to be regarded as miraculous almost immediately after its discovery. This image helps in solving various problems, most importantly, to pray before him from the heart with a number of rules.
Kazan icon of the Mother of God - history
Once an ordinary girl in a dream saw the Mother of God, who ordered the archbishop and city governors to be found in the place where the fire took place and the house was planned to be built, its image. The girl was not believed, and then the Mother of God appeared again, and for the third time the Matron saw the icon itself, which in a menacing voice said that it was necessary to start a search, otherwise it would disappear, and the girl would perish. On July 8, people began searching, but the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, whose significance is enormous for Christians, was found by the Matrona herself.
Lick was bright, as if the icon had just finished writing, and most importantly, the image was not affected by the fire at all. After the incident, people organized a procession and transferred the image to the church of St. Nicholas of Tula, and after the prayer service to the Annunciation Cathedral. The priest of the church witnessed the incident and recorded the first miraculous manifestation of the face - during the transfer of the image to the temple, two blind men were enlightened. From this moment, the Kazan icon of the Mother of God was categorized into holy faces.
What does the icon of Kazan Mother of God look like?
If we talk about the types of icons, then this image refers to the abbreviated version of the Hodegetria. On the icon the Mother of God is presented frontally in characteristic clothes. Her head is slightly tilted toward her son, who sits on her arm. The image of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God includes in the composition and the Child, whose figure is limited to the waist, but he looks straight. One of his hands is hidden under his clothes, and the second one shows a blessing gesture. The views of the Theotokos and Jesus are addressed directly to the praying people.
What helps the icon of Our Lady of Kazan?
During the years of the image, a lot of miracles were recorded. For example, during the Troubles under his care there were entire troops that won. The list from which the Kazan icon of the Mother of God protects can be continued for a long time, but more often it is addressed with such requests:
- Pray before her for healing from various ailments, especially those associated with the eyes. The image helps to achieve spiritual insight and do not lose faith in the Higher Forces.
- People ask for help in a difficult life period when their hands fall. The Theotokos will comfort in any sorrow.
- The Kazan icon of the Mother of God will become a faithful helper at the time of the need to make the right decision. She will save from committing mistakes and will point the right way to the desired goal. There is much evidence that after the prayer the Mother of God came in a dream and gave advice.
- They turn to the Mother of God not only with their troubles, but also with joys, for example, young people ask for blessings for marriage. Families ask the Virgin for help, to build relationships and bring harmony into the union.
November 4 - the feast of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God
For the faithful, the Kazan image of the Mother of God is of great importance, therefore celebrating in her honor is not a time for sorrow and sadness. This is a bright holiday, when the faithful bring honor to the Mother of God and ask her for help and protection. On the day of the Kazan Icon on November 4, it is customary to go to church for a liturgy. Previously, after it, a procession was made, and people with icons in their hands walked around villages and cities, thus creating a protection for all residents.
On this church holiday, various rituals were held to improve their lives. For example, young single girls could attract their soul mate, for which they were looking at a birch leaf, covered with frost on both sides, and looked at him as in a mirror. It is accepted to play the wedding at Kazan, because it is believed that the marriage, concluded on this holiday, will be strong and happy.
Icon of Kazan Mother of God - holiday, signs
It is not forbidden to work on this church holiday, but the believers instead of work prefer to go to church and pray. The history of the holiday of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God indicates that it is impossible on this day to cry, sad, quarrel and regret the past. Previously, people necessarily invited to the festive table loved ones to celebrate this day. There are a number of signs associated with the holiday in honor of the Kazan icon:
- If it rains on November 4, it means that winter will come soon.
- It is not recommended to go on holiday on a long journey, because there will be many problems and it will not be easy to return home.
- The weather on this day is changeable and it is considered that this is the turn of autumn and winter, so do not be surprised if it rains in the morning and snow falls in the evening.
Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
After the acquisition of the icon, many temples were built in honor of the great image. The most famous is the Kazan Cathedral, which is located in front of the mint in the Russian capital. He was raised in 1636 by the order of the king. The Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God has small dimensions, but this does not prevent it from being one of the main ones in Moscow. The fact that in Stalin's time the cathedral was demolished in order to reconstruct the square was sad, and in its place a public toilet was equipped. The church was rebuilt in 1990-1993.
Prayer icon of Kazan Mother of God
To turn to the prayers of the Theotokos, one must not only know the text, but also the peculiarities of its reading:
- The prayer of the Kazan Icon can be pronounced in the church and at home. The main thing is to have an image before your eyes.
- In the morning it is necessary to wash with water and it is better if it is lit. Another important point - cross your arms in advance and think about something good.
- Relax and get rid of extraneous thoughts. Light the candles in front of the icon, stand on your knees and adjust to prayer.
- Read the text without hesitation, without being distracted. It is important that before the eyes was the icon of Our Lady of Kazan. The number of repetitions of the prayer does not matter. After that, you can say your request, which should have a positive meaning without bad intent.
Akathist to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
The text of the akathist tells of the miraculous appearance of the image and of the enormous protection that it gave to Russian soldiers and believing people. The Orthodox Church even has a custom to read the Akathist to the Kazan Icon in the event of any disasters. Singing it is recommended for family and financial problems, various illnesses, emotional experiences and so on. You can read or listen to the Akathist at any time, but it is better to do this in the morning, when the head is free from earthly problems.