July 9 is the Day of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God: what is the image known for, who does it help

On July 9, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Day of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God, one of the ancient miraculous images revered by the Church. In 2025, celebrations in honor of the icon will be held on Wednesday. Traditionally, the center of the celebration will be the Theotokos Assumption Monastery in the city of Tikhvin, Leningrad region. Izvestia tells about the history of finding the shrine, how it is known and who it helps.

The feast of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God in 2025 — iconography

The Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God embodies the supreme virtue and mercy of the Mother of God. According to legend, this icon was created by the Evangelist Luke during the earthly life of the Blessed Virgin. Her grace and maternal care are imprinted on it.

The Tikhvin icon belongs to the type of Odigitria, the most common image of the Virgin in icon painting, which has been leading its tradition since ancient times. In it, the Mother of God holds the baby Jesus with her left hand, and with her right she points to Him as the King of Heaven. Christ is depicted with a scroll in His hand and with a blessing gesture, which symbolizes His teaching and divine authority.

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This shrine has similarities with the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God and other similar images, but it has its own unique features. The Tikhvin icon can be distinguished by the tilt of the head of the Mother of God — it is slightly tilted to the side, as well as by the position of the Savior's legs: his right leg is tucked under his left, exposing the heel.

What is the famous image of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God?

In Russia, the shrine has been known since the end of the 14th century. Prior to that, she was in Constantinople, becoming a symbol of spiritual connection with Byzantium and a sign of the special location of the Most Holy to the Russian land. Vasily III and Ivan IV the Terrible came to pray before the image before the wedding to the kingdom.

According to legend, the icon miraculously appeared in the air and soared over the Tikhvin River, which is why it was named Tikhvinskaya. The fishermen were the first to see her. The icon floated over them in an extraordinary radiance and stopped above the water. The miraculous phenomenon is celebrated by the church on July 9th.

The icon gained national fame after the conclusion of the Stolbovsky Peace with the Swedes and the return of Novgorod in 1617. According to legend, it was thanks to the intercession of the Virgin Mary that the Tikhvin Monastery was saved. Suddenly, it seemed to the invaders that they were surrounded by a myriad of troops, and they retreated.

Where is the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God?

Until 1941, the icon was located in Tikhvin. During the German occupation, the miraculous image was taken out of the country. First he ended up in Pskov, and then in an Orthodox church in Chicago (USA). The shrine returned to its homeland only in 2004. Now it is located in its historical place — in the Assumption Cathedral of the Tikhvin Theotokos Monastery of the Assumption.

2024 marks exactly 20 years since the return of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. Every year, pilgrims from all over Russia and abroad come to Tikhvin to pray at the shrine.

Who does the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God help?

It is believed that the icon helps the grieving, those who have lost their way in life, and the seriously ill. The Most Pure One can support and strengthen both physically and spiritually. Believers also ask for support in raising children and apply in the hope of getting rid of infertility. It is known that the emperor of Russia Vasily III himself prayed for the birth of his son at the image. And now believers rely on the help of the Mother of God in this matter.

Earlier, Izvestia told how the feast of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated and what the image is known for.