Today it is not possible to reliably establish when and how images with this name appeared in Rus'. Information about this in different sources sometimes differ significantly from each other. Let's try to put together scattered data. Perhaps a complete picture will emerge. But first, let's talk about the appearance of such icons in Orthodoxy in general.
Church traditions say that the first icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” appeared in the 6th century. According to legend, the monk Theophilus, slandered and expelled from the bishop’s house, harbored a great grudge in his soul. He turned away from God and His Mother and entered into an alliance with the devil.
But on the threshold of spiritual death, Theophilus was frightened by what he had done and fervently asked the Mother of God for salvation, calling her “Seeker of the Lost.” Holy Mother, having heard his sincere prayers, accepted the sincere repentance of the fallen one, granted forgiveness and freed him from his obligations to the devil.
The saved Theophilus devoted the rest of his life to serving God and was glorified among the saints.
Early Russian images “Recovery of the Lost”
The Russian icon “Seeking the Lost,” first mentioned in church records in 1548, is kept in the Moscow Church of the Resurrection of the Word. Presumably, the engraving belongs to the brush of an Italian master.
Legends say that in 1666, the wounded governor of Saratov, Kadyshev, was healed at the moment such an image appeared to him. A warrior preparing for death saw in the Volga wonderful icon and stood up. This icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” performed many more miracles.
Two hundred years later, Kadysheva, a descendant of the famous governor, organized in the village of Rakovka convent and became its first abbess. The main shrine This monastery became a family treasure: the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.” The miraculous icon healed many believers and became famous far beyond the Volga region.
Count Sheremetyev, in gratitude for the cure of his son, ordered an expensive gilded icon case, decorated with jewelry, for this icon.
The miraculous Bor Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
Special veneration of images with this name in Rus' began with the glorification of the Borsky Izvod.
A beautiful legend tells about the miraculous salvation of Obukhov Fedot. In the bitter cold, the peasant left his house and got lost along the way. By nightfall the unfortunate man was completely exhausted and cold. He lay down in the sleigh and began to fervently pray to the Mother of God. At that moment he made a vow that if he remained alive, he would order a copy of the image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” and donate it to the parish church.
Miraculously, the sleigh ended up at a peasant's house. The owner of this hut suddenly heard a woman’s voice ordering: “Take it!” Going outside, he found Fedot freezing in a sleigh.
The miracles continued. True to this vow, Fedot turns to the icon painter Gurov. But he demands a sum for the work that Obukhov does not have. As soon as Fedot walked out the door, the icon painter went blind - another miracle Holy Mother of God. Realizing that this is a punishment for greed, Gurov promises to write an exposition at any price. And immediately my vision returned!
Other miracles of the holy image
The icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” was painted and donated by Fedot Obukhov to the church in the village of Bor. Many came to venerate this icon and ask for its intercession. Soon, a new beautiful church was built with donations from parishioners.
And again a miracle: the church elder saw in a dream where this icon would later stand. And soon a decree was received from the Synod on the construction of a temple on this very site.
In 1871, the Bor icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” saved the city of Serpukhov from cholera. During the bringing, another miracle happened: the mute boy, who had not walked until that day, suddenly spoke and stood up on his feet. In gratitude, the residents of Serpukhov donated a Gospel with an image of this icon and records of the miracle performed to the Borsky Church.
This image was lost with the advent of Soviet power. But in 1985, a list of the Bor icon was transferred to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in the Tarusa region. The fact that this is a copy of a famous revered image is evidenced by the inscription on it.
“Recovery of the Dead” in Serpukhov
Every year since 1892, the solemn Procession delivered this shrine to the city of Serpukhov. Every believer could venerate the shrine and ask the Mother of God for help. Particularly fortunate for the Orthodox residents of Serpukhov was the opportunity to accept this image for a prayer service in their own home.
The custom was broken with the establishment of Soviet power in Russia after the October Revolution. The temple in which this was kept miraculous icon, razed to the ground. Many images were lost.
But believers continued to worship this shrine and carefully preserved its copies. One of these lists was in the Trinity Church. However, this church was closed in 1961. And the miraculous icon became inaccessible to believers for 35 years, since all this time it was in the storage of the historical and art museum of the city of Serpukhov.
Return of the holy image to the church
But in June 1996, the holy icon “Seeking the Lost” appeared again in Serpukhov: it was temporarily placed in the Elias Church for prayers. This event became a great holiday for many residents. Flowers, bell ringing and church chants filled the city on this day.
The procession of the Cross delivered the miraculous image from the Vysotsky Monastery to the Elias Church. WITH early morning The square at the monastery was filled with numerous pilgrims. And many even spent the night there.
Solemn services took place in city churches. An endless stream of believers wanting to receive communion and confession moved towards the Church of the Three Hierarchs. Several priests confessed on this day at the same time. Many people gathered in the central square, where the Akathist to the icon “Seeking the Lost” was read.
The image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” was finally returned to the believers in 1997. On May 18, the shrine was transferred by the Serpukhov Historical and Art Museum to the Vysotsky Monastery. This day became a big holiday for Orthodox Serpukhovites. Now the image is available to believers and continues to work miracles.
Moscow icon “Seeking the Lost”
Great is the love of the Mother of God for people and her mercy is limitless. In Russia there is more than one miraculous icon “Seeking the Lost.” In Moscow there is the Church of the Resurrection of the Word, the construction of which is attributed to mid-17th century century. Worship services here never stopped. The icon “Seeking the Lost” is one of the main shrines of this temple.
Legend has it that a representative of a once rich noble family began to be haunted by troubles: first the death of his wife, and then the threat of complete ruin. Many days of fervent prayers before this home shrine averted poverty and misfortune from his family.
As a token of gratitude, the rescued man donated this icon to the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Palashi. In 1812, Napoleon's troops destroyed the church, and the icon “Recovery of the Lost” was cut into several parts. But even in this form, the image did not lose its power, brought healing to the sick and worked miracles. The restored temple worked until 1934 and was closed. The utensils and icons were transferred to other churches and monasteries. The holy image “Seeking the Lost” did not immediately find a new home.
The Mother of God chooses her own monastery
Interestingly, when trying to transport the icon to the Pimenovskaya Church, the cart did not budge. Deciding that the Mother of God herself did not want to be there, they chose a new place to store the shrine - the Resurrection Church, located on Malaya Bronnaya. This time the horses literally flew to their destination.
And when this church was demolished, the icon “Seeking the Lost” found its last refuge in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word.
Other famous Russian images “Recovery of the Lost”
In Marienburg, in the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, a copy of the Samara image “Recovery of the Dead” is kept. This icon was created in 1888 by the nuns of the Rakovsky convent.
After the revolution, this image was lost, but miraculously found in the 50s of the last century in Marienburg. For a long time it was literally underfoot: it was placed as a board on a pedestrian bridge. The find was placed in the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God in the city of Marienburg. It is noteworthy that on the eve of the celebration of the day of remembrance of the icon “Seeking the Lost” in February 1994, this icon began to stream myrrh.
The “Seeking the Lost” icons, which are kept in Moscow churches, are especially revered.
The Holy Dormition Monastery, located in the Tula region, became a place for storing and venerating the list of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost,” created for the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in the village of Sebino.
Interesting facts about the icon “Seeking the Lost” from the Rakovsky Monastery
Manuscripts have been preserved that document miraculous changes. appearance this image. In ordinary times, the Rakovskaya Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost” was dark, the images on it were barely visible. But sometimes the image suddenly brightened, as if light was pouring out from within. This was considered God's message of joyful events. Cases of the appearance of drops of myrrh on the face and hands of the Mother of God and the Child are described. This happened in the period from May to October 1895, from the time of the consecration of the new stone church of the Holy Trinity Monastery.
Iconography of images “Seeking the Lost”
Portions of this type show us the Mother of God sitting. On her knees stands the Christ Child. He puts his arms around Mother’s neck and presses his left cheek to her face. The hands of the Queen of Heaven form a ring around the figure of the Child, her fingers are tightly clasped.
There were several variants of icons of this type - with a covered or uncovered head, sometimes the hands of the Virgin Mary were depicted not clasped.
Sometimes the composition included additional elements: window with a landscape or images of saints. Thus, in the Moscow image, the Mother of God is depicted with her head uncovered, surrounded by saints.
The size of the Bor icon is noteworthy. Its width is 1 meter 25 centimeters, and its height exceeds 2 meters. At the top of the icon is an image of the Baptism of Christ. This is due to the fact that the peasant Obukhov was saved from death precisely on the feast of Epiphany. According to legend, Fedot brought this huge icon to the temple in his arms. So he honored the Mother of God for her miraculous salvation.
Why are these images called that?
Let's try to figure out what the meaning of the icon “Seeking the Lost” is. What does this name mean? It speaks for itself: the Mother of God, in her endless love for humanity, is always ready to grant forgiveness (seek) and help those who are on the verge of death. These images are a symbol of the Mother of God, who tirelessly prays for hopeless patients. The Most Holy Mother saves those perishing in poverty and returns to faith people drowned in vices.
“Seeking the Lost” is an icon whose meaning can be briefly described as follows: it is the last hope for someone who has fallen into despair and cannot help himself.
It is to these images that mothers go with a request to save their babies. The icon, which has repeatedly shown miracles of delivering children from illness and suffering, is considered the patroness and intercessor of minors.
What do believers pray for before the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”?
Seriously ill people and their relatives make fervent requests to this image. It helps to get rid of vices, for example, alcohol addiction. Repentant sinners who have turned away from God go to these icons. Women ask in their prayers before the “Seeking of the Lost” for happy marriage and children's health.
People go to this image to ask for healing for sick loved ones who are near death. IN war time Believers call on the Mother of God, begging her to protect the soldiers on the battlefield.
Prayer to the icon “Seeking the Lost” helps with eye diseases, fever, and headaches. It is important that requests come from a pure heart and are full of faith in God. Only then will the Mother of God show her mercy and power of intercession.
You can contact the Blessed Mother with simple in sincere words that come from the heart. But it’s better to learn prayers that can be found even on the Internet. It’s even better to go to church for this.
IN church calendar February 5 (18) is the day of remembrance of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.”
Orthodox traditions continue
In Rus', new churches of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” are springing up. Just one example - on the initiative of the Kharkov Union of Afghanistan Veterans, in 2007, construction of a chapel began in memory of the fallen participants in local wars.
The chapel was conceived to perpetuate the memory of 19-year-old border guard Yevgeny Rodionov, who died “for his faith” in 1996. 100 days in captivity did not change the young fighter’s convictions; he bravely faced death. Eugene is revered by Orthodox Christians as a martyr for the faith.
And already in the summer of 2008, Metropolitan Nikodim of Kharkov and Bogodukhov blessed the transformation of the chapel into a temple. The main shrine was the icon “Seeking the Lost.” You can see a photo of this temple below.
The 26-meter church is crowned with a cross made in Ukraine. The project of the temple complex includes a bell tower and a church park.
August 23, 2008 became a double holiday for Kharkov residents: the anniversary of the liberation of the city from the fascist occupiers and the consecration of a new church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.”
“Recovery of the Lost” is an icon whose significance for Orthodox Christians is difficult to overestimate. There are not many such images of the Mother of God, but almost all of them are miraculous.
The appearance of this icon is connected with one very ancient history, dated to the 6th century after the birth of Christ. In a certain bishop's house there served as a housekeeper - a very honest and pious man. And suddenly he was accused of being dishonest and kicked out.
The monk was so angry that he grumbled against God and the Mother of God and entered into an alliance with the devil, signing a charter with him. And now, on the verge of death, he was horrified by what he had done, came to his senses and began to think about what to do.
Then he shuts himself in the temple, does not order anyone to be allowed in, and desperately prays before the image of the Mother of God, calling Her “Seeker of the Lost.” The prayer was so fervent, the grief so desperate, and the repentance so deep and sincere that the Queen of Heaven heeded the requests of Theophilus (that was the name of the monk) and, announcing the forgiveness of sins, returned the terrible charter he had signed.
The miraculous Bor Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
Special veneration of images with this name in Rus' began with the glorification of the Borsky Izvod.
A beautiful legend tells about the miraculous salvation of Obukhov Fedot. In the bitter cold, the peasant left his house and got lost along the way. By nightfall the unfortunate man was completely exhausted and cold. He lay down in the sleigh and began to fervently pray to the Mother of God. At that moment he made a vow that if he remained alive, he would order a copy of the image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” and donate it to the parish church.
Miraculously, the sleigh ended up at a peasant's house. The owner of this hut suddenly heard a woman’s voice ordering: “Take it!” Going outside, he found Fedot freezing in a sleigh.
The miracles continued. True to this vow, Fedot turns to the icon painter Gurov. But he demands a sum for the work that Obukhov does not have. As soon as Fedot walked out the door, the icon painter became blind - another miracle of the Most Holy Theotokos. Realizing that this is a punishment for greed, Gurov promises to write an exposition at any price. And immediately my vision returned!
Other miracles of the holy image
The icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” was painted and donated by Fedot Obukhov to the church in the village of Bor. Many came to venerate this icon and ask for its intercession. Soon, a new beautiful church was built with donations from parishioners.
And again a miracle: the church elder saw in a dream where this icon would later stand. And soon a decree was received from the Synod on the construction of a temple on this very site.
In 1871, the Bor icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” saved the city of Serpukhov from cholera. During the bringing, another miracle happened: the mute boy, who had not walked until that day, suddenly spoke and stood up on his feet. In gratitude, the residents of Serpukhov donated a Gospel with an image of this icon and records of the miracle performed to the Borsky Church.
This image was lost with the advent of Soviet power. But in 1985, a list of the Bor icon was transferred to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in the Tarusa region. The fact that this is a copy of a famous revered image is evidenced by the inscription on it.
Moscow icon “Seeking the Lost”
Great is the love of the Mother of God for people and her mercy is limitless. In Russia there is more than one miraculous icon “Seeking the Lost.” In Moscow there is the Church of the Resurrection of the Word, the construction of which dates back to the mid-17th century. Worship services here never stopped. The icon “Seeking the Lost” is one of the main shrines of this temple.
Legend has it that a representative of a once rich noble family began to be haunted by troubles: first the death of his wife, and then the threat of complete ruin. Many days of fervent prayers before this home shrine averted poverty and misfortune from his family.
As a token of gratitude, the rescued man donated this icon to the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Palashi. In 1812, Napoleon's troops destroyed the church, and the icon “Recovery of the Lost” was cut into several parts. But even in this form, the image did not lose its power, brought healing to the sick and worked miracles. The restored temple worked until 1934 and was closed. The utensils and icons were transferred to other churches and monasteries. The holy image “Seeking the Lost” did not immediately find a new home.
The Mother of God chooses her own monastery
Interestingly, when trying to transport the icon to the Pimenovskaya Church, the cart did not budge. Deciding that the Mother of God herself did not want to be there, they chose a new place to store the shrine - the Resurrection Church, located on Malaya Bronnaya.
This time the horses literally flew to their destination.
But this temple was also sentenced to demolition... So the icon ended up in the Church of the Resurrection, which is on the Assumption Enemy in Bryusov Lane, where in our recent times (1980s) a new miracle was revealed: the icon survived the fire, although the flame burned everything around, but did not touch the image.
Interesting facts about the icon “Seeking the Lost” from the Rakovsky Monastery
Manuscripts have been preserved that document miraculous changes in the appearance of this image. In ordinary times, the Rakovskaya Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost” was dark, the images on it were barely visible. But sometimes the image suddenly brightened, as if light was pouring out from within. This was considered God's message of joyful events.
Cases of the appearance of drops of myrrh on the face and hands of the Mother of God and the Child are described. This happened in the period from May to October 1895, from the time of the consecration of the new stone church of the Holy Trinity Monastery. Iconography of images “Seeking the Lost”
People suffering from illnesses turn to the miraculous icon “Recovery of the Lost” with a prayer for liberation from vices. Brides pray for a blessed marriage, and mothers pray for their lost children.
Why are these images called that?
Let's try to figure out what the meaning of the icon “Seeking the Lost” is. What does this name mean? It speaks for itself: the Mother of God, in her endless love for humanity, is always ready to grant forgiveness (seek) and help those who are on the verge of death. These images are a symbol of the Mother of God, who tirelessly prays for hopeless patients. The Most Holy Mother saves those perishing in poverty and returns to faith people drowned in vices.
“Seeking the Lost” is an icon whose meaning can be briefly described as follows: this is the last hope for someone who has fallen into despair and cannot help himself.
It is to these images that mothers go with a request to save their babies. The icon, which has repeatedly shown miracles of delivering children from illness and suffering, is considered the patroness and intercessor of minors.
Today it is not possible to reliably establish when and how images with this name appeared in Rus'. Information about this in different sources sometimes differs significantly from each other. Let's try to put together scattered data. Perhaps a complete picture will emerge. But first, let's talk about the appearance of such icons in Orthodoxy in general.
History of the appearance of the image
Church traditions say that the first icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” appeared in the 6th century. According to legend, the monk Theophilus, slandered and expelled from the bishop’s house, harbored a great grudge in his soul. He turned away from God and His Mother and entered into an alliance with the devil.
But on the threshold of spiritual death, Theophilus was frightened by what he had done and fervently asked the Mother of God for salvation, calling her “Seeker of the Lost.” The Most Holy Mother, having heard his sincere prayers, accepted the sincere repentance of the fallen man, granted forgiveness and freed him from his obligations to the devil.
The saved Theophilus devoted the rest of his life to serving God and was glorified among the saints.
Early Russian images “Recovery of the Lost”
The Russian icon “Seeking the Lost,” first mentioned in church records in 1548, is kept in the Moscow Church of the Resurrection of the Word. Presumably, the engraving belongs to the brush of an Italian master.
Legends say that in 1666, the wounded governor of Saratov, Kadyshev, was healed at the moment such an image appeared to him. The warrior, preparing for death, saw a wonderful icon in the Volga and rose to his feet. This icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” performed many more miracles.
Two hundred years later, Kadysheva, a descendant of the famous governor, organized a convent in the village of Rakovka and became its first abbess. The main shrine of this monastery became a heirloom: the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.” The miraculous icon healed many believers and became famous far beyond the Volga region.
Count Sheremetyev, in gratitude for the cure of his son, ordered an expensive gilded icon case, decorated with jewelry, for this icon.
The miraculous Bor Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
Special veneration of images with this name in Rus' began with the glorification of the Borsky Izvod.
A beautiful legend tells about the miraculous salvation of Obukhov Fedot. In the bitter cold, the peasant left his house and got lost along the way. By nightfall the unfortunate man was completely exhausted and cold. He lay down in the sleigh and began to fervently pray to the Mother of God. At that moment he made a vow that if he remained alive, he would order a copy of the image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” and donate it to the parish church.
Miraculously, the sleigh ended up at a peasant's house. The owner of this hut suddenly heard a woman’s voice ordering: “Take it!” Going outside, he found Fedot freezing in a sleigh.
The miracles continued. True to this vow, Fedot turns to the icon painter Gurov. But he demands a sum for the work that Obukhov does not have. As soon as Fedot walked out the door, the icon painter became blind—another miracle of the Most Holy Theotokos. Realizing that this is a punishment for greed, Gurov promises to write an exposition at any price. And immediately my vision returned!
Other miracles of the holy image
The icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” was painted and donated by Fedot Obukhov to the church in the village of Bor. Many came to venerate this icon and ask for its intercession. Soon, a new beautiful church was built with donations from parishioners.
And again a miracle: the church elder saw in a dream where this icon would later stand. And soon a decree was received from the Synod on the construction of a temple on this very site.
In 1871, the Bor icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” saved the city of Serpukhov from cholera. During the bringing, another miracle happened: the mute boy, who had not walked until that day, suddenly spoke and stood up on his feet. In gratitude, the residents of Serpukhov donated a Gospel with an image of this icon and records of the miracle performed to the Borsky Church.
This image was lost with the advent of Soviet power. But in 1985, a list of the Bor icon was transferred to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in the Tarusa region. The fact that this is a copy of a famous revered image is evidenced by the inscription on it.
“Recovery of the Dead” in Serpukhov
Every year, starting in 1892, a solemn procession brought this shrine to the city of Serpukhov. Every believer could venerate the shrine and ask the Mother of God for help. Particularly fortunate for the Orthodox residents of Serpukhov was the opportunity to accept this image for a prayer service in their own home.
The custom was broken with the establishment of Soviet power in Russia after the October Revolution. The temple in which this miraculous icon was kept was razed to the ground. Many images were lost.
But believers continued to worship this shrine and carefully preserved its copies. One of these lists was in the Trinity Church. However, this church was closed in 1961. And the miraculous icon became inaccessible to believers for 35 years, since all this time it was in the storage of the historical and art museum of the city of Serpukhov.
Return of the holy image to the church
But in June 1996, the holy icon “Seeking the Lost” appeared again in Serpukhov: it was temporarily placed in the Elias Church for prayers. This event became a great holiday for many residents. Flowers, bell ringing and church chants filled the city on this day.
The procession of the Cross delivered the miraculous image from the Vysotsky Monastery to the Elias Church. From early morning, the square at the monastery was filled with numerous pilgrims. And many even spent the night there.
Solemn services took place in city churches. An endless stream of believers wanting to receive communion and confession moved towards the Church of the Three Hierarchs. Several priests confessed on this day at the same time. Many people gathered in the central square, where the Akathist to the icon “Seeking the Lost” was read.
The image of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” was finally returned to the believers in 1997. On May 18, the shrine was transferred by the Serpukhov Historical and Art Museum to the Vysotsky Monastery. This day became a big holiday for Orthodox Serpukhovites. Now the image is available to believers and continues to work miracles.
Moscow icon “Seeking the Lost”
Great is the love of the Mother of God for people and her mercy is limitless. In Russia there is more than one miraculous icon “Seeking the Lost.” In Moscow there is the Church of the Resurrection of the Word, the construction of which dates back to the mid-17th century. Worship services here never stopped. The icon “Seeking the Lost” is one of the main shrines of this temple.
Legend has it that a representative of a once rich noble family began to be haunted by troubles: first the death of his wife, and then the threat of complete ruin. Many days of fervent prayers before this home shrine averted poverty and misfortune from his family.
As a token of gratitude, the rescued man donated this icon to the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Palashi. In 1812, Napoleon's troops destroyed the church, and the icon “Recovery of the Lost” was cut into several parts. But even in this form, the image did not lose its power, brought healing to the sick and worked miracles. The restored temple worked until 1934 and was closed. The utensils and icons were transferred to other churches and monasteries. The holy image “Seeking the Lost” did not immediately find a new home.
The Mother of God chooses her own monastery
Interestingly, when trying to transport the icon to the Pimenovskaya Church, the cart did not budge. Deciding that the Mother of God herself did not want to be there, they chose a new place to store the shrine - the Resurrection Church, located on Malaya Bronnaya. This time the horses literally flew to their destination.
And when this church was demolished, the icon “Seeking the Lost” found its last refuge in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word.
Other famous Russian images “Recovery of the Lost”
In Marienburg, in the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God, a copy of the Samara image “Recovery of the Dead” is kept. This icon was created in 1888 by the nuns of the Rakovsky convent.
After the revolution, this image was lost, but miraculously found in the 50s of the last century in Marienburg. For a long time it was literally underfoot: it was placed as a board on a pedestrian bridge. The find was placed in the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God in the city of Marienburg. It is noteworthy that on the eve of the celebration of the day of remembrance of the icon “Seeking the Lost” in February 1994, this icon began to stream myrrh.
The “Seeking the Lost” icons, which are kept in Moscow churches, are especially revered.
The Holy Dormition Monastery, located in the Tula region, became a place for storing and venerating the list of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost,” created for the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in the village of Sebino.
Interesting facts about the icon “Seeking the Lost” from the Rakovsky Monastery
Manuscripts have been preserved that document miraculous changes in the appearance of this image. In ordinary times, the Rakovskaya Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Seeking the Lost” was dark, the images on it were barely visible. But sometimes the image suddenly brightened, as if light was pouring out from within. This was considered God's message of joyful events. Cases of the appearance of drops of myrrh on the face and hands of the Mother of God and the Child are described. This happened in the period from May to October 1895, from the time of the consecration of the new stone church of the Holy Trinity Monastery.
Iconography of images “Seeking the Lost”
Portions of this type show us the Mother of God sitting. On her knees stands the Christ Child. He puts his arms around Mother’s neck and presses his left cheek to her face. The hands of the Queen of Heaven form a ring around the figure of the Child, her fingers are tightly clasped.
There were several variants of icons of this type - with a covered or uncovered head, sometimes the hands of the Virgin Mary were depicted not clasped.
Sometimes additional elements were included in the composition: a window with a landscape or images of saints. Thus, in the Moscow image, the Mother of God is depicted with her head uncovered, surrounded by saints.
The size of the Bor icon is noteworthy. Its width is 1 meter 25 centimeters, and its height exceeds 2 meters. At the top of the icon is an image of the Baptism of Christ. This is due to the fact that the peasant Obukhov was saved from death precisely on the feast of Epiphany. According to legend, Fedot brought this huge icon to the temple in his arms. So he honored the Mother of God for her miraculous salvation.
Why are these images called that?
Let's try to figure out what the meaning of the icon “Seeking the Lost” is. What does this name mean? It speaks for itself: the Mother of God, in her endless love for humanity, is always ready to grant forgiveness (seek) and help those who are on the verge of death. These images are a symbol of the Mother of God, who tirelessly prays for hopeless patients. The Most Holy Mother saves those perishing in poverty and returns to faith people drowned in vices.
“Seeking the Lost” is an icon whose meaning can be briefly described as follows: this is the last hope for someone who has fallen into despair and cannot help himself.
It is to these images that mothers go with a request to save their babies. The icon, which has repeatedly shown miracles of delivering children from illness and suffering, is considered the patroness and intercessor of minors.
What do believers pray for before the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”?
Seriously ill people and their relatives make fervent requests to this image. It helps to get rid of vices, such as alcohol addiction. Repentant sinners who have turned away from God go to these icons. Women ask in their prayers before the “Seeking of the Lost” for a happy marriage and the health of their children.
People go to this image to ask for healing for sick loved ones who are near death. In wartime, believers call on the Mother of God, begging her to protect soldiers on the battlefield.
Prayer to the icon “Seeking the Lost” helps with eye diseases, fever, and headaches. It is important that requests come from a pure heart and are full of faith in God. Only then will the Mother of God show her mercy and power of intercession.
You can address the Blessed Mother with simple, sincere words that come from the heart. But it’s better to learn prayers that can be found even on the Internet. It’s even better to go to church for this.
In the church calendar, February 5 (18) is the day of remembrance of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.”
Orthodox traditions continue
In Rus', new churches of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” are springing up. Just one example - on the initiative of the Kharkov Union of Afghanistan Veterans, in 2007, construction of a chapel began in memory of the fallen participants in local wars.
The chapel was conceived to perpetuate the memory of 19-year-old border guard Yevgeny Rodionov, who died “for his faith” in 1996. 100 days in captivity did not change the young fighter’s convictions; he bravely faced death. Eugene is revered by Orthodox Christians as a martyr for the faith.
And already in the summer of 2008, Metropolitan Nikodim of Kharkov and Bogodukhov blessed the transformation of the chapel into a temple. The main shrine was the icon “Seeking the Lost.” You can see a photo of this temple below.
The 26-meter church is crowned with a cross made in Ukraine. The project of the temple complex includes a bell tower and a church park.
August 23, 2008 became a double holiday for Kharkov residents: the anniversary of the liberation of the city from the fascist occupiers and the consecration of a new church in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.”
“Recovery of the Lost” is an icon whose significance for Orthodox Christians is difficult to overestimate. There are not many such images of the Mother of God, but almost all of them are miraculous.
Celebration day: February 18 to present style / February 5 according to Art. style
voice 7
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, / who bore the Eternal Child and God in Your arms. / Ask Him to give peace to the world / and salvation to our souls. / For the Son, O Mother of God, proclaims to You, / that all Your requests will be fulfilled for good. / For this sake and we cringingly pray to Thee/ and he who trusts in Thee, may we not perish,/ your name we call:/ You are, O Lady,/ The seeker of the lost.
Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking the Lost"
Troparion of the Mother of God in honor of Her Icon Recovering the Lost
voice 4
Seek us, the perishing, Most Holy Virgin, not because of our sins, punish us, but because of your love for mankind: deliver us from hell, illness and need, and save us.
Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking the Lost"
Kontakion of the Mother of God in honor of Her Icon Recovering the Lost
voice 6
The intercession of Christians is shameless, / intercession to the Creator is immutable, / do not despise the voices of sinful prayers, / but advance, as the Good One, to the aid of us, / who faithfully call Thee: / hasten to prayer and strive to entreat, / ever interceding, the Mother of God, those who honor Thee .
Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking the Lost"
Prayer 1
Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin, Lady Theotokos! Look with Your merciful eye on us, standing before Your holy icon and praying to You with tenderness, raise us from the depths of sin, enlighten our minds, darkened by passions, and heal the ulcers of our souls and bodies. We are not imams of other help, not imams of other hope, do You, Lady, weigh all our infirmities and sins? We resort to You and cry out: do not forsake us with Your Heavenly help, but appear to us ever and with Your ineffable mercy and bounty, save and have mercy on us , dying. Grant us correction of our sinful life and deliver us from sorrows, troubles and illnesses, from vain death, hell and eternal torment. You, Queen and Lady, are the quick Helper and Intercessor of all who flow to You, and a strong refuge for repentant sinners. Grant us, O Most Blessed and All-Immaculate Virgin, the Christian end of our life, peaceful and unashamed, and grant us, through Your intercession, to dwell in the heavenly abodes, where the unceasing voice of those celebrating with joy glorifies Holy Trinity, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 2
Zealous Intercessor, Compassionate Mother of the Lord, I come running to You, the accursed one and the most sinful man above all, listen to the voice of my prayer, hear my cry and groans, as if my iniquities have surpassed my head, and I, like a ship in the abyss, am plunging into the sea of my sins . But You, All-Good and Merciful Lady, do not despise me, desperate and perishing in sins; have mercy on me, who repent of my evil deeds, and turn my lost, accursed soul to the right path. On You, my Lady Theotokos, I place all my hope. Thou, Mother of God, preserve and keep me under Thy roof, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Icon of the Mother of God "Seeking the Lost"
Prayer 3
ABOUT Holy Lady and the Mother of God, the highest Cherub and the most honest Seraphim, God's chosen Youth, deceased Recovery and to all who mourn, Joy, grant consolation to us who exist in perdition and sorrow, unless You have no other refuge and help than the Imams. You are the only one who is the Intercessor of our joy, and as the Mother of God and Mother of Mercy, standing at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, you can help us: no one else, who flows to You, leaves in shame. Hear us now, on the day of destruction and sorrow, falling before Your icon and praying to You with tears: take away from us the sorrows and troubles that are upon us in this temporary life, so that through Your omnipotent intercession, do not deprive us of eternal, endless joys in the Kingdom Your Son and our God. Amen.
“Recovery of the Lost” - why did the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos receive such a name? Is not our Lord “not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.”
The Mother of God is the last refuge and last hope for those who have almost taken the fatal step and crossed the threshold of death. Death is not necessarily physical, but spiritual. When a person was in the power of sin and could not escape.
There is a legend that in the 17th century in the Kaluga province there lived a certain peasant Fedot Obukhov, known for his fear of God and piety. On Epiphany, in the very coldest weather, a blizzard caught him on the way. The horses were tired, there was only an impassable ravine ahead, and Fedot himself began to fall asleep, which, as we know, leads a freezing person to inevitable death. With the last of his strength, he prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos, making a vow that if he were saved, he would make an icon “Seeking the Lost” for the parish church, because he himself was hanging on the brink of death. A miracle happened: another peasant, who was waiting out the snowstorm at home, heard a wonderful voice under the window that told him “take it.” Trying to find out what was the matter, he went out into the bad weather and saw a freezing man.
He was Fedot Obukhov, who subsequently fulfilled his vow. The Bor icon “Seeking the Lost” became miraculous. Many healings and salvation stories occurred through prayer before her. The image of the icon is very interesting - the Mother of God leans towards the Baby Jesus. This is the peak of maternal love. She consoles the Baby's grief. Out of love for us, the Lord saves us when it seems that this is no longer possible.
There is no reliable information about the appearance of the icon. Many believe that the icon painter was blessed by Matrona of Moscow to paint the image.
One thing is known, the image glorifies the Mother of God with numerous miracles and healings performed through prayer before it. After all, there is no parental love stronger than the love of our Heavenly Father.
Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
Lists of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
- Resurrection of the Word on the Uspensky Vrazhek (Moscow);
- In the Church of the Placing of the Robe of the Lord in Moscow;
- In Vysotsky monastery(Serpukhov);
- In St. Nicholas Cathedral (Serpukhov).
Prayers before the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”
O zealous, compassionate intercessor of the Lord Mother!
I come running to You, the accursed one and the most sinful man above all, listen to the voice of my prayer and hear my cry and groaning.
For my iniquities have exceeded my head, and I, like a ship in the abyss, am plunging into the sea of my sins. But You, All-merciful and Merciful Lady, do not despise me, desperate and perishing in sins, have mercy on me, who repent of my evil deeds, and turn my errant, accursed soul to the right path.
On You, my Lady Theotokos, I place all my hope. Thou, Mother of God, preserve and keep me under Thy roof, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin, Lady Theotokos, Helper of sinners and Seeker of the lost! Look with Your merciful eye on us, standing before Your holy icon and praying to You with tenderness: raise us from the depths of sin, enlighten our minds, darkened by passions, and heal the ulcers of our souls and bodies. We are not the imams of other help, not the imams of other hope, do You, the Lady, weigh all our weaknesses and sins? We resort to You and cry out: do not abandon us with Your heavenly help, but appear to us ever and with Your ineffable mercy and bounties, save and have mercy on us dying. Grant us correction of our sinful life and deliver us from sorrows, troubles and illnesses, from vain death, hell and eternal torment. You, Queen and Lady, are the quick Helper and Intercessor of all those who flow to You, and the strong Refuge of repentant sinners. Grant us, O Most Blessed and All-Immaculate Virgin, the Christian end of our life to be peaceful and unashamed, and grant us, through Your intercession, to dwell in the heavenly abodes, where the unceasing voice of those celebrating with joy glorifies the Most Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
How does prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” help?
- In front of the icon they pray for healing from illnesses;
- About help in hopeless situations;
- About salvation during disasters;
- About protection from the power of sin.
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