The icon of a full bowl helps with what meaning. Temples where they get rid of drunkenness

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Icon of the Mother of God INEXHAIBLE CHALICE appeared to the world as an inexhaustible source of help for those who are irresistibly attracted by the destructive passion of wine drinking. The appearance of the image occurred in 1878. Possessed by the disease of drunkenness, the peasant of the Efremov district of the Tula province, an honored retired soldier, drank everything he found in his house, and practically reached a beggarly state. He even lost his legs from excessive drinking, but he did not stop drinking.

And one day a luminous elder appeared to this completely degraded man in a dream, commanding him to go to the monastery of the city of Serpukhov and serve a prayer service in front of the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, after which he would be healed of a fatal illness.

Without a penny in his pocket, without the use of his legs, the peasant did not dare to travel. But the holy elder appeared to him a second, third time and ordered him to fulfill the command so threateningly that the unfortunate drunkard immediately set off on a journey, which he had to overcome on all fours.

Arriving at the monastery and telling about his dreams, the sufferer asked to serve a prayer service. But no one in the monastery knew the icon of the Mother of God with the name Inexhaustible Chalice. Then someone thought: isn’t this the same icon of the Mother of God that hangs in the passage from the church to the sacristy with the image of a cup. And what was everyone’s surprise when back side The icons actually saw the inscription: “The Inexhaustible Chalice.” It was also significant that, looking at the icon of the Monk Varlaam, a disciple of Saint Alexy of Moscow, the ailing peasant immediately recognized the old man who had appeared to him in a dream. He returned from Serpukhov quite healthy.

The news of the wonderful glorification of the icon of the Mother of God of the Inexhaustible Chalice quickly spread not only in Serpukhov, but throughout Russia. Possessed by the passion of drunkenness, their relatives and friends hurried to the miraculous icon with prayers for healing from illness, and many, very many came to thank the Mother of God for Her mercy.

Currently, in the revived Serpukhov Vysotsky Monastery, every Sunday at the end of the Divine Liturgy, a prayer service is held with an akathist and blessing of water, after which the names of those who suffer from an addiction to wine drinking and need the gracious help of the Mother of God are remembered.

What does the icon of the Mother of God of the Inexhaustible Chalice depict?

According to iconography, it belongs to the type of one of ancient images The Mother of God is “Oranta”, only the Infant God is written standing in a bowl. The cup with the blessing God-infant is the cup of Communion, exuding to those who approach it with faith all the blessings bestowed on the sinful human race redemptive feat Our Lord Jesus Christ. This cup is truly Inexhaustible, or undrinkable, because its Lamb is “always eaten and never consumed.” And the Mother of God, with her most pure hands raised upward, like a mighty high priest, intercessively offers God this Sacrifice - Her slain Son, who borrowed flesh and blood from Her most pure blood, to the heavenly altar for the salvation of the whole world, and offers it as food to the faithful. She prays for all sinners, wants salvation for everyone, and instead of low, destructive addictions, she calls for an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation. She proclaims that the Inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for everyone in need.

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Prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called the “Inexhaustible Chalice”

First prayer before the icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice

Oh, Most Merciful Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but mercifully hear us: wives, children, mothers and those obsessed with the serious illness of drunkenness, and for the sake of our mother - the Church of Christ and the salvation of those who fall away, heal our brothers and sisters and relatives. Oh, Merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and quickly raise them from the falls of sin, bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our sins and not to turn His mercy away from His people, but to strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, O Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children, of wives who weep for their husbands, of children, orphans and wretches, abandoned by those who have gone astray, and of all of us who fall before Your icon. And may this cry of ours, through Your prayers, come to the Throne of the Most High. Cover and protect us from the evil deception and all the snares of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, with Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, may God’s mercy cover us for endless ages of ages. Amen.

Second prayer before the icon of the Inexhaustible Chalice

Our most blessed Queen, our hope, the Most Holy Theotokos, friend of the orphaned and strange, Intercessor, help for the needy and protection for the embittered. See our misfortune, see our sorrow: we are overwhelmed by temptations everywhere, but there is no intercessor. You Yourself, help us as we are weak, nourish us as we are strange, guide us as we are lost, heal and save us as we are hopeless. The imams have no other help, no other intercession, no consolation, except You, O Mother of all the sorrowful and burdened. Look upon us, sinners and those in bitterness, cover us with Your Honest Omophorion. May we be delivered from the evils that have befallen us, especially drunkenness. May we always praise the Most Holy Your name. Amen.

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Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “The Inexhaustible Chalice”

Kontakion 1

The chosen and wondrous deliverance has been granted to us, - Your honest image, Lady Theotokos, as if by its appearance we were delivered from mental and physical ailments and sorrowful circumstances, we offer grateful praise to You, All-Merciful Intercessor. But You, Lady, whom we call the “Inexhaustible Chalice,” bow down graciously to our sighs and heartfelt cries, and grant deliverance to those suffering from the disease of drunkenness, and let us cry to You with faith: Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Ikos 1

The ranks of angels and hosts of righteous people constantly glorify Thee, the Queen Theotokos, intercessor for the many-sinful Christian race, mired in lawlessness and abiding in sins, for for consolation and salvation You grant them Your mercy through Your many-named miraculous icons, which are like the stars of heaven throughout our entire earth. We look to one of these images, the “Inexhaustible Chalice” called, falling, from the depths of our hearts we cry out to Thee: Rejoice, village of the impregnable Divinity; Rejoice, constant surprise of people. Rejoice, sorrow that cleanses our sins, Rejoice, sorrow that heals our infirmities. Rejoice, You who send Your mercy to us from above through Your miraculous icons; Rejoice, you who make our sorrowful hearts glad by the manifestation of them. Rejoice, wonderful reconciliation of all with God; Rejoice, eternal deliverance from Gehenna. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Most Holy Lady of heartache, mental anguish, sincere repentance of people obsessed with the destructive vice of drunkenness, You deigned to show Your mercy to the God-saved city of Serpukhov by the appearance of the most wonderful image of Your “Inexhaustible Chalice”, and everyone fell to Him with faith and a contrite heart, having received healing from a serious illness. their illness from the depths of their souls they cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Understanding the threefold appearance of the Venerable Varlaam and his command to travel to the God-saved city of Serpukhov, a certain man, obsessed with the passion of drunkenness, found there in the monastery your holy icon called the “Inexhaustible Chalice”. We, seeing such care for us sinners, cry out to Ti with reverence: Rejoice, through pious people you reveal the glory of Your miracles to sinners; Rejoice, perspicacious guide, showing them the path of salvation. Rejoice, our all-good teacher, who attracts us with Your love; Rejoice, for teaching us thanksgiving for all Your blessings. Rejoice, you who transform our sorrow into joy; Rejoice, you who cheer us with undoubted hope. Rejoice, destroyer of our destructive passions; Rejoice, you who contribute with good intentions. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High and the grace of the Lady strengthened a certain person suffering from the disease of drunkenness, when he, his legs weakened by his property, went to the city of Serpukhov, fulfilling the command of the Mother of God through the Venerable Varlaam. Having come to this city, you found an icon of the Most Pure Mother of God, you were healed from your mental and physical illness, and from the depths of your soul you cried out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Possessing an inexhaustible source, an inexhaustible cup of heavenly gifts, not only the people of the city of Serpukhov, but also all Orthodox Christians from other cities and towns, flowing to Your wonderful image “The Inexhaustible Cup” called, and before this, having received healing, falling down, grateful lips cry out to You: Rejoice, the font, in which all our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup, with it we will receive the joy of our salvation. Rejoice, you who heal our mental and physical infirmities; Rejoice, taming our passions by the power of Your prayers. Rejoice, thou who art useful and helpful to those who ask for all needs; Rejoice, you who give countless bounties to everyone. Rejoice, thou who revealsest treasures of mercy to us; Rejoice, you who show mercy to the fallen. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 4

Those with a storm of dubious thoughts, but with sincere repentance flowing to Your ineffable mercy, possessed by a passion for pianism, receive healing, and from the depths of their hearts they cry out to our Savior born of You: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the grievous sorrows, the cries and cries of wives, elders, children, whose relatives are overcome by a pianistic passion, He gave them, Lady, Thy icon, from which all who flow find consolation and spiritual joy, and cry out to Thee with tears: Rejoice, Lamb, who gave birth to the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world; Rejoice at the cup, which draws us joy from the source of immortality. Rejoice, consolation to sorrowful mothers; Rejoice, hopeless hope. Rejoice, blessed protection of those who flow to You; Rejoice, consolation and amusement for those who mourn. Rejoice, thou who calmest the excitement of the passion of drunkenness; Rejoice, extending Your helping hand to those in need. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 5

As You showed us the God-bearing star, Your venerable icon, O Lady of the world, even as we see, praying to You with heartfelt faith, the Mother of God, we say: Heal through drunkenness and other mental and physical illnesses those who suffer, and teach the faithful to sing praises to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Seeing the glorious miracles and wonderful signs that happen not only from Your icon, Mother of God, revealed in the city of Serpukhov, but also from the likeness of this icon, copied images falling to them, we humbly cry out to You: Rejoice, quickly presenting helper to those who zealously flow to You; Rejoice, merciful hearer of our prayers. Rejoice, thou who hast overshadowed the city of Serpukhov with Thy blessing; Rejoice, having shown the glory of your miracles within the boundaries of Moscow. Rejoice, for all who require an infinite treasure of healing; Rejoice, O all-powerful Patroness of those who labor in sobriety. Rejoice, good companion who wages war against the world, the flesh, the devil and drunkenness; Rejoice, Zealous Intercessor in the world of piously living people. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 6

Preaching Your miracles, Mother of God, from Your icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, called the “by-day”, we pray to You, Most Pure One, with tears: Deliver us all from addiction to wine and from the fall of sin, teach us abstinence, striving to sing to God: Alleluia.

You shone in the light of Divine glory, the Virgin of God, on the Child, the Eternal God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is in the vessel, as if in an inexhaustible chalice, before us, as we see You depicted on your icon “Inexhaustible Chalice” mysteriously called, from You do not grant deliverance from the passion for drunkenness to those who come with faith: for this reason, with tears, we bring You silent voices: Rejoice, for in You the council of angels and the human race rejoice and triumph; Rejoice, for Your glory surpasses the praises of earth and heaven. Rejoice, you who reveal to us the Mystery of the Divine Eucharist by the mysterious image of the Son in a vessel; Rejoice, the Lamb born by You, always poisonous and never dependent, marvelously showing us. Rejoice, Cup of immortal life, who leads us to the gates of eternal life; Rejoice, source of incorruption and joy for thirsty souls, watering, Rejoice, innumerable goodness that does not leave the most despised. and the outcasts; Rejoice, thou who by Thy mercy snatches away the hopeless from the pit of destruction. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 7

Although a certain person should thank You, Lady, for healing from the disease of drunkenness, decorate Your wonderful icon, the Mother of God, residing in the city of Serpukhov, singing from the depths of the heart to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

We see a new miracle, O Lady, from Thy icon, holy one; suffering from the disease of drunkenness, a certain servant of God Stefan, resorting to Your maternal intercession, got rid of his serious illness, and thanking You, decorate Your icon with magnificent gifts, and falling to it, with tears he cried out to You like this: Rejoice, Life-Giving Source healings; Rejoice, Heavenly Cup of Divine gifts. Rejoice, ever-flowing river of healing; Rejoice, sea, drowning all our passions. Rejoice, thou who, under the weight of the sin of drunkenness, raises Thy hand to the mothers of those who fall; Rejoice, you who do not reject gifts of gratitude. Rejoice, thou who gladdeneth the hearts of pious people; Rejoice, you who fulfill all our good requests. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 8

It is strange and doubtful for non-believers to hear how the icon of Your holy “Inexhaustible Chalice” of Divine healing exudes a miracle. We, who believe in Your word, O Lady, spoken to Your first-written icon: “Let the grace of the One who was born of Me and Mine be with this icon,” we believe that this icon of Yours also exudes Your grace. To those who reverently worship, we kiss you, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

People suffering from the disease of drunkenness place all their hope in Thee, the Lady. Bow down to our weaknesses and our passions, who will lead us sinners out of the ditch of destruction and spiritual and physical poverty, if not you, Lady, for this sake, bowed your knee before Your Most Pure Image crying out to You: Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of sinners; Rejoice, you who send down Your heavenly help to those who call upon You. Rejoice, showing the depth of Your mercy to sinners; Rejoice, encourager of the desperate and hopeless. Rejoice, you who extend a helping hand to those obsessed with the passion of drunkenness; Rejoice to the patient sufferers with the grace-filled gifts that comfort you. Rejoice, healer of our mental and physical ailments; Rejoice, teaching us to despise the vain joys of this world. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the work of Your mercy, Lord, for You have granted to the sinful human race a firm Intercessor and Helper, who bows to our infirmities, and frees us from the bitter illness of drunkenness, and teaches the faithful neti to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The branches of humanity are perplexed to praise the glorious appearance of Your icon, O Lady. Below we, sinners, from our vile lips will be able to bring worthy praise to our Intercessor. Moreover, having seen the countless miracles revealed by Your icon, rejoice in your soul and heart, we say to You: Rejoice, you who flow miracles from Your sacred face; Rejoice, thou who quickly deliverest from troubles and sorrows. Rejoice, you who put to shame those who reject You; Rejoice, you who preserve those who come to You from all evil. Rejoice, through Your gentle radiance you disperse the darkness of sin and the darkness of our passions; Rejoice, filling our souls with love for You and Your Son. Rejoice, you who wisely guide us on the path of repentance; Rejoice, zealous Intercessor gave us a good answer before the Righteous Judge. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 10

Although You have granted the salvation of many who suffer from the disease of drunkenness, Your wonderful icon, the Mother of God, may all, possessed by this passion, flow to Your miraculous image, and having received healing, cry out to God in tenderness: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall and a shield, O Mother of God, to people suffering from the disease of drunkenness, and to all who zealously flock to Thee and reverently venerate Thy holy icon. For the Lord has given us this gift of good things to help us and heal us from destructive passions, and hereby inspires us to sing to You: Rejoice, quenching our desperate Hopes and sorrows; Rejoice, healing of mental and physical illnesses. Rejoice, you who cleanse our filth with Your purity; Rejoice, you who enlighten our unworthiness with your grace. Rejoice, thou who clothest our corruptible clay into incorruption; Rejoice, strengthening our prayers through Your intercession. Rejoice, you who strengthen us in our weakness; Rejoice, thou who quickly disperses the cloud of passions that surrounds us. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 11

Our humble singing from the fullness of love and zeal offered to You, do not despise, O Pure One, and do not turn away Your face from those who despair and suffer from the disease of drunkenness, but help them and us to be cleansed from all filth of sin, so that we may be able to worthily and righteously sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

We see Thee as a light-receiving candle, O Most Holy Virgin, for Thy holy image, with the rays of Thy grace, drives away the darkness of sin and instructs on the bright path of virtues, with faith those who call Thee are as follows: Rejoice, through Thy intercession redeeming us from the vanity of this multi-rebellious world; Rejoice, you who help us ward off the battles of carnal passions. Rejoice, you who put the thought of good in our hearts; Rejoice, enlightening our unclean conscience. Rejoice, you who deliver those suffering from the painful illness of drunkenness; Rejoice, calling to sincere repentance and admonition. Rejoice, softening the souls of all the embittered; Rejoice, for those who call upon You for help and those who glorify Your name, saving. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

The grace of God inherent in Your icon, called the “Inexhaustible Chalice,” draws to her, Lady, all those who mourn, the destitute, widows and old women, and especially all those who suffer from the disease of drunkenness, and do not in vain depart, O Most Pure One, from the inexhaustible chalice of Your Divine gifts, but endlessly receiving the goals of Your miraculous image. All-merciful, they sing in gratitude to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your miracles and great mercy to people possessed by the passion of drunkenness revealed, we pray to You, Lady, save and have mercy, and guide us on the right path, and do not abandon us, who seek Your protection and call to You: Rejoice, you who struggle to abstain from the sin of drunkenness for all; Rejoice, freeing me from addiction to wine with the dew of Your mercy.

Rejoice, constant healing for those suffering from the grave sin of drunkenness; Rejoice, Ambulance to those in need of passion. Rejoice, wonderful encouragement to the faint-hearted; Rejoice, great is the joy of the complacent. Rejoice, humbler of the proud; Rejoice, you who exalt the humble and desire salvation for all. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 13

O Most Gracious Mother of our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! Hear our prayer today and deliver us from all mental and physical ailments, especially; Free Your servants (names) who suffer from the disease of drunkenness, so that they may not perish in evil, but may those saved by You cry out to God forever: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1 are read)

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Story

Legend about the phenomenon miraculous icon The “Inexhaustible Chalice” originated in the monastery Church of the Lady Theotokos in the city of Serpukhov.

At the end of the nineteenth century, a peasant, who had served the Tsar and his fatherland for 25 years, surrendered entirely to the sin of drunkenness. There was no way I could stop drinking. Even after the retired soldier’s legs gave out, all his thoughts were aimed at obtaining the next portion of the harmful potion.

One night he had a dream in which old man ordered to go to the temple at the Vysotsky Monastery and perform a prayer service there in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon. The peasant was unable to walk immediately due to his sore legs and complete absence money and physical strength. But the old man continued to dream about him and each time more and more sternly ordered the drunkard to carry out the order.

Finally, the poor fellow wandered towards the monastery almost on all fours. At night he was sheltered by an old healer, who rubbed his feet and put healing poultices on them. Upon waking up, the patient realized that he was able to walk on two legs with sticks.

A day later, the former soldier, limping, was already walking through the city of Serpukhov with only one crutch.

Having reached his goal, the wanderer told about his dreams at the temple and asked about a prayer service in front of the icon. But it turned out that no one had heard of this image. Finally, the icon was found in the passage. On the back of the image was written “The Inexhaustible Chalice”. They performed a prayer service. According to the legend, the peasant recovered and never touched alcohol again.

Since then, the news about the icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice” spread throughout Russia and until the onset of the period of godlessness associated with the Revolution of 1917, the loving eyes of the Mother of God illuminated all the sick and their relatives with their light, generously giving healing from all kinds of passions, including drunkenness .

Later the icon was burned.

Currently, there are two exact copies of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon. Both are miraculous. One is located in the women's Vladychny Monastery, the other in the men's Vysotsky Monastery. Both monasteries are located on the territory of the city of Serpukhov.

The list is a copy of the image, written with the blessing of the Lord. All lists are authentic, since during creation the artist is the receptacle of the Holy Spirit. Each list is therefore miraculous and exuding inexhaustible grace.

Meaning

According to iconography, the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon belongs to the “Oranta” type. Where the Virgin Mary is depicted praying with her hands raised. Her palms turn to the suffering.

Thus, she intercedes for the entire human race before the Lord. The blessing God-infant stands waist-deep in the communion cup, which is an inexhaustible source of grace.

This means that the surest way to get help in getting rid of addictions is Holy Communion.

How does the “Inexhaustible Chalice” help?

Before this image, you can ask for help in getting rid of:

drunkenness and alcoholism
drug addiction of any severity
smoking
fornication in any form.

The icon can also help:

In solving the housing issue.
In the organization of personal life (it is especially recommended to turn to this icon for those who are desperate to find their “soul mate”, who are diagnosed by psychics).

Where is the best place to hang an icon?

The iconostasis is located in the Red corner of the apartment - the farthest to the right of the entrance. If it is not possible to organize the Red Corner, then it is best to hang shelves for icons in the east of the room or to the right of the front door.

When arranging icons, it is very important to observe the hierarchy:

to your left there should be icons of the Mother of God, including the “Inexhaustible Chalice”
on the right - our Savior
after the icon of the Savior on the right you need to place all the other images of the Holy Saints.

This icon can also be placed on the bedside table at the head of the bed.

Objects of worldly origin cannot be kept next to icons. For example, cups, cosmetics, writing items.

You can only put it on this shelf vase with consecrated willow and a box for church candles.

It is best to purchase all icons in special church shops at churches and monasteries. There they are already properly consecrated.

How to pray?

You can pray to the icon:

in the temple
at home.

Prayers in the temple are read after the liturgy. Then it is advisable to read the akathist. This can be done while sitting on a bench.

In many churches they have now begun to perform prayer chants from ridding addicts of addiction to alcohol and drug addiction, giving their loved ones patience and love. Attending such services is especially useful for people who are not accustomed to regular prayers at home.

At home, you need to say prayer after performing morning rule, kneeling in front of the icon, bowing his head. Women must cover their heads with a scarf.

It is necessary to pray to the icon for deliverance from addictions of various kinds for forty days in a row.

If there is a problem, then there must be a solution. This is the law of the Universe. A person who wants to recover from any type of addiction will definitely find support from Higher Powers in the face Holy Mother of God through the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon.

Prayer text

Oh, most merciful Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but graciously hear us: wives, children, mothers; and the serious illness of drunkenness of those possessed, and for this sake from your mother - the Church of Christ and the salvation of those who fall away, brothers and sisters, and heal our relatives.
Oh, merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and quickly raise them from the falls of sin, bring them to saving abstinence.
Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, to forgive us our sins and not to turn His mercy away from His people, but to strengthen us in sobriety and chastity.
Accept, O Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children, of wives who weep for their husbands, of children, orphans and wretches, abandoned by those who have gone astray, and of all of us who fall before Your icon. And may this cry of ours, through Your prayers, come to the throne of the Most High.
Cover and protect us from the evil deception and all the snares of the enemy, in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, with Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, may God’s mercy cover us for endless ages of ages. Amen.

We have been granted a chosen and wondrous deliverance—Your honorable image, Lady Theotokos, as having been delivered by its appearance from mental and physical ailments and sorrowful circumstances, we offer grateful praise to You, All-Merciful Intercessor.

From the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos
in honor of Her icon “Inexhaustible Chalice”

A remarkable writer of everyday life of Russian piety, Ivan Sergeevich Shmelev, tells the following about the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice,” which appeared in 1878 on Serpukhov soil, in the Vladychny Monastery:

“...Peasant carts stretch along forest roads towards the monastery. And hundreds of miles away, exhausted women bring their loved ones here - men raging, screaming in wild voices and men in animal form tearing from under the ropes. Helps against drunken illness “Inexhaustible Chalice”. Those who have lost their human form look at the indescribable face with distraught eyes, not understanding what and who this is, looking brightly with a golden cup, joyful and drawing people along, and they become quiet. And when quiet girls in white headscarves carry Her, following the “throne”, and sing in joyful voices, thousands of those who are sick in soul, seeking joyful consolation, fall under Her onto the dirty ground. Unseeing, inflamed eyes look wildly at the bright face and frantically shout what is suggested, asked: “I swear!” The cliques fight and scream with curses, tear their shirts... and frantically stare into the eyes of those who follow them. Brides come and hang pink ribbons - the key to happiness. Young women bring their firstborns, and “Inexhaustible” joyfully looks at them. What attracts one to Her, no one can say: they have not yet found the words to express their inner self. I only feel that something joyful is descending into my soul.”

In his wonderful story under the same name, Shmelev conveyed one of the legends about the icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, according to which this image was painted by a certain serf master Ilya. True history is silent about this, although the miracle worker owes her current fame most of all to this story - and most importantly, with her undoubted grace-filled power to heal from a drunken illness.

In our troubled times Just like more than a century ago, hundreds and thousands of people seeking healing are flowing into the town of Serpukhov near Moscow. More valuable than the most precious salaries are the offerings of Christians, their children and households delivered from drunken obsession, with which the entire base of the miraculous image is covered. Its grace-filled power does not dry out; pilgrims now spread healing oil from lamps in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” and water blessed at special prayer services throughout Russia.

From time immemorial, monastic monasteries have been a storehouse of that mysterious and truly sacred silence, which every suffering Christian soul has always wanted to listen to and nourish. Such was the Serpukhov Vladychnaya Vvedenskaya monastery, founded in 1360 on what was then the outskirts of the Moscow principality, at the confluence of the brooding Nara and the bright Oka, called the Belt of the Mother of God, for this river separated and protected Holy Rus' from the wild Steppe, in the middle of “pine groves and red forests " From the first days of its existence, invisible streams of grace flowed from here. Founded as a monastery under the abbess of the Monk Varlaam, the former cell attendant of the saint of Moscow and the wonderworker Metropolitan Alexy, this monastery was also cared for by the Monk Sergius of Radonezh. The chronicles tell how the great Abbot of the Russian land came here at the beginning of the winter of 1374, together with his disciple Reverend Athanasius, and prayed in the white-stone cathedral of the Vladychny Monastery. The legend about the founding of the monastery has also preserved for us the memory of the miraculous appearance of the Most Pure One to the Monk Varlaam: “The vision showed the builder that even the Angels would help him in the labors of building the temple and preserve the monastery, that in this temple the Lady of Heaven Herself would abide just as she once did. in the temple of Jerusalem."

And several centuries later this promise came true in its entirety.

By the end of the 18th century, the men's monastery of the Vladychny Monastery was declining and desolate. Divine services almost completely stopped, the small brethren scattered, the churches fell into disrepair. However, Metropolitan of Moscow Platon (Levshin), whose care began the spiritual flowering of the great Optina and many other monasteries, did not leave his care for the Vladychny Monastery, near which he spent his childhood. The Metropolitan obtained permission from Emperor Alexander I to revive this monastery as a nunnery, and in 1806 the first nuns appeared here. A quarter of a century later, another archpastor, Saint Philaret of Moscow, established the ancient strict rules of desert community in the Vladyka monastery, thereby restoring here the spirit of monastic non-covetousness and providentially preparing this monastery for the reception of such a blessed shrine as the “Inexhaustible Chalice.”

The old soldier crawled towards the monastery on all fours. On the very first night, he felt that his legs began to obey him again.

In the first year of Mother Maria’s abbess, namely in 1878, a peasant of the Tula province, a retired soldier who had an inescapable weakness for wine, had a vision of a certain elder who ordered him to go to Serpukhov, find the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon there and serve a prayer service in front of it. The old soldier, dehydrated from excessive drinking and penniless in his pocket, did not have the strength to get to the monastery. Then the vision happened twice more, and the old soldier, hoping to get rid of his illness, crawled to the monastery on all fours. On the very first night of his ascetic journey, he suddenly felt that his legs began to obey him again.

Having reached the monastery, he caused great confusion to its nuns, who did not know about the icon with that name. Then they suddenly remembered the image hanging in one of the monastery passages, in which the Infant Christ blessed those praying, as if coming from the Holy Chalice; behind Him, the Mother of God raised Her Most Pure hands, as they write Her on the icons of the Sign. And what a surprise everyone was when on the back of this hitherto unknown icon they actually saw the inscription “Inexhaustible Chalice”! It is also significant that the traveler brought to the shrine of St. Varlaam immediately recognized him as the magnificent old man who ordered him to go to the Lady for healing from the accursed illness. The news of the miraculous phenomenon quickly spread throughout the cities and villages, from everywhere people began to come to the wondrous image, obsessed with drunken passion, fell to the “Inexhaustible Chalice” - and without difficulty threw away the destructive wine, brought peace and quiet into their homes, and all this - with the prayers of the Intercessor of the family human.

The legend about this miraculous image of Her explains that the Inexhaustible, or Inexhaustible, Chalice is, according to the word of the akathist, a Chalice that draws joy, an inexhaustible source of consolation, healing, life and diverse spiritual benefits and gifts. And everyone will see the hidden spiritual meaning in the fact that the icon of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” has become a source of saving hopes and healings from the evil passion of wine drinking: the Mother of God prays for all sinners, She, the Merciful One, sees the suffering of those who indulge in drunkenness, knows how sincerely many of them They long to get rid of this cruel vice, but do not find the strength to fight. Here is the Most Pure One with Her holy icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice” and reminds them that She is an inexhaustible storehouse of grace and spiritual joy, which She pours heavenly delight into tormented hearts from Her never-fading Chalice, having drunk it, they will hate that destructive moisture that was previously so irresistible attracted the unfortunate to her.

Such sufferers must, in every place and at every time, resort to the all-powerful intercession of the Most Pure One, making it a rule to read the angelic greeting to Her at least three times a day: “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice.” And no matter how deep-rooted the cursed passion of drinking wine may be, it cannot resist the heavenly help of the Mother of God.

Troparion, tone 4

Today we come, faithfully, to the Divine and most wonderful image of the Most Holy Mother of God, who waters the hearts of the faithful with the heavenly Inexhaustible Cup of Her mercy and shows miracles to the faithful people. Seeing and hearing, we spiritually celebrate and cry out warmly: O most merciful Lady, heal our ailments and passions, beseeching Thy Son, Christ our God, to save our souls. Amen.

Prayer

O Most Gracious Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but graciously hear us: wives, children, mothers - and those who are obsessed with the serious illness of drunkenness and for the sake of our mother, the Church of Christ Ova, and the salvation of fallen brothers and sisters and heal our relatives.

O Merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and quickly raise them from the falls of sin, bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, that He may forgive us our sins and not turn His mercy away from His people, but may He strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept

Most Holy Theotokos, prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children, wives who weep for their husbands, children, the orphan and the needy, those left astray, and all of us who fall to icons other than Yours. And may this cry of ours, through Your prayers, come to the Throne of the Most High. Cover and keep us from the evil deception and all the snares of the enemy, and in the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, through Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, God's mercy covers us forever and ever. Amen.

Alcoholism is a disease that cripples not only the body, but also the soul. Unfortunately, today this disease has become a real disaster for the nation. Of course, it is necessary to fight alcoholism first of all using medical methods. However, it is quite obvious that in this case one cannot do without spiritual help. Orthodox Church he has vast experience in the fight against drunkenness. It is believed, for example, that praying to the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon can help you give up this bad habit.

Peasant's Dream

Prayers near this miraculous image are held in many churches in our country. The history of the icon is very unusual and interesting. IN late XIX century, one peasant of the Tula province (Efremov district), returning from military service, drank bitterly. His illness developed so severely that he was left completely without a livelihood. However, this did not stop him. The peasant continued to drink until he stopped drinking. But even after that, he did not give up his bad habit.

One day, in a dream, a gray-haired old man appeared to him and advised him to go to the city of Serpukhov, to the Vladychny Monastery. There, by order of the saint, the peasant had to say a prayer in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon against drunkenness. At first the retired soldier did not pay attention to this dream. special attention. But when the elder appeared to him for the second, and then the third time, he still decided to obey him.

The path to Serpukhov and healing

According to church tradition, a peasant who decided to get rid of drunkenness, since he could no longer walk, went to the place indicated to him on all fours. On the way to Serpukhov, he visited villages where he stopped for the night. In one of the villages he was taken in by an old woman. Taking pity on the drunkard, she rubbed some ointment on his feet. Thanks to this, the peasant covered the rest of the journey on his own two feet.

At the request of a visitor, the monks, at the request of a visitor, found the then unknown icon of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” hanging on the wall in the passage leading from the temple to the sacristy. After the peasant prayed in front of this image, he was truly healed of his addiction. When they brought him to the shrine of Saint Barlaam, he recognized in this saint the elder from his dream.

The fame of the miraculous image quickly spread throughout Russia. The icon, of course, was transferred to the temple. People came to the monastery in thousands in order to recover from alcoholism or to rid their loved ones of this bad habit. Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice” has helped a huge number of believers.

Description of the image

This icon is (according to the type of writing) an image of the Virgin Mary Oranta. This is the name of those icons on which the Mother of God does not sit with a baby in her arms, but stands with her hands raised to the sky, as if praying for sinners. The difference between the image in question and other Orants is that it depicts Christ immersed in a cup standing on the table in front of the Mother of God. This symbolizes communion. The day of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon is traditionally considered to be May 18, the day of the death of Varlaam of Serpukhov. In the Vysotsky Monastery (where the icon is located today), on Sundays after the liturgy, a prayer service is performed, and then an akathist is pronounced. At the end of the ceremony, the names of those who wish to be cured of drunkenness are read out. Of course, it can be read in other churches in Russia.

This miraculous image was kept in the Vladychny Monastery until 1919. After the revolution, this monastery, like many others, was closed. The icon was transferred to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Bely on the street. Kaluga. In 1929 Soviet power It was decided to close this temple too. Almost all the icons in it were subsequently burned. Apparently, the same fate befell the miraculous image. All that remains of such a once revered image of the Virgin Mary as the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon is a photo. Prayer to this image has helped hundreds of people heal. However, after the closure of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Bely, no one ever saw this again.

The veneration of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” image was restored only in 1992. Since the original had disappeared, the priests decided to make an exact copy of it. The image was recreated (based on photos taken before the revolution) by the domestic icon painter A. Sokolov. It was consecrated in the Vysotsky Monastery in May 1993. Since then, the prayer to the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon has been said in the monastery constantly, and the flow of pilgrims has not dried up.

Chasuble for an icon

They say that many healings from drunkenness took place in front of the image of the “Inexhaustible Chalice”. So, for example, it was this icon that helped the Moscow merchant Stefan Fedorov get rid of hard drinking. In a fit of gratitude, this wealthy city dweller ordered a beautiful iconostasis for the image, and also placed an expensive chasuble on it.

The wonders of a new look

Despite the fact that the image available today in the Vysotsky Monastery is just a list, it still helps people recover from alcoholism. The first miracle before the “Inexhaustible Chalice” occurred in 1995. During one of the services, an unknown person placed an icon case wrapped in cloth at the entrance to the church. A few days later, a new icon arrived at the temple - the “Inexhaustible Chalice”. The priests decided to try on the discovered icon case for it. And surprisingly, it suited her perfectly.

As for healings from drunkenness, since the existence of the new icon, the number of people who have been freed from cravings for alcohol amounts to hundreds. By reading a prayer in front of the image, people are cured not only of the “green serpent”, but also of other harmful habits - smoking and even drug addiction.

Prayer in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon: where it is allowed to be said

Of course, in order to heal yourself or heal your loved one, it is best to go to the Vysotsky Monastery to see the image itself. The monastery has a special pilgrimage building where those who wish to turn to the Mother of God can stay for three days. You can also simply order a prayer service at email monastery or by telephone.

According to many believers, not only the “Inexhaustible Chalice” located in the Vysotsk monastery helps against drunkenness, but also any other such icons. Of course, in order for the prayers said in front of the image to be heard, it is necessary to desire healing yourself. And, of course, the patient needs humility.

One should pray to the Mother of God for healing from drunkenness, smoking or drug addiction every morning and evening. This can be done both in church and at home. You can even pray to a photograph of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” located in the Vysotsk monastery, found, for example, on the Internet. But it is better, of course, to acquire a real consecrated image. Actually, the prayer itself to the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon can be read by one or two people.

What prayer should you say?

In order to recover from alcoholism, you can even simply ask the Mother of God for this in your own words. However, it is better, of course, to read a prayer before the image. In this case, the appeal will be heard faster. In church or at home, you can say a prayer to the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon in Russian or in the Old Church language. The following words are traditionally read:

In order for the prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” to work faster, it must be said by candlelight (blessed in the church, of course). Such an appeal to the Blessed Virgin often helps against drunkenness. If a miracle happens, in the future this same prayer should be read periodically for prevention. In this case, the healed person will never return to his addiction.

What else can you pray for in front of the image?

Of course, turning to the Mother of God in front of the image of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” can be done not only to heal someone from drunkenness, smoking or drug addiction. There is evidence that this icon helps in solving various kinds of problems. housing issues. If, for example, you can’t sell or exchange an apartment, you definitely need to buy such an icon and periodically pray in front of it. This image can also help when any other everyday problems arise. It is also believed that prayer to the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon promotes healing not only from alcoholism itself, but also from those diseases that arise against its background.

Image today

After the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon was consecrated in 1993 and decorated with a chasuble, a small reliquary with a piece of the belt of the Blessed Virgin Mary was inserted into its lower left corner. d. the image of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” began to periodically flow myrrh. Also, some priests and believers note that sometimes the eyes of the Blessed Virgin seem to come to life.

Prayers before the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon (against alcoholism and other misfortunes) thus helped many people. But, of course, for a miracle to happen to you, considerable spiritual work and boundless faith in the Creator are necessary. In any case, this image, now located in the Vysotsky Monastery, although it does not represent any special historical value, is, of course, one of the main shrines of the Russian Orthodox Church.

IN In the Church of the Intercession of the monastery, in front of the Miraculous Image of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, a lamp burns inextinguishably day and night, as a symbol of those prayers that at all times from different places are addressed to the Prototype for salvation, correction, healing of drunkards, drug addicts, smokers, fornicators, everyone, those suffering from physical and mental illnesses. The many precious gifts that decorate the holy icon are evidence of the gracious help received from the miraculous icon, and of the hope that those in need of such help place in the intercession of the Mother of God through prayers before this icon.

“The beginning and cause of passions,” says Saint Gregory of Sinaite, “is abuse, abuse is inclination, inclination is the movement of a desired habit, the fulfillment of desire is a pretext by which we are allowed to discover what our autocracy is” (Philokalia, vol. 5, M, 1889, p. 210).

Thus, sometimes imperceptibly, passion paralyzes a person’s will. Such passions include the passion of drunkenness. The consequences of alcoholism are known to everyone, including the destruction of the family, personal degradation, and, ultimately, eternal death, for “drunkards... will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:10). But God's mercy is limitless. The Lord sees that many who suffer from drunkenness sincerely want to get rid of this passion, to be healed of their destructive illness, but do not find the strength within themselves. And the Lord was pleased to reveal the miraculous icon of His Most Pure Mother, called the “Inexhaustible Chalice,” as an inexhaustible source of gracious help, spiritual benefits and healing for those who are attracted by the destructive cup of wine.

In terms of its iconographic plot and ideological content, the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” is especially close to the Nicene icon, which became famous for its miracles in 304. The Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council established to sing before her: “Thy belly was a holy table, containing the Heavenly Bread, Christ our God...”. According to iconography, it belongs to the type of one of the most ancient images of the Mother of God - “Oranta”, only the Infant of God is depicted standing in a bowl. Undoubtedly, the pious thought of the isographer was transferred to most holy sacrament Eucharist. The cup with the blessing God-infant is the cup of Communion, exuding to those who approach it with faith all the blessings bestowed on the sinful human race by the redemptive feat of our Lord Jesus Christ. This cup is truly inexhaustible, or inexhaustible, inexhaustible, because its Lamb is “always eaten and never consumed.” And the Mother of God, with her most pure hands raised upward, like a mighty high priest, intercessively lifts up this Sacrifice to God - Her slain Son, who borrowed the Flesh and Blood from Her most pure blood, into the heavenly altar for the salvation of the whole world, and offers it as food to the faithful. She prays for all sinners, wants everyone to be saved and, instead of low, destructive addictions, calls everyone to an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation, proclaims that an inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for everyone in need.

The appearance of the prototype of the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” occurred in 1878. One peasant from the Efremov district of the Tula province, an honored retired soldier, was obsessed with the passion of drunkenness. He drank away his entire pension, everything he found in his house, and reached a beggarly state. His legs were paralyzed from excessive drunkenness, but he continued to drink. And then one day this already completely degenerate man sees an extraordinary dream. A splendid old schema-monk appeared before him and said: “Go to the city of Serpukhov, to the monastery of the Lady Theotokos. There is an icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”, serve a prayer service in front of it and you will be healthy in soul and body.”

Without owning legs, without having outside help, without any means, the peasant did not dare to go to long journey. The holy elder appeared to him again, but he still did not dare to carry out what he had heard. The elder appeared to him for the third time and ordered him to carry out the command so threateningly that the unfortunate drunkard immediately set off on his way on all fours. In one village he stopped for the night. The compassionate old lady housewife, to relieve the pain, rubbed his legs and laid him on the stove. At night, the traveler felt a pleasant sensation in his legs, tried to stand up and, although very weakly, was able to hold on to them. The next night he felt even better. So, leaning first on two, and then on one stick, he reached Serpukhov.

Arriving at the Vladychny Monastery, the sufferer spoke about his dreams and asked to serve a prayer service. But no one in the monastery knew the icon of the Mother of God with that name. Then someone thought: isn’t this the same icon that hangs in the passage from the cathedral church to the sacristy; it has an image of a bowl on it. Imagine everyone’s surprise when on the back of the icon they actually saw the inscription: “The Inexhaustible Chalice”! It was also significant that in the face on the shrine of the Monk Varlaam, the ailing peasant immediately recognized the magnificent old man who had appeared to him in a dream. The newfound image was transferred to the temple and a prayer service was performed in front of it. The former drunkard returned from Serpukhov completely healthy. Not only did he receive healing for his sore legs, but most importantly, he stopped experiencing an irresistible craving for the destructive cup of wine.

Soon this good news went beyond the walls of the monastery, and many pilgrims from the city of Serpukhov, its borders, and also from more distant places began to flock to the newly appeared image. Possessed by the passion of drunkenness, their relatives and friends sought to offer their prayers to the Mother of God for healing from their illness, and many came to thank the Lady for the mercy shown to them.

The icon was especially revered in Serpukhov. In the center of the city, at the temple of the blessed prince Alexander Nevsky, the Alexander Nevsky Temperance Brotherhood was created. Every Sunday, with a large crowd of people, in front of the copy of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” in the church, prayer services were held with the reading of an akathist, usually ending with religious and moral conversations. The veneration of the holy icon was mainly of a local nature, as evidenced by the lack of mention of it in pre-revolutionary church literature (except for a few local articles).

In the post-revolutionary years, monasteries and churches in Serpukhov, as throughout Russia, began to close. After the closure of the Vladychny Monastery, the miraculous icon was transferred to cathedral Nikola Bely. In 1929, St. Nicholas Cathedral was closed, all its shrines were burned on the banks of the Nara River. During the hard times, icons depicting the image of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice,” including the prototype, disappeared without a trace, and prayer services ceased.

In 1990, Archimandrite Joseph, now Metropolitan of Kurgan and Belozersky, initiated the opening of the Serpukhov Vysotsky monastery. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Juvenal April 10, 1991 ancient monastery on Vysokoye, founded by St. Sergius of Radonezh in 1374, began to operate again. Having become rector, Archimandrite Joseph resumed prayer service to the icon “Inexhaustible Chalice” in the Vysotsky Monastery, and the following year, with his blessing, the famous Russian icon painter Alexander Sokolov painted the now well-known Orthodox world icon. The image was decorated with a silver basma chasuble, and later a reliquary with part of the belt of the Most Holy Theotokos was inserted into the lower left corner of the icon. This image of the Mother of God quickly gained the love of the Orthodox people, for the Queen of Heaven generously endowed Her icon with grace, which from the very first days was abundantly given to everyone who came to her with faith and hope. “And they do not depart in vain, O Most Pure One, from the inexhaustible cup of Your Divine gifts, but endlessly receive benefits from Your miraculous image, O All-Good One” (Ak., 12 cond.).

The many precious gifts that decorate the holy icon are evidence of the gracious help received from the Miracle-Working Icon and the hope that those who suffer place in the intercession of the Mother of God.

In the Vysotsky Monastery, for the first time, a service was compiled and an akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” was published, which previously existed in several different manuscripts.

May 30, 1997 with blessing His Holiness Patriarch The icon "Inexhaustible Chalice" was first introduced into the Orthodox Church church calendar, which was the official recognition of the all-Russian veneration of this image of the Mother of God. A year earlier, on May 6, 1996, in the Serpukhov Vvedensky Vladychny convent, in the place where the prototype appeared in the 19th century, the newly created List of the Miraculous Icon was consecrated.

Many copies of the icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice” are distributed throughout the Orthodox world, some of them are glorified by the flow of myrrh and bleeding, which is a visible sign of Divine grace.

The flow of grace-filled help and healings from the wondrous image does not dry out. In the hearts of the believing people, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice", located in the Vysotsky Monastery, has become a truly all-Russian shrine. The Mother of God, raising Her Most Pure hands, prays to Her Son and God for all sinners, wants everyone to be saved and calls for an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy and consolation, proclaiming that an inexhaustible cup of heavenly help and mercy is prepared for everyone in need.

On the Day of the celebration of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice" on May 5/18, with a huge crowd of people in the courtyard of the monastery, the bishop's rank of a host of archpastors and clergy solemnly performed Divine Liturgy and then the majestic begins religious procession with a miraculous image.