Church of the Icon of the Mother of God «The Unburnt Bush» in Ochakovo-Matveevskoye, Patriarchal Compound
The Burning Bush icon depicts a biblical episode in which Moses, tending sheep, saw an unusual phenomenon – a thorn bush engulfed in flames, but not burning down. This vision became the prototype of the Mother of God, through whom the Savior came into the world. It was at the bush that Moses heard the Voice of God, commanding him not to approach and take off his shoes, as he was standing on holy ground. Here the Lord revealed to Moses his purpose – to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery and bring them to the Promised Land. Moses, the only one of his people who grew up among the Egyptian nobility, saw the suffering of his fellow tribesmen for the first time, was outraged by the injustice and, unable to stand it, killed an Egyptian who was beating a slave. Fleeing retribution, he went to the desert, where he spent 40 years learning humility and spiritual truth before becoming a great prophet and leader of his people. The Burning Bush icon is one of the most complex in composition and symbolism. The Virgin, depicted in the centre, is surrounded by a flaming thorn bush, indicating a wonderful combination of two natures – Divine and human. Just as the bush burned, but did not burn down, so the Virgin Mary, having received the Divine Fire, did not undergo corruption, remaining immaculate. Angels can be seen around the Mother of God on the icon, symbolizing various manifestations of God`s Providence, as well as the prophet Moses, to whom this revelation was given. The connection of this image with the Christian tradition can be traced not only in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament, where the interpretation of the bush takes on a deeper meaning. The Virgin Mary carried within Her a God Who, like fire, was scorching, but did not scorch human nature. Salvation came to the world through the Mother of God – the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who took upon Himself the sins of the world. It is believed that the Burning Bush itself is still growing at the foot of Mount Sinai, in the monastery of St. Catherine. It was here, according to legend, that the Holy Great Martyr Catherine, who decided to dedicate her life to God, took refuge from persecution. In 324, by order of Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, a chapel was built next to the bush, and later a monastery appeared. His altar is located directly above the roots of the bush, which emphasizes the sacred significance of this place. In the Orthodox tradition, the Burning Bush icon is revered as a protector from fires and natural disasters, as well as a symbol of purity and inviolability of God`s Providence.
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