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[[Image:Life_Giving_SpringTheotokos the Life-Giving Font.jpg|thumb|right|An icon Icon of the Panagia Theotokos the Life -Giving Font. 17th c.]]:''This article is about the [[feast day]] of the Life-Giving Spring, from Messinias . For the historic monastery see [[Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos (Pilos, GreeceIstanbul)]].''The '''Life-Giving Spring''' or '''Life-Giving [[Font]]''' of the [[Theotokos|Mother of God]] (Greek: Ζωοδόχος Πηγή; Russian: Живоносный Источник) is a [[feast day]] in the Orthodox Church that is associated with [[Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos (Istanbul)|a historic church]] just west of Constantinople in [[w:Balıklı, Istanbul|Valoukli]], as well as an icon of the [[Theotokos]].
The '''Life-Giving Spring''' or '''Life-Giving Font''' of the [[Theotokos|Mother of God]] (in Greek: Ζωοδόχος Πηγή) is both the [[feast day]] of [[w:Church of St. Mary of the Life-Giving Spring (Istanbul)|a historic church]] just west of Constantinople in is commemorated on [[w:Balıklı, IstanbulEaster Friday|ValoukliBright Friday]], and an icon of each year (the Friday following [[TheotokosPascha]]. The present church), built in 1835, bears being the same dedication as the shrine erected in this place between the end of the fifth and beginning of the sixth centuries, named from the nearby only feast day which may be celebrated during [[w:Holy well|holy springBright Week]] with [[w:Thaumaturgy|wonderworking]] properties. For almost fifteen hundred years, this sanctuary has been one while the commemoration of the most important [[pilgrimage]] sites of Greek Orthodoxy.<ref name="JANIN">Raymond Janin (in French). ''La Géographie ecclésiastique de l'Empire byzantin. 1. Part: Le Siège de Constantinople et le Patriarcat Oecuménique. 3rd Vol.: Les Églises et les Monastères.'' Paris: Institut Français d'Etudes Byzantines. 1953. p.232-37.</ref> The Life-Giving Spring ''[[Icon]]'' of the Most Holy [[Theotokos]] is commemorated by the [[Orthodox Church]] observed on [[April 4]]. The [[feast day]] of the Life-Giving Spring itself is commemorated on [[w:Easter Friday|Bright Friday]] of each year (the Friday following [[Pascha]]), being the only feast day which may be celebrated during [[Bright Week]].
==Revelation of the Life-Giving Spring==
[[Image:Saint Mary Of The Spring.jpg|right|thumb|The [[w:Holy well|Holy well]] (Hagiasma) of the Church of the Life Giving Font (Istanbul).]]
[[Image:Procession-Feast of Zoodohos Pigi-Arcadia,Greece-1950s.jpg|thumb|right|Procession on the [[feast day]] of Panagia the Life-giving Font in the village of KastriSpring, [[w:ArcadiaBright Friday|ArcadiaBright Friday]], Greece, ca.1959, on [[w:Bright FridayArcadia|Bright FridayArcadia]], Greece.]]There are two accounts extant concerning the revelation of the Life-Giving Fontjust outside the City of Constantinople. It is likely that in either case, before the 5th-6th century monastery was erected, a shrine was already in existence with a [[w:Spring (hydrosphere)|spring of water]], near a grove of trees, and was dedicated to the [[Theotokos]] from early times. Over time, the grove had become overgrown and the spring became fetid.<ref>Archpriest Feodor S. Kovalchuk. ''Wonder-Working Icons of the Theotokos.'' Youngstown OH: Central Satates Deanery, 1985. pp.67–70.</ref><br>
'''ProcopiusNicephorus Callistus'''<br>
The first traditional account is recorded by [[Nikephoros Kallistos|Nikephoros Kallistos Xanthopoulos]], the last of the Greek ecclesiastical historians, who flourished around 1320. This tradition begins with a miracle that occurred involving a soldier named Leo Marcellus, who would later become the prominent Byzantine scholar Emperor [[w:ProcopiusLeo I (emperor)|Procopius of CaesareaLeo I the Thracian]] (flourishing ca.500457-565474).<ref group="note">The 11th century Byzantine historian While Leo was on his way to Constantinople he encountered a blind man near the [[w:George KedrenosWalls_of_Constantinople#Golden_Gate_and_the_Yedikule_Fortress|George CedrenusGolden Gate]] also mentions this versionwho was thirsty.</ref> In this versionThough he agreed to search for water, he was unable to find any. A female voice was then heard who told the future Emperor [[Justinian]] that there was out hunting when water nearby. Looking about, he came upon a small [[chapel]] in a beautiful wooded areacould see no one, surrounded by a large crowd of people and a priest in front of a springneither could he see any water. Inquiring about this site, Then he was told that this was heard the “source of miracles”. He at once ordered that a magnificent church be built therevoice again::"Emperor Leo, utilizing materials that had remained after go into the erection deepest part of the [[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|Hagia Sophia]]woods, and you will find water there.<ref name="JANIN"/> The church was erected Take some of the cloudy water in your hands and give it to the blind man to drink. Then take the last years of clay and put it on his reign, caeyes.559-560, near the holy springThen you shall know who I am."<ref groupname="noteOCA">In this context, "Holy SpringOCA - Feasts and Saints. ''[http:/Holy Font/Holy Source" becomes synonymous with the Greek: ἁγίασμα, ''hagiasma''; Litocafs.: 'sanctuary'oca.<org/ref> After the erection FeastSaintsLife.asp?FSID=32 Bright Friday. The Life Giving Spring of the sanctuary, the Gate that was situated outside the [[w:Walls_of_Constantinople#Theodosian_Walls|walls Mother of Theodosius IIGod]] was named by the Byzantines .''Gate of the Spring'' (Greek: Πύλη τῆς Πηγῆς).</ref>Wolfgang Müller-Wiener (in German)The same voice added that she had chosen that very place to be worshiped and prophesied that he would one day receive the crown to the empire. ''Bildlexikon zur Topographie Istanbuls: Byzantion, Konstantinupolis, Istanbul bis zum Beginn dLeo followed her order and at once the blind man recovered his eyesight. 17 Jh..'' Tübingen: WasmuthAfter his accession to the throne, 1977. pp.416.</ref> It is possible that before the Justinian's building was Emperor erecteda magnificent church on this place, a small monastery dedicated and the water continued to the [[Theotokos]] had already existed there from early timeswork miraculous cures. Therefore, it was called "The Life-Giving Spring."
'''Nicephorus CallistusProcopius'''<br>
A second account is given by the prominent Byzantine scholar [[w:Nikephoros Kallistos XanthopoulosProcopius|Nikephoros Kallistos XanthopoulosProcopius of Caesarea]], the last of the Greek ecclesiastical historians, who flourished around 1320(flourishing ca.500-565).<ref group="note">The 11th century Byzantine historian [[w:George Kedrenos|George Cedrenus]] also mentions this version. This tradition begins with a miracle that occurred involving a soldier named Leo Marcellus</ref> In this version, who would later become the Byzantine Emperor [[Leo I (emperor)|Leo I the ThracianJustinian]] (457-474). While Leo was on his way to Constantinople out hunting when he encountered came upon a blind man near the small [[w:Walls_of_Constantinople#Golden_Gate_and_the_Yedikule_Fortress|Golden Gatechapel]] who was thirstyin a beautiful wooded area, surrounded by a large crowd of people and a priest in front of a spring. Though he agreed to search for waterInquiring about this site, he was unable to find any. A female voice told that this was then heard who told the future Emperor “source of miracles”. He at once ordered that a magnificent church be built there was water nearby. Looking about, he could see no one, and neither could he see any water. Then he heard the voice again::"Emperor Leo, go into utilizing materials that had remained after the deepest part erection of the woods, and you will find water there. Take some of the cloudy water in your hands and give it to the blind man to drink. Then take the clay and put it on his eyes. Then you shall know who I am[[Hagia Sophia (Constantinople)|Hagia Sophia]]."<ref name="OCAJANIN">OCA - Feasts and SaintsRaymond Janin (in French). ''La Géographie ecclésiastique de l'Empire byzantin. 1. Part: Le Siège de Constantinople et le Patriarcat Oecuménique. 3rd Vol. [http://ocafsLes Églises et les Monastères.oca'' Paris: Institut Français d'Etudes Byzantines.org/FeastSaintsLife1953.asp?FSID=32 Bright Fridayp. The Life Giving Spring of the Mother of God]232-37.</ref>The same voice added that she had chosen that very place to be worshiped and prophesied that he would one day receive church was erected in the crown to last years of his reign, ca.559-560, near the empireholy spring. Leo followed her order and at once <ref group="note">In this context, "Holy Spring/Holy Font/Holy Source" becomes synonymous with the blind man recovered his eyesightGreek: ἁγίασμα, ''hagiasma''; Lit.: 'sanctuary'. </ref> After his accession to the throneerection of the sanctuary, the Emperor erected a magnificent church on this placeGate that was situated outside the [[w:Walls_of_Constantinople#Theodosian_Walls|walls of Theodosius II]] was named by the Byzantines ''Gate of the Spring'' (Greek: Πύλη τῆς Πηγῆς).<ref>Wolfgang Müller-Wiener (in German). ''Bildlexikon zur Topographie Istanbuls: Byzantion, Konstantinupolis, and the water continued to work miraculous curesIstanbul bis zum Beginn d. 17 Jh.. Therefore'' Tübingen: Wasmuth, it was called "The Life-Giving Spring1977. pp.416." </ref>
==The Icon==
[[Image:Panagia Argokiliotissa.JPG|thumb|right|Modern Greek icon of the Theotokos of the Life-giving Spring ("Panagia Argokiliotissa", Naxos).]]
The icon representing the Virgin of the Spring shows the Virgin blessing and embracing the Child. She is surrounded by two angels, and is sitting on the more elevated of two basins, presumably representing the "living water" which is [[Christ]].<ref group="note">This living water is contained in the [[Cross]] which must be born by all those who follow Him, just as He did.</ref> The living water from the more elevated basin flows into a larger marble basin below, which is in the shape of a [[cross]].<ref group="note">In the early Church, the baptismal font was actually in the form of a cross, just like the cross depicted in this icon. Christians would enter from the base of the cross and come out at the top, and then re-enter from the left of the cross and come out on the right of the cross; then the priest, who would be standing in the middle of the cross/baptismal font, would commune them.</ref>
In one modern Greek version of the icon that was found on Naxos island, Greece,<ref group="note">Icon of "Panagia Argokiliotissa", from Naxos island, Greece (Greek: Παναγία η Αργοκοιλιώτισσα - Νάξος).</ref> some differences are shown with respect to the ancient type. Around the cross-shaped basin stands the Emperor with his guard, while on the right there is the Patriarch with his bishops. In the background, is represented Leo I with the blind man, together with and the walls of the City. Under the basin a paralytic and a madman are healed with the spring’s water.
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The fish in this pool, it is said, are descended from the fishes that miraculously jumped out of the frying-pan and into this spring ... (NOTE - research to find this story in more detail).
==Hymn==
In Orthodox hymnography, the ''Theotokos'' is frequently compared with a ''Holy Fountain''. The hymns and prayers of the feast are combined with the Paschal hymns, and there is often a Lesser [[Holy water|Blessing of Waters ]] performed after the [[Divine Liturgy]] on [[w:Easter Friday|Bright Friday]].In old [[Church of Russia|Russia]], continuing Greek traditions, there was a custom to sanctify springs that were located near churches, dedicate them to the [[Theotokos|Holy Mother]], and paint icons of her under [[Theotokonymia|the title]] ''The Life Giving Spring''.<ref>Kristina Kondratieva (Global Art Communications project). ''[http://www.iconkuznetsov.com/index.php?sid=341&did=264&lang=eng Panagia The Life Giving Spring].'' Yuriy Kuznetsov: Icons of the XXI Century. Accessed: 2011-05-19.</ref>
[[KontakionTroparion|Apolytikion]] (Tone 3)<ref name="OMHKSEA">[[ToneOrthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia]]. ''[http://www.omhksea.org/2011/05/bright-friday/ Bright Friday].'' Accessed: 2011-09-28.</ref> :As a life-giving fount, thou didst conceive the Dew that is transcendent in essence, :O Virgin Maid, and thou hast welled forth for our sakes the nectar of joy eternal, :which doth pour forth from thy fount with the water that springeth up :unto everlasting life in unending and mighty streams; :wherein, taking delight, we all cry out: :Rejoice, O thou Spring of life for all men. [[Kontakion]] 8(Plagal of Tone 4)<ref name="OCAOMHKSEA"/>:O most favored Lady graced by God, :You confer on you reward me by letting gush forth, beyond reason, :the healing ever-flowing waters of your grace from your inexhaustible perpetual Spring. :ThereforeI entreat you, since you gave birth incomprehensibly to who bore the WordLogos, in a manner beyond comprehension, :I implore you to refresh me with the dew of in your grace that I might may cry to you: out, :Hail, O Water of salvation“Hail redemptive waters.”
==See also==
*[[Church of the Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos (Istanbul)]]
*[[Holy water]]
*[[Panagia Blachernitissa]]
*[[w:Holy well|Holy well]]
'''Other'''
*[http://iconreader.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/theotokos-of-the-life-giving-spring/ Gallery of Life-Giving Spring Icons]
*[http://www.mgr.org/TheVeil.html The Miracle of The Veil] in Constantinople 911 AD.
*[http://www.orthodox.net/questions/bright_week_1.html#a5 Question 5. "What feast is celebrated Bright Friday?"], St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Dallas Texas.
'''Greek Wikipedia'''
*[http://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%96%CF%89%CE%BF%CE%B4%CF%8C%CF%87%CE%BF%CF%82_%CE%A0%CE%B7%CE%B3%CE%AE_%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85_%CE%9C%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%BA%CE%BB%CE%AE Ζωοδόχος Πηγή του Μπαλουκλή]
'''Russian Orthodox Encyclopedia'''
*[http://www.pravenc.ru/text/182259.html «ЖИВОНОСНЫЙ ИСТОЧНИК»]. Православная Энциклопедия.
[[Category:Feasts]]
[[Category:About Icons]]
[[Category:Icons of the Theotokos]]
[[Category:Theotokonymia]]
[[Categoryro:MonasteriesIzvorul Tămăduirii]]
