December 10 is the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign": what is the image known for, who does it help
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- December 10 is the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign": what is the image known for, who does it help
On December 10, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of one of the oldest and most revered Russian shrines, the Icon of the Mother of God "The Sign", associated with the miraculous salvation of Novgorod in 1170. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Wednesday. Izvestia tells about the centuries-old history of the image, its unique iconography and the needs in which it is addressed.
The history of the church holiday on December 10
Every year, the veneration of the miraculous image is performed on December 10 (November 27, Old style). The date of the holiday is associated with a historical event that took place during the era of feudal fragmentation of Russia. In 1170, the united squads of the appanage princes, led by the son of Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky of Vladimir and Suzdal, besieged Veliky Novgorod. The forces were unequal, and the situation of the townspeople seemed hopeless.
According to legend, on the third night of the siege, Archbishop John of Novgorod heard a voice ordering him to take the image out of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior and place it on the city wall. During the siege, one of the arrows pierced the icon. Chroniclers report that tears flowed from the eyes of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the icon itself turned its face to the city.
This "omen" caused horror and confusion among the attackers. The inspired Novgorodians struck a crushing blow and won. In gratitude for the intercession, Archbishop John ordered the establishment of the feast of the Sign of the Mother of God, which eventually became a church-wide celebration. In 1356, the Church of the Sign of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in Novgorod specifically for the miraculous image.
Iconography of the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign"
The icon "The Sign" belongs to the ancient iconographic type "Oranta", that is, "Praying". This image first appeared in the 4th century in Byzantium, and in the 11th–12th centuries it became widespread in Russia. After the miraculous salvation of Novgorod, many miraculous lists were made, united by common features and meanings. The most famous are the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, Tsarskoye Selo, Verkhnetagilskaya and others.
They depict the Virgin Mary with her arms raised and outstretched in a prayer gesture. The Christ child is represented on Her breast in a medallion, blessing the worshippers. The composition symbolizes the incarnation of the Savior and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy of Isaiah.
However, the Novgorod archetype, dating from the second quarter of the 12th century, has its own characteristic features. The Mother of God is depicted in an azure maforia (veil) with the thinnest white and pink spaces, which creates the effect of radiance. Her figure is surrounded by a golden halo, symbolizing uncreated light and glory.
On the sides of the icon there are full-length figures of saints: the Great Martyr George the Victorious, the Martyr James the Persian, the Venerable Peter and Onufriy of Mount Athos, which emphasizes its collective prayerful character.
Where is the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign"?
The original miraculous Novgorod icon remains in its original place — in Veliky Novgorod. Today, the shrine is kept in St. Sophia Cathedral, the oldest stone church in Russia, built in the middle of the XI century. The image is placed in a special protective oak case, installed to the left of the iconostasis.
Miraculous lists from this image, each of which has its own story of miracles and the prayerful intercession of the Mother of God, can be found in different cities of the country. For example, in the Moscow Church of the Holy Trinity in Nikitniki (17th century list), in the Cathedral of the Sign of St. Petersburg (Tsarskoye Selo list) and the Kursk Root Nativity of the Theotokos Desert, where the miraculous Kursk Root icon "The Sign" is located.
What do they pray for in front of the icon of the Sign?
The image of the Mother of God "The Sign" is invoked in difficult times for the country, asking for peace, an end to civil strife and the preservation of unity. The icon's prayerful help extends to the personal needs of believers.
Most often, the Virgin is asked:
about protection from external threats: the safety of relatives, protection of the house from burglars and natural disasters (fires, floods);
from the slander, envy and malice of ill-wishers;
about healing from ailments, especially from blindness and other eye diseases, which is associated with the miraculous "epiphany" of the besiegers of Novgorod;
about family well-being, harmony between spouses, the gift of children and the restoration of peace in the family.
What can and cannot be done on the feast of the Icon of the Sign on December 10
Traditionally, on the holiday, believers tend to visit the temple to participate in the solemn divine service. The church charter prescribes on this day to perform a special service in honor of the icon, including the reading of the canon and the akathist. An important tradition is prayer before the image of the "Sign". Many also give notes about the health of their loved ones and place candles.
Since the icon is associated with the miracle of reconciliation and the cessation of hostility, they try to avoid any conflicts and quarrels. They pay special attention to works of mercy, showing kindness and caring towards others.
The day of the celebration of the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign" always falls during the Christmas Fast, which marks the preparation for an important event in the church calendar — the Nativity of Christ. Eggs, meat, and dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, and milk remain completely banned. On Wednesdays, moderate consumption of hot lean food with butter is allowed. You can use water, uzvar, and dried fruit compotes from drinks.
What else can not be done on December 10:
- neglect temple visits and prayer;
- arrange noisy feasts;
- to refuse alms;
- indulge in despondency;
- swearing and swearing.
Prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign"
"O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! We bow down and worship You before Your holy miraculous icon, remembering the wonderful sign of Your intercession, which was revealed to the great city of Novugrad during the days of the invasion of this city. We humbly beseech Thee, O All-powerful Intercessor of our race: just as thou didst hasten our father's help in ancient times, so now vouchsafe us, the weak and sinful, Thy Maternal intercession and guidance. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the shelter of Your mercy, the Holy Church, Your city, our entire Orthodox country, and all of us who fall down to You with faith and love, tenderly asking with tears for Your intercession. To her, Lady All-merciful! Have mercy on us, overcome by our many sins, stretch out Your God-accepting hand to Christ the Lord and intercede for us before His goodness, asking for forgiveness for our sins, a pious peaceful life, a good Christian death and a kind answer at his Last Judgment, yes, by Your all-powerful prayers to Him, we will inherit the bliss of paradise and with all the saints Let us sing praises to the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Venerated Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy to us forever and ever. Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "In Sorrow and Sorrow Consolation."
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
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