September 16 is the feast of the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God: what is the famous image?
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- September 16 is the feast of the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God: what is the famous image?
In the Orthodox calendar, September 16 marks the day of veneration of one of the most ancient images — the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God, which became famous for great miracles. In 2025, the date falls on a Tuesday. Read about the origin of the shrine, its significance and the traditions of celebration in the Izvestia article.
The feast of the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God in 2025 — the story of the miraculous image
Exact information about the icon's origin has not been preserved — neither the name of the icon painter nor the exact date of its creation are known for certain. The name of the image is associated with the city of Sozopol of Pisidia in Asia Minor (the territory of modern Turkey). It was here that the shrine became widely known at the beginning of the sixth century, although, according to researchers, by that time its age had been more than one century.
Patriarch Herman of Constantinople himself, in his letters read out at the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787 (also known as the Second Council of Nicaea), referred to the image as "exuding myrrh from the hand depicted" and undoubtedly recognized its miraculous power. It was then that the shrine was officially recognized as miraculous.
One of the first documented miracles is associated with the name of Saint Eutychius, who was exiled to the neighboring city of Amazia. According to the saint's biography, the couple turned to him, so all their children were stillborn. He blessed the couple, anointing them with oil from the cross of the Lord and from the Pisidian icon, and predicted the birth of a son named Peter. The prophecy came true, the boy was born alive and well. Later, the family had a second child, John.
Another significant episode occurred around the year 600, when Saint Theodore Sikeote, returning from Constantinople, specially stopped in Sozopol to worship the shrine. During the prayer, myrrh flowed from the hand of the Mother of God on the icon, sprinkling the saint's face. The disciple of the ascetic, Eleusippus, witnessed this.
The Russian history of the icon begins in the 17th century. In 1608, a list of the image was created in the Moscow Novospassky Monastery. According to other sources, one of the lists was a cell icon of Nun Martha, mother of Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich, which was later transferred to the same monastery. Traces of this list are lost after 1918.
The Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God — both the conography and the meaning of the image
The iconographic style of the Pisidian icon combines the harmony, rigor of the Byzantine tradition and deep symbolism. It belongs to the type of Odigitria — "Guidebook". In this image, the Mother of God is depicted from the waist up, wearing a royal crown, which symbolizes her spiritual greatness.
On Her left hand She holds the baby Jesus, and with her right hand She blesses Him, which symbolizes the way of salvation through Christ, which the Mother of God points to. She appears not only as the Protector of the human race, but also as a guide, a guide for those seeking faith, healing and support.
The royal crown on the head of the Virgin Mary is not just a decorative element, it confirms her role as the Queen of Heaven. Special attention in this image is paid to the views of the Mother of God and the Baby — they seem to be conducting an invisible dialogue, uniting the earthly and heavenly.
The Pisidian icon of the Mother of God helps in what way
On the day of the celebration of the Pisidian Icon, Orthodox Christians turn to the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of All who mourn and comfort, with requests for intercession. Petitions occupy a special place in prayers.:
- about healing from severe and chronic diseases;
- on giving offspring to infertile spouses;
- about the successful course of pregnancy and the birth of healthy children;
- about help in spiritual life, getting rid of despondency and doubts;
- about protection in difficult life circumstances;
- about the return of peace to the family and the strengthening of marital ties;
- about giving peace of mind and inner balance.
The feast of the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God in 2025 — what can and cannot be done
Believers tend to spend September 16 in prayer, visiting the temple and thinking about spiritual things. The Church reminds us that it is better to dedicate this day to good deeds and inner purification. There are some recommendations, as well as prohibitions.:
What is recommended to do:
- visit the temple, worship the image of the Virgin, say prayers, thank for intercession and ask for help.;
- to help those in need, to do charity work;
- Spend the day in silence, avoiding fuss and irritation;
- pay attention to your family, children, and loved ones.
What not to do:
- to show aggression, anger, condemnation — the day should be spent in peace and harmony;
- making important deals or solving financial issues — getting carried away with mundane affairs distracts from the spiritual meaning of the day.;
- to indulge in despondency, despair and lose faith — prayer to the Mother of God should be filled with faith and hope.;
- to arrange noisy parties, quarrels and feasts with alcohol — a holiday requires silence and concentration.
Where is the Pisidian Icon of the Mother of God?
The original Pisidian icon of the Mother of God, according to the chroniclers, was in Sozopol until the 8th century. After that, references to the location of the image disappear from historical records.
However, the lists of shrines have spread throughout the Orthodox world. One of the most revered copies was created in Russia in 1608, and it is still kept in the Novospassky Monastery in Moscow.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the feast of the Presentation of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
