M.Osipenko with Port Arthur Icon in Memorial To apartment over. John Kronstadt
Icon painter Michael Osipenko occurs on mother from a sort of prelate Feodosiya Chernigov. His grandmother Serafima Vasilevna - nee Uglitskaja - studied in Smolnom institute. About its origin it was known, and with parents the Imperial family invited her in 1911 to the celebrations devoted to prelate Feodosiya to Chernigov. Father Michael Osipenko - Michael Samuilovich - the restorer and the icon painter. In mature years has accepted svjashchennichesky a dignity. In family there were 8 children. Almost all family is engaged ikonopisju and restoration, truditsja at temples. Worked as a family contract in Uspenskom Vladimir's cathedral, in the Kazan temple of distressful Budyonnovsk (the Sacred Cross), in Minvody, in the Temple of the Christ of the Savior, in Kirzhach. Still Patriarch Pimen has personally blessed family Ostapenko on employment ikonopisju and educational activity. We publish Michael's story about creation of the Port Arthur icon.
In 1980th we with brother Sergey worked in Kirzhach, in a unique working temple on a cemetery - restored lists. In this temple there was a unusual icon which referred to 'Port Arthur the Mother of God'. Earlier I such never saw. The icon has struck me. She was a copy with original a measure moderately, made about 1905a. Having read through its name, there and then, naturally, has recollected about legendary osade Port Arthur, cruisers 'Rjurike', 'Varjage', the Russko-Japanese war... There Was a desire to make the list from a unusual icon.
We with the brother both were accepted to work. His icon was ready just to the beginning of reorganization. In 1993a. the exhibition of modern icons in Moscow in the White House - just before his execution has been arranged. There Sergey's work - a copy Port Arthur of the Mother of god was exposed also. We asked Hasbulatova to prolong an exhibition. This question even was put on voting on the Supreme Soviet, however a necessary poll was not typed. I spoke Hasbulatovu: ' Leave an exhibition, she will be to you bronezhiletom '. Did not think, that my words so soon appear prophetical. A week later after closing an exhibition known events have begun.
I started to write the icon to. A cover. Some time she stood dopisannoj. The 100-anniversary of the phenomenon of an icon this year has reminded of the uncompleted image, and I again have undertaken him. This time all my family has taken part in creation of an icon: spouse Elena, sons Michael and Daniel, daughter Ekaterina - also ikonopisitsa. Itself not knowing for what, I have finished an icon in February of this year. At this time I have got acquainted with Andrey Savostitskim, and here there was an idea. In fact precept Bozhiej of Mother to deliver this icon to Port Arthur till now has remained not executed. There was a desire even in 100 years to execute command Presvjatoj of the Virgin.
Andrey has undertaken by the machine to lead an icon through all Russia and to deliver to China, to Port Arthur, to make there pred it moleben. We have made a route, have received the Chinese visas, specially for this purpose new 'Sable' has been got. To us would be to not consult, but the idea was supported with Church hierarchy and secular authorities, and nowadays nothing interferes to go to a way.
From edition: we Shall pray for the devotees who have taken on execution of great mission. Here their names: ieromonah Tihon, monk Alexander, Michael, Andrey, Artemy, Maria, Daniel.