July 25 is the Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God of the Three Hands: what is the image known for, who does it help

On July 25, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of one of the most revered miraculous images of the Mother of God, the Trinity. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Friday. Izvestia tells us what this ancient image is famous for and who it helps.

The Image of the Mother of God of the Three Hands — iconography

Troeruchitsa belongs to the most widespread iconographic type of Hodegetria (translated from Greek — "guide book"). In the center of the composition is the Virgin Mary, who holds the Christ Child with one hand and points to Him with the other as the Savior of the world.

The well-known image is complemented by another hand. This unusual detail has its own history and symbolizes protection and protection for worshippers. The characteristic feature of the shrine almost did her a disservice. In the 18th century, the Holy Synod forbade painting the image of the Mother of God with three hands, considering it contrary to human nature.

However, it was later recognized that the third hand appeared to the Mother of God not as a result of an oversight by the iconographer, but by the will of the Lord. Today, almost all Orthodox churches have lists of the Holy Trinity icon, and some of them are revered as miraculous.

The history and wonders of the Orthodox shrine

According to legend, the appearance of the Three—Handed icon is associated with the life of St. John of Damascus, a theologian, philosopher and one of the Church Fathers who lived at the turn of the VII-VIII centuries in Syria.

During the period of iconoclasm, the saint wrote several treatises in defense of holy images. Despite the fact that John occupied a prominent position at the court of the Caliph of Damascus, like other protectors of the shrines, he did not escape punishment and was condemned.

As punishment, his arm was cut off and hung in the central square. Experiencing unbearable pain, John prayed to the Mother of God all night. In the morning, he discovered that the severed hand had miraculously grown back into place.

In gratitude, the monk ordered a silver-cast hand and placed it on the image of the Mother of God. So this part of the body remained on the icon in memory of the perfect miracle.

How does the icon of the Mother of God of the Three Hands help?

You can turn to the Mother of God in front of Her icon with any requests: for strengthening in faith, healing from diseases, getting rid of despondency and other sins, as well as for protection from slander and the return of a good name.

However, remembering the amazing story of St. John of Damascus, she is most often referred to for various injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

For personal prayers, believers purchase an icon, a pocket icon or a medallion with the image of the "Trinity." In the dwelling, the image is usually placed in the center of the home iconostasis next to the icon of Jesus Christ. However, sometimes the icon is hung separately on any available wall.

Where is the icon of the Mother of God Troeruchitsa?

To worship the ancient miraculous image, you will have to go to the Hilandar Athos monastery, located on the northeastern side of the Athos Peninsula. The shrine is located there next to the abbot's throne.

You can also pray in front of the image in Russia. In the Russian tradition, there are many lists of icons, some of which have become famous for their miracles. Moreover, the third hand is not attached to them, as in the original, but is drawn under the right hand of the Virgin.

The most famous lists are in St. Daniel's Monastery, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gonchary (Bulgarian compound) in Moscow and in the Transfiguration Cathedral of Chernigov.

Earlier, Izvestia told what the Akhtyr Icon of the Mother of God is known for, the celebrations in honor of which took place in mid-July.