St. Joseph of Volotsky

The icon depicts the image of St. Joseph of Volotsk, the heavenly patron saint of Orthodox entrepreneurship and management. Saint Joseph lived in the second half of the 15th century and became famous for his wise leadership of monastic life and works aimed at protecting the Orthodox faith. Already at the age of 20, he took monastic vows, choosing the path of monastic exploits. Joseph spent eighteen years in Borovsk, in the monastery of Paphnutius, who became a true teacher and mentor for him. After the death of the righteous Paphnutius, Joseph was ordained a hieromonk and appointed abbot of the Borovsky monastery. In May 1479, Joseph Volotsky left the Paphnutievo-Borovskaya monastery and founded a monastery in his homeland near Volokolamsk, now known as the Joseph-Volokolamsk Monastery. The way of life in the monastery was characterized by severe asceticism. The basis of the Charter was complete non-possessiveness, cutting off one's will and unceasing work. Joseph Volotsky took part in management issues, monastic land ownership, and performed works contributing to the strengthening of the grand ducal power. He took an active life position and participated in the discussion of topical issues of interaction between the church and the state. The works of St. Joseph created a special theological school, from which came prominent missionaries, publicists, preachers and many church hierarchs. The great feat of St. Joseph was the denunciation of heresies and the preservation of the foundations of Russian spiritual life. He is the author of the code of Russian Orthodox Theology, the book "The Enlightener." It discusses various issues, including the Holy Church's struggle against heretics, and the means to correct and repent them. To this day, the book continues to be a source of spiritual life, retains its theological significance and relevance. Joseph Volotsky was canonized in 1579. The relics and chains of the saint rest in the Assumption Cathedral of the Joseph-Volotsky Monastery. The jewelry panagia with the image of St. Joseph is made in the form of a banner decorated with a temple dome. An image of cloth interceptions with a pearl border passes through the icon's kennel. The buttonhole allows the product to be worn, and the decorative stand allows it to be installed in the interior. The "velvet" brushes hanging on both sides of the icon create a festive and complete composition, which arcs into a lavishly decorated miniature pedestal. The base of the stand is decorated with a carved relief with belts of pearl beads. On the back of the panagia are the words of prayer: "O great mentor, zealot, and teacher of the Orthodox faith, Holy Sage Joseph! Accept the supplication offered to you by us sinners, and with warm intercession implore the glorified God in the Trinity, that He may bestow His rich mercy on us sinners: may He establish the right faith and piety in His Most Holy Orthodox Church: may He give holy zeal to its shepherds for the salvation of the verbal flock, so that believers may be preserved, unbelievers Those who have fallen away from the true faith will also be brought to reason and converted. Ask all of us for everything that is useful in this temporary life and useful for our eternal salvation. Remember your flock, which you have gathered, do not forget to visit your children, and, like a child-loving father..."