The icon of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color" is one of the oldest, most beautiful and mysterious icons that are rarely found in churches. Nevertheless, she is dearly loved by believers who pray in front of her for the purity of their thoughts and the acquisition of spiritual strength to overcome various trials.
Description and origin of the icon "Fadeless color"
The icon "Fadeless Color" depicts the Mother of God holding her son Jesus on one hand, and squeezing a white lily flower in the other. The last item is the personification of purity, youth and eternal beauty on this canvas.
It is interesting that many of the Fadeless Color icons are not alike. However, in all of them, the Mother of God holds in her hands some kind of flower, be it a lily or a rose.
Today, the exact date and place of the creation of this icon are not known for certain, but experts believe that it appeared in Russia in the 17th century and was brought by pilgrims from Greece. According to legend, the origin of the icon "Fadeless Color" is connected with Mount Athos, where immortelles grew. It was these flowers that were present on the first icons, and the Mother of God herself was depicted with a scepter and on a throne. Over time, the complex parts were removed from the canvas, and in the hands of the Most Pure Virgin they began to depict a lily.
The meaning of the icon "Fadeless color"
The significance of this icon for Orthodox believers is great. First of all, she symbolizes purity and purity, which is why young girls who want to preserve their honor for their future spouse often turn to her. In front of the icon "Fadeless Color" they also pray to find a worthy and loving husband for themselves. It so happened that this icon is considered female, but, of course, all believers can pray in front of it. In this miraculous way, they also often bless a young bride on her wedding day and give it to her to help her.
Married women turn to the Mother of God, depicted in this icon, with a request for help in overcoming the hardships that fall on a heavy woman's lot. The Blessed Virgin helps to preserve the family and make the marriage happy. In front of this icon, it is also customary to pray for the preservation of a righteous life, overcoming any difficult life situations.
There is also a belief that this icon helps women preserve their youth and beauty for a long time. It is no coincidence that a flower is depicted on it, which is a symbol of eternal beauty.
Celebration in honor of the icon "Fadeless Color" among the Orthodox takes place on April 16.
Many authors in their works have repeatedly mentioned the miracles performed in this way. Thus, in the "Legend of the Miracles of the Mother of God that took place on Mount Athos," the monk Meletius describes the healing of the sick, which happened from the touch of a lily on the icon in 1864. Thus, it became known that the “Fadeless Color” icon helps patients to regain their health.
