Orthodox Icon depicting Saint Veronica. – Икона Святая Вероника.
Since I love the old legends and Orthodox icons, I want to share the following story with all of you.
According to an old Christian tradition, there lived a woman named Veronica in Jerusalem in the first century AD. The legend tells that she was the same woman whom Jesus healed of an issue of blood (bleeding). The Gospel of Matthew tells about this case:
"Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment." (Matthew 9:20-22)
"Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment." (Matthew 9:20-22)
Later Veronica saw Jesus carrying his cross to Golgotha. She was moved with pity and gave him her veil or towel so that he might wipe his forehead. Jesus accepted the offer, held the cloth to his face, and then handed it back to her, the image of his face miraculously impressed upon it.
This piece of cloth became known as the Veil of Veronica. It was like a photograph of Jesus' face (compare to the Turin Shroud). That's why Saint Veronica is today the patron saint of photographers! （＾—＾） In addition to this, St. Veronica is the patron saint of washerwomen or laundry workers.
This piece of cloth became known as the Veil of Veronica. It was like a photograph of Jesus' face (compare to the Turin Shroud). That's why Saint Veronica is today the patron saint of photographers! （＾—＾） In addition to this, St. Veronica is the patron saint of washerwomen or laundry workers.
The name Veronica means "victory" or "she who brings victory". Folk etymology claims that name comes from the Latin words vera, meaning "true", and icon, meaning "image". Vera icon – true image! How appropriate name, if the old legend is true (and I believe it is). In any case, I find this story very touching and beautiful.
Saint Veronica (Russian: Святая Вероника) is honored in the Eastern Orthodox Church as well as in the Roman Catholic Church. Her feast day is July 12th. A plant called Veronica is named in honour of Saint Veronica by Leonard Fuchs in 1542. Veronica is the largest genus in the flowering plant family Plantaginaceae.
I've been looking for Saint Veronica icon, but I can not find it from my country (I asked from the monasteries and Christian stores). I hope to find it someday. In the meantime, I can admire these images I found from the web. They may not be "true images", but I love to watch them anyway. Without words, they preach to me of mercy and compassion. Our Heavenly Father, let us all be the men and women of pity. Amen.
Blessings from my "monk's cell",
Teisuka
A later addition: The Hymn of Saint Veronica
Troparion (Tone 8)
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Mother,
For you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away,
But to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore your spirit, O Holy Mother Veronica, rejoices with the Angels!
Source: orthodoxwiki.org
Another Icon of Saint Veronica.
Saint Veronica on stained glass window.
(not exactly the same as the original text, but almost)
Святая Вероника и «подлинный образ»
Святая Вероника, с памятью которой связан Нерукотворный образ страждущего Спасителя, стала одной из популярнейших народных святых, несмотря на то, что некоторые церковные инстанции и критические исследователи высказывались против исторической достоверности Вероники и ее легенды.
Преданный и осужденный на мученическую смерть Иисус Христос шел на гору Голгофу, неся Свой крест на распятие. Шествие окружала толпа, сопровождавшая Спасителя на крестные страдания. Вероника слилась с людским морем и следовала за Христом. Икона святой Вероники Икона святой Вероники Изнеможденный, Иисус пал под тяжестью креста, и Вероника, сжалившись над Ним, подбежала к Нему, напоила Его водой и дала Ему свой плат, утереть пот с лица.
Вернувшись домой, Вероника обнаружила, что на ткани запечатлелся святой лик Спасителя. Этот плат святой Вероники со временем попал в Рим и стал здесь известным под именем Нерукотворного образа. Дополнительно к этому общему для христианства преданию, Православная церковь считает Веронику той кровоточивой женщиной, которая получила исцеление от прикосновения к краю одежд Христа (Мф.9:20-22).
В мистериях Средневековья Вероника также заняла прочное место и поныне является главной фигурой шестой остановки Крестного пути. Предполагают, что имя Вероники представляет собой искаженное от латинского vera icon («подлинный образ») — так называли «плат Вероники», отличая его от других образов Христа. Образ и деяния святой Вероники послужили тому, что ее почитают как покровительницу фотографов и фотографии. Поэтому этот день любители и профессионалы фотодела отмечают как день фотографа.
Память совершается в Православной церкви 12 июля (по юлианскому календарю). Немецкий ботаник Леонарт Фукс назвал в 1542 году в честь святой Вероники род растений Veronica (Вероника). Многие виды этого рода, например вероника длиннолистная, вероника дубровная и вероника лекарственная, хорошо известны.
