Mother of Dios of Mirozh

The Prayer of Pskov and the "Great Panagia" of the monastery

Russian name: Мирожская икона Божией Матери, Mirozhskaya ikona Boshiey Materi.
Type: Prayer; monastic copy is also called "Great Panagia."
Place of origin and historical copy: monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour of Mirozh, Pskov.
Party: 7 October, 24 September Julian.
Status of the original: translated from Pskov by Ivan IV; subsequent paradero undocumented.

An identity linked to the river Mirozha

The advocation is named after the old monastery where the small river Mirozha joins the Velíkaya. The diocese of Pskov links the image to the spiritual and cultural mission of this famous monastery also for the 12th century wall paintings of its cathedral of the Transfiguration.

The toponym and iconographic composition should be kept together. No. the Virgin of Mirozh, not a modern reproduction of the scheme can be presented as the historical icon.

Mary praying with the Saints of Pskov

The diocesan source describes the Mother of God in the attitude of prayer. On their sides are two saints especially linked to Pskov: Prince Dovmont, baptized by the name of Timothy, and his wife Maria Dmitrievna, who embraced the monastic life with the name Marta.

This local presence gives the icon a character of its own. Mary does not appear isolated, but in the midst of the Church that intercede. The rulers saints should not be read as emblems of political power: they present themselves before God under the prayer of the Mother of the Lord.

The date of 1198 and the historical prudence

The story published by the diocese states that the icon was performed or appeared in the monastery in 1198. Before you convert that date on a definitive material dating must be contrasted with a museum catalogue or technical study. The tab can be kept as date transmitted by the ecclesial tradition, explaining the difference between historical memory and examination of the preserved support.

This caution is even more necessary because today we have to distinguish the and the "measured by measure" copy that remained in the Monastery.

The sign of 1567 during epidemic

On September 24, 1567 according to the Julian calendar, current 7 October, Pskov had an epidemic. The old narrative cited by the diocese tells that tears sprout from the eyes of the image and that many people attributed healing to the intercession of the Mother God.

That same year the celebration of the sign was instituted with the blessing of Archbishop Pimen of Novgorod and Pskov. A its own office, printed in a Menology of 1666. The party, therefore, does not is a contemporary reconstruction, but a liturgical memory Old.

The account must be expressly attributed to the tradition of the Church. It will not be used as a promise of healing or as an alternative to medicine. His pastoral teaching is in common prayer, compassion with those who suffer and conversion to a calamity.

The original moved and the copy "measured by measure"

The diocese indicates that the Tsar Ivan IV took the icon from Pskov considered miraculous. In the monastery there was a copy of the same size, known as the "Great Panagia" of the monastery of the Memozh.

The source consulted does not explain where the original ended or confirm Unambiguously where the copy is kept today. Therefore, the map does not must state that the original continues in Mirozh. The tab will distinguish three states: documented place of origin, historical transfer and whereabouts current outstanding. The copy will have its own marker only when its contemporary custody is confirmed.

This separation prevents repeating the original in different places and protects the visitor from imprecise photo feet. Any image to be published must be labelled as original, historical copy or modern reproduction.

The present monastery

Monastic life, interrupted during the Soviet period, began to be restored in 1994. The diocese notes that the church of St. Stephen, the community building and the house of the superior were returned to that recovery. The cathedral of the Transfiguration, with its frescoes, has also a heritage and museum reality that can condition times and liturgical access.

The point of the map should be the monastic set, in the number 2 of the Mirozh's ride. The fact sheet will differentiate the devotional place of the visit and will recommend to check official hours before Go.

A prayer that brings together a city

The image shows Mary raising her prayer in the company of the local saints. Your message is not to be locked in the regional identity, but to present to God the concrete life of a people: their sick, rulers, families, monks and pilgrims.

The memory of an epidemic calls for the care of the vulnerable. The tears attributed to the icon can be seen as a sign of the maternal compassion, never as a food of fear. Mary takes the human anguish to Christ and teaches to turn prayer into Service.

Contemplation with the Holy One Rosario

The Visitation recalls that Mary takes Jesus where someone He needs help. Pentecost shows her praying with the Church. In fifth glorious mystery we see her as mother and intercessor, without to separate it from the only Saviour.

The Rosary can be offered by the sick, the health personnel, the city of Pskov, the monastic community and peace among the peoples. It can also be asked that the Christian heritage be guarded with truth and placed at the service of faith.

Prayer to the Mother of the God of Memozh

Holy Mother of God, faithful prayer, presents to your Son the pain of the and the needs of our peoples. Teach us to join prayer and mercy, to take care of life and to seek peace. It conserves the the community of Mirozh and all those who guard their heritage; make them all beauty leads us to Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.

Ecclesial sources main

1. Diocese of Pskov, history of the monastery, iconography, sign of 1567 and historical copy:
   https://pskov.pravoslavie.ru/149225.html
2. Diocese of Pskov, contemporary record of the monastery:
   https://pskov-eparhia.ru/archives/34043

Pray the Holy Rosary