Mother of God with her hair loose. Icon and prayer that will help during childbirth
Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life, it is associated with anticipation and preparation for meeting a miracle. You can spend this time in different ways, try to have time to do something at work before maternity leave, make repairs in the apartment, spend time in stores, buying everything cute in a row for the baby, go on vacation. But it is so important behind this, let the necessary vanity, to realize that the innermost secret that lives inside you is a gift from God.
It is customary to thank for the gift. Thanksgiving is the norm of human existence, the norm of the relationship between the Creator and the creation. Thanksgiving to God emphasizes our love for Him and helps us feel responsive. “This is the inheritance from the Lord: children; His reward is the fruit of the womb ”(Ps. 126: 3). Also, a person turns to the Mother of God, who hears and answers prayers, helps people and, moreover, She really intercedes for people before Her Son and God. And who, if not the Mother of God, knows the aspirations and anxieties of a mother carrying a baby? She also knows the suffering of those who have no children.
Childbirth, coupled with physical torment, sterility associated with spiritual torment, from time immemorial encouraged women to resort to asking for help and intercession before the Lord to the holy image of the Mother of God. We invite you to prayer before icon of the Mother of God Assistant in childbirth, which will start at 12.00, not only women expecting the birth of a child, but also husbands and other relatives. We also invite young parents to pray for newborn children and those who do not yet have offspring, but really want.
The Mother of God is depicted on the icon with her head uncovered and her hair loose (although, according to the Orthodox canons of icon painting, the Mother of God should be depicted with her head covered, and this may indicate the western origin of this icon). The outer garment is red, with a golden tint, or blue with stars on the shoulders (not always). Under it are dark green clothes, also gilded. The hands of the Mother of God are folded across the chest. The fingers of the left hand are half covered by the fingers of the right.
Baby Jesus is depicted under folded hands. His fingers right hand folded for a nominative blessing (each finger represents a letter of the Greek alphabet, the extended index finger is I, the bent middle finger is like C, the thumb is crossed with the ring finger is X, and the raised, slightly bent little finger represents the letter C. It turns out IC XC - the monogram of Jesus Christ.
Along with the canonical images of the icon "Assistant in childbirth", there are many variations.
The icon "Assistant in childbirth" was found in 1993 and is considered miraculous, helping with pregnancies with complications, as well as infertility.
In Russia, lists of the icon "Assistant in childbirth" are rare. One of the lists was acquired relatively recently and is located in Serpukhov, in the St. Nicholas Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Nicholas Bely), in the chapel of the Mother of God "Helping Childbirth".
The story of the acquisition of the miraculous icon "Assistant in Childbirth" is remarkable. Her on Great post An old woman gave it to Archpriest Vladimir Andreev, whom he received at home when she learned about the revival of the parish. After the salary in the smoky robe had been removed from the attic was cleaned of years of dust, the bright face of the Mother of God with the baby Jesus looked from the icon. The image was called "Assistant in childbirth."
Since then, the icon has shown many miracles, which was witnessed by Vladimir Andreev. For example, a case is described when a woman with a pregnancy complicated by the wrong position of the fetus turned to the icon. After the prayers ascended to the icon, the next morning the fruit turned over and took the correct position!
There were cases of help with infertility.
The very name of the icon suggests that they pray in front of it for the granting of a successful birth. They pray in front of her and for the health of the newborns. Iconographically, the image is somewhat reminiscent of the SIGN icon. Celebration of the Help in Childbirth Icon - January 8 (December 26, Old Style).
TROPARE OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN HONOR OF THE ICON OF HER ASSISTANT IN BIRTH
voice 4
Mother of our God, conceived Christ the Life-Giver in the womb, did not demand help in the birth of Him, bless and help your slave, and their babies during the time of the deserving birth of those who have, under Thy protection, like the Mother, we pray, accept: Thou art in childbirth the Helper, the Intercessor of Your servant.
Even without seeing with our eyes, only feeling within ourselves the weak jolts of a little creature, we will, throughout the entire period of pregnancy, and not only, but all the days of our life, thank and praise our Heavenly Father, admiring the incomprehensible mystery of man's birth into life.
CONDAC TO THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN HONOR OF HER ICON "HELP IN BIRTH"
voice 2
The permission of Eve's tears, the fulfillment of prophetic writings, conceived by the Holy Spirit of the Divine Infant, and in the manger of Bethlehem humbly gave birth to Him, we resort to You as the Keeper of wives and babies, we sigh to You and magnify Thee: Rejoice, Blessed Mother, Help in childbirth.
Modern women are not very healthy. Often they themselves are to blame for this, nevertheless, the child suffers. To successfully bear and give birth to a child, an Orthodox mother should pray in front of a special icon - "Assistant in childbirth." This image was created specifically for this purpose.
The meaning of the icon Assistant in childbirth
Although the image has been discovered in modern times, it is believed that it has ancient origins... The icon of the Mother of God "Assistant in Childbirth" has a very recognizable composition, one of a kind.
- The Mother of God is depicted in an uncovered head - curly long hair falls over the neck and shoulders of the Blessed Virgin.
- Mary is depicted standing, waist-deep or full-length.
- The hands of the Virgin are raised, the palms seem to embrace the Infant, who, judging by the composition, is still in the womb.
- Christ is depicted in full growth: his arms can be folded on his chest, in another version He is dressed in royal clothes and blesses.
- The baby is depicted as if floating at the level of the Mother's chest (as in the image of the "Sign").
There are many versions of the Childbirth Assistant icon, but it is very easy to recognize. The image can be in the house for those who are about to give birth.
How does the icon help and where is it located?
The image has been known since the beginning of the 90s, during which time it managed to earn the glory of a miracle worker. It was discovered in the possession of an elderly parishioner of a church in Serpukhov. The board turned black from time to time, it was rather difficult to make out at least something on it. Under a layer of dust, the faces of the Ever-Virgin and the Child were discovered.
The found shrine was placed in a place of honor in the St. Nicholas Cathedral, where it currently resides. Here are the names of the temples where the lists (copies) of the icon "Assistant in childbirth" are located:
- Savior Transfiguration Church (Moscow);
- All Saints Church (Moscow);
- Izmailovsky Cathedral (St. Petersburg);
- Nativity Church (Yekaterinburg).
If you want to often turn to the Mother of God, you should purchase an icon for yourself and place it near the bed, pray every day so that the birth will be successful. This is a difficult test for the body, a great psychological stress. The Heavenly Lady will definitely help to cope.
What to pray for in front of a holy image
When you turn to God, you need to have a proper attitude. Of course, the Lord hears and sees absolutely everything that happens - after all, He is Omniscient and Omnipresent. But in order to perceive His goodness, a person must change himself, throw off numerous rubbish from his heart - resentment, vanity, pride, and so on. This is expressed in words of repentance. It is with them that the prayer should begin in front of the icon "Assistant in childbirth".
Words should be pronounced slowly, realizing the meaning of what they read. There is no need to strive to read all the known prayers at one time, let it be brief, but from the heart. In advance, you should purchase a small image that you can take with you to the prenatal ward. If possible, one should receive communion, attend services, order prayers for health.
Prayers to the icon of the Mother of God "Assistant in childbirth" helped many women to easily bear and give birth to healthy babies. Young mothers write that purulent tonsillitis, the threat of miscarriage passed, the contractions themselves proceeded quickly enough. Of course, everyone is given by faith - but it is quite possible to nurture it in oneself by reading the Word of God, communicating with spiritually experienced people. The main thing is that the heart is open to the Lord.
In the past, shortly before the contractions were to begin, the woman in labor and her relatives read the Great Akathist together. The process of giving birth to a baby was an incomprehensible and very dangerous event. Today women attend special courses, where they tell in stages what the expectant mother expects, how to behave correctly, and show deep breathing. But still, fear remains, especially among those who give birth for the first time.
To get rid of fear, you should often turn to the Mother of God in front of her icon for pregnant women "Assistant in childbirth." You can also get such an image for those who are just planning to conceive an heir. The Holy Virgin Mary will help with this.
What miracles is the icon of the Assistant in Childbirth known for?
Every week people gather in Serpukhov to read the akathist, written especially for the icon "The Assistant in Childbirth". Its author was our contemporary, an archpriest serving in the Moscow diocese. The text is blessed for reading by Orthodox believers.
Through prayers, many miracles occur, some of which are told by the abbot of the temple.
One married couple experienced 6 miscarriages. But they didn't give up. Another pregnancy also turned out to be difficult, the doctors were always afraid for the baby's health. Throughout the entire period, mother and father attended prayer services. The woman took holy water every morning. Their dream finally came true - the happy couple had a daughter!
Another pregnant woman found herself in a difficult situation - the fetus turned upside down in the womb. In this situation, hospitalization is mandatory, the deadline was already approaching. Two days before going to the hospital, the mother-to-be decided to go to church. After that, on examination, it turned out that the child had taken the correct position. Doctors let the woman go home, amazed at such a rare case.
Turning to the Heavenly Queen with faith, every woman can count on help!
Prayer before the icon Assistant in childbirth
O Most Holy Lady the Lady Theotokos, who does not leave us in earthly life! To whom I will lift up my prayers, to whom I will bring tears and sighs, if not to You, all the faithful, consolation! With fear, faith, love, Mother of Zhivota, I pray: may the Lord make the Orthodox people understand for salvation, may he give us children to be pleased with you and your Son, may he keep us in the purity of humility, in the hope of Christ's salvation, and grant us all, in the veil of Thy grace, earthly consolation. Keep us under the shade of Thy mercy, Most Pure One, help those who pray for childbirth, turn away the slander of evil freedoms, grave troubles, misfortunes and deaths. Grant the gracious insight, the spirit of contrition for sin, grant to behold all the height and purity of the teaching of Christ given to us; Save us from perilous alienation, so that all, thankfully glorifying Your greatness, let us be worthy of heavenly rest and tamo with Your beloved, with all the saints let us glorify in the Trinity of the One God: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.
The icon of the helper in childbirth - how it helps, where to be was last modified: July 8th, 2017 by Bogolub
In this article:
In the old days, the process of childbirth was mystical and unknown. Perhaps that is why a lot of rituals and ceremonies preceding the birth of a baby have arisen and have survived to this day. Traditionally, a woman in labor and people close to her read the Great Akathist, asking the Most Pure Virgin Mary to ease the torment and send down the blessing of the Lord.
Help for women in childbirth, pregnant women and planning
In our century high tech and loud medical discoveries, scientists cannot fully explore all the subtleties of the birth of a person. Modern believing women, like their grandmothers, ask the Lord for help in childbirth. In Orthodoxy, the Most Holy Theotokos is considered the patroness of motherhood.
In Russia, an icon was hung in a pregnant woman's room, which later received the name "Assistant in childbirth." Modern women also read prayers to the Blessed Virgin. There is an opinion that after praying to this icon, childbirth is favorable even with a complicated pregnancy. Despite the name "Assistant in childbirth", not only mothers-to-be, but also women planning a child, are interested in the icon. They say that many people manage to see the cherished stripes on the dough after praying in front of the icon.
The history of the appearance
Unfortunately, culturologists and art historians cannot establish where the original of the icon is currently located. The history of its creation is also covered with darkness.
Variations of the icon
There are two canonical versions of the icon. In the first, the Mother of God is depicted in full growth with her hands raised to heaven in prayer, among which is the image of the infant Christ.
The second is also called the Serpukhov icon, thanks to the place of discovery and storage. On it, the Mother of God, contrary to the canons, is depicted with an uncovered head. This detail suggests that the icon was painted rather in the West. The Blessed Virgin in a red robe with a golden tint folded her hands in prayer, with the fingers of her right hand half covering the fingers of her left hand. The baby Jesus is depicted under the mother's palms. This image was discovered in the city of Serpukhov in 1993, and to this day pilgrims with akathists visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which currently houses the "Assistant in Childbirth".
Miraculous image
The icon is considered miraculous. Every Saturday, a prayer service is held in the cathedral, where a special akathist sounds.
An elderly woman donated the icon to the cathedral during Great Lent. And from that moment her miraculous story began.
In 1998, Archpriest Vladimir Andreev shared the stories of people after visiting the cathedral and praying to the icon "Assistant in childbirth":
A long awaited miracle
The doctors shook their heads sadly and spread their arms. Galina and her husband
Igor has already experienced six miscarriages. The seventh pregnancy was with complications and a constant threat of termination.
Throughout the whole period, young people read prayers, the expectant mother drank holy water and, finally, the birth was successful, a healthy girl was born.
Change in fetal position
The next case is considered unique not only by the clergy, but also by the workers of the Serpukhov maternity hospital. At the end of the term, the young woman had the fetus upside down; hospitalization was required, which had already been scheduled for Monday. On Saturday, the pregnant woman visited the church and prayed to the icon, after which, at the doctor's appointment, it turned out that the baby had changed position and it was no longer expedient for the expectant mother to be in the hospital. Otherwise, such a case cannot be called a miracle.
Prayers to the Mother of God
Before the icon of the Mother of God, they read the prayer "Helper", in which they call on the Holy Virgin to ask the Lord for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of Souls:
« Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, even weigh the birth and nature of the mother and child, have mercy on Your servant (name) and help in this hour so that your burden be resolved safely. O all-merciful Lady Theotokos, you have not even demanded help in the birth of the Son of God, give help to this Thy servant, who requires help, especially from You. Grant her blessings at this hour, and give her a baby like that to be born and bring into the light of this world in good times and a smart light in holy baptism in water and spirit. We fall to you, Mother of God above, praying: be merciful to this mother, for the time of the mother’s existence has come, and pray the Christ of our God, who has incarnated from You, that he strengthens him with His power from above. Amen.»
Prayer to the Mother of God "Assistant in labor"
Believing Christians are accustomed to addressing holy saints and miraculous icons. They call out to them for help, turn to them with prayers and words of gratitude. Women most often pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and, depending on their life situation, to her different icons.
Young women who are planning to have children in the future or who have already become pregnant can come to the aid of the icon known as the "Assistant in childbirth".
Icon "Assistant in childbirth": meaning
The name of this holy image speaks for itself. The Church advises pregnant women to pray to this icon with requests for a safe delivery. Especially often expectant mothers turn to the Most Holy Theotokos if their pregnancy is complicated or has some kind of violation, when they have to go to preservation, if the fetus is located "incorrectly" or childbirth promises to be difficult, if a woman is overcome by fears or depression. Calling with prayers to the Icon of the helper in childbirth, a pregnant woman can receive a blessing for a successful outcome and a happy happy birth of the baby. Women pray in front of the holy face of the Assistant Mother of God just with the desire to give birth to healthy strong children.
But the power and power of the Icon is not limited to this alone. Expectant mothers should turn to the Most Holy Theotokos from the very beginning of pregnancy in order to receive peace of mind, strength and strength, a healthy vigorous spirit and hope for a happy resolution from your burden. Many who pray to the Icon of the Assistant in Childbirth testify that they were able to bring the baby into the world successfully, despite the gloomy medical forecasts.
Moreover, from life there are cases when barren women, after sincere and fervent prayers before the Help Icon, were granted motherhood! Therefore, Christian believers always rely on the grace of God and receive according to their faith.
By the way, with similar prayers - oh happy marriage, conception and birth of children - you can also refer to the Feodorovskaya icon of the Mother of God.
Childbirth Helper Icon: Prayer
If you have a helper Icon, then on the back of the holy image you will find the words of prayer for addressing the Mother of God during childbirth:
“Receive, Madame Mother of God, the tearful prayers of Your servants who come to you. See you on holy icon bearing in your womb your Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even if and painlessly you gave birth to Him, moreover the mother of sorrow, weight and weakness of the sons and daughters of men. The same warmth, falling to Thy celibate image, and tenderly kissing this, we pray to Thee, all-merciful to the Lady: to give birth to us sinful condemned in illnesses and to nourish our children in sorrows, mercifully spare and compassionately intercede, our babies, likewise and those who gave birth to them, from and deliver bitter sorrow. Grant them health and prosperity, and they will be nourished from strength by strength, and those who feed them will be filled with joy and consolation, as even now, through Thy intercession from the mouth of the baby and the pissing, the Lord will accomplish His praise.
O mother of the Son of God! Have mercy on the mother of the sons of men and on Thy weak people: heal the illnesses that beset us soon, quench the sorrows and sorrows that are on us, and do not despise the tears and sighs of Thy servants. Hear us on the day of sorrow before your icon, those who fall, and on the day of joy and deliverance, receive the grateful praise of our hearts. Lift up our prayers to the throne of Thy Son and our God, may it be merciful to our sin and weakness and add His mercy to those who lead His name, as if we and our children, let us glorify Thee, the merciful Intercessor and faithful Hope of our family, forever and ever ".
In addition, there is an akathist, which was compiled by the discoverer of the Icon - Archpriest Vladimir Andreev - for reading by women in labor and their relatives in cases of difficult childbirth and their complications. Prayer is able to heal the mother and her baby with strength and strength.
This image Holy Mother of God became known to the modern Church not so long ago ... In 1993, an elderly parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in the city of Serpukhovo (in Russia), who received Holy Communion at her home from the rector of this church, Archpriest Vladimir Andreev, gave him the holy image, which in for many years of atheism's reign he was in the attic of her house. The icon was very darkened by old age, but it could be clearly seen: it depicted the Most Holy Theotokos with the little Savior and the signature - "Help for childbirth." V christian church There are many similar icons (most of all it resembles the icon of the Mother of God "The Sign"), but this one had a special difference: inside the womb of the Holy Mother was the baby Jesus. And Father Vladimir saw such an image for the first time.
A significant event took place during the days of Great Lent. The Archpriest placed the holy Icon in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where it remains to this day. Of course, copies and reproductions, to which parishioners address with prayers, are in various shrines around the world. Many temples are named after the Miraculous Image. The patronal feast - the icons of the Mother of God "A helper in childbirth" - is celebrated in the Orthodox Church on January 8th.
The true origin of this holy image remains unknown. As well as which of all the existing images of the Blessed Virgin Mary helper in childbirth is the most canonical.
The miraculous icon "A helper in childbirth" has many variations. In one of the most popular, the Mother of God is presented in full growth. Icon painters “dress” Her in blue, green, and pink and gold vestments. But most often, the Most Holy Theotokos "Assistant in childbirth" "wears" a dark blue or dark green underwear and a red overcoat decorated with a golden sheen and stars on both shoulders.
The Mother of God the Helper embraces Her bosom with her hands, in which the child Son of God is depicted in full growth with his arms crossed on his chest. The Mother of God also holds her hands on her chest, ready for prayer.
The most striking feature of this Miraculous image is the image of the Mother of God with her head uncovered and her hair loose, while in Orthodoxy it is customary to always cover the head of the Mother of God during icon painting, and that is why this version of the Icon of the Assistant in Childbirth (with her head covered) is considered more canonical.
Childbirth assistant icon: where to buy
If you have never bought icons before, and it was the indulgence of God's grace in the form of conceiving a child or a burning sincere desire to become a mother that first led you to such a question, then you will probably be glad to know that you can buy a "Assistant in labor" in any church , church or chapel. Holy images, like church literature, are also sold in church shops, operating both at churches, and separately from them. Just ask about the Help Icon, and they will be happy to help you. Please note that it can be called in different ways: Assisting in childbirth, the Most Holy Theotokos helper in childbirth, Helper in childbirth, Help in childbirth, Helper for wives of children to give birth.
And may the Most Holy Theotokos hear all your sincere appeals to Her and bless! And after the happy birth of the baby, take a note of the icon "Mammal" and "Educator", and henceforth turn to the Mother of God with all your joys and worries.
Especially for - Larisa Nezabudkina
Pregnancy for a woman is a blessing of God, and motherhood is the main mission of the fair sex on Earth. A woman should prepare herself for pregnancy and childbirth physically, psychologically and spiritually.
Orthodox traditions during childbirth
A hundred years ago, every woman preparing to become a mother relied on the will of God in everything. The midwife never started helping a woman in labor without first praying. At the time of childbirth, all the household members stood in front of a lighted lamp and prayed to the Mother of God for a successful delivery. Prayer before childbirth was obligatory for the woman in childbirth herself. The era of atheism changed people's perception of the world, however modern society more and more actively revives Orthodox faith, spirituality in souls and society. That's why today everything more women resort to entreaty Higher powers- first to conceive, then bear and give birth. Miracles occurring by faith and the prayers of believers convince of the mercy and love of the Lord for his children.
Spiritual preparation for childbirth
A believer during pregnancy often turns to Heavenly forces. The priests insist that during the period of bearing a child, every woman should visit the temple, confess and partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ. The main helper of the pregnant woman during the entire period of bearing the baby is the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The holy face showed many miracles by faith, including the gift of motherhood. Prayer should accompany a pregnant woman for all nine months, not only in the temple, but also at home, a woman can turn to the Heavenly patroness and protector. "According to our faith, let it be for us ..." - prayer at the time of childbirth works miracles: there are cases when women in childbirth, saying the words of prayer, the pain subsided, the process of delivery was facilitated, bleeding stopped. Priests say that prayer during pregnancy, prayer before childbirth, prayer during childbirth are equally important for a woman.
Heavenly patrons of mother and baby
Asking the question: “Who should we pray to? Which icon is better to turn to? ”, A woman in her heart understands that the Mother of God will be the main helper, to whom people always turn at the moment of sorrow and trials. Being immaculate and pure, the Blessed Virgin gave birth to the Son painlessly, but for her earthly life she fully experienced what pain and suffering are. Therefore, it responds to the prayer requests of believers. Several Holy Faces of the Mother of God are considered to be the patroness of a pregnant woman at once: the icon "Assistant in childbirth", "Quick to Hearken", "Leaping Baby", "Healer" and many other miraculous icons. The Savior will not remain indifferent to sincere prayers for help and protection, therefore the prayers offered up at the icon of Jesus Christ also have effective power. No less effective are the prayers of Xenia of St. However, most believers believe that the main helper of a woman in childbirth is still the icon of the Mother of God “The Assistant in Childbirth”.
The story of finding a miraculous image
My modern history the miraculous image dates back to the 90s of the twentieth century. It was then that the icon "Assistant in Childbirth" appeared to the Orthodox world. It is not known for certain where the original face is, but once, during the period of Great Lent, a copy of this icon was found in Serpukhov. Father Vladimir received it as a gift from a devout old woman, whom he received communion at home. For many years of fighting against God, the icon was kept in the attic, then it appeared to the world under the name "Assistant in Childbirth". Since then, many miracles have been recorded from this image according to the prayers of believers. Many barren women have learned the joy of motherhood: earnest prayer in front of the icon "Assistant in Childbirth" works miracles. There are two options for the image of the Mother of God on this wonderful list:
The Mother of God is depicted in full growth with arms raised up, the Eternal Infant is located at the level of her chest.
The Blessed Virgin is depicted with an uncovered head and folded hands, the Savior is in the womb.
Orthodox image of the Holy Virgin
Orthodox canons predetermine the image of the Mother of God with her head covered, therefore many clergy believe that the second version of the icon is of Western origin. However, among Orthodox Christians, the icon "Assistant in Childbirth" is also considered a significant shrine, on which Mother of god depicted with the Baby in the womb. Father Vladimir installed the acquired image in the temple, having composed an akathist for it. Now pregnant women and their relatives read the akathist to the Mother of God, standing in front of the icon, thereby greatly facilitating the course of pregnancy, reducing pain in childbirth.
There is canon prayer, which is pronounced in front of this wonderful icon by future mothers. The power of prayer is incomparable. A prayer appeal pronounced from “the very depths of the soul” is considered especially strong. The message to the Heavenly Forces, formulated sincerely, with a deep message will always be heard and "through our prayers it will be given to us .."
The meaning of the icon for the Orthodox
The icon "Assistant in childbirth" is designed to help women in labor, the name of the holy image speaks for itself. Pregnant women turn to the icon with a request to safely endure, give birth to a healthy baby. Some of those whose pregnancy is complicated by pathologies ask for healing and a successful delivery. Not only pregnant women flock and turn to the icon, but also those who cannot bear it for some reason. Prayers for healing from infertility are also heard by the Heavenly Patroness, many, after a prayer conversion, found the happiness of motherhood. But not only this helps the icon "Assistant in childbirth". The prayer for the granting of peace of mind, a healthy spirit and vigor, faith in the mercy of the Most High is heard first of all, for it is truly said: "Acquire a peaceable spirit, and thousands will be saved near you ...".
Miracles of the Holy Image
The priests of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Serpukhov, where the wonderful image is located, constantly observe the pilgrimage of parishioners who are attracted miraculous icon Of the Most Holy Theotokos. Miracles through prayers, emanating from the holy face, constantly confirm the triumph of true faith in the mercy of the Lord. A desperate married couple who buried six stillborn babies turned to the image of "Childbirth Assistant" for help. Throughout the seventh pregnancy, the couple fervently prayed to the image together, drank holy water, and a healthy girl was born in due time. Unique case healing from the icon was recorded not only by the clergy, but also by the staff of the maternity hospital. The baby, the wrong position in the womb of which threatened with complicated childbirth, through prayers in front of the icon overnight turned over and positioned himself correctly.
The place of the icon in the house
In the old days, in the parlor where the pregnant woman slept, they always hung an icon with the face of the Most Holy Theotokos to protect the mother and the baby. Modern Orthodox women also prefer to contemplate the holy face every day, but they often ask the question: "Where should the icon" Assistant in childbirth "be in the house?" The priests answer the question unequivocally: the icon should be located where it will be easiest to offer prayers to it. If it is convenient to hang it on the wall, let it hang on the wall, you can put it on the shelf and the bedside table, the main thing is that the holy image is acquired in the temple and consecrated. The best option there will be an icon in the room where the future mother constantly dwells, since this icon is primarily for pregnant women. The "Assistant in Childbirth" celebrates the day of veneration on January 8, they pray to her not only for pregnant women, but also ask for the health of newborns. Today, practically in every maternity hospital there is such an image, they hang it in the wards, and most importantly, in the delivery room. It is believed that in that hospital there is the least number of dysfunctional births in which this holy image meets a woman in labor.