Service of the icon of the Mother of God, life-giving spring. The Most Holy Theotokos with the Child of God is depicted in the icon above a large stone bowl standing in a reservoir

There are very ancient stories behind some familiar images. They are beautiful, instructive and full of philosophical meaning that is not lost even after centuries. This is exactly the story of the origin of the Orthodox icon “Life-Giving Spring”. In the article you will find out how it arose. You will understand what its theological significance is, in what situations it is customary to offer prayers to it, and how it will help believers.

The history of the appearance of the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring”

There is a grove in the Holy Land that Christians planted as a sign of respect and love for. There was a spring there that was credited with miraculous properties. But years and centuries passed and the holy place was abandoned over time, overgrown and lost. It was rediscovered only in 450, when Emperor Marcian reigned. On the way to Constantinople, a blind man and a young Christian named Leo Marcellus met. The Christian, seeing the helpless old man, helped him. He took him into the shade and began to look for water.

His act was noticed by the Virgin Mary herself. While wandering through a dense grove, Leo heard a voice. He called him king and pointed out that water was nearby. He actually found a source, drew water, and put the mud on the blind man’s eyes, as the Mother of God commanded him. Then the blind man became sighted. Leo promised to build a temple in the name of the Virgin Mary on the site where the miracle happened when he came to power.

A few years later, Leo Marcellus actually became emperor. He kept his word:

• A place was cleared around the shrine, and the miraculous waters were surrounded by a stone border.
• A temple was erected on top, which was consecrated in the name of the Virgin Mary.
• Life-giving spring - this is the name Lev gave to the sacred place. What is meant here is that the water is affected by the grace bestowed by the Mother of God. The icon received the same name.

Then another ruler, Justinian, ordered the construction of another temple, this was done as a sign of gratitude. The Queen of Heaven saved him from his leg disease. But then the story turned out to be sad. In the 15th century invaders came to the Holy Land, they forbade anyone to approach the shrine. At the beginning of the 19th century. the place was covered with earth. A few years later, believers restored the revered place. Christians did not want the grove associated with the Mother of God to fall into oblivion.

The reigning sultan at that time was more tolerant of non-believers; he allowed the construction of another church on the memorial site. It was consecrated in 1835 by the Patriarch of Constantinople. An almshouse and a hospital were also opened nearby.

Veneration of the image, its meaning

The icon belongs to the ancient type - “Oranta”, which means “Praying”. One of the ancient images was found in Crimea; it dates back to the 14th century. A version close to the modern one appeared in the mid-14th century. One monk wrote about this in his works. The image appeared in Russia only two centuries later. The image was placed above the consecrated waters in monastic monasteries. This tradition came to our country from Greece, where the Athos monasteries are located.

The “Life-Giving Spring” icon has a rather complex composition:

There are many options that icon painters use. They can often differ significantly in detail. For example, the painter Semyon Ushakov placed 16 small icons (they are called stamps) around the Mother of God, telling about the miracles that came from the “Life-Giving Spring.”

The composition has a deep meaning - it says not only that consecrated water is good for spiritual health. The source personifies the Mother of God herself, whose bosom has become the key of eternal salvation for all humanity. After all, it was there that the pure Virgin carried Christ.

Water is one of the sacred images of Christianity. Through her, divine grace descends to people. For example, in the sacrament of Baptism, in the rite of the great consecration of waters, in.

How does the Picturesque Source icon help?

Probably every believer will be interested in what this unusual image helps with. There is no special division of icons “by purpose”. But there are recorded cases, stories about which are passed on from mouth to mouth.

In ancient times, there lived a Christian who dreamed of making a pilgrimage to a wonderful grove where healing moisture flowed. He left his home with other travelers, but on the way he was overcome by illness. The man realized that he had little time left to live. He asked his comrades for only one thing - to pour holy water on him before lowering his mortal body into the ground.

His comrades carried him to his destination and carried out the will of the deceased. When they poured out the third vessel of sacred water, the dead man came to life. He decided to take monastic vows. Obviously, if water can bring back the dead, then it can do many other things. This is what Orthodox Christians pray for near the image, even if they cannot make a pilgrimage to the shrines:

• They ask for relief from illnesses of body and soul.
• The Mother of God will help you get rid of bad habits and overwhelming passions.
• Will take temptations away from the Christian soul.
• It will support those who are overcome by sadness, tormented by sorrows and deprivations.

Our Lady is known for her mercy. You can ask her for anything. The kind, loving Virgin Mary will help in any situation.

Where to pray to the icon

Communicating with saints, God and the Mother of God is permissible anywhere. But in Russia there are many churches consecrated in the name of the “Life-Giving Spring” icon.

• The first such structure was a wooden temple, built on the orders of Prince V. Golitsyn at the end of the 17th century. The architectural monument has survived to this day and is located in Tsaritsino. In addition to the miraculous image, there are many holy relics there.
• In Tver, the church of the image was located near a shelter for the poor and wretched. It burned down in a fire, but a stone temple was built in the same place. It is distinguished by its architectural design - a Baroque altar and a rotunda.
• In the city of Arzamas, the Church “Life-Giving Spring” is built in the shape of a ship. The iconostasis, made by local craftsmen, is famous for its special grace. The church was restored after the godless Soviet period, and is now operational.

Many miracles happened through prayers before the face of the Virgin Mary. This can happen to anyone. This depends on only one thing - on the strength of the faith that dwells in the heart of a Christian. Give up any doubts before you begin to pray. Trust in the Lord, then He will fulfill your request!

Prayer before the icon of the “life-giving spring”

O Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos! Thou art the highest Angel and Archangel of all, and the most honorable of all creatures; You are the helper of the offended, the hopeless, the poor intercessor, the sad consolation, the hungry nurse, the naked, the naked, the healing of the sick, the salvation of sinners, Christians of all conditions and advances. O All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God Lady, by Thy mercy save and have mercy on the Most Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, Most Reverend Metropolitans, Archbishops and Bishops and the entire priestly and monastic rank, and all Orthodox Christians through the robe of Thy honest protection; and pray, Lady, from You without seed the incarnate Christ our God, that He may gird us with Your power from above against our invisible and visible enemies. O All-Merciful Lady, Lady Theotokos! Raise us from the depths of sin and deliver us from famine, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from the presence of foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and from the attacks of the enemy, and from corrupting winds, and from deadly plagues, and from all evil. Grant, O Lady, peace and health to Thy servant, all Orthodox Christians, and enlighten their minds and the eyes of their hearts, leading to salvation; and have made us worthy, Thy sinful servants, of the Kingdom of Thy Son, Christ our God; for His power is blessed and glorified, with His Originless Father, and with His Most Holy, and Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

All the days of Bright Week appear before us as a single bright Easter day. Friday of Bright Week stands out especially: because on this day, for the first time after the Great Hagiasma on Epiphany, the consecration of water is performed in all churches of the Russian Orthodox Church, and because in the very liturgical rite of this day, hymns of service to the icon of the Mother of God are added to the Easter stichera and troparions “ Life-Giving Source." The appearance of this image is associated with the following miraculous event.

In the 5th century, near Constantinople there was a grove dedicated, according to legend, to the Most Holy Theotokos. In this grove there was a spring, glorified for miracles for a long time, but gradually overgrown with bushes and mud. In 450, the warrior Leo Marcellus, the future emperor, having met a lost blind man in this place, helped him get out onto the path and settle in the shade. While looking for water for an exhausted traveler, he heard the voice of the Mother of God commanding him to find an overgrown spring and anoint the eyes of the blind man with mud. When Leo fulfilled the command, the blind man immediately received his sight. The Mother of God also predicted to Leo that he would become emperor, and seven years later this prediction came true.

Having become emperor, Leo Marcellus remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God and ordered to cleanse the source, surround it with a stone circle and erect a temple on it in honor of the Mother of God. The holy spring was called by the emperor “The Life-Giving Spring.” The icon of the Mother of God painted for the new church was also named.

Subsequently, this temple was repeatedly rebuilt and decorated. But after the fall of Constantinople it was destroyed by Muslims. And only in 1834-1835. An Orthodox church was again erected over the Life-Giving Spring.

It just so happens that all the famous monasteries of Constantinople were rebuilt into mosques or now lie in ruins. And the small one standing at the source is still alive. For one and a half thousand years, people have been coming to the place that the Turks called “Balykly” and filling bottles with water. There are closets around the source where the sick are doused; People constantly come to the water: Greeks, Turks, Turkish women, Armenians, Catholics - everyone asks the Queen of Heaven with tears and accepts healing. Mohammedans involuntarily confess the Mother of God and say: “great in the wives of St. Maria!" and they call the water: “St. Maria"

One Thessalian from his youth had a strong desire to visit the Life-Giving Spring. Finally, he managed to set off, but on the way he became seriously ill. Feeling the approach of death, the Thessalian took word from his companions that they would not bury him, but would take his body to the Life-Giving Spring, there they poured three vessels of life-giving water on it and only after that buried it. His wish was fulfilled, and life returned to the Thessalian at the Life-Giving Spring. He accepted monasticism and spent the last days of his life in piety.

Iconographically, the image of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source” is associated with the ancient Byzantine image of the “Nicopeia Kyriotissa” type - “Lady Victorious”, which, in turn, goes back to the image of the “Sign” type.

Initially, the image of the “Life-Giving Source” was distributed in lists without an image of the source. This is the Blachernae miraculous image, made of marble, located near the imperial bath. Does it depict the Mother of God, from whose hands holy water flows? "agiasma". Later, a bowl (phial) was included in the composition. In later times, they began to depict a pond and a fountain on the icon.

In Russia, over time, the composition of the “Life-Giving Source” icon gradually becomes more complex. A wooden well appears, from which a stream of water flows; on its sides are depicted the ecumenical saints Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. They draw life-giving water and distribute it to the people standing around. In the foreground are depicted those possessed by various ailments.

Gradually, the composition of the icon became so complicated that the independent image of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source” became only a component in the overall complex composition. Thus, in 1668, the famous Russian icon painter Simon Ushakov and one of his students painted the icon of the Life-Giving Source “with miracles.” In sixteen stamps he depicted the miracles of the Mother of God that took place at the Life-Giving Spring.

The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Life-Giving Spring” was deeply revered in Rus'. A temple was erected in the Sarov desert in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom St. Seraphim of Sarov sent to pray before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God received healing from it.

The idea of ​​springs as a symbol of the Mother of God’s help and God’s grace is quite ancient. On many of the Mother of God icons, for example, the “Driver”, the Zhirovitskaya icon, the icon of the “Annunciation of the Mother of God at the Well”, there is invariably an image of a source. And each icon of the Mother of God in this broad sense can be called the “Life-Giving Source,” meaning the Mother of God’s help and Her rich mercy.

Despite the fact that history has preserved the exact date of the event of the appearance of the Mother of God to Leo Marcellus (April 4 (Old Style) 450), the real celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source” is established to take place on Friday of Bright Week, when the renewal of the Constantinople Church of the Life-Giving is celebrated source and remember the great miracles that happened in this temple.

Beginning in the 16th century, a custom, similar to the Greek one, was established in Russia of consecrating springs located in and near monasteries, dedicating them to the Mother of God and painting icons of the Mother of God, called the “Life-Giving Source.”

Copies from the miraculous icon “Life-Giving Source” are located in the Sarov Desert; Astrakhan, Urzhum, Vyatka diocese; in the chapel near the Solovetsky Monastery; Lipetsk, Tambov diocese. An excellent image is placed in the Moscow Novodevichy Convent.

In the village of Vorobyovo near Moscow (Sparrow Hills), since the 16th century, there was a wooden church at the royal palace in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source,” “furnished with exceptional luxury.” It may also owe its name to the numerous underground springs flowing along the slopes of the Sparrow Hills. Over time, due to dilapidation, it was rebuilt several times, existing until the beginning of the 19th century, after which it was abolished. Today, its existence is reminded by the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Source”, located to the left of the Royal Doors in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on the Sparrow Hills - the only remaining of the 4 churches in the village of Vorobyovo.

Troparion, tone 4
Today we are the harbinger of return to the Divine and celibate image of the Most Holy Theotokos, who poured out drops of her outpourings, and showed miracles to the people of the faithful, even as we see and hear spiritually celebrate and graciously cry out: heal our ailments and passions, just as you healed the Karkinsky and countless passions; We also pray to You, Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God incarnate from You to save our souls.

Troparion, tone 4
Let us, people, draw healing for our souls and bodies through prayer, for the River precedes everything - the Most Pure Queen Mother of God, pouring out wonderful water for us and washing away the blackness of our hearts*, cleansing sinful scabs, and sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.

Kontakion, tone 8
From the inexhaustible You, God-gracious Source, give me, as a drain, the waters of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if you gave birth to the Word more than meaning, pray, water me with grace, so I call You: Rejoice, saving Water.

Description of the icon of the Mother of God “LIFE-GIVING SOURCE”:

In the 5th century in Constantinople, near the so-called “Golden Gate”, there was a grove dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. There was a spring in the grove, glorified for miracles for a long time. Gradually, this place was overgrown with bushes, and the water was covered with mud.

One day the warrior Leo Marcellus, the future emperor, met in this place a blind man, a helpless traveler who had lost his way. The lion helped him out onto the path and sit down in the shade to rest, while he himself went in search of water to refresh the blind man. Suddenly he heard a voice:

"A lion! Don’t look far for water, it’s close here.”

Surprised by the mysterious voice, he began to look for water, but did not find it. When he stopped in sadness and thoughtfulness, the same voice was heard a second time:

“Lion King! Go under the shade of this grove, draw the water that you find there, and give it to the thirsty person, and put the mud that you find in the source on his eyes. Then you will know who I am, who sanctifies this place. I will help you soon build a temple here in My name, and everyone who comes here with faith and calls on My name will receive the fulfillment of their prayers and complete healing from ailments.”

When Leo fulfilled everything he was commanded, the blind man immediately received his sight and, without a guide, went to Constantinople, glorifying the Mother of God. This miracle happened under Emperor Marcian (391-457).

Emperor Marcian was succeeded by Leo Marcellus (457-473). He remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God, ordered the source to be cleaned and enclosed in a stone circle, over which a temple was built in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. Emperor Leo called this spring the “Life-Giving Spring,” since the miraculous grace of the Mother of God was manifested in it.

Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565) was a man deeply committed to the Orthodox faith. He suffered from water sickness for a long time. One day at midnight he heard a voice: “You cannot regain your health unless you drink from My fountain.” The king did not know what source the voice was talking about, and became despondent. Then the Mother of God appeared to him in the afternoon and said: “Get up, king, go to My source, drink water from it and you will be healthy as before.” The patient fulfilled the will of the Lady and soon recovered. The grateful emperor erected a new magnificent temple near the temple built by Leo, at which a populous monastery was subsequently created.

In the 15th century, the famous temple of the “Life-Giving Spring” was destroyed by Muslims. A Turkish guard was assigned to the ruins of the temple, who did not allow anyone to approach this place. Gradually, the severity of the ban softened, and Christians built a small church there. But it was also destroyed in 1821, and the source was filled up. The Christians again cleared the ruins, opened the spring and continued to draw water from it. Subsequently, in one window, among the rubble, a sheet half-rotten from time and dampness was found with a record of ten miracles from the Life-Giving Spring that occurred from 1824 to 1829. Under Sultan Mahmud, the Orthodox received some freedom in performing divine services. They used it to build a temple over the Life-Giving Spring for the third time. In 1835, with great triumph, Patriarch Constantine, concelebrated by 20 bishops and with a large number of pilgrims, consecrated the temple; A hospital and almshouse were set up at the temple.

One Thessalian from his youth had a strong desire to visit the Life-Giving Spring. Finally, he managed to set off, but on the way he became seriously ill. Feeling the approach of death, the Thessalian took word from his companions that they would not bury him, but would take his body to the Life-Giving Spring, there they poured three vessels of life-giving water on it and only after that buried it. His wish was fulfilled, and life returned to the Thessalian at the Life-Giving Spring. He accepted monasticism and spent the last days of his life in piety.

The appearance of the Mother of God to Leo Marcellus took place on April 4, 450. On this day, as well as every year on Friday of Bright Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates the renovation of the Constantinople temple in honor of the Life-Giving Spring. According to the charter, on this day the rite of blessing of water is performed with an Easter religious procession.

The Most Holy Theotokos with the Infant God is depicted in the icon above a large stone bowl standing in a reservoir. Near a reservoir filled with life-giving water, those suffering from bodily ailments, passions and mental infirmities are depicted. They all drink this life-giving water and receive various healings.

The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Life-Giving Spring” was deeply revered in Rus'. A temple was erected in the Sarov desert in honor of this icon. Those sick pilgrims whom St. Seraphim of Sarov sent to pray before the miraculous icon of the Mother of God received healing from it.

On Friday of Bright Week after the Liturgy in Orthodox churches, a prayer service is usually held before the icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring.” With the water blessed at this prayer service, believers sprinkle their gardens and orchards, calling on the help of the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to provide the harvest.

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Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Life-Giving Source” they pray for the preservation of a righteous life, for the healing of bodily and mental ailments, passions, and for help in grief.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Life-Giving Spring”

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, All-Merciful Lady Lady Theotokos, Thy Life-Giving Source, You have given us healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world, and with the same gratitude we sincerely pray to You, Most Holy Queen, pray to give us Thy Son and our God forgiveness of sins and mercy and consolation to every grieving and embittered soul, and liberation from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, O Lady, protection to this temple and these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection of our country from misfortunes, so that we may live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be honored to see You as our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. To him be glory and power with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called the “Life-Giving Source”

Troparion, tone 4

Today we are the harbinger of return to the Divine and celibate image of the Most Holy Theotokos, who poured out drops of her outpourings, and showed miracles to the people of the faithful, even as we see and hear spiritually celebrate and graciously cry out: heal our ailments and passions, just as you healed the Karkinsky and countless passions; We also pray to You, Most Pure Virgin, pray to Christ our God incarnate from You to save our souls.

Troparion, tone 4

Let us, people, draw healing for our souls and bodies through prayer, for the River precedes everything - the Most Pure Queen Mother of God, pouring out wonderful water for us and washing away the blackness of our hearts*, cleansing sinful scabs, and sanctifying the souls of the faithful with Divine grace.

* Blackness is the property of black, meaning sinfulness.

Kontakion, tone 8

From the inexhaustible You, God-gracious Source, give me, as a drain, the waters of Your grace, ever-flowing more than words, as if you gave birth to the Word more than meaning, pray, water me with grace, so I call You: Rejoice, saving Water.

Greatness

We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Your holy image, through which you heal our illnesses and raise our souls to God.

Akathist to the Holy Mother of God in front of her icon, called the “Life-Giving Spring”

Kontakion 1
To the Lady Theotokos, chosen from all generations, who shows us gracious help, let us sing praises of Thy servants to the Theotokos. You, as the Most Blessed Mother of God, pour out Your great and rich mercies on us, heal our ailments and quench our sorrows, and let us cry out thanksgiving to You: Rejoice, Lady, pouring out the Life-Giving Source to the faithful.

Ikos 1
Many Archangels and Angels are perplexed. It is reasonable for you from God the Word, who established the earth on the waters, to praise according to your inheritance. We, the Most Honest Cherub, and the Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison, in tenderness for Your blessings upon us, dare to call You: Rejoice, Lady, chosen by God the Father; Rejoice, illuminated by the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, exalted one, at the birth of the Son of God; Rejoice, blessed one among women. Rejoice, magnified by the Mother of God; Rejoice, blessed one from all generations. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 2
Seeing, O Most Merciful Mother, the man who was blind from thirst and suffering, You showed the source of living water for drinking and healing for the sake of the commander to the wandering man in the desert: he cried out to You in gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Understanding Your Divine voice, governor, indicating the source of water, and knowing it like the Font of Siloam, not only gives water to the thirsty, but also frees him from his blindness, but we, seeking Your mercy, cry to You: Rejoice, Lady, depicting the font of salvation; Rejoice, healing blindness of soul and body. Rejoice, affirmation of the weakened; Rejoice, you who walk with the lame. Rejoice, Mother of Light, who opens the eyes of the blind; Rejoice, you who illuminate those who sit in darkness with the light of truth. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High overshadows all who flow with faith and reverence to Your Life-Giving Source, Most Pure Lady Lady. By the power of the Most High, we, the Mother of God, humbly fall to You and cry out in prayer: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having ineffable wealth of mercy, to all who are sick, Lady, Thy helping hand, healing ailments, healing passions, we find in Thy Life-Giving Source: for this reason we cry to Thee: Rejoice, Source of unceasing joy; Rejoice, Cup of unspeakable goodness. Rejoice, treasury of grace that never fails; Rejoice, You always give mercy to those who ask You. Rejoice, healing of various ailments. Rejoice, quenching of our sorrows; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 4
In a storm of bewilderment, the blind man was embarrassed, looking for water to quench his thirst. And behold, as in ancient times, by the power of God, water flowed from the stones: so now in the waterless desert a spring appeared, there Moses, the source of water: where are You Yourself, O Mother of God, servant of miracles, we also pray: give water to our thirsty souls for piety, and We call to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Hearing your wondrous voice, Mother of Mercy, indicating the source of water, giving water to the thirsty and indicating blindness to heal, and seeing the event of words, cry out to your mother: Rejoice, Lady, comforting the sufferers; Rejoice, you who restore the sick. Rejoice, giver of dumb words; Rejoice, healer of all the weak. Rejoice, help to those in need; Rejoice, consolation to the discouraged. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 5
Divine water from Your Life-Giving Source, pouring out currents of grace, drawing for the healing of mental and physical ailments, the Virgin Mother of God, we cry out to You in gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
Seeing people who are blind, who have received their sight through the water of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, trying to sing songs like gifts to serve You: Rejoice, Lady, who opens the doors of mercy to the faithful; Rejoice, you do not put to shame those who trust in You. Rejoice, comforter of the needy; Rejoice, freer from misfortunes. Rejoice, strengthener of the weary; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 6
Preaching of Thy miracle, Mother of God, was the governor, as the wondrous blind man saw with water from Thy Life-Giving Source, enlighten the dark apples of our souls, so that we gratefully preach Thy mercy calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
May Thy Life-Giving Source arise to us, Most Merciful Mother, the manifold grace of Thy Son and Our God, Christ the Giver of Life, flowing forth. For this reason, we bring the type of chant: Rejoice, Lady, our zealous Intercessor; Rejoice, Guardian of the temples of God. Rejoice, most glorious Abbess of the holy monasteries; Rejoice, for those who strive in monasticism are admonished. Rejoice, strengthening of the monastics in obedience; Rejoice, protection and protection for all Christians. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 7
Desiring the pious Leo, the commander, who was named king by You, the Lady, to bring You gratitude, build a temple at the site of Your miracle, calling it the Life-Giving Spring, so that all those who have Your help here will find it, crying out to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
The new font of Siloam, more than the ancient one, has appeared, O Most Pure Lady, Your temple, in which we worship the icon of the Life-Giving Source, for you do not give health to the body to anyone in the summer and only the first to enter, but you take away every ailment of soul and body, you heal. For this reason we cry out to You: Rejoice, O font, in which our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup of joy, in which our sorrows dissolve. Rejoice, you give water to the stone that thirsts for life; Rejoice, tree, sweetening the bitter waters of the sea of ​​life. Rejoice, never-ending source of life-giving waters; Rejoice, bathhouse, our sinful filth, washing away our conscience. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 8
A strange and glorious miracle appeared in the temple of Your Life-Giving Source, Mother of God, in which spiritual and physical thirst is quenched, and diseases of obsession are healed. We cry out to You in glorifying grace: Alleluia.

Ikos 8
Give everything to all who come with faith to Your Life-Giving Source, O Most Merciful Lady Theotokos. For all of these we cry out to You in gratitude: Rejoice, O Lady, Who embodied the Ethereal One; Rejoice, comfort to suffering mothers. Rejoice, guardianship of motherless children; Rejoice, Young Mentor. Rejoice, raising children: Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 9
Every angelic and human nature marvels at Your mercy, O Most Holy Virgin, as you always appear as a Helper and Intercessor to everyone who sings to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
The branches of multi-proclamation cannot adequately praise the Life-Giving Source of Thy inexhaustible grace, nor explain below the power of Thy miracles for the healing of the sick and for all spiritual and physical benefit shown to man, but we will write praise to Thee: Rejoice, Temple of the Living God; Rejoice, Habitation of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, Glory of Angels; Rejoice, O Power of the Universe. Rejoice, salvation of the world; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 10
Although you have revealed the source of life to the world to save all those who suffer, O Most Holy Theotokos, in the waters of grace, so that all in sorrow and sorrow receive healing and consolation, we gratefully call to you: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
The wall and cover in troubles and needs of Your help to those who ask for help, Lady of the world, You have shown the Life-giving Source to everyone, so that there will be protection from all illnesses, in adversity and sorrow there will be consolation, for those crying out to You like this: Rejoice, Lady, pacification of proud and obstinate people; Rejoice, suppression of crafty and evil intentions. Rejoice, intercession of the offended; Rejoice, admonition to those who offend. Rejoice, punishment for the guilty; Rejoice, vindication of the innocent. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 11
We offer all-contrite singing before Your Life-Giving Source again and again to You, Mother of God, calling in repentance from the depths of our souls: Lady, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver us from all sorrow and illness, need and sorrow, and let us cry out to God for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
With a luminous light, Your Divine Source, Most Holy Theotokos, shines in the world with rays of grace, enlightening the minds and hearts with miracles revealed and instructing to call You: Rejoice, Lady, enlightenment of minds; Rejoice, purification of our hearts. Rejoice, renewal of the spirit; Rejoice, soul sanctification. Rejoice, health strengthening; Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 12
Having Your grace, the Life-Giving Source, Most Holy Virgin, we resort to You, as if to an unbreakable wall and intercession, look with mercy, Most Holy Theotokos, at our fierce bitterness and heal the souls and bodies of our sorrows and illnesses, let us call to You: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Your miracles, we praise and glorify Your Life-Giving Source, Most Holy Virgin, from whom we draw currents of manifold grace, we magnify You with titanic praises: Rejoice, God-chosen Youth; Rejoice, Bride of God. Rejoice, blessed among women; Rejoice, exalted above those above. Rejoice, you who stand before the throne of the Lord; Rejoice, our Intercessor, always praying for peace. Rejoice, Lady, Life-Giving Source pouring out to the faithful.

Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Who gave Your Life-Giving Source to the world, from whom you pour out great and rich mercies to us, accept this prayer of gratitude, grant us the source of the life of the present and the future: let us call You: Alleluia.

The surviving icons, images of which can be seen in existing religious churches, have a long ancient history. One of these is the Icon of the Life-Giving Source. It is known throughout the world as a shrine that has been able to heal a huge number of sick people. That is why, as a sign of gratitude, believers regularly venerate this sacred image not only with prayers, but also with the creation of various spiritual works in honor of it. These include poems, songs and precise lists of the icon of the Mother of God of the Life-Giving Spring.

Story

According to legend, during the time of the Byzantine Empire, which was the main founder of the Orthodox faith, there was a grove near its capital. After the stay of the Holy Virgin Mary in it, the wonderful expanses of wondrous nature became holy. Next to the growing trees, a spring flowed directly from the ground of the grove, which was rumored to have healing properties. And one day, approximately in 450 AD, a traveler named Leo passed by the described blessed places. Arriving in an extremely deserted place, he involuntarily glanced at a man who could not find a way out in the middle of densely growing vegetation. Coming closer, Leo Marcellus immediately realized that the man he saw was blind. Deciding to help him, the traveler sat the disabled man down and went to fetch water. And during the journey, he suddenly heard the voice of the Mother of God, indicating the place of the holy spring. Having reached it, Leo Markell took water and brought it to the guest he met. And as soon as the blind man drank the water that was delivered to him, he immediately began to see.

As a result, the man who had regained his sight, as a sign of respect, fell to his knees with the words of prayer, thanks to the Virgin Mary, who helped Leo discover a natural source with miraculous properties.

After this incident, Leo Marcellus, who later became emperor, ordered the construction of a temple of the Blessed Virgin, and the source, after thorough purification, was called the Life-Giving.

Subsequently, after this event, in the center of the temple, an icon of the Life-Giving Spring was installed, which was painted by talented master icon painters.

Images of icons

In the icon, according to a special artistic design, you can see the Mother of God sitting in a huge gilded font. In her hands she holds her little son, Jesus Christ. Just below the bowl, the same Life-Giving Spring is clearly illustrated, lined with exquisite tiles around the edges.

Few people know, but on the first icons of the Mother of God there was no Life-Giving Spring, a reservoir of water or a fountain flowing from a bowl. However, in later compositions, this important element was added.

How does the “Life-Giving Source” icon help?

The Life-Giving Source itself is the embodiment of the beginning of the life source. Personifying the image of the Mother of God, he is able to heal sick human souls.

The meaning of the Icon of the Life-Giving Source is extremely great.

It helps believers overcome many troubles and difficulties that can sometimes happen in everyday life.

This should include first of all:

• ridding people of strong addictions, which include smoking, alcohol and all kinds of highly addictive drugs.
• assistance in eliminating spiritual inner experiences. During prayer, a person’s stressful state is normalized, bringing his nerves and mood to complete control
• provides assistance in maintaining a sinless existence;
• healing from all diseases.

Prayer to the icon “Life-Giving Source”

While pronouncing sacred prayer words, people ask to cleanse their souls of any nasty evil spirits that cause health problems, as well as to replenish their internal reserves of strength.

The text of the prayer is as follows:

O Most Holy Virgin, All-Merciful Lady Theotokos! Your life-giving source, healing gifts for the health of our souls and bodies and for the salvation of the world, has given to us; Also, give thanks to the being, we earnestly pray to Thee, Most Holy Queen, pray to Thy Son and our God to grant us forgiveness of sins and to every grieving and embittered soul mercy and consolation, and freedom from troubles, sorrows and illnesses. Grant, Lady, protection to this temple and to these people (and observance of this holy monastery), preservation of the city, deliverance and protection of our country from misfortunes, so that we may live a peaceful life here, and in the future we will be honored to see You, our Intercessor, in the glory of the Kingdom of the Son Yours and our God, to Him be glory and power with the Father and with the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

In the 5th century in Constantinople, near the so-called “Golden Gate”, there was a grove dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. There was a spring in the grove, glorified for miracles for a long time. Gradually, this place was overgrown with bushes, and the water was covered with mud.

One day the warrior Leo Marcellus, the future emperor, met in this place a blind man, a helpless traveler who had lost his way. The lion helped him out onto the path and sit down in the shade to rest, while he himself went in search of water to refresh the blind man. Suddenly he heard a voice: “Lion! Don’t look far for water, it’s close here.” Surprised by the mysterious voice, he began to look for water, but did not find it. When he stopped in sadness and thoughtfulness, the same voice was heard a second time: “King Lion! Go under the shade of this grove, draw the water that you find there, and give it to the thirsty person, and put the mud that you find in the source on his eyes. Then you will know who I am, who sanctifies this place. I will help you soon build a temple here in My name, and everyone who comes here with faith and calls on My name will receive the fulfillment of their prayers and complete healing from ailments.” When Leo fulfilled everything he was commanded, the blind man immediately received his sight and, without a guide, went to Constantinople, glorifying the Mother of God. This miracle happened under Emperor Marcian (391-457).

Emperor Marcian was succeeded by Leo Marcellus (457-473). He remembered the appearance and prediction of the Mother of God, ordered the source to be cleaned and enclosed in a stone circle, over which a temple was built in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos. Emperor Leo called this spring the “Life-Giving Spring,” since the miraculous grace of the Mother of God was manifested in it.

Emperor Justinian the Great (527-565) was a man deeply committed to the Orthodox faith. He suffered from water sickness for a long time. One day at midnight he heard a voice: “You cannot regain your health unless you drink from My fountain.” The king did not know what source the voice was talking about, and became despondent. Then the Mother of God appeared to him in the afternoon and said: “Get up, king, go to My source, drink water from it and you will be healthy as before.” The patient fulfilled the will of the Lady and soon recovered. The grateful emperor erected a new magnificent temple near the temple built by Leo, at which a populous monastery was subsequently created.

In the 15th century, the famous temple of the “Life-Giving Source” was destroyed by Muslims. A Turkish guard was assigned to the ruins of the temple, who did not allow anyone to approach this place. Gradually, the severity of the ban softened, and Christians built a small church there. But it was also destroyed in 1821, and the source was filled up. The Christians again cleared the ruins, opened the spring and continued to draw water from it. Subsequently, in one window, among the rubble, a sheet half-rotten from time and dampness was found with a record of ten miracles from the Life-Giving Spring that occurred from 1824 to 1829. Under Sultan Mahmud, the Orthodox received some freedom in performing divine services. They used it to build a temple over the Life-Giving Spring for the third time. In 1835, with great triumph, Patriarch Constantine, concelebrated by 20 bishops and with a large number of pilgrims, consecrated the temple; A hospital and almshouse were set up at the temple.

One Thessalian from his youth had a strong desire to visit the Life-Giving Spring. Finally, he managed to set off, but on the way he became seriously ill. Feeling the approach of death, the Thessalian took word from his companions that they would not bury him, but would take his body to the Life-Giving Spring, there they poured three vessels of life-giving water on it and only after that buried it. His wish was fulfilled, and life returned to the Thessalian at the Life-Giving Spring. He accepted monasticism and spent the last days of his life in piety.

The appearance of the Mother of God to Leo Marcellus took place on April 4, 450. On this day, as well as every year on Friday of Bright Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates the renovation of the Constantinople temple in honor of the Life-Giving Spring. According to the charter, on this day the rite of blessing of water is performed with an Easter religious procession.

The Most Holy Theotokos with the Infant God is depicted in the icon above a huge stone bowl standing in a reservoir. Near a reservoir filled with life-giving water, those suffering from bodily ailments, passions and mental infirmities are depicted. They all drink this life-giving water and receive healing.

Copies from the miraculous icon “Life-Giving Source” are located in the Sarov Desert; Astrakhan, Urzhum, Vyatka diocese; in the chapel near the Solovetsky Monastery; Lipetsk, Tambov diocese. An excellent image is placed in the Moscow Novodevichy Convent.