There are many miraculous icons with an interesting history. These include the icon of the Mother of God "Seven Arrows". What to ask from this icon and why to pray, you will learn from our article.
Seven-shot icon of the Mother of God
On this icon, the Mother of God is depicted pierced by seven arrows. To distinguish it from other icons, it has arrows on two sides: four on the left and three on the right. It is very similar to the image of "Softening Evil Hearts". But daggers are symmetrically located on it.
Both of these icons are connected with the prophecy of Simeon the God-Receiver, who received the baby Jesus during His first bringing to the temple. Then the elder predicted that the Son of God would have to accept death for the sake of the deliverance of the human race. To the Virgin Mary, he addressed with the words "and a weapon will pass your soul." In fact, these icons refer to the feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
The number seven (seven swords) signifies the fullness of grief. After all, the Most Pure Mother of God had to survive the death of her Son, and this is a kind of omen and personification of what awaited her in the future. There are several more icons of the same type, while the same liturgy is used for all of them, since the subject matter is the same. These are the icons “Softening of Evil Hearts” and a passionate icon, the title of which is taken from the very words of Simeon the God-Receiver predicted by the Mother of God.
What helps the icon of the Mother of God "Seven Arrows"
First of all, the Most Pure Virgin Mary is asked for protection and protection. After all, she is always an intercessor and protector before God. But the most basic prayers before the Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God are associated with requests for an end to hostility, reconciliation and softening of the soul. It helps to learn mercy and sympathy, to beg for it for yourself before an important matter. This image is one of the most revered icons of Orthodoxy.
Also, the icon of the Mother of God "Seven Arrows" is known for the fact that during a severe cholera epidemic that raged in Vologda in 1830, she literally healed people. This icon has been considered miraculous since its acquisition. Therefore, in front of her, many people pray for deliverance from all kinds of diseases, for example, reading a prayer for healing.
When is the Feast of the Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God celebrated?
The feast of the Seven Arrows Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated annually at the same time, August, 26th. According to the old style, this is August 13th. In the church on this day you can hear special chants dedicated to the holiday. Of course, it is best to visit the service. But these prayers can be read at home. The main thing is not to forget about the holiday.
