Icon "Burning Bush" - meaning. Icon of the Burning Bush: meaning

On September 17, the church celebrates the day of the miraculous image; according to the old style, this day falls on September 4. It is September 17 that is considered the day of remembrance of the thorn bush (bush) and Moses. On this day, an akathist is held in the church and prayer services are held.

One of the Old Testament prototypes pointing to the Mother of God was the burning bush - that bush that Moses saw burning in the fire, but not being consumed. This bush marked the immaculate conception of the Mother of God of Christ from the Holy Spirit. Having been a Mother, She remained a Virgo: before Christmas, Virgo, at Christmas, Virgo, and after Christmas, Virgo.

One can give another interpretation to the prototype of the burning bush: the Mother of God, having been born on a sinful earth, remained unconditionally pure, not involved in sin, and did not know lawlessness. In church hymns this Old Testament symbol is heard: “Just as a bush is not scorched, so, O Virgin, have you given birth.” In the stichera for the Annunciation it is sung: “Rejoice, burning Kupino.”

Pious Christian zeal tried to consolidate this idea in an artistic image, and this is where the icon of the “Burning Bush” arose.

Description of the icon

The image on the icon consists of two rhombuses, they are concave inward, the edges of the figure form an eight-pointed star, which is also the base. One of the diamonds depicts the Mother of God, who survived the fire, her face is shown on a green or blue background. The second rhombus symbolizes fire; it is made in bright red colors.

In the center of the shrine is the image of the Mother of God herself, who holds her child in one hand, and with the other hand she grabbed a small ladder. Looking carefully at the image, you can see the sacred plant itself - the Burning Bush.

In this image, the staircase is a symbol of the descent of the son of God onto the sinful earth; near the stairs you can see a mountain, which was drawn as a symbol of ascension.

This icon depicted a fairly large number of different angels, they symbolize:

Wisdom;
talent;
teaching;
giving;
miracles.

Three spirits are depicted in different parts of the icon, each of them has its own role. The Spirit of the Lord - the artists depicted him with a large crown on his head and with Jesus in his hands. Another spirit has a gate in its hands. The third spirit has a knightly appearance, he is depicted with a sword in his hands, symbolizing protection and patronage.

Miraculousness of the icon

Throughout its existence, the shrine has performed a large number of miracles; there are many different stories about them, each of them impressive in its own way. Even a person who does not believe in miracles begins to believe in them.

In Sinai, where the Catherine Monastery was built and still stands today, this same thorn bush, which is depicted in the icon, grew. Its structure is similar to the most common raspberry bush. There was a dried twig on it, at one moment it began to sprout shoots, thereby giving life to a new plant, this does not exist anywhere else in the world. Anyone can come and pray to this miracle and take with them a twig or leaf from a bush.

Meaning and image of Saint

Since ancient times, people have come to the Queen of Heaven, prayed and asked her for help, she helped in resolving various difficult life situations. Considering the long history of the Burning Bush icon, its significance is very great in the Orthodox world, we can say with confidence that it helps in many different situations:

In ancient times, during wars, commanders often asked for help from this icon to protect their soldiers in battle;

The face of the Mother of God protects firefighters, doctors, pilots, and military personnel. The icon protects believers from burns, rash actions, injuries and other things;

Orthodox Christians often believe that the Burning Bush can deliver from committed sins;

The image of the Mother of God is often used as a talisman for one’s home against all sorts of misfortunes;

People suffering from mental illnesses often ask this icon for help in order to get rid of them.

The meaning of this icon lies entirely in its iconography. This image of the Mother of God sums up the idea of the Mother of God-Church-Sophia.

Where to hang the Burning Bush icon in the house

As has already become known, this icon saves from fire. The Burning Bush must be present in the house. There are no exact rules for where to hang the Burning Bush icon, however, its meaning is very important; for a long time it has been customary to hang this image above the entrance to a living space. The face of the Mother of God was considered the guardian of the family hearth and well-being of the family.

Conclusion

Monk the Burning Bush has very strong miraculous properties. It was repeatedly noticed that calls for help to this image yielded amazing results. During severe fires, houses can be preserved, sick people incredibly become healthy, and much more.

By Burning Bush we mean a thorn bush that is on fire, but cannot be burned. This is a very ancient and powerful icon, which depicts the image of the Mother of God.

The Burning Bush icon, which protects a house from fire, is a rather complex composition that sums up the Orthodox believers’ idea of the Mother of God-Church-Sophia. The burning bush is a fireproof bush engulfed in fire, which Moses saw on Mount Horeb. The icon depicts a star with eight corners, which is formed from two intersecting quadrangles with concave sides and sharp corners. The one below is painted red, and this symbolizes the fire that engulfed the bush on Mount Horeb. The other quadrangle is green, which symbolizes the natural color of the bush, which, despite burning, is preserved. There are also options where this object is painted blue or blue. In the center is the Virgin Mary and the Child. In the corners of the red quadrangle are depicted: a man, a lion, a calf and an eagle, which symbolize the evangelists. Another important symbol of the image is that the Virgin Mary holds a ladder in her hands, which leans against her shoulder. This means that it was through the Mother of God that the Son of God descended to earth. It is worth noting one more detail of the “Burning Bush” icon, which has a special meaning - on some images the letters A.D.A.M. are added at the ends of the red quadrangle. According to the Greek legend, the Archangels compiled the name of the first man according to the stars, which were taken from four cardinal directions. Initially, the “Burning Bush” was simply imagined as a bush on fire, in which the image of the Mother of God was enclosed, and the prophet Moses was kneeling next to it.

History of the Burning Bush icon

They first learned about this image in Rus' in 1390, when Palestinian monks brought it to Moscow. According to legend, it was painted on the rock where Moses saw the burning bush. Priests turn to the icon during severe thunderstorms to protect the temple from fire. When Moscow was on fire, the famous miraculous icon was carried around the houses of church parishioners, which helped save them from the fire.

To further understand what the Burning Bush icon means, it is worth telling the story in which it became especially famous. This happened in 1822 in the city of Slavyansk, Kharkov diocese. At this time, huge fires began to break out in this area, and no one could find the culprit of these tragedies. One night, a phenomenon came to the pious old woman in a dream, and a voice said that she needed to paint an image of the Mother of God and serve a prayer service. All this will help stop the spread of fires. The icon “The Burning Bush” was painted and prayers were read in front of it without interruption. On the same day, a new fire broke out, but people managed to detain the culprit, who turned out to be the crazy Mavra. After this, fires no longer tormented the residents of this city and a miracle happened.

How does the Burning Bush icon help?

As already mentioned, this image helps protect the house from fires. They turn to the icon to ask for intercession for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting other people and cities from fires, including military fire. The icon helps to protect oneself from the evil actions and intentions of enemies. In front of the image, people ask for the salvation of the soul from earthly vices. Christians believe that the bush fire can cleanse and burn it out of a person. There is evidence that people who turned to the icon were able to be healed of physical and psychological ailments. Sincere prayers in front of the image will help you find the right solution and way out of difficult situations.

“To the Queen of Heaven, our Lady, Lady of the Universe, Most Holy Theotokos, undefiled, unblasphemous, incorruptible, most pure, pure Ever-Virgin, Mary Bride of God, Mother of the Creator of creation, Lord of glory and Lord of all! Through you the King of kings and Lord of lords has come and appeared to us on earth. You are God's mercy incarnate. You are the Mother of Light and Life, just as you once carried Him in Your womb and in Your arms You had the Child, the Word of the Eternal, God, and so you have always carried Him with You. For this reason, according to God, we resort to You, as if to an unbreakable wall and intercession: look with mercy, all-sung Mother of God, on our fierce bitterness and heal the soul and body of our illnesses: drive away from us every enemy and adversary, deliver from famine, pestilence, from plagues, from many waters and harmful airs, and from sudden death; and like the three youths in the cave of Babylon, preserve and keep us, so that, like the people of God of old, all good things will come to us who honor Thee; Let all those who hate us be ashamed and put to shame, and everyone will understand that the Lord is with You, O Lady, and God is with us with You. In the days of autumn, bring us the light of Thy grace, and in the darkness of the night, enlighten us with light from above, making everyone useful: turn our sorrow into sweetness and wipe the tears of Thy servants who have sinned and are in need, fulfilling all their requests for good; You can do everything you want, Mother of the Word and Life. The Father has crowned the Daughter, the Son has crowned the Virgin Mother, the Holy Spirit has crowned the Bride, so that you may reign like a queen, standing at the right hand of the Holy Trinity, and have mercy on us as you wish, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".

In Orthodoxy, icons of the Mother of God are the most common, because the Mother of God always protects us. Icons are, first of all, the protection of your home from all evil and evil spirits.

The image of the “Burning Bush” should be in every home. It will save you from problems of any kind, strengthen your faith and give you happiness. This is a great gift for a birthday, wedding, name day. If one of your loved ones is moving to a new apartment or house, “Burning Bush” will also be very useful.

History and description of the icon

“The Burning Bush” is one of the most complex icons in terms of artistic execution. It is unique and recognizable from the general set of all icons with the Mother of God. The Virgin Mary is depicted with the baby Jesus Christ, but this image is unusual. To understand why, we must turn to the Old Testament.

Moses received the 10 commandments at the foot of Mount Sinai. He saw a burning bush that did not burn, but was engulfed in flames. This flame was so bright that it was painful to look at. An angel of the Lord came out of this flame and told the prophet about the 10 commandments, as well as what he needed to do, what his purpose was.

The image of a fireproof bush (this is how “Burning Bush” is translated) is expressed in a large content of red. Mother Intercessor and Baby Jesus are depicted in the middle, at the intersection of two rectangles forming an eight-pointed star. The corners of this star depict Mount Sinai, Jacob's Ladder, and several other important places and events from the Old Testament. Directly on the “fiery” side are angels, reminiscent of how Moses saw one of them emerging from the flames. By the way, now in the very place where, according to legend, Moses met an angel and saw a burning bush, there is a monastery. This is one of the most ancient monasteries in the world, and it is still active. A huge number of pilgrims come from all over the world there in order to look at the bush, which, as the abbots say, grows from shoots belonging to that very fireproof bush.

It is unknown when the icon was acquired or created, but historians are absolutely sure that it was the 4th or 5th century, that is, the early period of the spread of Christianity. In Rus' it became known only in the 15th century. This image of the Virgin Mary is shrouded in mystery and is one of the most unusual.

What does an icon help with?

The Burning Bush is a miraculous image. Throughout history, this icon has saved people from imminent death or the evil eye. It is believed that this icon should be in any home, because it saves the home from fires. She helps families become stronger and stronger. “The Burning Bush” strengthens faith and gives people hope for a bright future.

Where is the icon

You can pray before this icon for the health and salvation of the soul in any church where it is available. There is a temple dedicated to the “Burning Bush” in Ivanovo, four churches in Moscow, one each in Syzran, Bryansk, Kyiv, St. Petersburg, and Arkhangelsk.

Date of celebration of the icon

The day of celebration of the icon in the church calendar is September 17 according to the new style. This is an immovable date, so it remains the same every year. Be sure to read the prayer for sleep before the “Burning Bush” on this day, if you are unable to visit the temple.

Prayer before the icon

“Most Holy and Blessed Mother of God, I fall before You and pray to You before Your holy icon, which is known for its miracles, saving our house from fire and thunder, healing ailments and fulfilling our requests. We humbly pray to You, Virgin Mary: help us and take part in our life, keep us under your protection, the Orthodox Church, the city, our entire Orthodox land and all of us who come to You with faith and love, asking for Your help. We ask You, Mother, to pray for us to Jesus Christ, Your Son. Blessed One, beg him for forgiveness for us sinners, for peace in our home. When the time comes for the Last Judgment, be with us and help us avoid eternal torment for our deeds. Help me inherit eternal bliss in Paradise, next to all the holy fathers. Amen".

Happiness and spiritual strength will not leave you if you have this icon at home, if you believe in its power. There are many icons that should be in your home, but on this list, perhaps, one of the first lines is occupied by the “Burning Bush”. Good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and

17.09.2017 05:32

The shrine “Fragrant Flower” is a well-known image of the Mother of God in Orthodoxy. The icon of the Blessed Virgin has a special meaning...

You should conduct a dialogue with the Lord in church or at home. Also, do not forget that there must be at least one icon in the red corner.

Believers are told to pray, and the more often the better, mainly saying words of thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of life. The “Burning Bush” icon is also suitable.

But with this icon there are a number of nuances that should be reviewed, starting with history and ending with the places where you can meet the Mother of God.

And what does this icon protect from?

The icon is famous for its help:

in case of fires, various injuries;
in battles and in the army for recruits;
in regression of the degree of mental illness;
safe at home from accidents.

How did the icon appear?

The icon appeared in 1822. One day, in one city, severe fires began to appear due to arson, devastating everything in their path. Attempts to find the culprit were fruitless. Suddenly, providence appeared to the pious elderly woman Belnitskaya at night. It read: “the fire will stop if they paint the icon of the Mother of God “The Burning Bush”” and serve a prayer service. The icon was painted instantly by professionals.

And after some time a new fire broke out. That's when they caught the offender - a crazy girl. After which the fires completely stopped disturbing the population. People made a golden frame for an icon with a speech of praise to the Holy Face. Many years later, the tradition of praying to the icon to save one’s house from fire remained.

The most ancient history of the origin of the icon, which was also mentioned in the Bible, is also known. Moses, a shepherd, was tending sheep near Mount Sinai and saw fire on the horizon. As he approached the fire. There was a thorn bush burning there, but not physically smoldering. Then the Lord emerged from the fire, speaking instructions to Moses on how to free the Israelites from the yoke. Then a great event happened - humanity received the Ten Commandments.

In our century, the monastery of St. Catherine was erected near this bush and every believer should visit it.

Prayer from fire

Holy Mother of God! Through you the Lord will descend and appear to people. You are peaceful. Why do we come to You as an indestructible wall: see mercy, all-encompassing, for our strong anger and heal us materially and spiritually from all misfortunes: take rude people away from the enemy, deliver us from poisoning and from exhaustion, and from accidental death; Let those who hate everything become ashamed and afraid before the flame, so that everyone will understand that if the Lord is not with You, O Lady, then with You and with us.

In the autumn time, bestow upon us Your gratitude, in the darkness, dedicate us to the dead and fallen with a sacred ray from the sky, necessary and terrifying to all: exchange our tears for happiness and protect us from tears, Your sinful servants, who fulfill all promises for the good of peace and love.

Oh, Most Holy Theotokos! We bow to your knees and to your wonderful image, may your deeds be wondrous and wonderful, from the devilish and all-consuming fire that killed our crops and native places, who healed the illness of the Lord’s servants and fulfilled every noble request of ours for the good of the world and the holy spirit. As we die, we pray to You, our mighty protector.

Shelter and protect, Lady, under Your wing the church, as well as the entire country. Lady All-Merciful, forgive us, who cast many sins into the world and do not have the courage to be rude to Christ the Lord, and forgive Him. And when the day of the terrible coming of God into the kingdom of mortals comes, when all our houses are set on fire, show us Your merciful wing and Your friendliness. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, may Your great selflessness descend upon us forever. Amen.

Do you want to see the icon with your own eyes?

To date, many painted images of the Mother of God have been irretrievably lost. But the oldest image has been preserved; now it is in the Armory Chamber in the Kremlin.

The Holy Face can also be found in other temples listed below:

Cathedral of Peter and Paul (in the Urals);
Neopalimovskaya Church (in the Leningrad region);
Holy Mother of God Neopalimovsky Cathedral (in Ulyanovsk).

At the intersection of Yurlovsky Proezd and Dezhnev Ave. in Otradnoye, a temple was built for the “Burning Bush” icon. In the middle of the hall in the temple there is an icon. In the center of the image is a drawing of the image of the Mother of God next to the symbolic attribution. The entire image is enclosed in a star with eight points.

Now any believer can enter into communication with the Lord in this temple and pray for the well-being, protection and safety of their home and their relatives.

Every year in Jerusalem, on the holy land, on the eve of the celebration of Easter, the Holy Fire descends to Orthodox Christians.

The bright Divine flame has the miraculous property of burning majestically and not causing harm to those who truly believe in our Savior.

Description of the icon

In the middle of the star is the Most Holy Mary with the Child of God in her arms.

Since the image of the “Burning Bush” is very ancient, the images may differ with the development of Orthodoxy.

Most often, the icon shows two elongated rhombuses, superimposed on one another. In the center of the composition, in a green diamond, symbolizing the bush itself, the Mother of God appears with the Child of God in her arms.

The secondary diamond in red means the fire that surrounds the Mother of God, but does not scorch Her. In the corners, in the form of a lion, angel, eagle and calf, the faces of the evangelists mentioned in the Apocalypse are allegorically inscribed.

The diamonds are crowned with genre scenes in which the archangels hold in their hands various things symbolizing gifts. The composition is completed by images of prophets in the corners of the icon, who inform Christians about miracles that have come to earth.

Meaning of the icon

Taking a closer look at the icon, you can see many symbols that are deciphered quite easily. On the icon of the “Burning Bush” the Image of the Mother of God is multifaceted, but we can say with confidence that Her feat of motherhood summarizes an incredible number of believers.

Since ancient times, people have worshiped the Mother of God, asked for protection and patronage, therefore The Mother of God, engulfed in fire, but not harmed by it, appears as the Protector of the human race. from earthly elements, fires and disasters.

The angels surrounding the Mother of God give humanity lessons of courage, teaching and wisdom, the ability to give and forgive, humbly accept the blows of fate and remain merciful. In a complex, but at the same time understandable image, one simple meaning is intertwined - She is the center of attraction for human sins and She is the guarantee of victory over troubles.

The history of the appearance of the icon is considered one of the oldest, which is narrated in the Old Testament.

Moses saw a bush engulfed in flames.

One day, a shepherd, while grazing a flock of sheep, saw the reflections of a distant fire. Curious about the incident, he approached the flames and saw an incredible sight. The majestic thorn bush was engulfed in fire, but did not burn.

Suddenly, in a burning bush, the Lord appeared before the eyes of Moses with instructions for liberating the people of Judah from slavery to the Egyptians.

Concluding the message, the Lord told the timid shepherd about the ten most important commandments that true Christians must follow. Having received the gift of the skill of a prophet and wonderworker, Moses carried the covenants of God to the people.

Later, near the growth of a wonderful bush, a chapel was built. Hundreds of Christian believers and pilgrims come to the holy place every day to admire the miracle of the Lord and strengthen your faith in Him.

What does the icon help with and what do they pray to the “Burning Bush” for?

The main meaning of the image of the Mother of God on the “Burning Bush” icon is the command to preserve the purity of the soul from fiery hell, and with the help of Divine fire to burn out sinful passions and vices.

The extensive meaning of the symbols allows you to turn to the Mother of God for support and help in various everyday situations: The image patronizes firefighters.

About healing from various chronic bodily diseases, about the retreat of mental anguish and suffering.
About protecting the house and the inhabitants living in it from robbery and the criminal plans of insidious people.
About the deliverance of sins, dirty thoughts and ungodly thoughts.
About granting success in the career ladder to servicemen and to students in their studies.
About not taking a rash step and a deliberate decision to eradicate the problem.

People of a noble profession, whose duty calls them to save victims and victims of natural disasters, the image of the Mother of God protects them and their wards from injury.

Rescuers, firefighters, emergency and police officers, military and civilian doctors receive help when turning to the Mother of God.

Defenders of the Fatherland, military personnel, pilots are especially protected by Her, as people called upon to save human lives. In hot spots, military personnel pray for protection in battle or to be saved from captivity.

Since the image of the Mother of God is inextricably linked with fire, Her invisible presence protects, first of all, from fires. There are known cases when a religious procession with an icon around a city prevented the outbreak of fire when an emergency fire hazard was declared. The Mother of God also protects the person praying during the elements, in particular thunderstorms with lightning.

Where is the icon placed?

It is better to place the icon opposite the entrance.
There are no special strict rules for placing an icon in the Church Charter. The image can be placed next to the already present faces in the house. But more often the holy icon is installed above the entrance door of the room, or opposite it.

Thus, everyone who enters will be invisibly under the supervision of the Mother of God, whose stern gaze will put to shame anyone who is planning something bad towards the owners of the home.

It is believed that an icon installed near the entrance protects all rooms, and, consequently, all household members, since the Mother of God serves as the guardian of the family hearth.

Prayers

First Prayer

O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of Our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, we fall down and worship You before Your holy and most honorable icon, with which you work wondrous and glorious miracles, save our homes from fiery flames and lightning thunder, heal the sick, and fulfill all our good requests for the good.

We humbly pray to You, O omnipotent Intercessor of our race: grant us the weak and sinners Your maternal sympathy and care. Save and preserve, O Lady, under the roof of Your mercy, the holy Church, this monastery, this city, our entire Orthodox country and all of us who fall to You with faith and love and tenderly ask with tears for Your intercession.

She, the All-Merciful Lady, have mercy on us, overwhelmed by many sins and not having the courage to ask Christ the Lord for mercy and forgiveness, but we offer you to Him for supplication, His Mother according to the flesh. You, O All-Good One, stretch out Your God-receiving hand to Him and intercede for us before His goodness, asking us forgiveness of our sins, a pious, peaceful life, a good Christian death and a good answer at His Last Judgment.

At the hour of the terrible visit of God, when our houses are set on fire or we are frightened by lightning thunder, show us your merciful intercession and sovereign help, so that we may be saved by your omnipotent prayers to the Lord, we will escape God’s temporary punishment here and we will inherit the eternal bliss of paradise there and with all the saints Let us sing the most honorable and magnificent name of the worshiped Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and Your great mercy towards us, forever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer

Queen of Heaven, Our Lady, Lady of the Universe, Most Holy Theotokos, undefiled, unblasphemous, imperishable, Most Pure, Pure Ever-Virgin, Mary Bride of God, Mother of the Creator of creation, Lord of glory and Lord of all!

Through you the King of kings and Lord of lords has come and appeared to us on earth. You are God's mercy incarnate, You are the Mother of Light and Life, as you once carried Him in Your womb, and in Your arms You had the Child, the Word of the Eternal, God, and thus always have Him with You.

For this reason, according to God, we resort to You, as if to an unbreakable wall and intercession: look with mercy, O All-sung Mother of God, on our fierce bitterness, and heal the souls and bodies of our illnesses, drive away from us every enemy and adversary, deliver us from famine, pestilence, ulcers from many waters and harmful airs, and from sudden death; and like the three youths in the cave of Babylon, preserve and keep us, so that, like the people of God of old, all good things will come to us who honor Thee; Let all those who hate us be ashamed and put to shame, and everyone will understand that the Lord is with You, O Lady, and God is with You.