Church of the Icon of the Mother of God «The Unfading Bloom» in Moskovsky
The icon “Unfading Colour” (or “Fragrant Colour”) is one of the revered images of the Virgin, the creation of which is associated with the iconographic traditions of post-Byzantine masters. The appearance of icons with this name as objects of worship dates back to the end of the 17th century. It is believed that this type of icon originated in Constantinople, from where it then spread throughout the Orthodox world. The image is based on the texts of the Byzantine Akathists, where the Virgin Mary (as well as Christ) is compared with unfading and fragrant flowers. The artistic elements of the icon were formed under the influence of the Western iconographic tradition. The icons of Our Lady of Unfading Colour are very diverse, which is typical of late iconography. However, they are united by an obligatory element — flowers that can be depicted in vases, woven into garlands, decorate flowering rods or serve as the basis for the image of Christ and the Virgin. Sometimes there are lengthy inscriptions on such icons. Most often, the Mother of God and the Baby are depicted in royal robes and crowns. The Virgin can be represented either from the waist up or sitting on a throne, sometimes with her head uncovered. This indicates the diversity of iconographic sources. One of the iconographic types depicts the Mother of God with the Christ Child on Her left hand, and in Her or Christ`s hands are white lilies (sometimes roses or other flowers). Lilies in iconography symbolize the purity and immaculacy of the Virgin Mary, as well as the imperishability of her virginity. It is the lilies that Archangel Gabriel presents to the Virgin on the day of the Annunciation. The rose, as the queen of flowers and a symbol of love, is also associated with the image of the Mother of God. Another type of icon shows the Mother of God facing the Infant, who stands on a high throne in royal robes. She supports Him with Her left hand, and in her right, she holds a flowering rod, which refers to the Old Testament image of the Mother of God as “a rod from the root of Jesse.” There are other versions of the composition. The celebration in honour of the “Unfading Flower” icon in the Orthodox Church takes place on April 3 (16). It was also celebrated on December 31 (January 13). From the point of view of iconography, this image is close to the icon of the Mother of God “Fragrant Flower”.
Address: Ulyanovsk Forest Park, 2A, building 1
