Icon Everlasting Color It also has a second name - Fragrant Color. It is considered very ancient. April 16 a large number of Orthodox people come to honor this icon. This is a very powerful image that has created many different miracles.

Many experts consider this icon to be the most beautiful of all kinds of other images. When pilgrims brought it (17th century), people began to celebrate its miraculous properties, which continue to this day.

Why pray to the Fadeless Color icon

People have long known that prayer to the Unfading Color icon helps all girls who dream of maintaining their beautiful appearance and youth for as long as possible. Protects them and gives them strength to stay clean and live a right life.

The Mother of God, who is depicted on this icon, holds her small child in one hand, and with the other hand holds a sprig of a flower. Initially it was a bouquet of lilies, then a flower, nowadays they are painted with a twig. It symbolizes purity, virginity and purity. Girls who wear such an amulet on their chests are protected from the vicious temptations of our world.

Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Unfading Color helps a person gain additional strength so that he can overcome all the trials that life gives him. Saves marriage, strengthens family relationships, helps to overcome various family difficulties that happen in almost every family.

Girls and women who want to get married often pray in front of this icon. They ask that they meet exactly the person who will be their support for the rest of their lives, reliable, kind and a true protector. Before the wedding ceremony, they ask that the future family be reliable and strong.

Sincere prayer directs a person on the right path, adds spiritual strength that may already be running low, and relieves him of despondency and heavy thoughts. Many sources say that prayer in front of this icon is long time preserved youth and health.

How does prayer in front of the Unfading Color icon help?

Prayers in front of the Icon always add strength to a person, drive bad thoughts out of his head, and also give him faith in the future. In front of the icon of the Unfading Color, people ask:

• help higher powers for marriage;
• so that the decision in choosing a soul mate is not wrong;
• a life partner for life, who will be in both joy and sorrow;
• young, unmarried girls who are brought up in faith, in prayer ask for protection from vicious temptations, of which there are so many in this world;
• girls also want to gain knowledge to properly raise the future generation.

History of the icon

It is believed that the icon first appeared on the island of Kefalonia, near Athos, and it was from this image that many similar versions emerged. An amazing story happened in this place many hundreds of years ago.

There was a tradition on this island that continues to this day. On the Feast of the Annunciation, people bring flowers white(tulips or similar ones) to the face of the Mother of God, there they lie until the feast of Her Assumption. It is important to note that the flowers lie without water and sunlight almost five months.

But many years ago a miracle happened: the stems of flowers similar to lilies suddenly began to fill with moisture and come to life. Instead of already withered flowers, new buds appeared and after a while lush bouquets of white flowers stood in this place. Master icon painters were inspired by this miracle, and this is how the Unfading Color icon appeared.

The Athos icon spread throughout the Orthodox world. But a little later, three main directions appeared that made copies of this icon - Russia, Greece, Bulgaria. It is thanks to this that an incredibly huge iconographic diversity appeared.

The Everlasting Color first appeared in Greece around the 16th century. Pilgrims brought the first list to Russia much later. The first monastery to have this icon was St. Alekseevsky in Moscow.

The first records about the icon are found only in 1757; celebrations are held in its honor on April 16. Unfortunately, there is no exact information about where it came from in our region, but presumably from the Balkans.

Many historians believe that lists created in the 19th century and later are inferior to more ancient ones. The old icons depicted a large number of attributes, there were flowers in the hands, and later they increasingly drew a twig. The coloring of the composition became more restrained, and the crown disappeared.

Text of the prayer to the holy image

O Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, bow down your ear to our prayer, Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften hearts evil people, rising up against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion, tone 5

Most blessed Virgin Mary, we worship Your most pure image, We sing a song of praise to You, We bring needs, grief and tears to You, But You, oh, our meek Intercessor, Earthly sorrows are so close to You, accept our sighs, help us and save us from troubles. Tirelessly and with tenderness let us call to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Greatness

We magnify Thee, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Thy holy image, through which we heal our illnesses and raise souls to God.

Conclusion

There is no doubt about the miraculousness of the icon, and miracles occurred not only in ancient times, but also in modern world. In 2007, in the Kherson region, it began to flow myrrh, and since then miracles began to happen.

People came from all over the CIS to the icon of the Unfading Color and read prayers to get married. Indeed, many women who could not find a life partner for many years found a husband after a short period of time and live happily in marriage.

Of course, after the miraculous deeds, everything more people started coming to this place. And more and more people were amazed at how prayers to this icon saved entire families and restored relationships. There have been cases where quarrels occurred within a family over many years, but after sincere prayer, people reconciled.

There are known cases of not only restoration of relationships, but also healing properties. Parents often brought their children to the icon and asked for help in healing, and after a while the children recovered.

Listen to the prayer to the icon of the Unfading Color

Orthodox prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos “Unfading Flower” for marriage

Prayer can bring a lot of prosperity, luck and abundance into life; you should always do this, regardless of your mood, day of the week or weather. The prayer “Unfading Flower”, to the icon of the Mother of God for marriage, will certainly help you establish personal life. Real orthodox prayer She’s capable of a lot, but not everyone understands or appreciates it. Some prayed, it became a little better, and abandoned it. You can't be so superficial. Continue to pray even when everything is fine. Be quick to thank, and not just ask.

Prayer to the Mother of God Unfading Color: text in Russian with comments

To whom can I read the prayer “Unfading Color”

Those girls who are in search of their love can safely read this prayer.

It was read by those who dreamed of organizing their personal lives back in ancient times. Purity Holy Mother of God is a symbol of a pure and innocent bride. This is the reason why girls began to pray in front of this icon, asking for help to find good husband and with a strong family.

The fact that the number of places where there is an icon of the Mother of God is quite large shows us how revered she is. The image of the unfading color is considered powerful.

But not only brides can turn to this icon. Those who are sick or sad can also pray in front of her.

Text of the prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon

Below you will find information on how to read the prayer to the “unfading color” icon, and also read

Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners!

Protect everyone who comes running to You in misfortune, hear our groans,

Incline Your ear to our prayer. Lady and Mother of our God,

Do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners,

Enlighten and teach us: do not depart from us, your servants, because of our murmuring.

Be our Mother and Protectress, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection.

Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.

Oh, Mother Mary, our most offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession.

Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who retaliate against us.

O Mother of our Lord Creator!

You are the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity and chastity,

Send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts.

Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.

By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will to fulfill the commandments,

May we be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may we be justified

By Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son.

To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

How to read a prayer correctly?

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos: It has been read since ancient times by young girls asking for a husband

The rules of the prayer Unfading Color are no different from the others, absolutely nothing.

• You can read it together with morning prayers, and during evening prayer. It will not lose its power if you read it in the temple on your own or at home.
• Another quite common rule is sincerity. You need to open your heart. There is no need to select intonation, build a tone, change your voice... all this is unnecessary. Just empty your head of garbage and give yourself completely to prayer. Believe in what you say, in her strength and in yourself.

Prayer and everything good words, which it carries, are capable of completely destroying the accumulated negativity inside a person. Prayer can cure not only illness and the soul. It helps to get rid of troubles and evil. Rumor has it that it can even prolong life.

But in order for prayer to work, you need to set yourself up for a positive result and that it really helps. All the saints and our Lord do not always hear us, for one simple reason, because we do not let what we say into our souls. It must be said sincerely. Push aside all negativity and radiate faith.

Learn to pray. Learn to believe. Learn to radiate goodness. Do not accumulate evil and hatred, all this will only worsen your life and attract a lot of negativity into it. Do not waste time on unnecessary things, rather devote it to prayer and God.

Only those who once tried to take the right path could no longer go a day without praying. And do this not with the goal of improving your life, but with the goal of getting closer to the Lord. Do it not because you have to, but because you have consciously become ready for it.

Peter and Fevronia

If you have any questions or need help with the current life situation, you can consult our experts.

I got married thanks to this prayer. I was a girl for two years, with no luck and no luck. I found this site and decided to try reading this prayer. A week later I unexpectedly met MCH in a supermarket and got married six months later. We'll have a baby soon! And thank you so much to the Internet and your site for the happiness I have found!

My older sister is 32 and lives in America. She has a divorce behind her and is very disappointed in men. But our mother says that we need to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and everything will be fine. My sister didn’t believe it and was offended by my mother. And I decided to pray for her, because I so sincerely wished her happiness. I know that 32 in America is too early for marriage, but I wanted nephews quickly before time ran out. And I prayed for her, day and night. And then he met his wonderful dentist in a white Chevrolet. The whole family is collecting money for tickets in the summer :)

This prayer helped me too! For a long, long time I waited for my betrothed - but the cherished proposal still did not arrive! Whatever I did, whatever I did! And my mother found this prayer for me! Soon I met my beloved and soon (this summer) our wedding! My happiness knows no bounds! Believe, girls, God will definitely help you fulfill your deepest desires!

Add a comment Cancel reply

Questions and answers

Online magazine about the mysterious and unknown

© Copyright 2015-2017 All rights reserved. Copying materials is allowed only when using an active link. 18+ Strictly for adults!

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”

In front of the icon “Unfading Color” of the Mother of God, they offer prayers for the preservation of a righteous life, for faithful marriage, and ask happy marriage, maintaining purity and chastity, about getting rid of carnal warfare when entering married life.

The spoken prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon has the meaning of pure and fiery, helps in solving difficult situations in the family. The Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color” is one of the most popular among Christians, revealing its beauty to the world.

The icon depicts Mother of God holding a flower in her hand.

It has the meaning of the permanence of virginity and the immaculate life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church of Orthodox Christianity appeals to the Most Pure One in this way, calling her the Unfading Flower.

The world is presented with several versions of icons that differ from each other. One of these icons shows the face of the Most Holy Theotokos with the Divine Child standing on the left, who holds a scepter and orb in his hands.

Read prayer at home and in church

It is possible to read the prayer while being under the shadow of the Church, or at home. In any case, it will have meaning and will be effective if you handle it with love and faith. Otherwise, the Most Holy Theotokos will not be able to hear you and the problems will remain unresolved.

Be sure to purchase the “Fadeless Color” icon. You can place it in your room and offer prayers in front of it daily, asking for solutions to problems, improvement in your marriage, happiness for your children, etc.

You can light a candle in front of the icon to make it easier to concentrate on your desire.

The “Unfading Color” icon has a wonderful meaning. There is evidence that on the day of the celebration of the icon, April 16, in the Samara region, one pensioner woman saw the miraculous face of the Most Holy Theotokos with unfading color.

Prayer to save the family

There are many prayer words with which Orthodox Christians address the Mother of God in front of the “Unfading Color” icon. Everyone strives to achieve different things. Its meaning is used by those deceived in marriage, mothers who want to find happiness for their young children, as well as everyone who wants to lead decent life under the shadow of Christianity.

Prayer before the “Unfading Color” icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is extremely effective, about which you can read a lot of evidence on the Internet.

Most often, holy words before the face help to obtain remission of sins and protection in the misfortunes of marriage. Prayer helps to ensure that the Lady hears her and helps with her advice and miraculous power. She is able to grant a quiet and serene life, especially helping those who have repented of their sins.

“Indestructible color” has the meaning of protecting visible and invisible enemies, softening evil hearts. It is also used to reduce carnal desires and passions. Many wives and husbands turn to her in order to remain faithful in marriage when temptations arise, or when they are afraid of their occurrence.

Many married couples pray together to save their marriage and achieve harmony in their relationship. You can read amazing cases of healing and finding family happiness on various forums and Internet portals.

Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary

In Christianity, the earthly mother of Jesus Christ, one of the most revered personalities and the greatest of Christian saints.

Prayer to the Mother of God Unfading color: comments

One comment

My husband and I have been married for 3 years. At first everything was fine: they understood each other perfectly, helped and supported each other in a difficult situation. But like any family, we had problems. Misunderstandings began, they began to understand each other less, and quarrels began. We tried to compromise, but this did little to help us solve family problems. We were ready to break up, but we really didn’t want to destroy what had been built so long and with love.

My grandmother, a very religious person, told me about an icon that helps with family problems, guides her wife on the true path and saves the family. This is the “Fadeless Color” icon.

It was here that I found a prayer to the icon, I read it every day, my soul becomes lighter and I notice how my relationship with my husband is improving.

Icon "Unfading Color"

The Orthodox Christian icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” is revered as one of the holiest and most beautiful images. Find out about amazing power icons and how it can help you.

The icon appeared in Rus' in the 17th century; it was brought from Greece to Moscow, where it immediately became loved and revered. Since that time, many cases of healing from the “Virgin Flower” have been known. Indeed, in prayers they often compare the Mother of God and her son God's Jesus Christ with unfading, ever-fragrant flowers.

In the image, the Most Holy Theotokos holds the Divine Child in one hand and a white lily in the other. This is a symbol of purity, purity and deliverance from bad thoughts.

What is asked for from the “Fadeless Color” icon?

Before the image, Orthodox Christians pray for purity of thoughts and reconciliation with themselves, and ask to strengthen their faith. The Holy Face is able to protect from sins and guide you on the right path. The icon helps when choosing a spouse and warns against an incorrect or rash decision. Strengthens family ties.

If this face of the Mother of God is worn on the chest, it will preserve childhood and chastity. The breastplate should be worn by little girls and unmarried girls.

Lonely or lost people turn to the icon with prayers and requests. loved one People. They seek solace and peace in a beautiful image.

Girls and women turn to the Mother of God, the holy image protects the fair sex and helps in complex issues. At all times people came to the icon with requests for love and good life partners. They prayed for their loved ones who were in danger and asked for the men to be returned from the war alive and well. Married women turned to the image with a request to strengthen their families or prayed for the conception of a child.

People said that the face of the Mother of God with a lily is capable of preserving feminine beauty and youth, you just have to kiss the flower.

The Queen of God fulfills the fastest mother's prayers about his daughter's marriage, because there is nothing stronger than love mothers to their children.

Prayer to the icon “Unfading Color”

“Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners!

Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring.

Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection.

Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins.

O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession.

Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.

O Mother of our Lord Creator!

You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts.

Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.

By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son.

To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen".

Remember sincere prayer and request will always be heard. When turning to the beautiful holy image, keep your thoughts clean and orderly, and the Most Holy Theotokos will definitely help you. We wish you good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

Magazine about stars and astrology

every day fresh articles about astrology and esotericism

Prayers for children

Every parent wants to protect their precious child and guide him on the right and righteous path. Find out what prayers.

Day of the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear”

IN Orthodox world There is a special icon that is popular in all countries. Her name is “Quick to Hear,” because what she is asked to do is .

Icon "Unbreakable Wall"

Each of us wants to protect ourselves and our loved ones from disasters and illnesses. Believers ask for intercession from one of the most revered.

Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow”

A huge number of images are dedicated to the Mother of God, and each of them carries something special and important. Find out when to reach out to one.

Icon of the Seven Shots

Among the holy images there is an amazing icon of the Mother of God with seven arrows or swords piercing Her heart. Find out, .

Mother of God unfading color prayer for marriage

The Most Holy Theotokos is the main intercessor of man before the Lord and conveys to Him all the innermost desires of man.

In the history of Christianity, there are many images of the Mother of God, and each of them is famous for miracles! And of course, there are icons of the Most Holy Theotokos, prayers in front of which help to find happiness and get married.

One of these icons is the “Unfading Color” icon - this is one of the most lyrical images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the favorite icon of all Orthodox women!

It is assumed that the Athonite monks were inspired to paint this icon by an annual miracle, which was witnessed more than once by residents and guests of the Holy Mountain.

Pilgrims bring white flowers (lilies) to the Mareti of God, and the clergy put them in the icon case of the Most Pure One. On the eve of the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, dry and lifeless stems are filled with strength and color and produce new buds.

Allegorically, this miracle is associated with the purity of the Virgin Mary - Her Unfading Color. It is believed that in front of this icon, girls can ask the Mother of God to find true love, about a successful marriage, about a happy family life.

Prayer to the Mother of God for marriage

This prayer is read in front of the “Unfading Color” icon.

“O Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect everyone who comes running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for murmuring is our. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our all-offering and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, come to help us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the paths of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen."

Who else can you pray for marriage:

1. Prayer to the Lord God for marriage(read a prayer).

2. Prayers to the Saints for marriage.

You can also pray to the Saints for a happy marriage, who are a kind of intermediaries between man and God. They listen to prayer and pass it on to God! They respond to your sincere requests!

a) Prayer for marriage to Nicholas the Wonderworker

Nicholas the Wonderworker is one of the most beloved Saints among Russians Orthodox people. Its miracles are varied and countless. There is no such case when a Saint cannot help a person. He very willingly responds to prayers for marriage. Read a prayer...

b) Prayer to Matrona for marriage

Saint Matrona is called “Mother”. The miracles of Matrona are innumerable. She is very responsive to women's requests for a happy marriage and the birth of a child. Read a prayer...

c) Prayer of Ksenia of Petersburg for marriage

There is a huge amount of evidence of Ksenia of Petersburg’s help in matters of marriage and personal happiness. Read a prayer...

d) Prayer to Peter and Fevronia for marriage

Saints Peter and Fevronia are venerated in Orthodox Christianity as a sample loving family. They lived a long time happy life, retained tender feelings for each other. Now their names are associated with an example of true family happiness, a strong, love-filled marriage. Through prayers in front of their icons, the most amazing miracles happen, including the fulfillment of requests for a happy marriage! Read a prayer...

e) Prayer on the Intercession for marriage

The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos is a great holiday! It is celebrated on October 14 every year. On Pokrov, girls who want to get married need to come to church and light a candle to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ask her for a happy marriage. Married women can ask for happiness in their family life!

It is believed that the husband given to you after the Intercession prayer will be the best and ideal man for you! Read a prayer...

Icon of the Mother of God Unfading Color

Icon of the Mother of God Unfading Color. Prayer. Meaning.

The icon of the Mother of God has an unfading color great importance for Orthodox believers. People turn to the Mother of God for help in consolation, because prayer in front of the icon helps to cope with grief. Young girls turn to the Most Pure One for help in finding a life partner.

In the image, the Mother of God holds the Son of God in her hand, and in her second hand she has a white lily, which personifies the symbol of the purity and virginity of the Unbrided Bride. On individual lists there is a difference: instead of a lily, the Virgin Mary holds a rose branch, and the baby can be either on the left hand or on the right. The miraculous power and meaning of all images are the same.

How does the Fadeless Color icon help?

Turning to the Mother of God before the miraculous image helps close people find understanding among themselves, helps solve the family problems of spouses, and saves them loving relationship. This image is considered female, but any believer can pray.

On the wedding day, young brides were blessed with the face of the Mother of God for a happy marriage. Married women ask the face to protect the family hearth from adversity.

The Most Holy One helps believers get rid of temptations on the path of family life.

Women ask the Mother of God to make the marriage happy, as well as save the family.

Believers say that this image can give those who turn to it peace of mind, as well as preserve the beauty and youth of the body of those praying.

Prayers in front of the icon of the Unfading Color drive away the dark doubts that torment the soul and give faith and strength in the future. Most often, young girls turn to the image with a prayer for marriage. Sincere prayer will help them not to make a mistake in choosing a life partner who will be with her in sorrow and in joy.

Young girls ask Mother Heavenly to find the true life path, asking for protection from vicious temptations, asking her to pass on her knowledge and instructions for a righteous life to them.

Until 1757, the original icon was in the St. Alexeevsky Monastery of Krasnoe Selo in Moscow. But this image was lost, it was replaced by a copy that also had the power of healing.

In Voronezh, in the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there is a list of the icon; many parishioners turn to it. In the village of Kadom, Ryazan region, there is a list that Seraphim of Sarov revered and loved very much.

In the Samara region in 2012, an image of the Mother of God of the Unfading Color appeared on the window of the house of one parishioner of a local church, to which many believers and worshipers began to come with prayers and requests.

In many museums, in Tretyakov Gallery there are lists of the miraculous icon.

Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Unfading Color

The Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Color" is my favorite. This, from my point of view, is the most beautiful icon dedicated to Her. It belongs to the “Akathist” type, since it embodies in colors one of the literary epithets of praise in honor of the Mother of God. The day of celebration of the icon is April 16.
I made a selection of ancient icons of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”, among them there are Greek icons. And in the Balkans it turns out that its own version of this iconographic type of the Mother of God “Everfading Rose” is very common. The most famous is in the Esphigmen monastery on Mount Athos.

Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Rose".Esphigmen monastery. Athos

Icon of the Mother of God "Unfading Color". History and symbolism

The Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” is not very often found in Russian churches today. But everyone who sees it, at first sight, is attracted by its unearthly purity and tenderness. His main feature- an image of the Virgin Mary holding the Divine Infant on one hand, and a beautiful flower in the other. Most often it is a white lily.

According to legend, it was once upon a time that Archangel Gabriel presented it to the Mother of God as a sign of the good news that she would become the Mother of God himself. This flower is of utmost importance in the symbolism of the “Unfading Flower” icon, denoting the deep spiritual purity of the Mother of God, who was placed by the Lord above even the disembodied Angels.

Icon "Unfading Color". Tikhon Filatiev. Moscow. XVII century

The icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” or, according to the second name, “Fragrant Flower” first appeared in the 17th century in Greece. Her unusual appearance arose as the embodiment in colors of the words of the Akathist - a solemn chant read in honor of the Mother of God. In it, the Most Pure Virgin is called “the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity.”

The appearance of the icon “Fadeless Color” was influenced by the tradition of writing Orthodox icon"Praise to the Mother of God", the earliest Russian copy of which dates back to the 14th century. This was the first icon created on the basis of the ancient akathist dedicated to the Mother of God.

The reason for its creation was the miraculous deliverance of Constantinople from the enemy invasion through the mediation of the Mother of God. On the icon, the Prophets who once spoke about the birth of the Virgin Mary are written with the symbols that served as her prototype. So the Prophet Aaron holds a rod, on the top of which you can see a wonderful flower.

This image is associated with the ancient tradition of the Church. It says that once upon a time God, through the prophet Moses, determined only the descendants of the clan of Aaron to be Old Testament priests. But later, representatives of other clans began to protest, also laying claim to the honor of the priesthood. Then, in order to stop the strife, it was decided to get an answer from above. For this purpose, the rods of representatives of the twelve tribes of the Jewish people were left in the Jewish temple.

After some time, it was discovered that the eleven wands remained unchanged. But on the rod of the descendants of Levi, on which the name of his grandson, Aaron, was written, an almond flower appeared. Moreover, it did not dry out and, later, produced fruit. This phenomenon finally convinced everyone of the chosenness of the family that served in the temple of Jerusalem.

IN Christian tradition The miracle with Aaron's rod is considered as follows. The rod itself, blooming with a fragrant flower, is a symbol of pure and immaculate virgin Maria. And the fruit that appeared on it is the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Therefore, on the icon “Praise to the Mother of God” they sometimes began to depict Mother of God with a flower branch in hands.

Thus, the authors of the “Unfading Color” icon, having borrowed this version of the image, isolated it into an independent iconographic plot. Its development was also influenced by the process of literal embodiment in Christian painting of the words of various liturgical books and hymns, especially the thanksgiving canon of Joseph the Songwriter, written in the 9th century. In them, the appearance of the Mother of God is shown by prototype symbols:

• a source that gives life;
• lily;
• star;
• rose;
• the sun;
• olive branch;
• beautiful garden and many others.

Almost all of these meanings, somewhat earlier, began to be displayed in Catholic painting. The 15th-16th centuries is the time when special compositions appeared there in the form of allegories called “Concepcio immaculata”, which means “Immaculate Conception”, which in the form of engravings began to be included in prayer collections. Probably, these engravings also influenced the emergence of the Greek version of the “Unfading Color” icon.

It is believed that the first such icon was most likely painted in Constantinople. Then, despite the Turkish yoke, more and more new variants began to appear in Greece. She was especially revered in Thessaloniki. One of the copies of the “Unfading Flower” icon was created on Mount Athos and, around the end of the 17th century, brought to Russia.

In the 18th century, both in Greece and Russia, many other versions of the icon appeared, different from the first image. This is the century known for love to pomp and multi-figure, awarded the image big amount new parts. Crowns or crowns appear on the heads of Christ and his Mother. The rose that appears in the hands of the Divine Infant often becomes a flower of purity.

Sometimes graceful branches or even entire garlands of flowers are depicted around the figure of the Virgin Mary, placed in beautiful flowerpots, and turned into pedestals.

Very often the Virgin Mary holds a scepter covered with the most beautiful flowers. Many symbols appear around her: a candle, a tree of paradise, a censer, a staircase leading from earth to heaven, royal chambers, the moon, and so on. They seem to clearly demonstrate the feelings of admiration and praise contained in the words of Christian hymnography.

Here we see some influence Catholic tradition with its splendor of forms and love for detail, which was not initially characteristic of Orthodox icon painting.

How does the “Fadeless Color” icon help?

The icon is popular primarily among young girls and boys, since, according to ancient tradition, they pray to her for the preservation of girlish and youthful purity and chastity, protection from temptations, which are so common in the modern world. Also, before the image of the “Unfading Flower”, a prayer is made for marriage or marriage, so that the Mother of God sends a worthy and decent husband or wife. Older people ask before the image for help in the fight against spiritual and carnal passions. In addition, it helps to overcome adversity and misunderstanding in family life.

There is a wonderful akathist to the “Unfading Color” icon, praising the Virgin Mary in the most sublime terms. In it, the Mother of God is called the “inexhaustible source of love” and immortality.

Orthodox hymnography also created a troparion and a prayer to the “Unfading Color” icon, which are read in front of the image by everyone who has a request to the Mother of God or wants to glorify her and thank her for her help.

Prayer for marriage in front of the icon "Unfading Color"

“Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners!

Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer, O Lady and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten us and teach us: do not depart from us, Your servants, for our murmuring.

Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life; Let us pay for our sins. O Mother Mary, our most kind and quick Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession. Protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us.

O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth.

By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we will be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and may be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the terrible judgment of Your Son. To him we give glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen".

Kontakion 1

Oh, Most Blessed Virgin Mary, joy and refuge for all Christians, worshiping Your Most Pure Image, we sing a song of praise to You, we offer You our needs, grief and tears. You, oh, our meek Intercessor, all our earthly sorrows and sorrows are close to You, accept our sighs in prayers, help us and save us from troubles, for we tirelessly and with tenderness call to You:

Ikos 1

I am a blessing from God and like a long-awaited gift from heaven, requested by unceasing prayer from God, I was sent down to you, O Theotokos, by your righteous and much-joyed parent Joachim and Anna. But you, O God-chosen Youth, left your parental womb and, like an unquenchable lamp of faith, like a fragrant censer, you appeared in humility at the threshold of the Lord, and the power of the Most High lifted you up to the very entrance, led you into the Holy of Holies and opened all the secrets of Heaven. O Most Merciful Virgin Mary! Open our hearts to Your praise and offer up our prayer to Your Son and our God, that we may call You this:

Rejoice, unattainable purity and indescribable beauty; Rejoice, exalted in Your humility.

Rejoice, inexhaustible source of love; Rejoice, vessel chosen by God.

Rejoice, our zealous Intercessor.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 2

Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mary, we are bowed down with sinful thoughts and cold deeds, our heart is enveloped in the cold of life, our eyes are burdened with sinful sleep. But You, O Unfading Flower, having washed us with the morning dew, warm us with the sun of love and mercy. Raise us, O Lady, from the dust of the earth to the Lord, so that we may offer Him this humble prayer of ours and cry out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

And the angel Gabriel was sent quickly from God to the city of Galilee Nazareth and brought to Thee, O Most Pure Virgin, the holy gospel, saying: Rejoice, O Gracious One, the Lord is with Thee! You have found grace from God. We, unworthy, behold such greatness, and in humility of heart we cry:

Rejoice, O full of grace among women; Rejoice, you who have found grace from God and, moreover, exalted Angel.

Rejoice, for you have conceived a Son who will inherit the throne of His father David; Rejoice, you who kindled the unquenchable Light in the darkness of hearts.

Rejoice, thou who openest the door of eternal happiness to us.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 3

We are troubled in sorrow, we spend our days in the vanity and sorrow of our life. But you, O Blessed One, illuminate our souls with Your gospel, fill our hearts with humility. Yes, bowing our heads, we say: Behold, servants of the Lord, may it be done to us according to Your will! To You, O Unfading Flower, and from You Born, we sing all the time: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

In the days of thyself Mariam flowed into the city of Judah, and into the house of Zechariah, and kissed Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard Mary’s kiss, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out with a great voice, saying: Where does this come from to me, that the Mother of My Lord may come to me! Oh, Most Pure Virgin! Visit us, the weak and wretched, and lift up our sighs, like incense smoke, to the throne of the Most High, so that from the fullness of a grateful heart we sing to You:

Rejoice, for the Lord has looked upon the humility of His servant; Rejoice, for all your birth will please You.

Rejoice, for You have created greatness, the Mighty One; Rejoice, Source of life and immortality.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 4

Oh, the Unfading Color! Oh, fragrant beauty! Visit us in our sorrowful earthly vale, beg Your Son to save us from all trouble and sorrow, anger and sighing, and send us peace into our hearts; May He grant us, as we ask Him, according to our needs, and cover us with His inexhaustible mercy. We, expecting Your all-powerful intercession, magnify our Lord with our souls and cry out to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

As a shepherd, keeping watch at night, the Angel of the Lord brought great joy with good news: for Christ the Lord was born in the city of David, Bethlehem, and was laid in a manger. Oh, Most Pure Mother, who gave birth to Your Firstborn Son, accept from us the following:

Rejoice, Virgin Mother of God, for through You the world has risen to the Light of the undefeatable; Rejoice, Star, showing us the way in the darkness.

Rejoice, dawn of the mysterious day; Rejoice, rebirth of our souls.

Rejoice, faithful refuge and quick Helper in sorrows; Rejoice, Lily of Paradise.

Rejoice, all-singing Virgin; Rejoice, meek dove, who gave birth to the Merciful.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 5

The King of the world is coming, the secret Sacrifice is being accomplished; Angels sing in heaven: Glory to God in the highest! The Savior of the world is born. Christ comes, the great Divine mystery. God has appeared in the flesh, and we, unworthy servants, having put aside all worldly cares, with the Angels of God we glorify in passion and joy, like shepherds and like wolves, we worship You, O Mother of God, and we constantly call to Your Divine Son: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

With this righteous Simeon came in spirit to the church and received the Son of Jesus on his hand, and blessed God, and said: Now do You let Your servant go, O Master, according to Your word, in peace! And for you, O Mother Mary, a weapon will pierce your soul, as the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. We, saved by You, cry out:

Rejoice, Most Blessed One, who brings great sorrow into joy; Rejoice, eternal treasure of Mother's love and tenderness.

Rejoice, Mother of our God, who endured the greatest joy and greatest sorrow for Her Son; Hail, Queen of Peace.

Rejoice, hope and consolation for those who cry.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 6

Oh, Offering Mother Mary! The sea of ​​life rises with storm and anger, deep abysses have opened up and are ready to swallow us: our heart trembles, our joy is darkened, but You, O Meek and Merciful One, beg Your Son to help us, the sorrowful and the orphaned, in our sorrows; may he tame the rebellious waves sinful passions; may he turn away all misfortune and danger from us; may he teach us how to keep His eternal righteousness. And at the end of our life, show us a quiet haven and make us worthy to cry out with Simeon the Receiver of God: Now do you let go of your servant, Master! Help us, O Unfading Flower! Do not leave us and save those who call to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

O, stretching out and strengthening in spirit and grace, and You, O His Mother, with love composed all the verbs about the Son in Your heart. Sorrowful and sad, seeking Him, both in the squad, and among relatives and acquaintances, always returning from the Jerusalem festival, and having found Him with great joy, sitting in the church among the teachers, who marveled and were horrified at His Divine mind. Oh, our most pure meekness! Oh, sweetest heart, warming the whole world with love! Hear us, crying out like this:

Rejoice, thou who hast increased the Divine Son with love; Rejoice, sweetest heart, warming our cold souls with love.

Rejoice, wise Leader of parental hearts; Rejoice, Unbreakable Wall for our children and youth.

Rejoice, protection and refuge for the orphaned and helpless in sorrow; Rejoice, Guardian of chastity and virginity.

Rejoice, you who show the honest and right path to meek men; Rejoice, softening of evil hearts.

Rejoice, tenderness of the good.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 7

Hell! What will you do for us? - thus asking His Son Jesus and marveling at seeing Him sitting in the temple in the midst of the proud and foolish high priests of the Jews, the Divine Mind, revealing to them the Divine revelation. Oh, descend, O All-Blessed Mother, also to our children: pray for them to Your Son and our God, that the Light of true knowledge of God will reveal to them; cover them with the edge of Your fragrant cover; Enlighten our sons and daughters with the light of reason; strengthen their physical and mental strength; keep them in the fear of God, in obedience to parents and in spiritual purity; grant them to grow to the glory of God and the happiness of the land of our fathers. O Lamp of unquenchable love, anoint them with the oil of Thy mercy, warm them with the meekness of Thy eyes, cover them with the robe of Thy Motherhood. Oh, the Unfading Flower! With strong faith, unshakable hope and great contrition of heart, falling at Your feet, we continually cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

X warm prayer for an adulterous and sinful generation! According to Your command, at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, Your Son and our God made the firstfruits a sign and turned water into wine. Ask, O Mother of God, and now Your Son, may he perform a miracle on us, may he transform our sorrowful days, entwined with lies, resentment and tears, into the joy of rebirth, into the happiness of love and truth, may he strengthen in us the beginning of the Divine Light, the source pure Spirit of the Holy God, the Triune. Let all that is evil and unclean be cast out from our hearts. Oh, unattainable Purity and Ineffable Mercy! Incline Your ear to our prayer and make us worthy to call you:

Rejoice, radiant Light of love and forgiveness; Rejoice, Divine vessel of eternal bliss.

Rejoice, zealous for all of us before the Lord to the Prayer Book; Rejoice, you who quickly bring our needs to the throne of God.

Rejoice, for according to Your word Your Son performs signs, giving joy to man.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 8

There is no love, truth has disappeared, lies and enmity, anger and hatred are sown in the human heart. Brother rebels against brother, children against parents and parents against children. Oh, Merciful God! Who has desecrated Your wondrous harvest, who are all the tares and thistles among the wheat? Your anger is righteous, even the ax is at the root, but behold, Your Mother, the zealous Intercessor of the world, falls to You. Oh, greatest Love and most fragrant heart! Turn away from us the wrath of God, which is righteously moved against us for our sins; strengthen those who love us, so that neither persecution nor cruel times will shake them; bring to reason those who hate us and those who harm us; forgive our enemies who do not know what they are doing, soften their angry heart and illuminate their darkness with the light of Christ’s love, and transform their anger and hatred into shame and repentance. Oh, fragrant flower! Our vessels are empty, we do not have the oil of good works, and the lamps of our faith are extinguished by the storm of life. Have mercy on us, fill our hearts with the joy of pure joys, renew us spiritually, and with grateful lips we continually sing to God with tenderness: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

Having been in the lower and the Highest, you never retreated, the Divine Teacher: you healed the sick, raised the dead, cleansed the lepers, filled the whole world with love, meek Sufferer! Behold, you hang, nailed to the Cross among the villains, and all the people, standing, curse at You, and with them the princes and warriors. And You, O sorrowful Mother, bowed your head at the Cross of Your Son, and the weapon passed through Your Mother’s heart. We, honoring the sorrows of Your Mother’s heart, cry out to You from the depths of our souls:

Rejoice, sweetest Virgin Mary, for Your sorrow will be turned into joy and no one will take this joy from You; Rejoice, who experienced the greatest torment, who in vain was bleeding Your Son on the Cross, humiliated, crucified, spat upon.

Rejoice, for you have been called Queen of Peace and have sat at the right hand of the throne of Your Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ; Rejoice, for in the sorrow of Your heart You washed away the sorrow of the whole world and the sins of all people with tears.

Rejoice, Meek One, Your Son will rise again, having trampled down the sting of death, and the Light of His resurrection will shine forever; Rejoice, Mother of God, heavenly image of purity and goodness.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 9

So God loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, then have eternal life. And all these ungrateful and malicious people, like a villain, nailed Him to the Cross. We, seeing such a thing, are seized with horror and crying out: God, be merciful to us sinners! For our sins, we endure terrible torment. Oh, Sorrowful Mother, do not turn Your face away from us, break our sinful bonds, cleanse our hearts from the passions and lusts of the evil one, so that in spiritual burning, like a light of repentance, we will kindle ourselves before the Cross of Your Divine Son, constantly praying with the prudent thief: Remember us , Lord, in Your Kingdom! Through Your prayers, Mother of God, correct our feet to do the commandments of the Lord, wash us from sin, make us better, rise to the radiant Unstoppable Light, let us call to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

It's finished! Father, I commend My Spirit into Your hands. Oh, Most Pure Mother! Do you hear how the earth trembles with sadness, its chest disintegrates, coffins are opened, the dead rise and the church veil is torn? Do you see how great darkness has covered the earth and people, in fear and trembling, are beating their hearts, saying: Truly this is the Son of God! We, marveling at such miracles and truly confessing Your Son, the Son of God, truly cry out to You:

Rejoice, Mother of God, behold, all the words that you have composed in Your heart have been accomplished; Rejoice, Blessed Virgin, unfading dawn, unfading day, golden light.

Rejoice, dawn of the unflickering Light of the non-evening; Rejoice, sanctuary of great mystery.

Rejoice, source of our immortality; Rejoice, giver of Divine goodness.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 10

Let all human flesh remain silent, and let it stand with fear and trembling, and let it think of nothing earthly within itself. Behold, a great sacrifice is made for the sins of the world, behold, the Savior of the world is placed in a new tomb by the handsome Joseph and is wrapped in a clean shroud. With His soul He ascends into hell to destroy the eternal faiths and lead to freedom from the ages of those bound; from His tomb he proclaims to His mother: Do not weep for Me, Mother, as you behold in the tomb, Whom in your womb without seed you conceived a Son: for I will arise and be glorified, and will exalt with glory unceasingly as God, magnifying You with faith and love. Let us put aside everything earthly and vain, and with a pure heart let us fall to the throne of the King of Glory, constantly crying out: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts! O Mother of our salvation! Make us also partakers of the bright Resurrection of Your Son and eternal bliss, so that we call to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

One day on the Sabbath, a woman came very early to the tomb, carrying aromas, and behold, when they came, they saw: the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, and the Body of the Lord Jesus was missing. The angel, shining brightly towards them, said: Oh, wives! Do not be afraid and do not look for the living with the dead: Christ is risen, as he said! Teach you, O Lady, to invite everyone:

Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, and again the river: Rejoice, for Your Son is risen three days from the grave; Rejoice, for the whole earth rejoices and all the Angels sing in heaven: Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death for us all, and giving life to those in the tombs!

Rejoice, Giver of eternal and endless life; Rejoice, for through Your love and Your prayers we have been delivered from eternal darkness.

Rejoice, for through You you have brought us a bright feast of holidays; Rejoice, for through You a bright day has come for us, let us embrace each other, forgive all by the resurrection, rejoice and be glad with eternal joy.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 11

Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who killed the prophets! Your grave crime has been forgiven by the Lord, and the unsetting Sun of righteousness has risen over the world. Cleanse our souls too, Meek Virgin! Purify our senses, so that we may see Christ emerging from the tomb; Dress us in wedding garments, so that we may joyfully enter the decorated chamber of Christ, singing to Him who has risen: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

When the hour of Your departure to God approached, O Virgin Mother of God, the Angel of the Lord Gabriel, shining brightly, appeared before You, handing You the bright, unfading lily of paradise, and behold, You accepted the will of the Lord with humility and joy and quietly departed to Your Divine To my son. Oh, our tireless Prayer Book! Oh, Unfading Color of the bright heavenly paradise! Send down to us, O Merciful One, a quiet and painless departure from this vale of tears, sighs and sorrows, and let us cry out to You like this:

Rejoice, ascended into Heaven by Your Son, Queen of Heaven; Rejoice, our quick and faithful Helper and Intercessor before Him.

Rejoice, All-Singing Virgin, for your name unfadingly flaunts and pleases from generation to generation; Rejoice, our safe and quiet refuge in the storms of life.

Rejoice, O Joyful One, who does not leave us in Your Assumption.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 12

Oh scary last hour our! Our hearts and all our hearts tremble whenever we think about him! Why should we leave our near and dear ones orphaned? How will we go, unwashed, in the midst of darkness and the shadow of death to a new life? How will we appear on Last Judgment Creator and God? O our Comforter! O our good Helper! Help us, when this comes, place your loving Mother’s hand on our forehead, so that our suffering will subside and our soul will be reborn, pacify the melancholy of our separation from this world, and may the light of eternal truth shine before our eyes. Oh, Most Pure Mother! We hope in You, we pray to You and cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Oh, my soul, my soul! Rise up, what are you writing off? The end is approaching! Why are you rich in sins? Why aren’t you doing it, why aren’t you getting ready? The Lord is at the door, where do you place your hope? What answer will the Lord pronounce when He, the terrible Judge, comes to judge the earth; Do not weigh this hour or this day, from the edge of the earth to the edge the Archangel's trumpet sounds, and the dead rise, and all the nations gather. And behold, the Son of Man comes to the clouds with His power in all His glory. Where are our good deeds? Where is the mercy? Where is Love? Our inexhaustible multitude of sins has covered the sky. Oh, All-Merciful Mother of God! On this terrible day, appear to us and be an Intercessor for us before Your Son. We rely on You alone, do not forsake us sinners. Be our protection and strengthening, with warm faith and undoubted hope we fall before Your Most Pure Image and with tears we cry:

Rejoice, lightning, illuminating our darkness; Rejoice, you who intercede for us at the Last Judgment of Christ.

Rejoice, covering the whole world from troubles and sorrows with Your omophorion; Rejoice, for in peace you have been adopted by the One Mother.

Rejoice, for you alone have been given the ineffable grace to pray for us; Rejoice, you who prepare eternal joy for all your faithful children.

Rejoice, fragrant with your Unfading Flower among us sinners forever.

Rejoice, Mother of God, Unfading Flower.

Kontakion 13

Oh, Unfading Color! Oh, All-Sung Mother Mary, who gave birth to all the saints Holy Word! Accept our present offering and deliver us all from every misfortune. Warm us with Motherly love and rejoice us with eternal joy. Save from eternal torment With unceasing prayer to Your Son and the heavenly Kingdom, grant us, O Queen, those who cry out for You: Ayaliluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “For God’s blessing...” and the 1st kontakion “Oh, Most Blessed Virgin Mary,...”.

Prayer

Oh, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of the Virgin, hope of Christians and refuge for sinners! Protect all those who come running to You in misfortune, hear our groans, incline Your ear to our prayer. Mistress and Mother of our God, do not despise those who require Your help and do not reject us sinners, enlighten and teach us, do not retreat from us, Your servants, for our murmuring. Be our Mother and Patroness, we entrust ourselves to Your merciful Protection. Lead us sinners to a quiet and serene life, so that we may pay for our sins. Oh, Mother Mary, our most kind and speedy Intercessor, cover us with Your intercession, protect us from enemies visible and invisible, soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against us. O Mother of our Lord Creator! You are the Root of Virginity and the Unfading Flower of purity and chastity, send help to us who are weak and overwhelmed by carnal passions and wandering hearts. Enlighten our spiritual eyes, so that we may see the ways of God’s truth. By the grace of Your Son, strengthen our weak will in fulfilling the commandments, so that we may be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes and be justified by Your wonderful intercession at the Last Judgment of Your Son, to whom we give glory, honor and worship now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, tone 5

Rejoice, Bride of God, secret rod, blossoming unfading color, rejoice, Lady, with whose joy we are filled and we inherit life.