The Blessed Virgin Mary is especially loved and revered by the Russian people. One of the manifestations of love for the Mother of God has always been the writing of the holy images of the Virgin Mary. On April 16, the Orthodox Church celebrates in honor of the celebration of the icon of the Virgin "Fadeless Color".
The time of the appearance of the image of the Mother of God of the "Fadeless Color" type is considered to be the 17th century. There are currently two versions of where this holy icon was painted. According to one version, the Athos monk is considered the author of the image, while others suggest that the icon was painted in Constantinople.
The basis for creating the image "Fadeless Color" was the words from the akathist of the Mother of God, in which the Virgin is compared with unfading and fragrant flowers. Cultural scientists suggest that the type of writing the "Fadeless Color" icon was shaped by Western iconography.
An integral part of all the artistic images of the Fadeless Color icons is the presence of flowers. Options may vary. Flowers can be painted around the edges of the icon, or a flourishing rod is depicted, and sometimes the Mother of God and the baby stand on a pedestal of flowers.
The clothes of the Virgin and baby Christ are most often royal, which indicates the special divine power of the Lord and the great position of his Most Holy Mother.
The Fadeless Color icons show various flowers. For example, lilies or roses. Snow-white lilies symbolize the special purity of the Queen of Heaven, and the rose is a universal symbol of love inherent in the Virgin as the main intercessor to God about people.
Celebrations in honor of the icon of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color" are held twice a year: April 16th and January 13th.
Before the image of the Mother of God "Fadeless Color" they pray for the preservation of spiritual purity and guidance on the path of spiritual perfection. This icon is especially revered among unmarried girls, since in Russian culture and Orthodox tradition it is customary to pray for a worthy bridegroom just before this holy image of the Mother of God.
