Celebration of the Mother of God in honor of the icon of her “recovery of the lost.” Icon of the Mother of God “Recovery of the Lost”

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. 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 in the village of Rakovka convent 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 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, 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 that 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.

Holy Dormition Monastery, located in Tula region, became a place for storing and venerating the copy 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 to humanity is always ready to grant forgiveness (to 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 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 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 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.

“Recovery of the Lost” - why did the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos receive such a name? Is not our Lord the “not God of the dead, but 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. Not other imams help, not the imams of any 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 who are perishing. 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 Holy Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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.

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 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. The Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” performed many more miracles.

Two hundred years later, Kadysheva, a descendant of the famous governor, organized 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: in a dream I saw 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, located in the Tula region, became the place of storage and veneration of the copy 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 remarkable. 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.

There are many legends about the origin of the image “Seeking the Lost”; it is widely known, revered not only in Russia, and has become famous as miraculous. Experts date the creation of the icon to the 17th century. The name appeared thanks to the repentant story of the priest Theophilus.

What did Theophilus say?

There lived a certain priest in Adana (now in Turkey) and had the rank of archdeacon. Occupying the position of church administrator, he was elected bishop. But modesty prompted Theophilus to refuse. The bishop installed in his place deprived Theophilus of his position out of hostility. This awakened a desire for revenge.

Then the former housekeeper, through the sorcerer, contacted the prince of darkness and made a deal with him. In exchange for the episcopal rank, Theophilus renounced Christ and the Mother of God. Long years he calmly led the church, but his conscience forced him to repent. Through fasting and prayer, the sinner asked for help, and finally the Mother of God appeared to him and promised her help. After another 3 days, an ominous contract appeared in Theophilus’s chambers. He took it to the elected bishop with a plea for forgiveness.

If even such a sin as apostasy can be covered by the love of the Mother of God, what can we say about helping those who are simply tired and despairing in the fight against circumstances. Without a doubt, they should offer prayer near the icon “Seeking the Lost” and remember that only death is irreversible, and while a person is alive, he has all the means to save his soul.

What does the icon “Recovery of the Lost” look like?

Many images of the icon were painted, on most of them the Mother of God holds the standing infant Christ with her right (sometimes left) hand. Her head may be covered with a red or white omophorion. But some icon painters left the Madonna only with a halo, under which long curly hair is visible.

This is an exceptional case when the Virgin Mary is painted with her head uncovered. It is believed that she gave the omophorion to cover people’s sins. Such a beautiful symbol of self-sacrifice - after all, appearing in public in such a form was considered a disgrace. And now women are prohibited from entering the temple without a headdress. This should remind people how much the Queen of Heaven cares about them.

The Savior tenderly clung to the cheek of his mother, whom he hugs by the neck with one hand, the other resting at her collar. Somewhere the Divine Infant stands on straight legs, somewhere he half sits in his mother’s arms. The Savior's feet, however, are visible on every icon, regardless of its origin.

The palms of the Mother of God on most icons are closed (on others they are simply brought together), supporting the Infant God. Most of the "Recovery of the Lost" images show only the Savior in full height, The Mother of God is only waist-deep. But there are also those where the Queen of Heaven stands barefoot on a cloud.

There are quite a few writing styles, but the general composition remains the same. You can choose the image that you like best, it will still be the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost.” For prayer, only the spiritual mood matters, and not the price or origin of the icon.

How does the “Recovery of the Lost” icon help?

Near the icon “Recovery of the Lost” they pray for everything. Do not forget that there are no strict limits here - the Queen of Heaven does not limit people’s appeals. But this image is especially famous for helping travelers. You can also ask for those who perish from their sins and errors, including children.

Anything can happen in life - it happens that people do not return home after going on a long journey or just doing ordinary business. Then the family has no choice but to wait, hope and pray. Who should we turn to if not the Queen of Heaven?

An incident is often told that happened three centuries ago in Kaluga region. The pious peasant was caught on the way by a strong snowstorm; the horses could no longer go further. Falling asleep in his last sleep, Fedot asked the Mother of God for help. Thanks to her miraculous intervention, the peasant was discovered by residents of a neighboring village. They heard someone's call and rushed to help.

In the 20th century, the wife of a priest who came under repression wanted to commit suicide in despair. From this grave sin Her prayer to the Mother of God stopped her. The next day she found a bundle of gold, gave up thoughts of suicide, and three young children did not lose their mother.

Moscow list

A copy of an icon is called a copy; often it also grants miracles. This is how images are obtained own story. The place where the Moscow icon is kept today is the famous Church of the Resurrection in Bryusov Lane. The icon “Recovery of the Lost” got there after going through many trials, replacing different places stay.

It is believed that the author of the icon was an Italian who painted it at the beginning of the 19th century. for one rich noble family. Suddenly the family began to be haunted by troubles: the wife dies, poverty sets in. The last man in the family and the head of the family fell into despair - he had several daughters in his arms, how could he marry them off without money? Out of grief, he began to drink, but still found the strength to ask for help from the heavenly patroness of the human race.

Soon things got better, the fate of the girls was arranged. And the grateful father of the family believed that the miraculous image should help other people. So he gave it to the temple. The icon “Recovery of the Lost” has great importance For desperate people, they began to come to the shrine in crowds. Sometimes it is called “Deliverance from the troubles of the afflicted.”

Napoleon's invasion caused the death of the image, which was split into several parts. Then the icon was restored, and a chapel was even built in its honor. But during the time of persecution of the Church by Soviet authorities, the image was in different churches, until he ended up in the temple on the Assumption ravine. At the end of the last century, the icon case was damaged by fire, but the icon itself survived.

Just like 200 years ago, the stream of people seeking help and intercession does not dry out, because the recovery of the lost is a miracle that is constantly performed at the icon of the Mother of God. The image is decorated with rings, chains, and other items brought by grateful parishioners who received help. Residents and guests of Moscow every week (usually on Sundays) can come and listen to the akathist, which is read near the icon “Seeking the Lost.”

Samara miraculous image

The image of “Recovery of the Dead” from the Volga region and Samara region has been known since the 19th century, thanks to an essay compiled from the letters of the nun Anatolia. For more than 20 years, she constantly observed the miracles that took place near the icon.

At first, the icon was kept in the Kadyshev family, where it miraculously arrived, appearing on the Volga. The governor who found her was healed of his illness. His wife, having become a widow, decided to go to a monastery. She also took a wonderful image to the Rakovskaya monastery. During a prayer service in front of the icon, the son of a famous count was cured. Rumors reached Metropolitan Philaret. He donated a rich silver frame to the icon.

The icon itself is small in size (32 by 24 cm), written on a board, the Mother of God’s dress is red, the cover and tunic of the Infant Christ are trimmed with gold. Manuscripts say that the image could change its appearance. Usually dark, before some joyful event, the face of the Mother of God brightened, its features became clearly distinguishable. There have been cases of myrrh streaming, which are also recorded in writing.

After the monastery was closed, the icon moved to Cathedral Samara, where he remains to this day. Every Tuesday an akathist is sung before it, and the image is carried during the daily religious procession around the city.

Image for Matronushka

The famous Saint Matrona ordered the icon “Seeking the Lost” for her church. She saw the image in a dream, said that she wanted one for her temple, and decided to start raising funds. The women went to the surrounding villages (even then the saint enjoyed great authority) and collected the required amount. Matrona ordered the image in Bogoroditsk, from where it was carried in a religious procession to Sebino. The saint, blind from birth, was able to predict the time when the icon would arrive in the village, and she was not mistaken.

The icon became the main local shrine, became famous for many miracles, which, according to prayers at the icon “Seeking the Lost,” constantly occurred. During a drought, they took her out into the field, prayed, and the rain began almost immediately. Today the image resides in the Moscow Intercession Monastery. The holy old woman rested there, and her favorite icon is there now.

Temples in Russia in honor of the icon “Recovery of the Dead”

Miracles have accompanied images of the Mother of God for centuries, so it is not surprising that many churches in Russia have been consecrated in their honor.

• In Cheboksary there is a brick temple in honor of the miraculous icon “Recovery of the Lost”; the first stone was laid in 1996 by Patriarch Alexy II. We worked on the building project best architects cities. The church actively works with parishioners and orphans.

• In Voronezh, a memorial temple was consecrated, which has a very unusual shape- cylindrical, the windows are narrow and high, the bell tower is located near the entrance, made in the form of an arch. The height of the structure is 16 m.

• The house church on Zatsepa (Moscow) was founded at the beginning of the last century and began operating in 1905. During the persecution, the building was used for economic needs. In 2016, the temple was re-consecrated, and today it is operational.

The icon “Recovery of the Lost” does not help in one thing; you can ask for many things.

• Searching for a worthy groom.
• Getting rid of serious illnesses.
• Spiritual infirmities.
• Healing the sin of drunkenness.
• Getting rid of poverty.
• Help for children perishing in sins.

Great is the hope of the people for the intercession of the Queen of Heaven. Even considering themselves lost for the Kingdom of God, on the threshold of spiritual death, people ask miraculous icon“Recovering the Lost” to perform a miracle for yourself. The Mother of God grants strength to withstand adversity, as befits a worthy Christian.

Prayer at the icon “Recovery of the Lost”

O God-chosen Intercessor of sinners, Seeker of the lost and Teacher of the lost! You do not despise the poor verbal sheep that has wandered away in the wilds of sin by self-will from the pasture of Your Son, but as you go, you look for the lost one. Who will search the paths of Your mercy? Be merciful to everyone: remove those who are perishing from the abyss of destruction, find and guide those who are lost, convert and attract those who are far away, accept and save those who turn to You and those who draw near. Bring all those who repent to Your Son, the Good Shepherd and our God, so that through Your prayers there will not be a single sheep lost without a trace, but may there be one flock and one Shepherd, who will save our souls and open the doors to the eternal abode through Your intercession. Amen.Prayer 2
O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Search for the lost! Look with Your merciful eye on those praying before Your honest icon. Raise us from the depths of sin: enlighten our minds, darkened by passions, heal the ulcers of our souls and bodies. You weigh the incessant sorrows and all our weaknesses: give us a helping hand, ease the suffering. Be for us a source of mercy and peace, consolation in troubles and a strong refuge for repentant sinners. Grant us correction of our sinful life: guide those who have gone astray to the right path, save those who have fallen and are perishing by the power of grace. Deliver us from sudden death, reconcile us with Your Son and the Righteous Judge and free us from eternal torment. By Thy merciful intercession grant us to dwell in the heavenly abodes, where the unceasing voice of those celebrating joyfully glorifies the Most Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The icon “Seeking the Lost” has acquired enormous significance, which is due to the fact that it helps many Orthodox believers who come to it with requests. In addition, this shrine has a long and very complicated history of origin. There is no single opinion about how this miraculous image appeared and became widespread in Rus', however, many legends say that the first icon was painted in the 6th century and saved a certain person from death Orthodox monk Theophila.

According to the legends, the clergyman was influenced by slander and evil rumors from envious people and ill-wishers, and then completely expelled from the temple by the bishop. Having harbored resentment and anger in his soul, Theophilus rejected God, renounced his faith and, having known all the bitterness of despair, decided to make a deal with the devil himself. Soon the false rumors about the monk were exposed, and he himself realized what a big mistake he had made. Tormented by the pangs of conscience, Theophilus made a prayer, asking for forgiveness and protection. And then the Mother of God accepted the man’s sincere repentance, granting forgiveness and healing to the dying man.

Thus, which became widespread already in the 18th century, the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” is considered a symbol of comprehensive saving mercy, which helps to cope with the most difficult obstacles on the path of life.

The very name of the icon suggests that the Most Holy Mother of God is ready to give her love, forgiveness and help to any sufferer standing on the brink of life and death. This shrine is a kind of last hope for those who can no longer cope with difficulties on their own and have fallen into despair.

People turn to the “Recovery of the Lost” icon for help:

• people who are physically or spiritually close to decline, death, sincerely thirsting for repentance and healing;
• those who want to pray for the health and well-being of loved ones;
• people who want to strengthen faith and willpower to get rid of addictions;
• sinners who decided to repent and find faith in God to save their souls;
• parents who want to protect their children from bad influences and help them choose the right path in life;
• women and girls who dream of creating a strong, happy family;
• travelers who long to return home safely from long journeys.

Miracles of the Holy Image

The Most Holy Mother of God is ready to accept any sincere requests from people. It doesn’t matter at all what exactly your words and prayers are about. If they come from the heart and express your true, pure and good intentions, the Mother of God will definitely help you cope with all the hardships.

It is worth saying that “Recovery of the Lost” is important, because everything in which it helps the suffering saves them from death, both physical and spiritual. There are many known cases when the holy image saved people from suicide, ruin and poverty, granted healing to the hopelessly ill, and showed the way to the lost. And the faith of people who come to the icon for help only strengthens its miraculous power every day.