Canon before the icon education. Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon “Education. Orthodox akathist Education in front of the icon of the Mother of God is a prayer for children
History of the icon
In the icon called “Nursing”, the Mother of God is depicted with the Eternal Child sitting on Her left hand. The right hand of Christ is stretched upward to the face of the Most Pure Virgin. Until 1917, the holy image was placed in the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square, but after its destruction it was lost; now there is a copy of the miraculous icon, famous throughout Russia for its miracles. The name of the icon speaks for itself. In front of her, parents pray for their children, asking Holy Mother of God take them under Her protection, send them reason and fill their hearts with wisdom. Also, a short prayer to this image has survived to this day: “I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and to Your, Most Pure One, heavenly protection.”
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon “Education”
Kontakion 1
(names)
Ikos 1
(names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2
Seeing my maternal prayer for my children, I ask You for the only help: take them under Your honest and merciful protection, so that they may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Send me thought to my children, how to serve You well and fill their hearts with heavenly wisdom, grant that they love it alone, and despise earthly things, and do not forbid with my mouth the cry like this:
Raise my children to be wise, like serpents, and simple, like doves;
Raise my children to have a mind for good and not to sin.
Raise my children to be wise against the wiles of the devil;
Raise my children to wisely organize their lives in the image of the saints.
Raise my children to nourish them with the milk of God’s hidden wisdom, so that they may seek it in all their lives;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3
May the power of the Most High overshadow my children for the sake of unceasing intercession before Your Son, and therefore, having recognized Your motherly mercy for all who flow to God with faith, they will cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having my children from God, I do not want to see them in eternal torment, more so than those written in the Book of Life and inheriting eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure Virgin, incline your ear to my prayer, crying to You:
Raise my children to avoid eternal torment;
Raise my children to inherit an eternal life.
Educate my children to lead the path of life in repentance;
Raise my children, who through difficulty acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to strive to capture the Kingdom of Heaven;
Raise my children to be written in the Book of Life.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm within me of doubtful thoughts, ascending to feed my children into the eternal belly, I weep, and, remembering Your abundant mercies, in hope and tenderness of heart I sing to the Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing Your voice saying to Your Son: “Keep those given to me by You as an inheritance forever,” I stretch out my hand and heart to Your mercy, so that you may raise My children among Your servants and fulfill my request:
Raise my children in Your most holy inheritance;
Raise my children with all Your saints.
Raise my children to be slaves who do all Your commandments;
Raise my children to walk the narrow path of the commandments of Your Son to Jerusalem on high.
Raise my children to seek help from You alone;
Raise my children to be accepted into the eternal belly.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 5
May the morning star, that is, Your Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine with an unevening light in the hearts of my children, so that I may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing my diligent prayer offered up to Your glory, like fragrant incense, do not turn Your face away from my children, lest they turn away from You, but rather hear the words of my mouth, crying out to You:
Raise my children to be poor in spirit, for they are the Kingdom of Heaven;
Raise my children to weep, so that they will be comforted.
Raise my children to be meek, for they will inherit the earth;
Raise my children to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied.
Raise my children to be merciful, for they will receive mercy;
Raise my children to be pure in heart, so that they will see God.
Raise my children to be peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 6
The entire Christian world preaches the constant intercession of orphans, widows and mothers, praying for their children and crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Raise the rays of grace in the souls of my children, so that those enlightened by You from above will see the path leading to the eternal life, and follow it, nourished under Your almighty Protection, into the Church of Your Son, where life is endless, and for this sake, hear me calling to You sitse:
Raise my children with the light of the world, may their light shine before people, and may they see their good deeds and glorify the Heavenly Father;
Raise my children with enlightenment from Your Son, so that in His light they will see the light and direct their feet towards Him.
Raise my children, turning the eyes of your heart to the Creator of all things;
Raise my children, guiding the morning star who is Your Son in the abode of the righteous.
Raise my children to be meek, silent and trembling at the words of God;
Raise my children to love You and Your Son not only with their minds, but also with their hearts.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 7
I want eternal salvation for my child, I stand with tears before Your honorable icon, Lady, may you not despise my prayer, calling to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Your Son, you have drawn my children of mercy with your howling hand under Your gracious Protection, so that with zeal I call to You:
Raise my children to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness;
Raise my children to walk through the narrow gates leading to the eternal belly.
Raise up my children in every place to do the will of Your Son and God;
Raise my children to strive to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to be ignorant and to think blasphemy against the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children among the small number of Your chosen ones.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 8
Wandering in this earthly vale of many sorrows and many rebellions, my children, where they will find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One, travel and guide them on the true path, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You are the merciful Mother of all, O Lady, and I want you to remain my child. Behold, I entrust them in Thy hand and in humility I ask Thee:
Raise my children to be watchful and praying, so that they will not fall into temptation;
Raise my children to be merciful, just as the Heavenly Father is merciful.
Raise my children in the tenderness of infancy, as children are the Kingdom of God;
Raise my children to be the least of all, so that they will be great before God.
Raise my children to keep the Word of God, making them partakers of the bliss of heaven;
Raise my children to be trustworthy for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 9
Fill them with all the goodness of their souls and hearts, driving away from them the spirit of evil-smelling atheism, giving from Your bounties to everyone, but each time according to need, so I call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branch of those who are unwise in communication, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver them and look upon me, who truly cry out:
Raise my children to vigorously resist the atheists;
Raise my children to stand firmly against God-hating teachings.
Raise my children to reject the false instructions of unbelieving teachers;
Raise my children to not accept the spirit of the sons of disobedience.
Raise my children to escape the joys of the world and the delights of this world;
Raise my children to shun evil and do good.
Raise my children to love and pray for each of them;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 10
Although to save the world, your Son came from heaven to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. For this reason, pray to Your Son and say about my children, so that they may cry out to God for salvation through You: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Become an indestructible wall, O Heavenly Queen, to my children, so that under Your blessed Protection they can do many good deeds, and with them I call to You:
Raise my children to lead them to do the will of Your Son and God;
Raise my children to hate sin and all lawlessness.
Raise my children to love goodness and every virtue;
Raise my children in immaculate purity.
Raise my children to ascend the ladder of your belly every day;
Raise my children in their sorrow by turning their eyes to Your mercy.
Raise my children in obedience and chastity who serve You;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11
Petya, vouchsafe your irresistible intercession to my children (names) and by Your grace open their mouths to cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Make their life day and night a light-receiving light from above, burning and melting from love for You and Your Son and neighbor, and do not despise me when I call You:
Raise my children to love You with all their hearts and thoughts;
Raise my children to always look at the cross and the suffering of Your Son.
Raise my children to open their mouths only to praise and glorify Your goodness;
Raise my children to await the coming of Your Son with tears.
Raise my children in more sober and unceasing prayer;
Raise my children to always stand in reverence for You.
Raise my children to produce good fruit;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12
Fill the hearts of my children with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that I may love only Your Son and God, and I, the Most Gracious One, moved by You, call to the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thy mercy, with which you have mercy and nourishment of my children, I pray, do not stop asking Thy Son for them, for I believe that everything is available to You, and fulfill my prayers for the good:
Raise my children to be filled with the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children to be present at the Judgment of Your Son at the right hand.
Raise my children to live holy;
Raise my children with the grace of the Spirit of God, firmly on the path to return to abiding.
Raise my children to be insatiably hungry and thirsty for the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children to be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 13
O All-Singing Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer into the aroma of the fragrance for my children (names) and take them under Your merciful Cover. Also grant them to think, know, hear, speak and do only that which brings them closer to You and Your Son, and contributes to eternal salvation. And send them in this life everything useful for the salvation of their souls, let them call to God: Alleluia. (This kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1)
Ikos 1
Send an angel from heaven to my children, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Thy Son and God, just as a mighty guardian, Gabriel the Archangel, was sent to You, and grant me worthy to cry out to You:
Raise my children as earthly angels;
Raise my children to be heavenly people.
Raise my children to be Your servants;
Raise my children to cry to You: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with You.”
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write a letter of gratitude to Thy servants, but as having an invincible power, free my children from all troubles, and with tears I call to Thee: raise my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Prayer to the Lord
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, hear us, Your unworthy servants, who diligently flow to You. Lord, in Your merciful power are our children, Your servants (names). Have mercy and save them for Thy name's sake, forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, committed by them before You, Lord. Guide them on the true path, enlighten their minds with Your light, warm their hearts with Your love. Lord, bless them in the house, in the teaching, on the road and in every place of Your dominion. Lord, protect them under the shelter of Your Saints from a flying arrow, from fire, from a sword, from a deadly plague and from vain death. Lord, protect them from all visible and invisible enemies, heal them from all illnesses, cleanse them from all filth and ease their mental suffering. Lord, grant them the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health, chastity and piety. Lord, multiply and strengthen their mental and physical strength, which You have given them. Grant Your blessing to our children for a pious and, if You please, family life. Lord, grant us Thy unworthy and sinful servants (names) a blessing for the upbringing of our children and make us worthy to collectively reach the Eternal Kingdom and there glorify Thy most honorable and magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer to the Mother of God
O Most Holy Lady Virgin Mary, most merciful Mother of all people, save and preserve under Your shelter our children (names), all youths, young women, infants and those carried in the womb of their mother. Cover them with Your robe, keep them in the fear of God and obedience as a parent, pray to our Lord and Your Son to grant them everything useful for spiritual salvation. We entrust them to Your maternal supervision, as You are the Divine protection of Your servant.
The meaning of the icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
In Earthly life, the Savior, as stated in the Gospel of Luke (chapter 18, verse 15-17), blessed parents to bring babies to Him. The Church, following His example, also cares about children and pays attention to the importance of their virtuous upbringing. And who can give best advice in raising a child in faith and piety, nurturing love for one’s neighbor, selflessness and sacrifice, rather than the Mother of God?!
Many parents, faced with difficulties in communicating with their children, turn to the icon of the Mother of God Education for help. This image is honored on the feast of the icon of Education - March 18 (5).
The meaning of the Education icon. The miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos Education came to Rus' from Byzantium. Its location was the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square, where those who prayed to the icon of raising children invariably received abundant help from the Mother of God. The significance of the icon of the Mother of God Education in relation to the spiritual formation of descendants is difficult to overestimate.
Nowadays, in the Kazan Cathedral there is an exact copy of the ancient icon of the Mother of God Nurturing. The original image was lost in 1917 during the destruction of the Temple.
In this article, Olga Shulcheva-Jarman shares her experience of contemplating the “Nurturing” icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. You will also find the text of the akathist here.
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
The Child Christ, dressed in a golden himation, falling from His shoulders - without a tunic. The Flesh of the Incarnation, the Flesh of the Son of God, is His robe, a tunic without sewing. The tunic exposes both shoulders and legs - the Son of God above the abyss formed by a fold in the dark maforia, as if above the abyss of death. He is ready to plunge into the abyss, to take a step, to jump down, to “His extreme exhaustion,” to kenosis...
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
He is the Word of the Father, He is the great Preacher. And His preaching is His whole life, and death, and His Resurrection.
The Mother of Christ is beautiful - Her figure is slender, like a tree growing from the earth to the sky. This is how the earth grows into the Sky...
People dreamed about this the deepest antiquity– erecting giant menhirs or temple columns decorated with tree foliage.
A tree, an earthly tree, grows into the divine, heavenly heights - and the earth, the dark soil, humble and silently accepting “from the ages of the dead” itself becomes the sky.
This is how people dreamed, and sometimes they despaired of their dreams, considering them unattainable, and turned to other gods - vain, understandable and practical. They performed sacrifices and cult games under sacred trees, in sacred groves, “among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every green oak, in that place... they offered fragrant incense to all their idols” (Ezek. 6:13).
But all their attempts ended in melancholy, captivity and complete failure.
“And you will know that I am the Lord.”
Here He is - the Youth, completely vulnerable, barely covered with a golden falling himation... He will give His shoulders to be wounded, He will allow His arms and legs to be nailed to a dry tree - the cursed tree, the tree of the cross. For cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (Deut. 21:23 and Gal. 3:13).
“If anyone has a crime worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, then his body should not spend the night on the tree, but bury him on the same day, for cursed before God is [everyone] who is hanged [on a tree] ], and do not defile your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” (Deut. 21:22-23)
There was no lie in His mouth, no one could convict Him of untruth - but human malice overcame the human purity and beauty of the Servant of the Lord. Naked, He was hanged on a tree, and His body, stretched out crosswise on the instrument of torture and shame, itself formed a cross...
The cross, a tree sprouting from death into life. The cross, which, according to Chesterton, is like the figure of a man. The cross, which ancient people sometimes used as a symbol of man...
On one of the sides of the icon, the robe of the Mother of God, connecting on Her chest, forms the letter Y, as in the ancient word-symbol of faith of the early Christians IXTYΣ. The Son of God, the slain Lamb, standing before the throne of the Father always, with the marks of the cross.
And now the Real Man and the Cross are united forever.
“He...gave up His soul to death, and was numbered with the evildoers, while He bore the sin of many” (Is. 53:12)
The tree grew into the Sky. The golden himation of the Deity fell from the shoulders of the Son, and froze like a precious golden crystal in the heart of the earth. And the green of the icon, the Spirit of God, hovering over the abyss into which the Son stepped, clothes His Church.
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
Just as lightning strikes the earth, leaving a vein of pure gold - for this is what people thought in antiquity - the Son of the Heavenly God struck the earth, which has been rushing into Heaven for thousands of years.
"Do not be afraid!" - He raises his hand in a rhetorical gesture, and on his bare shoulder is the royal clavius. - “Do not fear for Me, women of Jerusalem, do not fear for Me, Peter, do not be afraid, all you who love Me - I live, and you will live! But first I come—I will fulfill all righteousness.”
He hit the ground, He died, He revived a dry tree, He became stone and gold in the heart of the earth, at the roots of the Church, He did not remain in the ground with the dead, but He brought forth a source of living water, flowing from the rock of the Church, from the foot of the Cross - Trees...
And now - forever! –
unprecedented-other -
words that split mountains in two -
- Let's go!
Rain
the dry desert will be renewed,
and dead skin
and the memory is dull -
- Let's go!
Pupil - to pupil,
and breath to breath,
by the hand - the hand will break the separation -
- Rise up! From here we go!
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the “Education” icon
Kontakion 1
(names)
Ikos 1
(names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2
Seeing my maternal prayer for my children, I ask You for the only help: take them under Your honest and merciful protection, so that they may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Send me thought to my children, how to serve You well and fill their hearts with heavenly wisdom, grant that they love it alone, and despise earthly things, and do not forbid with my mouth the cry like this:
Raise my children to be wise, like serpents, and simple, like doves;
Raise my children to have a mind for good and not to sin.
Raise my children to be wise against the wiles of the devil;
Raise my children to wisely organize their lives in the image of the saints.
Raise my children to nourish them with the milk of God’s hidden wisdom, so that they may seek it in all their lives;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3
May the power of the Most High overshadow my children for the sake of unceasing intercession before Your Son, and therefore, having recognized Your motherly mercy for all who flow to God with faith, they will cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having my children from God, I do not want to see them in eternal torment, more so than those written in the Book of Life and inheriting eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure Virgin, incline your ear to my prayer, crying to You:
Raise my children to avoid eternal torment;
Raise my children to inherit an eternal life.
Educate my children to lead the path of life in repentance;
Raise my children, who through difficulty acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Raise my children to strive to capture the Kingdom of Heaven;
Raise my children to be written in the Book of Life.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm within me of doubtful thoughts, ascending to feed my children into the eternal belly, I weep, and, remembering Your abundant mercies, in hope and tenderness of heart I sing to the Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing Your voice saying to Your Son: “Keep those given to me by You as an inheritance forever,” I stretch out my hand and heart to Your mercy, so that you may raise My children among Your servants and fulfill my request:
Raise my children in Your most holy inheritance;
Raise my children with all Your saints.
Raise my children to be slaves who do all Your commandments;
Raise my children to walk the narrow path of the commandments of Your Son to Jerusalem on high.
Raise my children to seek help from You alone;
Raise my children to be accepted into the eternal belly.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 5
May the morning star, that is, Your Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine with an unevening light in the hearts of my children, so that I may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing my diligent prayer offered up to Your glory, like fragrant incense, do not turn Your face away from my children, lest they turn away from You, but rather hear the words of my mouth, crying out to You:
Raise my children to be poor in spirit, for they are the Kingdom of Heaven;
Raise my children to weep, so that they will be comforted.
Raise my children to be meek, for they will inherit the earth;
Raise my children to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied.
Raise my children to be merciful, for they will receive mercy;
Raise my children to be pure in heart, so that they will see God.
Raise my children to be peacemakers, for they will be called the Sons of God;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 6
The entire Christian world preaches the constant intercession of orphans, widows and mothers, praying for their children and crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Raise the rays of grace in the souls of my children, so that those enlightened by You from above will see the path leading to the eternal life, and follow it, nourished under Your almighty Protection, into the Church of Your Son, where life is endless, and for this sake, hear me calling to You sitse:
Raise my children with the light of the world, may their light shine before people, and may they see their good deeds and glorify the Heavenly Father;
Raise my children with enlightenment from Your Son, so that in His light they will see the light and direct their feet towards Him.
Raise my children, turning the eyes of your heart to the Creator of all things;
Raise my children, guiding the morning star who is Your Son in the abode of the righteous.
Raise my children to be meek, silent and trembling at the words of God;
Raise my children to love You and Your Son not only with their minds, but also with their hearts.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 7
I want eternal salvation for my child, I stand with tears before Your honorable icon, Lady, may you not despise my prayer, calling to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Your Son, you have drawn my children of mercy with your howling hand under Your gracious Protection, so that with zeal I call to You:
Raise my children to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness;
Raise my children to walk through the narrow gates leading to the eternal belly.
Raise up my children in every place to do the will of Your Son and God;
Raise my children to strive to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children to be ignorant and to think blasphemy against the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children among the small number of Your chosen ones.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 8
Wandering in this earthly vale of many sorrows and many rebellions, my children, where they will find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One, travel and guide them on the true path, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You are the merciful Mother of all, O Lady, and I want you to remain my child. Behold, I entrust them in Thy hand and in humility I ask Thee:
Raise my children to be watchful and praying, so that they will not fall into temptation;
Raise my children to be merciful, just as the Heavenly Father is merciful.
Raise my children in the tenderness of infancy, as children are the Kingdom of God;
Raise my children to be the least of all, so that they will be great before God.
Raise my children to keep the Word of God, making them partakers of the bliss of heaven;
Raise my children to be trustworthy for the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 9
Fill them with all the goodness of their souls and hearts, driving away from them the spirit of evil-smelling atheism, giving from Your bounties to everyone, but each time according to need, so I call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branch of those who are unwise in communication, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver them and look upon me, who truly cry out:
Raise my children to vigorously resist the atheists;
Raise my children to stand firmly against God-hating teachings.
Raise my children to reject the false instructions of unbelieving teachers;
Raise my children to not accept the spirit of the sons of disobedience.
Raise my children to escape the joys of the world and the delights of this world;
Raise my children to shun evil and do good.
Raise my children to love and pray for each of them;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 10
Although to save the world, your Son came from heaven to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. For this reason, pray to Your Son and say about my children, so that they may cry out to God for salvation through You: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Become an indestructible wall, O Heavenly Queen, to my children, so that under Your blessed Protection they can do many good deeds, and with them I call to You:
Raise my children to lead them to do the will of Your Son and God;
Raise my children to hate sin and all lawlessness.
Raise my children to love goodness and every virtue;
Raise my children in immaculate purity.
Raise my children to ascend the ladder of your belly every day;
Raise my children in their sorrow by turning their eyes to Your mercy.
Raise my children in obedience and chastity who serve You;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11
Petya, vouchsafe your irresistible intercession to my children (names) and by Your grace open their mouths to cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Make their life day and night a light-receiving light from above, burning and melting from love for You and Your Son and neighbor, and do not despise me when I call You:
Raise my children to love You with all their hearts and thoughts;
Raise my children to always look at the cross and the suffering of Your Son.
Raise my children to open their mouths only to praise and glorify Your goodness;
Raise my children to await the coming of Your Son with tears.
Raise my children in more sober and unceasing prayer;
Raise my children to always stand in reverence for You.
Raise my children to produce good fruit;
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12
Fill the hearts of my children with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that I may love only Your Son and God, and I, the Most Gracious One, moved by You, call to the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thy mercy, with which you have mercy and nourishment of my children, I pray, do not stop asking Thy Son for them, for I believe that everything is available to You, and fulfill my prayers for the good:
Raise my children to be filled with the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children to be present at the Judgment of Your Son at the right hand.
Raise my children to live holy;
Raise my children with the grace of the Spirit of God, firmly on the path to return to abiding.
Raise my children to be insatiably hungry and thirsty for the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit;
Raise my children to be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 13
O All-Singing Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer into the aroma of the fragrance for my children (names) and take them under Your merciful Cover. Also grant them to think, know, hear, speak and do only that which brings them closer to You and Your Son, and contributes to eternal salvation. And send them in this life everything useful for the salvation of their souls, let them call to God: Alleluia. (This kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1)
Ikos 1
Send an angel from heaven to my children, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Thy Son and God, just as a mighty guardian, Gabriel the Archangel, was sent to You, and grant me worthy to cry out to You:
Raise my children as earthly angels;
Raise my children to be heavenly people.
Raise my children to be Your servants;
Raise my children to cry to You: “Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with You.”
Raise, O Lady, my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write a letter of gratitude to Thy servants, but as having an invincible power, free my children from all troubles, and with tears I call to Thee: raise my children (names) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make them heirs of eternal blessings.
In Rus', they have always treated the younger generation with trepidation and care, namely, their spiritual enlightenment. It is no coincidence that the “Education”, an icon of the Mother of God, occupies an important place among other Orthodox images. Many saints and Jesus Christ himself noted the need for parental prayer, as well as life in the commandments of God, because children follow the example of both good and bad.
The icon of the Mother of God “Education” is very significant and revered in Rus'. Its history, however, is rather vague. It is believed that it came to us from Byzantium, but how this happened is unknown. Since it is from Byzantine Empire the first icons came to us, as well as the canons of their writing, we can assume that this happened a very long time ago.
The icon had miraculous properties and before the revolution in Russia it was in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow. However, after it, the image was lost and now there is an exact list, which also has miraculous properties. In addition to this most important list, there are others that are located in many temples.
Iconography of the image
The icon of the Mother of God “Education” (photo presented below) is of Hodegetria type (i.e., the Guide who shows the way). It depicts the Mother of God holding the Child in her left hand. The Child himself extends his hand to the face of the Mother of God (in some images there are two hands).
The face of the Mother of God is permeated with love and tenderness not only for her Son, but also for the entire human race. And although the first Byzantine icons are very strict and ascetic in the depiction of images, this particular image of the Mother of God and Child is very airy and solemn. This is due to the fact that the iconography is very light and the color palette is sophisticated.
The Mother of God herself also points with her right hand to the Baby Jesus. The Mother of God wears dark red clothes (maforium), with three stars depicted on them (one of them is hidden by her son). There is a gold border along the edges of the maforia. The Child himself is dressed in a cloak-like fabric (it is believed that this is a prototype of the shroud), which leaves one part of the chest naked (in some images it is completely naked, as a sign of denial of the worldly).
“Education”, the icon of the Mother of God, shows the importance of the young generation for humanity. Christ himself spoke about this. He said that one who is like a child will enter the Kingdom of God. Obviously, it is no coincidence that this particular image has become an assistant in the difficult task of raising children in spirituality.
How does an icon help?
The icon of the Mother of God “Education” has miraculous power. What does she help with? This is very important for a parent to know, since on the path of your child’s development in life there will be temptations, bad company, insults, cruelty with disappointment, as well as many other negative aspects. This is all, unfortunately, part of our life.
The most the best way To protect the child from all this and lead him to the true path, he will ask intercessors for help. Prayer to the Mother of God, who is a symbol of motherhood and the patroness of the family, will be your faithful helper in this difficult journey. This, moreover, is also an excellent example of the goodness of the parents themselves, which will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect on the child.
Prayer and akathist before the icon
If you have problems with your child, then “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God - will help you. What do they pray to her for? There is a short ancient prayer that has survived to this day. These are the following words: “I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and to Your, Most Pure, heavenly protection.”
There is also a special prayer that should be performed in front of the “Education” icon. It asks for the intercession of the Mother of God for all their children of any age, even those not yet born. It also asks for their instruction and intercession before God, so that they are given the opportunity to be spiritually saved.
Akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “Education” is a hymn to the Mother of God, her high motherhood and intercession from evil. It is read on the day of remembrance of the icon, as well as every week in some churches where this image is located. Parents can also read the akathist, asking the Mother of God for intercession for their children. It is very important to understand with your heart every word with which you appeal to the Mother of God. Only fervent parental prayer can be beneficial and will be heard.
Miracles performed with the help of an icon
Due to the fact that information about this icon is very scarce, it is difficult to give many examples of miracles. However, in the church under construction in Nekrasovka, the icon of the Mother of God “Education” helped in one matter. The prayer before her was so earnest and sincere that the problem was solved very quickly. Its essence was that it was necessary to highlight land plot for a new temple. Faith and prayer to the Mother of God did their job, the plot was received without any problems.
For the icon, which was in the Kazan Cathedral, there is also a story of miracles. Parents who prayed to this icon for their children received help from it. Their children repented of what they had already done, and also became calmer and returned to the true path (both spiritual and worldly). The same children for whom prayers were made from birth went through their life path more worthy.
The meaning of the icon for the Orthodox
Every parent should have an icon of the Mother of God “Education”. Its importance for children is difficult to overestimate, since many qualities in a child are formed in childhood. It is believed that a child’s character is mainly formed before the age of three, and if you surround him with piety and also place appropriate icons in the house, this will have a positive effect on him.
Love, compassion, humility and other wonderful qualities that are so lacking in this world - all this can be instilled only with proper upbringing, as well as with the intercession of the saints and the Lord. Everyone understood this in the old days, which is why this icon was so valued. And now many people come to kneel before her and offer prayer.
Day of Veneration of the Education Icon
“Education” - the icon of the Mother of God - also has a day of celebration. It happens once a year, namely on the eighteenth of March (or the fifth of March according to the old style). On this day you should pray in front of her, asking Our Lady for sincere intercession for the children. Very often on this day an akathist to the icon is sung.
Words of the saints about education and love
The icon of the Mother of God "Nurturing" also has special meaning and for the elders and saints. All of them perfectly understood the need for proper education of the younger generation, as well as teaching them love for their neighbors, rigor in matters of morality, etc. Therefore, they treated education with special rigor and trepidation.
For example, Saint Theophan the Recluse speaks of the love of a mother and father for their child, and each shows it in their own way. A woman is softer by nature, so her love is warming and indulgent. A man is more firm, therefore his love is more strict. Both must be dosed correctly, then education will be good.
The words of Ambrose of Optina are also very significant. He says that children should be raised in the fear of God, taught Orthodox concepts, and also taught and protected from what is not accepted by the church. This is necessary so that later, as adults, they strive for spiritual life and the Kingdom of God.
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”, which is located in Nekrasovka
In honor of this icon there is also Orthodox church. It is located near Moscow, in the village of Nekrasovka. Initially, there was a temporary temple named after Sergius of Radonezh, the construction of which was welcomed by the residents, since before that there was nothing there at all. After some time, due to the increase in the parish, a new temple complex was required.
The name of the new temple was supposed to be the same as the old one, but problems arose with this. Therefore, it was very opportune to remember the words of the Patriarch about the need to educate young people in accordance with God's laws. This is how the temple of the Icon of the Mother of God “Education” appeared, and also an icon was placed that had already created a miracle (it is written about above).
Temple architecture
In the project, the temple was to have a consecrated main altar in honor of the Mother of God “Education” icon. There will also be two other thrones - in honor of St. Stylian, and also St. Sergius. The temple, which will be located on the ground floor, will be dedicated to the Nativity of Christ. This coincides with the fact that the first liturgy in Nekrasovka was held on this very holiday.
An interesting point is that the interior walls of the temple are going to be decorated using an ancient technique - encaustic. Its essence lies in the fact that wax is added to the mixture of paints to bind them, so a unique image is obtained. Colored mosaics will be laid on the dome and vaults.
Also now in the temple there is an Athos stone from the monastery of the Great Martyr Panteleimon. And this is very symbolic, since the design of the cathedral itself is in the late Byzantine style. Also in the temple there is an icon of St. Stylian, which was also brought from Athos.
They plan to decorate the iconostasis of the future cathedral with icons that will be hand-embroidered with beads. Women are already working on this. And in the temporary temple there is a miraculous icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov, which has already been decorated by the residents of the village (with earrings, a pendant and a ring). This is gratitude for help in prayers.
Also, some icons were brought by parishioners. One of them is the “Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. This is the largest icon, next to it is the Virgin Belt, beautifully decorated with beads.
Today, the construction of the temple is coming to an end. A cross has already been installed on the dome, which in its manufacture is a copy of the cross located on Athos. It was installed on the famous mountain by Russian Orthodox Christians in 1882. Just like the original, it has a sapphire ball in the center, illuminated in the dark.
Temple Education
The most important place in the cathedral is occupied by “Education” - the icon of the Mother of God, so it is no coincidence that the spiritual education of youth is in first place. There is already a Sunday school for children there. In addition, children's creativity is also developed there - young parishioners are allowed to fantasize about their future church and make small models.
There is also a Sunday school for adults, which is not the first time it has accepted students. They study there for three years until graduation. The school for adults is very popular, as students are recruited every year.
The construction of the temple greatly influenced the residents; the basics of Orthodox culture began to be taught in two schools. This does not mean at all that part of the Sunday school appeared there, nor is it considered to be teaching the law of God. This is rather a more scientific approach, which, however, affects Orthodoxy, forcing us to perceive it as our heritage (after all, our ancestors used to be all baptized and attended churches, they were afraid of God's punishment).
The icon, which is located in the Kazan Cathedral
The first miraculous icon was lost, as was written above, after the revolution in Russia. An exact list was written from her. Today the icon of the Mother of God “Education” is located in Moscow, in its old place - in the Kazan Cathedral. Since its restoration, numerous Orthodox Christians have flocked there to pray before the image and ask for the protection of the Mother of God for their children.
In addition to her, there are other shrines in the cathedral. This is the revered icon of the Kazan Mother of God, her reliquary. After restoration, divine services and liturgies are held in the cathedral, and on Fridays an akathist is read to the main icon of the cathedral and a prayer service is held.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to say that we should take care in raising a child, instilling in him the values that are necessary for raising a worthy person who can enter the Kingdom of God. This can only be done by personal example, as well as by asking for intercession and help from the saints. You should pray fervently and ask for strength and patience in this difficult matter, especially in our time.
Very often, parents turn to the Mother of God, and this is no coincidence, since she is considered the patroness of the family and children. There are a lot of her images that help in various cases, but, as is clear from the above material, the most effective help in education can come from the icon with the same name. Pray for the sake of our future generation, that it will be brought up in the fear of God, on the Laws of God. After all, only then will there be peace and order on earth. Everyone will be able to think of their neighbor with love, and not with hatred, in the family everyone will respect their neighbor, marriage ties will become stronger. All this can be achieved only by coming to God and bringing your children there.
Icon of the Mother of God “NURTURING”
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An ancient Byzantine image, which in Russia was called “Education”, since those praying in front of it received help from the Mother of God in raising children. The icon of the Mother of God became famous throughout Russia for its miracles.
Before the revolution, the original icon of the Mother of God was in the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square, but after the destruction of the temple it disappeared without a trace. We currently have an exact copy of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God in the revived Kazan Cathedral.
Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Education” they pray for the education of their children in faith and piety.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Education”
O Most Holy Lady Virgin Theotokos, save and preserve under Your shelter my children (names), all youths, young women and infants, baptized and nameless, and carried in the womb of the Mother. Cover them with the robe of Your Motherhood, keep them in the fear of God and obedience to their parents, beg my Lord and Your Son to grant them what is useful for their salvation. I entrust them to Your maternal supervision, for You are the Divine protection of Your servants.
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Akathist to the Holy Mother of God in front of her icon, called "Education"Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode and Good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write a letter of gratitude to Thy servants, the Mother of God, who has an invincible power, free my child from all troubles, and with tears I call to Thee: educate, O Lady, my child... (name) is worthy Create the kingdom of heaven and create it as an heir to eternal blessings.
Ikos 1
Send an angel from heaven to my child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Your Son and God, just as a mighty guardian was sent to You - Gabriel the Archangel and grant me the power to cry out to You: Raise my child as an earthly angel. Raise my child to be a heavenly man. Raise my child to be pleasing to You. Raise my child with a contrite spirit and heart. Raise my child to be Your servant. Raise my child to cry to You: “Rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with You!” Raise, O Lady, my child... (name) worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2
Seeing my maternal prayer for my child, asking You for only help: take him under Your honest and merciful protection, so that I may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Give my child some insight into how to serve You well and fill his heart with Heavenly wisdom, giving her alone to love, but to despise earthly things, and do not forbid with my mouth the following cry: Raise my child to be wise, like serpents, and simple, like doves. Raise my child to have a mind for good and not to seek sin. Raise my child to be wise against the wiles of the devil. Raise my child to grow in the knowledge of the wisdom of the Eternal Kingdom. Raise my child to wisely organize his life in the image of the saints. Raise my child, feeding him with the milk of God’s hidden Wisdom, so that he may seek You in all his belly. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3
May the power of the Most High overshadow my child of Yours for the sake of vigilant intercession before Your Son, and therefore, having recognized Your maternal mercy for all who flow to You with faith, I will cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Even though my child has received from God, I do not want to see him in eternal torment, but more than what is written in the Book of Life and inheriting eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure Virgin, incline your ear to my prayer, crying out to You: Raise my child to avoid eternal torment. Raise my child to inherit an eternal life. Educate my child to lead the path of life in repentance. Educate my child to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit with great difficulty. Raise my child to strive to delight the Kingdom of Heaven. Raise my child so that he may be written in the Book of Life. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm within me with doubtful thoughts, whether you would like to take my child into the eternal belly, I weep, but remembering Your abundant mercies, in hope and tenderness of heart I sing to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing Your voice saying to Your Son: “Keep those given to Me by You as an inheritance forever,” I stretch out my hand and heart to Your mercy, so that I may take my child into Thy servant and fulfill the following request: Raise my child in Your glorious inheritance. Raise my child with all Your saints. Raise my child to be a servant who does all Your commandments. Raise my child to walk the narrow path of the commandments of Your Son to Jerusalem on High. Raise my child to seek help from You alone. Raise my child to be accepted into the eternal belly. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 5
May the morning star, that is, Your Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine with an unevening light in the heart of my child, so that I may cry to him to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing my diligent prayer offered up to Your glory, like fragrant incense, do not turn Your face away from my child, lest he turn away, hear the words of my mouth crying out to You: raise my child to be poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Raise my child to cry, so that they will be comforted. Raise my child to be meek, for they will inherit the earth. Raise my child to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied. Raise my child to be merciful, for they will receive mercy. Raise my child with a pure heart, so that they will see God. Raise my child to be a peacemaker, as these sons of God will be called. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 6
The entire Christian world preaches Your constant intercession of orphans, widows and mothers, for their children praying and crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shine rays of grace upon the soul of my child, so that the one enlightened by You from above will see the path leading to the eternal life, and follow it, nurtured under Your all-powerful protection, to the Kingdom of Your Son, where there is endless life. For this sake, hear me calling to You: Educate my child is the light of the world, may the light shine before people, and may those who see his good deeds glorify the Heavenly Father. Raise my child to be enlightened by Your Son, so that in His light he will see the light and direct his feet towards Him. Raise my child to turn the eyes of his heart to the Creator of all things. Raise my child, guiding by the morning star who is Your Son in the abode of the righteous. Raise my child to be meek, silent and trembling of the Word of God. Raise my child to love You and Your Son not only with his mind, but also with his heart. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 7
I desire for my child eternal salvation to appear with tears before Your venerable icon, O Lady, may you not despise my prayer, calling to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Your Son, I have drawn my child with Your merciful hand under Your grace-filled cover, and with zeal I call to You: Raise my child who seeks first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness. Raise my child to enter through the narrow gates leading to the eternal belly. Raise my child in every place of the will of Your Son and God. Raise my child to be silent and to think blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Raise my child among the few of Your chosen ones. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 8
Wandering in this earthly vale, much sorrowful and much rebellious, my child, where will you find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One? Guide him and guide him on the true path, so that he may call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You are the Mother of mercy to everyone, You, Mother of God, and I want you to be Her to my child. Behold, I entrust him in Your hand and in humility I ask You: Raise my child to be watchful and praying, so that he will not fall into temptation. Raise my child to be merciful, just as the Heavenly Father is merciful. Raise my child in the tenderness of an infant, as children are the Kingdom of God. Raise my child to be the least of all, so that he may be great before God. Raise my child to be a partaker of the bliss of heaven, observing the word of God. Raise my child to be trustworthy for the Kingdom of Heaven. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 9
Fill his soul and heart with every good thing, reveling in Your bounty for all who need it, and calling to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branches of the worldly communication, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver him and look upon me, who truly cry out: Raise my child in chastity and obedience. Raise my child to escape the joys of the world and the delights of this age. Raise my child to shun evil and do good. Raise my child to produce good fruit. Raise my child to love and pray for everyone. Raise my child to be perfect, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 10
Save the world at least. Your Son came from Heaven to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. For this reason, pray to Your Son and say about my child, so that the one saved by You will cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Become an indestructible wall, O Heavenly Queen, to my child, so that under Your blessed protection he can do many good deeds, and with this I call to You: Raise my child to lead to do the will of Your Son and God. Raise my child to hate sin and all lawlessness. Raise my child those who love goodness and every virtue. Raise my child in immaculate purity. Raise my child to ascend the ladder of his belly every day. Raise my child in his sorrow by turning his eyes to Your mercy. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to its eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11
Vouchsafe my child Your irresistible intercession, and with Your grace open his mouth to cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Make his life a light-receiving light, flaming and fading from love for You and Your Son and neighbor day and night, and do not despise me, who calls You: Raise my child to love You with all my heart and mind. Raise my child to always look at the cross and the suffering of Your Son. Raise my child to open his mouth only to praise and glorify Your goodness. Raise my child to await the coming of Your Son with tears. Raise my child in sober and unceasing prayer. Raise my child in reverence for always coming to You. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12
Fill the heart of my child with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that I may love only Your Son and God, and You, the Most Gracious One, may, having been moved by You, call to the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thy mercy, with which you love and nourish my child, do not stop asking Thy Son for it, for I believe that the whole essence is accessible to You, and fulfill my prayers for the good: Raise my child to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Raise my child by finding Your Son at the right hand at the Judgment. Raise my child to live holy. Raise my child with the grace of the Spirit of God, firmly on the path to return to abiding. Raise my child to spend his life in tears and groaning about sins. Raise my child to be insatiably hungry and thirsty for the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. Raise, O Lady, my child worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and make him an heir to eternal blessings.
Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer into the stench of spiritual fragrance for my child, and take it under Your merciful protection. Also grant him to think, know, hear, speak and do only that which brings him closer to You and Your Son and promotes eternal salvation. And send him in this life everything useful for the salvation of his soul, let him call to God: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times and then ikos 1 and kontakion 1).
The “Education” icon is valued among Orthodox Christians. Parents turn to her with prayers asking for help in raising their children.
There are icons of the Mother of God in every church and temple. They are approached daily with words of prayer, asking for help and protection. The church knows many miraculous icons. They help in healing from illnesses, protect against adversity and give happiness to believers.
History of the “Education” icon
In Russian churches there are few icons of Our Lady of Education, as well as documentary information about this shrine. According to surviving oral memories, the icon arrived in Rus' from Byzantium and became famous for its miraculous abilities. Before the 1917 revolution, the image was in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow, but after that it was lost. Now there is an exact list from the holy face, which continues to help all Orthodox Christians by working miracles.
Description and location of the “Education” icon
The icon depicts the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus sitting on her left hand. The baby pulls his right hand up to the face of the Mother of God. The Mother of God points to her Son right hand. On some lists, Jesus extends both hands to his Mother with open palms. The icon belongs to the Hodegetria type. In the icon, everyone sees the tenderness and love of the Holy Mother for her Baby and all humanity. The Mother of God is depicted in a red robe with a gold border, and Jesus is dressed in a cloak. The icon is not very common, but copies of it can be found in temples and churches of Bryansk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Karelia, Moscow, St. Petersburg. The most reliable list to this day is located within the walls of the Kazan Cathedral.
How does the Mother of God help?
The holy face is miraculous. People turn to him with requests for help in raising babies, giving them health and protection. Higher Powers. Maternal prayers have enormous power and, supported by the miraculous properties of the icon, are the strongest protection for newborns. Parents also offer prayers for increased intelligence and guidance for their grown-up children on the true path. They ask the Mother of God to ward off adversity and help children begin an independent life, fight temptations and negativity, both external and internal.
Celebration date
The festive liturgy is celebrated annually 18th of March(March 5, old style). Heaven is open for requests, and everyone can pray to the Mother of God for their children.
Prayer before the icon “Education”
“Most Holy Mother of God, we turn to You in sincere prayers for the children of our beloved. Do not leave a single baby without protection and guidance on the true path. Take troubles away from unintelligent children, leave them happiness and joy, help their parents raise them in severity and the Orthodox faith. Grant, Most Holy Theotokos, your blessing to every child on earth, pray to the Lord with us, so that he may forgive our sins and help in raising our beloved children. Amen".
In Orthodoxy there are many prayers that help mothers in raising their children. They are able to protect from any adversity, ward off troubles and heal babies. Remember that education is the sacred responsibility of every parent. Lead your offspring along the righteous path and help them gain faith. We wish you happiness, and do not forget to press the buttons and
18.03.2018 05:11
The Hodegetria icon, revered as miraculous, has been known in Rus' since ancient times. Orthodox Christians especially value...
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