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The Feast of the Seven-Pointed Icon of the Mother of God: what it means, how it helps, what to pray for
On August 26, Orthodox believers celebrate a holiday in honor of the Seven—pointed Icon of the Mother of God, a shrine symbolizing hope and consolation. The image is known for its miraculous power, which helps those in need, the sick and those who are faced with grief and loss. On the day of the celebration, a procession is held, special prayers are read in which believers ask the Virgin for peace, health and forgiveness. Read more about the history, meaning and traditions of the holiday in the Izvestia article.
The story of the Seven-Pointed Icon of the Mother of God
The history of the Seven-Pointed Icon of the Mother of God is shrouded in many legends and miracles related to it. The exact author and time of writing of the icon are unknown, but most researchers attribute it to the North Russian icon painting school of the XV century.
The original image gained special fame in the Vologda province. According to legend, a peasant suffering from a serious illness received a revelation in a dream about a miraculous icon that was kept in the church of the Apostle John the Theologian. He found the shrine in the bell tower, where the workers used it as a step on a ladder, considering it to be a simple board. For many years, the icon lay face down, covered with dirt and dust.
Porcelain iconostasis in the church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Semistrelnaya" in the Trinity-St. George Convent
After the icon was cleansed and veneration resumed, the patient was miraculously healed. This event marked the beginning of a special veneration of the Seven-Pointed Icon, which later performed miracles more than once.
The power of the shrine was especially evident in 1830, when during the cholera in Vologda, a procession was held with the icon. After that, the terrible disease suddenly began to recede. Many believe that it was the miraculous icon that helped save the inhabitants of Vologda.
Before the revolution of 1917, the shrine was kept in the St. John the Theologian Church, but later its traces were lost. There were only mentions of her that were listed. One of them is located in Vologda, in St. Lazarevsky Church. In addition, myrrh-streaming lists of the Seven-Pointed Icon in Moscow are known, which are kept in the church of the Archangel Michael and in the village of Bachurino near Moscow. These ancient manuscripts are now pilgrimage centers for believers.
What does the Seven-pointed Icon of the Mother of God look like?
The seven-pointed Icon of the Mother of God depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her head is bent to the right, and her chest and heart are pierced by seven arrows or swords. There are several special details on the image: four arrows located on the left side, and three on the right. The shrine carries a deep symbolism of sorrow and maternal love, reflecting the pain of the Mother of God for the sins and sufferings of mankind. That is why the face of the Mother of God on the icon expresses sadness and compassion.
This image is based on the prophecy of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver, who said in the Jerusalem temple on the fortieth day after the Birth of Christ: "And a weapon will pass through Your soul" (Lk 2:35), which formed the basis of the icon's plot.
There is also a variant of the arrangement, in which the seventh sword is located at the bottom, and the other six swords are located on the right and left. This iconographic type is called "Softening of evil hearts."
What does the Seven-Arrow icon symbolize?
The seven-pointed icon of the Mother of God symbolizes the deep sorrow and suffering that the Most Holy Theotokos experienced in her earthly life, especially in connection with the torment and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The seven arrows piercing the chest and heart of the Virgin have several key meanings.
Firstly, they symbolize the fullness and completeness of the sufferings of the Virgin Mary — the number seven in the Orthodox tradition is associated with perfection and completeness. Secondly, the arrows represent the seven basic human sins and passions that wound the heart of the Virgin, reflecting her deep feelings and compassion for humanity.
The image serves as a reminder to believers that the Mother of God always protects them in life's trials. The seven-pointed icon is considered especially revered for its ability to heal mental and physical wounds, soften anger and bring peace to hearts.
The Feast of the Seven-Pointed Icon of the Mother of God: what can and cannot be done
The feast of the Seven-Pointed Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated annually on August 26. On this day, believers gather in churches for divine services, where they prayerfully recall the miracles associated with the icon, especially its help in getting rid of epidemics and diseases. Traditionally, processions with the image of the Seven-Pointed Virgin Mary are performed on the holiday, accompanied by prayers for peace and health. This is a time of spiritual renewal, when it is especially important to strengthen humility, patience and love for one's neighbor.
On the day of the holiday, it is recommended to avoid quarrels, envy, malicious words and hostility, since negative emotions are considered especially harmful during this period. It is recommended to refrain from eating animal food, alcohol and excessive entertainment, as the holiday falls on the penultimate day of the Dormition Fast.
Heavy physical labor, especially in vegetable gardens, is also better postponed so that the day passes peacefully. Special attention is paid to reconciliation with loved ones, forgiveness of offenses and spiritual work on oneself. It is important to dedicate the holiday to prayer and maintain inner peace.
What prayers should be read before the Seven-pointed Icon of the Mother of God
It is believed that the Seven-pointed Icon of the Mother of God helps those who seek inner peace and tranquility, as well as those who suffer from anger, irritability and conflicts. Believers turn to the icon with prayers for family peace, reconciliation of the warring parties, protection from enemies and ill-wishers. The icon helps to establish mutual understanding between parents and children, grants protection from evil thoughts, slander and envy.
In addition, the icon is revered as the patroness of warriors and defenders, asking for the preservation of life and health during service and trials. The seven-pointed icon brings healing to those who are physically and spiritually ill, helps to cope with difficulties and difficult life situations.
On the feast of the Seven-Pointed Icon of the Mother of God, believers recite special prayers in which they ask for protection from spiritual and bodily sorrows, as well as gifts of peace and mercy. One of the main prayers is an appeal to the long-suffering Mother of God, recognizing her purity and patience, asking her to accept the sighs of the faithful and keep them under the shelter of Her mercy.
In addition, it is customary to read the akathist in front of the icon, a special liturgical prayer that praises the sorrowful life of the Mother of God, her compassion for people and the softening of the hearts of the wicked. In addition, the traditional prayers "Hail Mary, Virgin" and "Symbol of Faith" are also read, which helps prepare for spiritual humility and purification.
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