The icon of Ostrobras is of special importance, both for Catholics and for Orthodox people. According to the most common version, this image was brought to Vilna from Chersonesos by Prince Olgerd. After his death, the face was transferred to the Trinity Monastery. This icon has a rich history, it often passed from hand to hand. Today you can see it in Vilnius Chapel over the Sharp Gate.
Orthodox believers celebrate the Feast of the Icon of Ostrobram on December 26. Catholics celebrate the 14th of April.
The icon of Ostrobuma is considered rare, since the Mother of God is depicted alone without a baby. It was written on eight dvuhsantimetrovye boards of oak. The size of the face is 165x200 cm. The Virgin is depicted with a bowed head and crossed arms. Orthodox believers believe that this gesture means the moment when God's Mother accepts the gospel. On her head is a crown and a halo of long rays with stars. At the bottom of the icon is a crescent of silver.
The history of the icon of the Virgin Mary of Ostrobram
There are several different versions of how this image appeared. According to one of the legends, the face appeared on April 27, 1431 on the "sharp gates" of the city of Vilna. It was from here that the name of the icon arose. The image is highlighted with its beauty and rich decoration. According to another legend, the icon was sent to the prince by the emperor of Greece after the adoption of Christianity. There is also the option that the icon appeared above the gate itself.
Catholics are sure that the icon is of European origin. Some experts say that the face appeared around the 17th century and was written off from the image of a Dutch artist-icon painter. Orthodox believers are sure that the Ostrohram Mother of God is a Byzantine image. There is also information that this face was originally part of a certain composition.
In 1829, during the removal of the silver garment, an inscription was found, which turned out to be the Noble Song of Our Lady "The Honest Cherub". It is believed that the Mother of God at that moment observed the appearance of the archangel Gabriel, but part of this image was lost.
What helps the icon of Ostrobram and its meaning
Christians consider this image to be the main assistant in defending against dark forces and ill-wishers. That's why it is recommended to hang it directly above the front door.
What protects the icon of the Mother of God of the Icon of Ostrobram:
- Helps to protect themselves from gossip and evil eyes. This unique image protects from various problems and sudden death.
- If you pray to the icon, you can get rid of the existing curse and other magical negatives up to the seventh tribe.
- Another significant fact, which helps the icon of Ostrobuma - having her homes can set up energy, calm the atmosphere and achieve harmony in the house.
- People who want to help their relatives with psychological illnesses, with a penchant for depression and with other similar mental problems turn to this icon.
- The Virgin protects the spouses from outside interference and helps them to preserve their feelings for a long time.
- It is considered, if in difficult times to appeal to the image and some time to be alone with him, then soon the solution of the problems will come by themselves.
That the power of the image always protects your house, you need to regularly pray prayerfully to the Theotokos. Do this with clean thoughts and an open mind.
Before the icon of the Icon of the Mother of God in Ostrobrama, one should read this prayer:
"O holy lady, Lady, my Lady, Heavenly Queen! Save us and have mercy on us, your sinful slaves (names) from vain slander, from all kinds of misfortunes and misfortunes, evil and evil people and impudent deaths. Protect us, the Lady of the Mother of God, from all enemies of our visible and invisible, from the cruel defiance of the enemy and from every evil circumstance. Amen".
To women, the facial helps to conceive, endure and give birth to a healthy child. To do this, you need to read this prayer:
"O most holy Mother of God, do not turn your face away from me, the sinful servant of God, and receive this prayer to Thee from the whole heart, keep the fruit of my belly and safely be born (at the time) well-favored (favored) by Thy great and unspeakable mercy" .