Icon of the Mother of God "Burning Bush"
The miraculous image of the Mother of God "Burning Bush" deservedly takes the place of one of the most mysterious and profound Orthodox icons. She manifests the Mother of God through one of the symbols of the Old Testament - a fireproof bush, the image of the first appearance of God to Moses. What secret does the icon contain and what kind of story does it tell with its complex iconography?
History
Scientists and theologians to this day cannot decide who and when wrote the prototype of the Burning Bush, but they unanimously agree that the origins of the icon are rooted in the early apostolic Church. In ancient times, the image was more literal and simple: it depicted a bush engulfed in fire, in which the Virgin Mary was imprisoned, while the kneeling prophet Moses was shown below.
Since then, the iconography of the image has changed in many ways, acquired new details and allegories, but the central meaning of the icon continues to be expressed through the Old Testament story of the meeting of Moses with God - through the burning bush. According to the events of the New Testament, the image of the Burning Bush received a symbolic continuation and a renewed interpretation that unites the fullness of Scripture and its single meaning.
In theological interpretation, the symbol of the fireless bush was interpreted as an image and manifestation of God through the Virgin Mary. The Blessed Virgin carried Christ within herself, "a scorching fire, but not scorching" the nature of Mary. Through the unburned bush, salvation came to the people of Israel, and through the Mother of God came Salvation to the whole world.
Iconography
The meaning of the image of the icon of the Burning Bush is truly a cosmic scale. The symphony of the symbols of the icon and the octagonal star summarizes the Orthodox concept of the Mother of God-Church-Sophia in a universal meaning.
In the new tradition of the 16th century, which has become canonical, the figure of the burning bush is barely noticeable - it is in the right hand of the Mother of God. The central place is occupied by the Mother of God, holding the Child Christ in her hands. The Blessed Virgin gathered around Jesus a whole universe - a connection between earthly and heavenly forces. The red rays are occupied by the holy evangelists in their symbolic meaning: Angel (Matthew), Leo (Mark), Taurus (Luke) and Eagle (John).
What to pray for?
For a long time, the people believed that the image of the "Burning" icon in the house would protect the dwelling from the two main dangers of ancient people - from fire and lightning. It is important to remember that icons do not "specialize" in any specific areas of solving earthly problems and we can pray for what our soul asks for. The deep content of the icon and its cosmic scale allow us to leave the vanity and care of this world and turn the soul to the Eternal and sometimes wonder at the beauty and coherence of God's plan.
Where can you buy a list (copy) of the icon?
The icon of the Mother of God "The Burning Bush" can be found very often both in the decoration of churches and among the dwellings of the laity.
In our online store of Orthodox goods "Axios" you can buy the "Burning" icon of the Mother of God in Ukraine. This look will undoubtedly become more than just a decoration for your prayer corner, home decoration or office.
