Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected joy. Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

Orthodox believers especially honor her, calling her protector, intercessor, and helper. Almost every day in churches, according to the calendar of Orthodox dates, one or another icon of the Mother of God is remembered with a prayerful request. Twice a year, on May 14 and December 22, a celebration of the miraculous image is established. Unexpected Joy" Please note that both words in the title are capitalized, because Joy refers to the Most Pure Virgin herself. What does unexpected joy mean? — the one they didn’t expect, didn’t expect. Such an unexpected heartfelt feeling once touched a sinner.

How was the image “Unexpected Joy” revealed?

The exact date and place of appearance of the icon is unknown; it became widespread less than three centuries ago.

It is surprising that an icon is usually called miraculous after it has performed numerous miraculous healings and phenomena. Only the image “Unexpected Joy” precedes a wonderful event. Saint Dmitry of Rostov mentions it for the first time in his work “Irrigated Fleece”. This book was written by the Saint to glorify the locally revered Holy Mother of God Icon of the Elias Monastery in the city of Chernigov.

The last chapter described the following story: one unrighteous man lived wickedly, but always treated the Most Holy Theotokos with special reverence. One day he was about to commit lawlessness once again, and as usual, he said the words of prayer, addressing him with an angelic greeting: Rejoice, full of grace. Suddenly the icon seemed to become alive; instead of joy, sorrow was reflected on its face. She held in her arms the Infant of God, whose shirt was torn and bleeding wounds opened on his arms, legs and under his ribs. The wicked man was amazed at what he saw. He bent down and knelt down, asking who could do this to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The answer he received floored him. The Mother of God replied that this was the work of his hands and other sinful people who crucified her Son again and again. The sinner prayed for a long time, without receiving forgiveness twice. The Mother of God together with him asked the Divine Child for help. For the third time, after the heartfelt repentance of the wicked man and the desire of the Mother of God to pray with him at the feet of the Son, the Lord said that the law commands that the Son honor the mother, let it be as she says. The forgiven one kissed the icon, falling unconscious. Having come into himself, he felt unprecedented joy in his heart, hope for forgiveness for his actions. The man was reborn spiritually and began to lead a righteous life.

This event formed the basis for painting the icon “Unexpected Joy”. It received an incredible response in the hearts of believers; by the end of the 18th century, a copy of the miraculous image was in almost every Orthodox church. It can still be found today in many churches; it is especially revered in Moscow in the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Initially, this icon was kept in one of the Kremlin churches, in the mid-20th century it was transported to Sokolniki, and since 1959 it has been in the Elias Church of Elijah; it is known that Patriarch Pimen often prayed in front of it.

What type of Mother of God icons does it belong to?

On the icon “Unexpected Joy” the Mother of God is depicted with the Infant Christ in her arms, this is a type that, translated, means a Guide, she, pointing with one hand to her Son, affirming which way a Christian should go. The unique image differs from most canonical images. This is not just an icon, but an iconographic composition (an icon within an icon).

The action takes place in the temple. In the lower left corner there is a man who knelt in prayer before the image of the Mother of God. Sometimes the letters from his mouth are depicted as ribbons to show his earnest prayer. The head of the Queen of Heaven is slightly tilted, her gaze is indirect, directed at the person praying. She points to the Son with one hand, and holds Him with the other as if on a throne. The Divine Infant has wounds from which blood flows, one hand is raised, it blesses all believers. A number of theologians classify “Unexpected Joy” as a type of akathist icon.

Below the image are words from the book of the Saint of Rostov: A certain lawless man. Think about it, after all, each of us daily commits lawlessness, sins: discussing, despondent, shouting, swearing, being proud, performing seemingly harmless actions, thereby becoming an accomplice in this distant history, again and again crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, the way out is in repentance, hope for forgiveness and prayer help.

What should she pray for?

Often a person finds himself in a critical situation when he can only rely on God’s help. Then they pray to the Mother of God, asking her to cling to the heart of her Son and ask for spiritual joy, help in business, strengthening in faith, for the return of the lost and the preservation of children.

Parents prayerfully ask the Mother of God for their children, so that they are healthy, follow the right path in life, for their confirmation in faith, for spiritual and physical insight. The image of the Mother of God helps spouses to establish peace and mutual understanding, eliminate divisions, and reconcile those at war. This icon is approached with a request to protect from enemies and spiteful critics. Through prayers from the image of “Unexpected Joy” many healings and miracles occur, but most often people receive healing from deafness. This means not only a physical illness, but also a spiritual one: the inability to hear the words of Holy Scripture, loved ones. Cases have been established when women prayed for imminent marriage, about the return of their husbands from the battlefield, from travel, they received help, prayer was effective against serious adversity, unjust accusations.

There are several prayer rules that are read depending on life circumstances. When time allows, it is better to read the full text of the prayer or even an akathist. There is a lot of evidence that reading the akathist helps infertile women: despite the diagnosis, they get the opportunity to experience the joy of motherhood.

Prayer for pregnancy to the Mother of God in front of the icon “Unexpected Joy”:

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses!

Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You: and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon every day, You did not despise, but You granted the unexpected joy of repentance, and through Your zealous intercession with Your Son for the forgiveness of the sinner Thou hast bowed thus, and now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, and to all of us, with faith and tenderness before Thy celibate image, who, according to each need, grant unexpected joy: may all in heaven and on The lands lead You as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and this leading, glorify You and Your Son with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

If there is a lack of time, you can limit yourself to a short call to the help of the Mother of God the Virgin Mary. The clergy emphasize that the main thing is that prayer comes from pure heart. It is important to first say the words of prayer, after which formulate a petition in your own words.

Prayer (short):

To the Mother of God and the Queen, chosen from all generations, who sometimes appeared to a lawless man to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer a song of thanksgiving to Thee, the Mother of God: But You, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, let us call to Thee: Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Troparion:

Today, bring back to the people who glorify the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, and who flow to Her most pure image, we cry out: Oh, Merciful Lady Theotokos, grant us unexpected joy, burdened with many sins and sorrows, and deliver us from all evil, praying to Your Son, Christ God ours, to save our souls.

What does the name of the icon say?

Unexpected joy is an image that reminds us that forgiveness of sins is possible with heartfelt repentance and prayer. A joyful feeling does not immediately fill a person; he read the prayer and immediately became happy, no. After heartfelt labor and repentance (remember that Jesus Christ did not immediately forgive the sinner), when it would seem there is no more strength, forgiveness comes, and at the same time, unexpectedly, the heart becomes light and joyful. The icon teaches you to remain true to your word. A person, after repentance and received forgiveness, does not go further to lawlessness, but begins to lead a righteous life.

It is no coincidence that according to legend, the first to go to heaven with Christ was a robber who sincerely repented. No matter what circumstances happen in life, the Most Holy Theotokos becomes the first intercessor of every person. And you need to be able to notice joy in every moment. It is that there is a family, children, a favorite job, that you can hear birds singing and admire nature, it is that there is hope for healing, help, eternal life, there is a heavenly Intercessor ready to help everyone to her to the person who applied.

Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful!

The Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” on May 14, June 3 and December 22. The first part of the image is a man standing in front of the icon, whose gaze and hands are turned to the Mother of God. It is located in the lower left corner. The image of the Mother of God herself belongs to the “Hodegetria” type. At the bottom there is usually either the beginning of the story about the miracle of St. Demetrius of Rostov, or part of the prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon. The Infant of God is depicted on the icon with open wounds on his body.

The history of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

The legend tells of the appearance of the Mother of God with the Child of God to a man. It was described by the saint of Rostov in his work “Irrigated Fleece.” The man suffered from a sin that he could not overcome. After each violation of a promise, he asked for forgiveness from the icon of the Mother of God. One fine day, before committing a sin, the man again turned to the icon and, leaving, he noticed that the Mother of God had turned her face to him, and wounds appeared on the body of the Infant of God, from which blood flowed. This event seriously affected the man, and he felt spiritual cleansing and forgot about his sin forever. This story became the basis for painting the famous icon.

Most famous image located in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which is located in Moscow. Several copies were made from this icon, which also showed their power and worked miracles. Every day people come to the image and turn to Higher powers with their problems.

How does the “Unexpected Joy” icon help?

During life, a person commits different actions and experiences feelings, for example, envy, anger, etc. All this negatively affects the internal state. By turning to the icon, a believer can find joy, peace, and find his true path and purpose. For example, in different historical periods during wars, women prayed to the image for the return of their husbands, and as a result, the desired became a reality.

To receive help, you need to read a prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, and then state everything that lies like a stone in your soul. Many women who want to get pregnant make this request and soon the wish comes true. The icon helps to heal from various diseases; for example, there is evidence that people were cured of deafness and blindness. The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” will help strengthen faith and give hope in better times. If you read a prayer for the family before this image, you can improve relationships, get rid of hostility, conflicts and other problems. You can pray in front of the icon about various family problems, the main thing is to do it from the heart. Lonely people can ask Higher powers help in finding your soulmate. Prayers about earthly affairs are read in front of the icon. For example, you can get protection from existing enemies, gossip and various troubles. The face will also help in solving material problems.

There are no specific rules on how to pray in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon. The clergy say that the main thing is to do it from the heart. It is recommended to first contact the priest to receive his blessing. If the text of the prayer is difficult to remember, then you can read it from a page, but it is important to write everything yourself. It is also allowed to address the face in your own words, the main thing is to speak from the heart without any thoughts.

The prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon sounds like this:

This is the most important prayer for addressing this icon, but there are also other texts that are used depending on the situation, that is, taking into account what exactly needs to be asked from the Higher Powers. You can also read the Akathist to the icon “Unexpected Joy”.

Prayer to the Mother of God “Unexpected joy”

From time immemorial, many people have worshiped and revere the image of “Unexpected Joy”. Even those who are passing through Moscow come to pray to her.

Prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” helps the suffering and heals the sick. Its very name seems to be clear to everyone, but there is still a certain misunderstanding.

Few people are familiar with the history of the origin of the prayer appeal “Unexpected Joy”. Once upon a time there lived a sinful man. Once again about to sin, he turned in prayer to the icon. Before he could utter the words of Archangel Gabriel “Hail, O Blessed One,” he fell silent in shock.

Open, bleeding ulcers appeared on the arms, legs, and side of the Divine Infant.

The sinner, in horror, bowed face down in front of the icon, and in fear asked who did this.

In response to his question, the sinner heard reproachful words Holy Mother of God, indicating lawless deeds, endless insults and sins of sinful people. These words affected the man so much that he began to cry in tears for mercy, for forgiveness. He asked the Son of the Mother of God to pray for his sinful actions. When he was completely desperate, he heard words of forgiveness. Joy came to the sinner when he no longer hoped or hoped. From that time on, his life changed; the sinner began to lead a pious life.

It was thanks to this story that the image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” was created. It depicts a kneeling man stretching out his hands to the face of the Mother of God and the Child of God.

In what cases is an icon used?

The image of the Mother of God was created in the eighteenth century. Since its writing, it and other lists from it have revealed miraculous events. Prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” helps to heal many illnesses, promotes early marriage, and helps lost souls return home. Prayer to the icon inspires a person to moral rebirth. And if he prays for his loved ones in front of the icon, often listens to the audio prayer message online, those who despair of salvation will receive unexpected joy with its help, deliverance from troubles and sorrows.

People turn to prayer in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon when they despair of getting any help. Prayer to the Mother of God will protect a person from diseases associated with hearing, not only physical, but also spiritual.

A prayerful appeal to the Mother of God will help in all sorrows associated with the separation of spouses, with the loss of relatives, with hardships, with salvation from slander, and will help in a quick marriage.

Also, many people turn to the image in search of protection. If loved ones are going on a long voyage or traveling overland, their relatives begin to read prayer appeal The Most Holy Theotokos with a request to protect from all dangers and for the soon successful return of the traveler home.

What is the name of the icon associated with?

The name of the image calls people to both spiritual and prayerful work. Although the results will not appear immediately. It will take a long time to achieve them. The teaching of the ancient ascetics speaks of constant “work and prayer.” The name of the icon of the Mother of God, as well as the prayer itself, speaks of an unexpected, unexpected joy that can well decorate the life of any person.

The “Unexpected Joy” prayer teaches a person gratitude. Before the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, every person is pitiful, although this should not be ashamed at all. You need to accept this fact, accidentally rejoice that you were accepted and opened up unlimited possibilities. Prayerful appeal teaches people to be faithful in deed, in a word, it teaches hatred of sin. Prayer helps to get closer to the heights of faith, gives strength, and enlightens.

Video: Prayer “Unexpected joy”

Prayer "Unexpected Joy". Prayer to the icon "Unexpected Joy"

There are situations when earthly forces, friends and relatives cannot help, and the person himself understands that he is powerless in a given situation. For example, an incurable illness, insurmountable grief from the loss of loved ones, family discord and disobedient children. At such moments in life, a person is left either alone with himself or with faith and begins to ask the Lord and other saints to help and support him. In order for your requests and prayers to be heard faster, you need to address them directly to one or another saint. In this article you will find out what the prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon gives to people, who exactly it helps and why it is called that.

History of the creation of the icon

In the 18th century, the work of Demetrius of Rostov “Irrigated Fleece” provided the subject for the creation of an icon. It tells the story of a criminal who had the habit of going to church to pray to the Mother of God before each of his crimes. One day, while reading a prayer, the Mother of God and the Child appeared to this young man, whose whole body was covered in bleeding wounds. To the young man’s question about the child, the Virgin Mary replied that these ulcers appear on the body of Jesus from every bad deed committed by sinners on Earth. After being dried, the criminal repented and begged for forgiveness, but Jesus forgave him only the third time, then he touched each wound on the body of the Baby with his lips, and he and the Mother of God melted into the air. From that moment on, the criminal repented and completely changed his lifestyle, directing it in a righteous direction. When a prayer was read to them, unexpected joy visited him along with liberation from sins. Thanks to this event, the icon received its name.

To this day, prayer in front of the icon “Unexpected Joy” awakens in people morality, decency, tolerance towards themselves and others and makes them rethink their lives, behave righteously, and if you pray for loved ones and relatives, you can help them find relief, save them from sorrow and troubles, if any are present in their life.

What is depicted on the icon?

The appearance of the icon completely coincides with the plot of the story. It depicts a praying sinner kneeling before the Virgin Mary, and the Baby Jesus wearing rags instead of clothes and with bleeding wounds. The sinner is located in the lower left corner, and under the icon the first lines from the story of Demetrius of Rostov or sometimes the prayer “Unexpected Joy” are written. Some icons depict a sinner with a ribbon in his mouth, on which words of forgiveness addressed to the Mother of God are visible.

How does prayer in front of the icon “Unexpected Joy” help?

The Mother of God, having heard people’s prayers addressed to her, protects those who ask from troubles, tears, sadness and sadness. The prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos “Unexpected joy” protects people from all kinds of diseases associated with hearing, both literally and figuratively. She hears the call of the soul and asks the Lord for the people, and they say that he answers prayers to the Mother of God and other saints. The prayer of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” helps in many other ways.
Here is a small list of problems that she will certainly cope with:

Quarrels and separation of husband and wife;

Sadness from the loss of relatives;

Various hardships;

Saving your own reputation from slander and gossip;

Protection in any difficult situations.

The “Unexpected Joy” prayer will help protect those traveling by sea and land from the dangers that may arise on their way, as well as facilitate their speedy return home safe and sound.

In what matters does an icon help?

The prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” helps everyone get what they have longed for a long time, but were secretly afraid that they would never get it. For example, a priest may want sinners to repent and thereby save their souls; those who kneel before the icon will receive forgiveness and remission of sins. Parents will finally be able to find a common language and reason with their rebellious, disobedient children, and set them on the right path. The “Unexpected Joy” prayer helps to find lost loved ones, reconcile warring parties, and suggest a good, bright solution even in the darkest, confusing situations.

Unexpected good news

Prayer in front of an icon gives people the most desired and at the same time unexpected, sudden joy. There is information that during the Great Patriotic War, women, being in the rear, did not leave the icon day or night, praying for their husbands and sons who were fighting or missing. Some, especially desperate ones, continued to pray for the health of their loved ones even after they received news of their death - a “funeral”. And they begged the sky for their unexpected joy: information about the tragic death turned out to be erroneous, and the soldier returned home alive. Many believers know that the prayer to the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” helps everyone and fulfills almost any desire, especially those in which people have already despaired of believing.

The icon will help you find female happiness

Many women or married couples They turn to the icon together when they have problems conceiving a child. The prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” helps everyone who passionately desires it to feel the happiness of motherhood and fatherhood. Many cases have been recorded when couples, trying in vain to have a child for a long time, turned to the icon and, lo and behold, they achieved their goal. Everyone knows that keeping the fire in the family hearth is hard work, and also that the life of a modern social unit is like a powder keg.
But wise women who want to preserve the sacred marriage union, instead of discussing problems with their friends, resort to miraculous power icons. Any quarrels or grievances are forgotten between spouses, and complete harmony and mutual understanding, harmony and peace reign in the family.

To sum it up...

After reading all of the above, someone will decide that he has found the ideal key to solving all problems, but you need to understand that it cannot be so easy. That without making any effort, it is impossible to achieve any success, that you need to fight, and not just sit back and pray. Faith in the Lord God helps to gain faith in own strength. Prayer clears the mind and guides a person to perform noble deeds. Persistence and determination, backed by strong prayer and by faith - here perfect union, guaranteeing success in any life situations. The “Unexpected Joy” icon will give all those who ask and need happiness, grace and the solution to all difficulties and obstacles in their lives. By turning their souls to faith and the Most Holy Theotokos, everyone will find their own innocent joy.

Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

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Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” was created in the 18th century based on the plot of a repentant sinner from the work of St. Dmitry of Rostov “The Irrigated Fleece.” Since then, this icon and other copies from it have revealed miraculous events associated with healing from illnesses, through the prayers of parents, with the return of children from the path of vice, and with the spiritual insight of people who realized their spiritual imperfections. Prayer in front of the icon and knowledge of the events that are associated with the birth of the image inspire a person to moral rebirth, and prayer for loved ones helps those in despair find unexpected joy and gives hope for a sudden joyful deliverance from troubles and sorrows, if they are present in their life.

How an icon will protect you and your loved ones
With her holy intercession through our prayers before the icon of Her “Unexpected Joy,” the Mother of God protects us from all sorrows and troubles that may be in our lives, since, as it is said in the kontakion (see section “How to pray in front of an icon”), we do not have there is no other hope, no other help than Her. Unexpected joy - one that we no longer expected or expected. The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, the prayer to the Mother of God in front of it will protect from diseases, especially those associated with hearing, and here we mean not only physical, but also spiritual hearing - to the extent that we hear the Lord and His answer to prayers through the Mother of God and the saints.
And a prayer to the Mother of God in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon will protect you from many misfortunes. This list of sorrows is expressed in a lengthy, heartfelt prayer to Her. In all sorrows - separation of spouses, lost relatives, in hardships, in salvation from slanderous slander, in all difficult situations, you can ask the Mother of God in front of Her icon “Unexpected Joy” for protection. For example, when praying for those sailing at sea or traveling on land in any difficult conditions, it is worth asking Her “Unexpected Joy” icon to protect them from danger, asking for their speedy and successful return.

What does an icon help with?
Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” helps to find peace of mind and inner spiritual strength. As Marina Ivanovna Tsvetaeva wrote in “Poems about Moscow”:
To Unexpected Joy in the Garden
I will bring in a foreign guest.
The domes of red will shine,
The sleepless bells will ring,
And at you from the crimson clouds
The Virgin Mary will drop her veil,
And you will rise, filled with wondrous powers...
“You won’t regret that you loved me.”
Prayer in front of this icon helps us get everything that we have wanted for so long, that we no longer expected to receive, each according to our own desire: for a priest it can be the repentance of a sinner in the flock and the salvation of his soul, for someone asking for the forgiveness of sins it can be forgiveness. It helps parents in cases where it is necessary to bring some sense to children who have lost their way or gone down a vicious path. At the request of people, someone finds lost loved ones, someone reconciles with someone with whom reconciliation seems impossible, and much, much more happens, even a seeming failure can turn into a happy accident.
It is believed that prayer in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon helps in healing from diseases, especially those associated with deafness. Here, physical deafness is probably subconsciously associated among believers with spiritual deafness, with the loss of moral guidelines, which obviously manifests itself at the bodily level.
Also, prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected joy” helps to find just such a joy, the most amazing, because it is unexpected, sudden. It is known that during the Great Patriotic War, many women in the rear prayed in front of this icon (there is information about this) for the men of their family who were missing, and others even for the fallen, after the funeral. And unexpected joy happened - the information about the death turned out to be erroneous, the fighter returned home. Many believers know: ask Her icon “Unexpected Joy” for everything that your soul grieves about, and She, the Intercessor, helps everyone who comes with faith and prayer, even in what seems almost impossible, restoring lost hopes.

How to pray in front of an icon
Kontakion 1 (from the Akathist to the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”)
Chosen from all generations of the Mother of God and the Queen, who sometimes appeared to the lawless man, in order to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer thanksgiving singing to Thee, the Mother of God; But you, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, and let us call you: Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful.

Troparion, tone 4
Today, faithful people spiritually triumph, glorifying the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race and flowing to Her Most Pure Image, we cry out: Oh, Merciful Lady Theotokos, grant us unexpected joy, burdened with many sins and sorrows, and deliver us from all evil, praying to Your Son, Christ Our God, save our souls.

Kontakion, tone 6
There are no imams of other help, no imams of other hope, unless You, Lady, help us, we hope in You and we boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.

First prayer
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city and holy temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon, You did not despise him, but You gave him the unexpected joy of repentance and You bowed Your Son to the many and zealous towards him. intercession for the forgiveness of this sinner and lost one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and beg Thy Son and our God, so that all of us with faith and tenderness who worship before Thy celibate image will grant unexpected joy for each need: as a shepherd to the church - holy zeal for the salvation of the flock; a sinner mired in the depths of evil and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; for those who find themselves in troubles and bitterness - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; in the joy and contentment of those living - unceasing thanksgiving to God the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - the return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in God's mercy. Oh, Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your All-Honorable Name, and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession; abide in piety, purity and honest living until their last death in goodness; create evil good things; guide those who are lost on the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, invisible help and admonition were sent down from heaven; save from temptations, seductions and destruction; from everyone evil people protect and preserve from enemies visible and invisible; floating float; for those who travel, travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; be the Cover and Refuge for those without shelter and shelter; Give clothes to the naked; for those who are offended and suffer from untruths - intercession; invisibly justify the one who suffers slander, slander and blasphemy; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; Unexpectedly grant reconciliation to those who are bitterly at odds, and to all of us - love, peace and piety and health with long life for each other.
Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; to mothers and children giving birth, grant permission quickly; educate infants, young ones to be chaste, open their minds to the perception of all useful teachings, instruct the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect from domestic strife and enmity of half-bloods with peace and love. Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn them away from all vice and filth and teach them everything good and pleasing to God; those who have been seduced into sin and uncleanness, having revealed the filth of sin, bring them out of the abyss of destruction. Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be the rod of old age. Deliver us all from sudden death without repentance, and grant us all a Christian end to our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful, and a good answer at the terrible judgment of Christ. Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, create with the angels and all the saints the lives; to those who died a sudden death, beseech the mercy of Thy Son, and for all the departed, who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Thy Son, Thou thyself be a ceaseless and warm Prayer Book and Intercessor; may they lead Thee to heaven and earth as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and glorify Thee and Thy Son with Thee, with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Second prayer
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You: and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon every day, You did not despise, but You granted the unexpected joy of repentance, and through Your zealous intercession with Your Son for the forgiveness of the sinner Thou hast bowed thus, and now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, and to all of us, with faith and tenderness before Thy celibate image, who, according to each need, grant unexpected joy: may all in heaven and on The lands lead You as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and this leading, glorify You and Your Son with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

TATYSIY

How does the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” help?

How does the icon of the Mother of God help? « Unexpected joy» ?

Suddenly feel the light great joy Any person can, if he goes to the world with an open, kind soul, completely pure thoughts, if this believer who has turned for the help you need to the healing icon. Believers consider the saint to be a real miracle. Icon "Unexpected Joy" with the image of the Mother of God. Believers in Moscow can see this holy image in the Temple of Elijah the Ordinary.

Believers love this miraculous icon. Laid here makes a lot of sense. On this shrine in front of the Mother of God the artist depicted an atheist. He sinned a lot. However, this atheist began a prudent new life after he felt incredible repentance.

Mychange

If you remember wonderful story, associated with the image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, then first of all the Most Holy Theotokos helps through prayer in front of this image in spiritual life, if a person does not have the strength to leave some serious sins, then he can receive help from the Mother of God. This help is limited only by the strength of your faith and the purity of your soul, the depth of repentance. You can ask the Most Holy Theotokos for anything, only on one condition - it must be for the benefit of you and other people.

Galina78

Icon of the Mother of God" Unexpected joy"they pray in case of illness, and parents also pray for children who are susceptible to bad influence from the side or are in mortal danger. Desperate people pray in front of the icon to receive hope for recovery or deliverance from a terrible misfortune.

If God were fair, say the holy fathers, we could not hope for forgiveness. On the pages of the Old Testament Scripture, the Lord appears as a formidable Judge and Accuser, punishing the slightest crime against the Law, but today the earth does not open up even under inveterate sinners. Why this happens is explained by an instructive story shown in a pictorial image known as the “Unexpected Joy” icon.

Miracles resulting from miraculous icons are carefully studied and recorded. They did the same at the Holy Trinity Elias Monastery near Chernigov. In 1662, the first miracle was recorded from the icon of the Mother of God, painted by the monk Gennady. Tears flowed from the eyes of the Most Pure Virgin, holding the Divine Infant in her arms, for 10 days. All of Chernigov “looked with great horror” at the weeping Virgin.

The miracle of the Ilinsk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God became famous and has come down to the present day thanks to St. Dmitry of Rostov.

Interesting. St. Dmitry Rostovsky is a church writer and educator who has written many books, including the lives of saints, sermons on faith and repentance, discussions about gospel stories and God's miracles.

Resurrection of the Youth

Traveling through the monasteries of Little Russia, St. Demetrius wrote the book “Irrigated Fleece”, based on stories about miracles from Our Lady of Chernigov. The stories were accompanied by teachings. One of the chapters, “The Dew of Resurrection,” talks about a youth who suddenly died. There was no illness or other reasons indicating the approach of death. The hieromonk of the Elias Monastery, who was then nearby, advised the parents to pray before the miraculous icon of Chernigov.

Saint Dmitry of Rostov

The parents went to the monastery and fell to the Intercessor. And a miracle happened: the child came to life. No one expected such happiness, although they believed in the mercy of the Mother of God. To the story of the resurrection of the youth, which occurred in April 1679, St. Demetrius attached a parable, on the basis of which the icon “Unexpected Joy” was written.

About other icons:

Parable of St. Dimitri and writing a new image

A certain sinner had the custom of praying to the Blessed Virgin with the words of the angelic greeting “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice”, setting off to his iniquity. One day, kneeling in front of the icon and about to say the usual prayer, he saw a terrible vision: blood flowed in streams from the feet and hands of the Infant God, and the Mother of God Herself appeared to him as if alive.

“Who did this, Lady?” - the sinner shouted in horror. “You and those like you constantly wound My Son, like the Jews on the Cross, with your iniquities,” answered the Mother of God. Instantly repenting, the man began to beg for forgiveness, but the Lord did not look in his direction. Then he appealed to the Mother of God: “Let my sins not overcome Your mercy, Lady, ask the Lord for me!”

Icon “Unexpected Joy”, Pokrovsk

The Mother of God turned to her Son with a prayer for forgiveness for the sinner. The Lord answered Her, like a Son, with respect: “I cannot forgive, for I endured his iniquity for a long time.” The petitioner, who watched this with fear, completely despaired of his salvation. Then the Most Pure One stood up and wanted to fall on her knees before Christ: “I will lie at Your feet until this man receives forgiveness!” The Lord did not allow this to happen, saying that although He is God, He honors His Mother and is ready to fulfill Her prayers. The forgiven sinner rushed to kiss the wounds of the Lord, which immediately healed and the vision ended.

After reading “The Irrigated Fleece,” an unknown artist painted an icon based on the parable where a man prays to the Mother of God, calling it “Unexpected (unexpected) joy.”

The connection between the miracle and the parable is obvious: just as the parents of the dead boy did not expect to see him alive, so the sinner from the parable did not expect forgiveness from the Lord. But through the prayers of the Intercessor of the Mother of God, everyone received what they asked for, which became an “unexpected joy” for them.

Meaning of images

Interesting. The image of “Unexpected Joy” is unusual in that the Blessed Virgin and the Lord are depicted addressing a sinner and are inscribed in the interior of the temple. In terms of the type of iconography, the image of the Mother of God resembles that of Ilyinsko-Chernigov, only there is no royal crown on the head of the Mother of God. This means Her humility in prayer to the Lord.

The Lord, depicted as a Youth, does not hold a scroll in his hand, but shows his hands with traces of sores to a kneeling sinner. The tunic has been thrown off, wounds on the rib and legs are visible. According to the Gospel, Christ received four wounds when He was crucified on the cross, and the fifth, in the rib, when the guards wanted to make sure of the death of the condemned man.

Icon “Unexpected Joy” in the temple dedicated to her in Maryina Roshcha

On old copies of the icon there is always a drawn-back curtain in the background - a symbol of the church's royal doors, the entrance to heaven, slightly opened for the sinner. The red color of the veil is a symbol of resurrection.

The sinner himself is dressed in a green chiton. Green is the color of the earthly, human world. They were depicted in such clothes Old Testament prophets who were righteous, but did not know Divine grace, only foreseeing the coming of Christ. The praying sinner is not yet forgiven, but expects forgiveness and renewal of life.

Inscriptions on the icon

In the field under the image of the Virgin Mary is the text of the parable, written in illegible Church Slavonic script. Usually the initial words are placed: “A certain lawless man has a daily rule of praying to the Most Holy Theotokos...”, sometimes the title “The Unexpected Joy of the Most Holy Theotokos” is written.

Radonitsa in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha

It is believed that the word sanctifies the image; it must be included in the composition. Due to lack of space for text, it is placed in a greatly abbreviated form, symbolizing the entire inscription. On large images sometimes they write the words of a sinner: “Oh, Lady, who did this?” and the response of the Mother of God “You and other sinners with your sins...”, in lines directed from the sinner to the Mother of God.

Location of the “Unexpected Joy” icons and miracles

• Vladimir's Cathedral in Kyiv. Miraculous image of the 19th century. has been in the cathedral since the Great Patriotic War. The Mother of God and the Lord are depicted wearing royal crowns. Unfortunately, now Vladimir Cathedral is in the hands of schismatics.
• “The Burning Bush” in Khamovniki (before the revolution). The oldest of the famous lists. In 1838, on Easter week, he miraculously healed a woman who suffered from complete deafness. Anisya Stepanova could not even hear the bell ringing. After serving the prayer service to the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy,” Anisya heard the singing of the Easter troparion and the deafness disappeared. In 1930, the temple was destroyed and the miraculous image was lost.
• IN Tretyakov Gallery a unique icon “Unexpected Joy” (1st half of the 19th century) is kept, where the main picture is surrounded by 120 small images of other miraculous icons of the Mother of God. The central image carries the main meaning: the Lord forgives sins through the prayer of the Mother of God - the Prayer Book and Intercessor for the human race.

Icon “Unexpected Joy”, private collection

• Moscow, Church of Ilya the Ordinary. Here is an ancient icon in a beautiful metal frame, restored in 1959. Before the revolution, it was in one of the Kremlin churches, then the image was hidden from the renovationists. After the Great Patriotic War, “Unexpected Joy” was moved to the Church of Ilya the Ordinary. The icon's robe is completely hung with rings and crosses brought by people who received healing from prayer in front of the icon.
• Maryina Roshcha, Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”. This temple was built in 1904 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The image itself (painted in the 19th century) appeared there later; numerous decorations on it spoke of former miracles, which, unfortunately, were not recorded. A symbolic event took place in the temple in 2003. A 90-year-old man approached the priest naval officer asking for baptism. In a dream he was commanded to be baptized and wait for death. The old man stood it Lent, preparing for Baptism. His death followed immediately after the completion of the Sacrament, in the temple itself.
• Spaso-Preobra convent Ryazan. In the Transfiguration Cathedral of the monastery there is “Unexpected Joy”, which recently became famous for its miracles. The mutilated icon was found and bought at the market by Moscow resident Georgy. After some time, misfortune befell him: he was seriously injured, leading to partial paralysis. Sincere prayers before the found image bore fruit, George rose to his feet. For a long time he did not want to part with his beloved icon, but finally decided to donate it to the Transfiguration Monastery. The board and paint layer were restored, and a carved icon case was made. During the stay of “Unexpected Joy” in the monastery, several cases of healing from eye disease, cancer and drunkenness were recorded.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral in Odessa. During the Great Patriotic War, the cathedral, closed by the Bolsheviks, was reopened by the occupation authorities. At this time, from nowhere, the icon “Unexpected Joy” appeared in it. It is interesting that in her name back in 1840 one of the chapels of the cathedral was consecrated. The parishioners of the temple were mainly women and children. In front of the new image of the Mother of God, they prayed for the return of their husbands and fathers from the front. Although no high-profile miracles were recorded, the icon is highly revered by Odessa residents; they pray in front of it for the military in “hot spots.”
• Holy spring in the village. Zhaisk, Nizhny Novgorod region. According to legend, at this source in the 18th century. The icon “Unexpected Joy” was found. The Murom noble princes Peter and Fevronia were hiding here. At this place, the saints granted forgiveness to the residents of Murom who expelled them, just as the Most Holy Theotokos forgave the repentant sinner. The source is located in a picturesque place, with a chapel built above it.

About other Orthodox churches in Russia:

This is not a complete list of temples under the protection of the Queen of Heaven. In the 2000s, many churches were built in honor of “Unexpected Joy”, charitable institutions are named after her, and springs are consecrated. This image of the Mother of God can be found as a revered icon in other churches.

Important. Before the image of the Mother of God, “Unexpected Joy” is prayed in difficult life situations, when hope has dried up. During the war, mothers prayed for their sons, for whom “funerals” were received; later it turned out that the letters were sent erroneously and the soldiers returned alive.

Nothing is impossible for the mercy of the Mother of God, but first of all, before prayer, you need to remember and realize your sins, from which the wounds of the Lord bleed.

Our sins and iniquities grew... The holy wonder-working icons of the Queen of Heaven were hidden, and until there is a sign from the holy wonder-working icon of the Mother of God, I will not believe that we are forgiven. But I believe that there will be such a time and we will live to see it.
Hieromartyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov)

There are not many churches in Moscow whose fate one can only envy. They were spared fires, they were not captured by renovationists, they were not closed, they were not rebuilt beyond recognition and they were not demolished. Like lonely candles, they stood amid the rampant atheism, gathering within their walls wonderful priests and wonderful laity, helping them to survive and maintain their faith...

One of these temples is the church in the name of the prophet Elijah Obydensky in a quiet Moscow lane, Vtoroy Obydensky, not far from the revived Cathedral of Christ the Savior. All around are the lovely noble mansions of old Moscow, which have absorbed the comfort of the former patriarchal life of the city, when all the parishioners knew each other, went to visit each other, and socialized at a hospitable table. But the center of spiritual life was the temple.

Known exact date completion of the construction of the current stone temple - June 14, 1702. Previously, in its place stood a wooden one, erected in one day. Hence the name "Ordinary". Such temples were erected in Rus', either asking the Lord for something very important, or as a vow, in gratitude. The location was well chosen. The Kremlin is nearby, and the timber needed for construction was brought along the river. Neither the date nor the circumstances of this are known; but by 1589 the wooden Elias Church already existed. Even then, she was loved by both kings and patriarchs, and ordinary Muscovites: “On the 11th day of June, the sovereign [Alexey Mikhailovich] went behind the crosses [in the procession] to the prophet Ilya to the Ordinary, which is behind the Chertol Gate, and in 7191 on May 14 day..." Processions of the cross to Ilya the Obydenny were held not only on holidays; they often prayed for rain or a bucket.

In 1612, the zemstvo militia of Prince Pozharsky stood near this temple. And by the very beginning of the 18th century, the current stone building appeared. On the northern outer wall there is an inscription: “In the summer of the incarnation of God the Word of 1702, indictment 1, June 14 in memory of St. Prophet Elisha, this temple of the holy and glorious prophet Elijah the Ordinary was created under the power of ... Tsar Peter Alekseevich with the blessing of the Holy Governing Synod, member of the Most Reverend Stephen, Metropolitan of Ryazan and Murom, Duma clerk Gabriel Fedorovich, his brother commissar Vasily Fedorovich Derevnin"; Inside, on the wall of the refectory there are two tombstones with the names of the brothers.

The old Moscow intelligentsia, the descendants of ancient noble families, those who survived and survived without betraying either their faith or their Fatherland, have been flocking here to “Ilya the Ordinary” for decades.

And the most remarkable thing is that “Ilya the Ordinary” became a refuge for many icons from closed and destroyed Moscow churches.

This is how the miraculous “Unexpected Joy” came here. Its origin is not known for certain. Most likely, this particular icon was in the Church of Constantine and Helena in the Taininsky Garden of the Kremlin, destroyed in 1928. From there, along with many other shrines of the Mother See, in a roundabout way it came to the Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki, then one of the centers of the Renovationist heresy. When the godless government stopped supporting the renovationists, their movement disintegrated and the icons from Sokolniki began to return to the surviving Orthodox churches in Moscow.

The then rector of “Ilya the Ordinary,” Father Alexander Tolgsky, asked Patriarch Sergius for a blessing, and in 1944 the icon was solemnly moved to its current location. This happened on Friday, and since then the solemn cathedral akathist “Unexpected Joy” has been served here on Fridays.

Hundreds of people prayed to this miraculous image, turning to the Most Pure One with faith and in the hope of receiving the unexpected joy of forgiveness and gracious consolation, help in their affairs and especially praying for their children.

The first known mentions of the icon itself date back to the 1830s, but the event that gave rise to its writing occurred at least a century earlier and is described in the book “The Irrigated Fleece,” compiled by St. Demetrius of Rostov. A certain dashing man led a sinful life, but was nevertheless reverently attached to the Most Pure One, daily praying unforgivingly to Her icon. One day, getting ready to “go out for a sinful deed,” he prayed and suddenly saw how the Baby’s ulcers on his arms, legs and sides began to bleed, and the voice of the Most Pure One said: “You and other sinners are again crucifying My Son with your sins, like the Jews. You call Me Merciful, but why do you insult Me with your lawless deeds?” The shocked sinner begged the Most Pure One for intercession, kissed the Savior’s sores as a sign of forgiveness, and from that time returned to an honest and pious life.

According to this legend, on the icon “Unexpected Joy” it is written “a certain lawless man”, praying on his knees before the image of “Hodegetria”, under which the first words of the story itself or a special prayer are usually inscribed.

On the miraculous robe from the temple in the name of Elijah the Ordinary there is an inscription: “With the blessing His Holiness Patriarch Moscow and All Rus' Alexy on the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, the chasuble was restored in the summer of 1959 under the rector of the Church of the Holy Prophet of God Elijah the Ordinary, Archpriest A.V. Tolgsky.”

The deceased especially loved this icon and therefore considered himself a parishioner of the Church of Elijah the Ordinary, often coming here for evening services. They say that one day he saw this image in subtle sleep, and when I found myself in the Church of Elijah the Prophet for the first time, I immediately recognized just such a list of “Unexpected Joy.”

Let's talk here about other shrines of this temple. A beautiful image of the Kazan Mother of God written by Simon Ushakov. The icon of the Assumption, which came here from the closed Church of the Assumption on Mogiltsy. When the nearby Conception Convent was closed in 1924, its last abbess brought here the icons of the “Three-Handed Lady” and the Mother of God “Merciful” (exactly seventy years later this monastery was restored, and its icons were returned to their original place, in the monastery). Icon of the Sovereign Mother of God, painted by the artist Nikolai Chernyshev, who was arrested and died for his faith in December 1924.

Hieromartyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov), one of the first hagiographers of St. Seraphim of Sarov, at one time painted images of the Savior and the venerable one, and the icon of the Savior was confiscated during the arrest of the bishop in 1937 and, unknown how, ended up in the temple after the execution of St. Seraphim.

The temple gathered within its walls amazing people. Father Alexander Egorov recently completed his earthly journey: how many people did this truly Russian shepherd care for, how much wise advice he gave, how much love and consolation the parishioners saw from him... Peace be upon his ashes...

Another locally revered image, “Unexpected Joy,” has long been in the Moscow church in the name of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha.

There were also revered lists in the demolished churches of the Burning Bush near Smolensky Boulevard, the Annunciation at the Zhitny Dvor in the Kremlin, as well as in the church in the name of Fyodor Stratilates at the Myasnitsky Gate that has survived to this day; outside the capital - also in the village of Selgi, Simbirsk province.

Let us trust in the mercy of the Mother of God, give thanks for those unexpected joys that She sends us and believe that She will not leave us on the difficult and thorny path, whose name is life.

Troparion, tone 4

Today, faithful people, we spiritually triumph, glorifying the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race and flowing to Her most pure image, we cry out: O Most Merciful Lady Theotokos, grant us unexpected joy, burdened with many sins and sorrows, and deliver us from all evil, praying to Thy Son, Christ our God, save our souls.

Prayer

O Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patron of this city and holy temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy Thy servants, offered up to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Thy honorable icon, You did not despise him, but You gave him the unexpected joy of repentance and You bowed Your Son to His many and zealous ones. intercession for the forgiveness of this sinner and erring one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and implore Thy Son and our God, and grant to all of us, who with faith and tenderness bow before Thy celibate image, unexpected joy for each need: a sinner mired in the depths of evil and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; to those who find themselves in troubles and embitterment - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; for those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to God the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in the mercy of the Judge. O Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Thy all-honorable name and show to all Thy all-powerful protection and intercession: in piety, purity and honest living, observe them in goodness until the end; create evil good things; guide the erring one on the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, to those who find invisible help and admonition sent down from heaven, save and save from temptations, seductions and destruction, from all evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; float for those who swim, travel for those who travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; for those who do not have shelter and shelter, provide cover and refuge; Give clothing to the naked, intercession to the offended and unjustly persecuted; invisibly justify the slander, slander and blasphemy of those who suffer; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; To those who are bitterly at war, grant unforeseen reconciliation, and to all of us - love, peace, piety, and health with long life for each other. Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite me to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; Give quick permission to mothers giving birth, raise babies, be chaste to young people, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching, teach the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect your blood brothers from domestic strife and enmity with peace and love; Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn away from all vice and defilement and teach everything that is good and pleasing to God, and bring those seduced into sin and uncleanness, having revealed the defilement of sin, from the abyss of destruction; Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be the rod of old age; Deliver us all from sudden death without repentance and grant us all a Christian death in our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, create with the Angels and all the saints life; to those who died a sudden death, beseech the mercy of Thy Son, and for all the departed, who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Thy Son, Thou thyself be a ceaseless and warm Prayer Book and Intercessor; Yes, everyone in heaven and on earth leads You as a firm and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and, leading, glorify You and Your Son, with His Beginningless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Icon of Unexpected Joy is a miraculous icon depicting the Mother of God. She is especially revered in the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church. Read more in the article!

Icon of Unexpected Joy: history of origin

We cannot live without sorrows, but we also experience joys. And if in sorrow, abandoning the most urgent matters, we rush to the temple - to beg, to beg, so that this bitter cup may pass from us, we do not hold on to joy and thoughts in order to rush in the same way - to give thanks.

In Moscow, very close to the Kropotkinskaya metro station, there is the Temple of Elijah the Prophet. Many Muscovites also call it Ordinary. Temple of Elijah the Ordinary. Why? Yes, now the word “ordinary” in relation to the temple surprises us; we have long and firmly invested in it our meaning, which is far from spiritual meaning. And our ancestors knew well what an ordinary temple was. This is a temple built in one day. Yes, yes, the whole world gathered while it was still dark, quickly divided up who was where, and - they built. Brick by brick, pebble by plank. And by evening - Lord, bless us in Your new home!

The temple of Elijah the prophet is also ordinary. And the lane on which the temple stands is also called Ordinary. In 1592, a wooden temple was erected on this site one day. And then, a hundred years later, a stone one. The Lord saved the Church of Elijah the Ordinary from Bolshevik devastation; it did not close. They marked it as “petty hooliganism”: they threw down the bells in 1933. That was all there was to it. The temple became a haven for shrines from those churches that fell under the hot hand, bad head and empty heart of the builders of a new life. This is exactly how the miraculous icon “Unexpected Joy” ended up in the temple of Elijah the Ordinary. At first it was located in the Kremlin in the small church of Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, then, after its destruction, it moved to Sokolniki, to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, and since 1944 - here, in Obydenny Lane.

The icon “Unexpected Joy” is very popular. They bring flowers to her, even those who are passing through Moscow come to worship her. Unexpected Joy... Everything seems to be clear, and there seems to be some kind of misunderstanding. And the history of this icon is as follows. There lived one sinner who multiplied his days with obscene deeds, but despite this, he always prayed before the icon of the Mother of God. Once again I got ready to commit sin and once again approached the icon. “Rejoice, O Blessed One...” was all that Archangel Gabriel had time to say. And he fell silent, shocked by what he saw. Suddenly, the Infant of God, whom the Virgin Mary was holding, began to have ulcers, real ones, on his arms, legs and side, and began to bleed. The sinner, unconscious from horror, fell on his face and shouted:

-Who did this!

And I heard the terrible words of the Mother of God:

-You. You sinners crucify My son, you insult Me with lawless deeds, and then you dare to call Me Merciful.

The sinner began to shed bitter tears.

“Have mercy on me,” he asked the Mother of God, “forgive me, beg the Son for me.”

The Mother of God immediately said a prayer: “Forgive all the things he has done.” Only the Eternal Son remained silent, and the sinner rushed about in horror before the icon:

-Have mercy on me, beg me!

Finally, he heard words of forgiveness. And I heard it when I was completely desperate, remembering the gravity of my sins. But God's mercy is limitless. The forgiven sinner rushed to the icon and began to kiss the bloody wounds of the Savior crucified by our sins. And he didn’t expect, and he didn’t hope anymore... And then she, unexpected joy, visited his almost trembling heart. From then on, they say, he began to live piously.

This story served as the reason for painting the icon “Unexpected Joy”. It depicts a man kneeling. He stretches out his hands to the icon in which the Mother of God holds Her Son on her lap. Below, under the face, the first words of the story telling about this are usually placed: “A certain lawless man...”

A certain lawless man... Isn’t it about us? It seems that all of us, having strained our memory and not strained it, can remember how not once or twice, but many times we sinned in big and small ways, while constantly justifying ourselves, finding the most convincing arguments that there is no other way... Of course, in the depths of our souls , the most secret ones, we always correctly understand what is what. But what we understand ourselves, is it really necessary to announce to others? We do not know what sin the person committed when he approached the icon for a blessing. For us this is not so important; our own sins are more burning and unforgivable. But we are not always embarrassed by this, it seems that we know better what is useful for us, what is necessary for us, and we ask not to admonish for good, but to give, give... I remember how one Moscow shepherd said in a sermon:

– We don’t ask, we demand. Lord, my will be done. Mine, not Yours, because I know better what I need.

Apparently, sin, especially unconscious sin, which for us is almost a virtue, is capable of wounding the Body of Christ to the point of bleeding. After all, that “certain lawless man” also approached the icon to be blessed for sin. One offended woman recently complained to me about... God:

-If only you knew how I prayed! I bowed down on my knees and kept asking: Lord, do not allow my son to marry, this is not the kind of wife he needs, they will not live, I feel it in my gut. But he doesn’t want to listen. How I prayed! It’s already the eve of the wedding, they’re buying vodka for the table, and I’m still praying. So what's the point? Signed...

“My will be done...” A classic case when life is undoubtedly perceived by us as normal, correct, healthy. There is no doubt that I know better what kind of woman my son needs, what profession my daughter needs, what brand of car my son-in-law needs. And we ask: strengthen, Lord, my irrefutable arguments, tell them all that I am right. But the Lord is in no hurry. Waiting. Waiting for us to finally doubt our far-fetched, harmful righteousness, when our heart suddenly begins to see clearly. Then it will give a person unexpected joy. They didn’t expect it, they didn’t know it, but they were gifted!

“Unexpected joy” is an icon calling us to work. Spiritual and prayerful work. The results of that work will not appear immediately. We have to wash them and wash them. It’s not for nothing that prayer work is called a feat. “Work and pray,” the ancient ascetics taught. Always work and always pray. Do we at least once, and if not, then “what’s the point?”

But the icon is called “unexpected Joy”. And if it’s unexpected, it means it’s unexpected, unexpected, like out of the blue, like a golden ruble on the road, like a gift. Yes, unexpected joys greatly decorate our lives. Sometimes it happens that even an unexpected call from a good person can rescue us from a state of protracted, exhausting depression.

“I really want to see you,” a good person will say, “I really need to meet you.”

And - miracles! Our tediousness (everything is wrong, everything is not the same) will instantly be trampled by a healthy desire to push back the curtains, go to the mirror... Unexpected joy walked with a light step through the heavy soul, such a small, such an unexpected joy...

How important it is to cultivate a commitment to such joy. She is in thanksgiving. Don't forget to say “thank you.” After all, when receiving a gift, even the most ill-mannered among us will at least quietly mutter “thank you.” And unexpected joy is a spiritual gift. Thanksgiving for him is in prayer. “I don’t know a single prayer, I don’t know how to pray at all, I go up to the icon and think: what should I do next? Well, I crossed myself, and then what? “The editors often receive letters like this, and there is nothing surprising about it. We know English because we completed foreign language courses, we know how to drive a car because we passed our driver's license exams, we know how to knit because our mother taught us, and we bake pies according to our grandmother's recipe. But no one taught us to pray. We are self-taught at best, ignorant at worst. But first of all, it’s never too late to learn. Secondly, does the Lord need our lengthy speeches? “Glory to Thee, Lord!” - the shortest prayer in the world. We've already learned it. Pronounced with a repentant heart, it will reach its “destination” faster than a complete prayer rule rattled off without feeling from a prayer book. But there is also a special prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” - an akathist.

What does the akathist teach before “Unexpected Joy”?

Akathist is a Greek word and it is translated as a hymn that is sung while standing. Standing in front of an icon. Every holiday, every saint of the Russian Orthodox Church, every icon has its own akathist. This is a special poetic creativity. Let us reveal the akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos “for the sake of Her miraculous image of Unexpected Joy.” Here are just a few akathist lines: “Rejoice, Thou Who has given birth to Joy to the whole world. Rejoice, for the flame of our passions is extinguished. Rejoice, blessings of the temporary Intercessor. Rejoice, Thou who grantest unexpected joy to the faithful.” The Akathist can be read at home. There are moments when the unexpected joy bestowed upon us fills the soul with such light that our lips begin to speak out of the abundance of our hearts. This is where it’s time to stand in front of the image and read the akathist.

If we take a closer look at our lives, we can easily find in it many reasons for unexpected joy. Your son passed physics with a B, but it seemed to you that even a C was a blessing, an unexpected joy. It rained for a week, and today the sun is in the entire sky - an unexpected joy. You picked up a tiny puppy, who soon became your friend, your husband was unexpectedly given two (you and him) free trips to a sanatorium, but you never know... Life is woven from small joys, half of which are unexpected, so many reasons for thanksgiving. Another thing is that we don’t have the skill. We know how to ask, beg, cry in front of an icon, if we have an urge, we’ll learn right away, but to give thanks... Let’s learn to give thanks. And teach children. After all, children need this science so much in life. An ungrateful person who forgets to thank his neighbor for his mercy will all the more forget about the highest gratitude. A relapse of his poor memory will be his inability to experience heartfelt joy. And the inability to experience heartfelt joy will become the cause of a joyless life, reduced to the framework of earthly existence. What a chain reaction, what a strong connection.

The icon “Unexpected Joy” teaches us a grateful life. Before the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, each of us is pitiful, sinful and restless. And there is no need to be ashamed of this as a great shame. You have to admit this and accidentally rejoice that you have accepted, that now you have wide open space and unlimited possibilities. Remember in the Akathist? “Rejoice, O Thou who grantest unexpected joy to the faithful.” And not to those who, during a long marathon from sin to sin, suddenly make a zigzag towards the icon and, just in case, freeze in front of it for a minute pause. Faithful are those who have shown their faithfulness in deed, in word, in hatred of sin, and in prayer. Help us, “Unexpected Joy,” to get closer to the faithful. Give us strength and understanding.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of her icon called “Unexpected Joy”

Kontakion 1

To the Mother of God and the Queen, chosen from all generations, who sometimes appeared to a lawless man, in order to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer thanksgiving singing to Thee, the Mother of God; But you, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, and let us call you: Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful.

Ikos 1

The angels and righteous souls were amazed when you appeared before your Son and God and interceded with many prayers for man, who is always in sin; But we, with the eyes of faith seeing Thy great compassion, with tenderness cry out to Ty: Rejoice, thou who acceptest the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, and you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners. Rejoice, you who intercede for your Son for them; Rejoice, you who give them the unexpected joy of salvation. Rejoice, saving the whole world through Your intercession; Rejoice, quenching all our sorrows. Rejoice, Mother of God of all, comforting embittered souls; Rejoice, you who arrange our life well. Rejoice, having brought deliverance from sins to all people; Rejoice, you who have given birth to joy to the whole world. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Most Holy One, even if he is lawless, but every day with faith and hope before Her venerable icon he casts himself down and brings the Archangel’s greeting to Her, and he hears such a sinner’s praise, and all who see Her Motherly mercy, in Heaven and on earth cry out to God : Allelua.

Ikos 2

Human reason truly surpasses Your love for the Christian race, for even then You did not cease from Your intercession for the lawless man, when Your Son showed You the wounds of the nails, the sins of men committed by Him. Seeing You as the persistent Intercessor for us sinners, we cry out to You with tears: Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Guide, who leads us to the Heavenly Fatherland. Rejoice, guardianship and refuge of the faithful; Rejoice, help of all who call on Your holy Name. Rejoice, thou who hast snatched away all those despised and rejected from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who turn those to the right path. Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency and spiritual darkness; Rejoice, you who give new and better meaning to those who have been dependent on illness. Rejoice, left by the doctors to Your all-powerful accepting hand. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 3
The power of grace abounded there, where sin abounded; May all the Angels in Heaven rejoice over the one sinner who has repented. Singing before the Throne of God: Allelua.

Ikos 3

Having Motherly mercy for the Christian race, give a helping hand to all who come to You with faith and hope, O Lady, so that with one heart and one mouth we all bring the praise of You: Rejoice, for through You God’s favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You we also imams have increased boldness towards God. Rejoice, for in all our troubles and circumstances you offer your Son earnest prayers for us; Rejoice, for you have made our prayers pleasing to God. Rejoice, for not visible enemies you drive us away; Rejoice, for you deliver us from visible enemies. Rejoice, for you soften the hearts of evil people; Rejoice, for you have taken us away from slander, harassment and reproach. Rejoice, for through You all our good desires are fulfilled; Rejoice, for Your prayer can accomplish much before Your Son and God. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm of sinful thoughts inside, a lawless person prayed before Thy honorable icon and, seeing the Blood from the wounds of Thy Eternal Son flowing in streams, like on the Cross, fell from fear and cried out to Thee with sobs: “Have mercy on me, O Mother of mercy, lest My malice will overcome Your ineffable goodness and mercy, for You are the only Hope and Refuge for all sinners; bow down to mercy, O Good Mother, and pray for me to Your Son and my Creator, so that I may continually call to Him: Allelua.

Ikos 4

Hearing the inhabitants of heaven about the miraculous salvation of their dying earthly brother through Your prayers, they glorified You, the compassionate Queen of Heaven and earth; and we, sinners, having experienced such intercession of a sinner similar to us, even if our tongue is perplexed to praise You according to our heritage, from the depths of our tender heart we sing to You: Rejoice, Helper of the salvation of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost. Rejoice, Unexpected Joy of Sinners; Rejoice, rise of the fallen. Rejoice, Representative to God, saving the world from troubles; Rejoice, for the voices of Your prayers tremble. Rejoice, as the Angels rejoice at this; Rejoice, for the power of Your prayers fills us, earthly creatures, with joy. Rejoice, for with these you take us away from the mire of sins; Rejoice, for you have extinguished the flame of our passions. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 5

You showed us the God-bearing star - the miraculous icon of Your Mother, O Lord, for, looking at the image of Her bodily eyes, we rise with our minds and hearts to the Primordial Image and through Her we flow to You, singing: Allelua.

Ikos 5

Having seen the Guardian Angels of Christians, as if the Mother of God was assisting them in instructing them, interceding and saving them, they tried to cry out to the Most Honest Cherub and the Most Glorious without comparison Seraphim: Rejoice, reigning forever with Your Son and God; Rejoice, you who always bring prayers to Him for the Christian race. Rejoice, Teacher of Christian faith and piety; Rejoice, Eradicator of heresies and pernicious schisms. Rejoice, preserving temptations that corrupt the soul and body; Rejoice, deliverer from dangerous circumstances and sudden death, without repentance and Holy Communion. Rejoice, you who give a shameless end to those who trust in You; Rejoice, even after death for the soul that has gone to the judgment of the Lord before Your Son, you never cease to intercede. Rejoice, by Your Mother's intercession you deliver this from eternal torment. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 6

The preacher of Your wondrous mercy, bestowed on a certain lawless man, appeared Saint Demetrius of Rostov, who, writing off the great and glorious and fair works of God, revealed in You, committed to writing and this work of Your mercy for the teaching and consolation of all the faithful, and even these, in sins , troubles, sorrows and embitterments of those who exist, many times every day with faith in prayer before Your image they bow their knees and, having forgotten those things, cry out to God: Allelua.

Ikos 6

Arose to us, like a bright dawn, your miraculous icon, Mother of God, driving away the darkness of troubles and sorrows from all who cry out to You with love: Rejoice, our Healer in bodily illnesses; Rejoice, Good Comforter in our spiritual sorrows. Rejoice, you who transform our sorrow into joy; Rejoice, you who rejoice those who do not hope with undoubted hope. Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher; Rejoice, robe of the naked. Rejoice, Comforter of widows; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans. Rejoice, O unjustly persecuted and offended Intercessor; Rejoice, O just Avenger of those who persecute and offend. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 7

Although the Lawgiver, the Righteous Lord Himself is the Executor of the law and shows the abyss of His mercy, bow down to Your fervent prayer, Blessed Mother of the Virgin, for the lawless man, saying: “The law commands, that the son honor the mother. I am Your Son, You are My Mother: I must honor You, listening to Your prayer; Be it as you wish: now his sins are forgiven for Your sake.” We, seeing such power in the prayer of our Intercessor for the forgiveness of our sins, will glorify Her mercy and ineffable compassion, calling: Allelua.

Ikos 7

A new wondrous and glorious sign appeared to all the faithful, as if not only Your Mother, but also Her most pure Face, depicted on the board, You have granted the power of miracles, Lord; Marveling at this mystery, with tenderness of heart we cry out to Her like this: Rejoice, revelation of the wisdom and goodness of God; Rejoice, affirmation of faith. Rejoice, manifestation of grace; Rejoice, gift of useful knowledge. Rejoice, overthrow of harmful teachings; Rejoice, it is not difficult to overcome lawless habits. Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, you foolish, intelligent worker. Rejoice, children, inconvenience to students, giver of reason; Rejoice, good Guardian and Mentor of youth. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 8

A strange and terrible vision of a certain lawless man, showing him the goodness of the Lord, forgiving his sins through the intercession of the Mother of God; For this reason, therefore, correct your life, live in a manner pleasing to God. Sitsa and we, seeing the glorious deeds and manifold wisdom of God in the world and our life, let us move away from earthly vanities and unnecessary cares of life and lift our mind and heart to Heaven, singing to God: Allelua.

Ikos 8

You are all abiding in the highest, and you have not retreated from the lower ones, Most Merciful Queen of Heaven and earth; Even though, after Your Dormition, You ascended into Heaven with Your most pure flesh, yet You did not leave the sinful earth, who are a Participant of the Providence of Your Son for the Christian race. For this sake, we dutifully please You: Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Your most pure soul; Rejoice, who made all Heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body. Rejoice, Providence of Your Son for the generation of Christians, Holy Servant; Rejoice, zealous Representative for the whole world. Rejoice, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; Rejoice, always showing maternal love for us. Rejoice, O unenvious Giver of all gifts, spiritual and physical; Rejoice, blessings of the temporary Intercessor. Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, and filling their hearts with pure joy in the land. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the work of Your mercy, Lord, for You have granted such a strong and warm Intercessor and Helper to the Christian race, I am present to us invisibly, but I hear You singing: Allelua.

Ikos 9

The Vetians have many things to say, but they do not talk vainly about the enlightenment of God, as if worshiping a holy image is like worshiping an idol; They do not understand that the honor given to the holy image ascends to the Archetype. Not only do we know this well, but we also hear from faithful people about many miracles from the Face of the Mother of God, and we ourselves, who are in need of temporary and eternal life, accept the worship of Him, with joy we cry out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, for miracles are wrought from Thy sacred Face; Rejoice, for this wisdom and grace have been hidden from the wise and prudent of this age. Rejoice, for she was revealed as a child in faith; Rejoice, for you glorify those who glorify You. Rejoice, for you put to shame those who reject You before everyone; Rejoice, for you have delivered those who come to You from drowning, fire and sword, from deadly plagues and from all evil. Rejoice, for you mercifully heal all the illnesses of mankind, mental and physical; Rejoice, for through Your prayer you will soon satisfy the righteous wrath of God against us. Rejoice, for You are a quiet refuge from storms for those floating on the sea of ​​life; Rejoice, for at the end of our everyday voyage you will reliably lead us to the storm-proof country of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 10

Although you saved a certain lawless man from the error of his life’s path, You showed him a wondrous vision from Your most honorable icon, O Most Blessed One, yes, seeing the miracle, he will repent and, raised from the depths of sin by Your merciful providence, cry out to God: Alleluah.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins, O Virgin Mother of God, and to all who flow to Thee, for the Creator of heaven and earth, who dwelleth in Thy womb and was born of Thee, reveal Thee, the Ever-Virgin, the guardian of virginity, purity and chastity and the vessel of all virtue, and teach Thee to proclaim to all: Rejoice, pillar and fence of virginity; Rejoice, invisible Guardian of purity and chastity. Rejoice, kind Teacher of the virgins; Rejoice, good bride, Decorator and Supporter. Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages; Rejoice, speedy resolution for mothers giving birth. Rejoice, upbringing of infants and grace-filled protection; Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and the Spirit. Rejoice, consolation to mourning mothers; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 11

Bringing all-congratulating singing to You, the unworthy, we ask You, Virgin Mother of God: do not despise the voice of Your servants; For we run to You in adversity and sorrow, and before You in our troubles we shed tears, singing: Allelua.

Ikos 11

I give a light-giving candle, we dry in the darkness of sin and the vale of weeping, we see the Holy Virgin; the spiritual fire of His prayers, kindling instructions and consolation, leads everyone to the Unevening Light, the appeal of those who honor you with these: Rejoice, Ray from the Sun of Truth - Christ our God; Rejoice, enlightening bad conscience. Rejoice, secret and foreseen inconvenience, leading all the good and telling it as it should; Rejoice, you who disgrace false seers and vain fortune-telling. Rejoice, in the hour of perplexity you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, abiding ever in fasting, prayer and contemplation of God. Rejoice, you who encourage and admonish the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, everlasting consolation for God-fearing monks and nuns. Rejoice, unashamed Intercessor of sinners who repent before God; Rejoice, warm Intercessor of all Christians. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 12

Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away every enemy and adversary from us, pacify our lives, so that we may not perish violently, without repentance, but accept us into eternal shelter, Mother of God, so that we may rejoice in God, through You. to the one who saves us: Allilua.

Ikos 12

Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards lawless man, we all praise You, as a firm Intercessor for us sinners, and we worship You, who prays for us; We believe and trust that You have asked from Your Son and God good things that are temporal and eternal to all who cry out to You with love: Rejoice, all slander and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil are trampled underfoot; Rejoice, unforeseen reconciliation of bitterly warring people. Rejoice, unknown correction of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, speedy Comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sadness. Rejoice, you who provide us with the grace of humility and patience; Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions. Rejoice, thou who protectest the blood of the same blood from domestic strife and enmity through peace and love; Rejoice, thou who invisibly turns us away from disastrous undertakings and senseless wishes. Rejoice, in our good intentions you have been a companion to the Helper; Rejoice, at the hour of death for all of us, Helper. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, who contained the inconceivable God in her womb and gave birth to Joy to the whole world! Accept the present singing, turn all our sorrows into joy and deliver us from all misfortunes, and remove the future torments of those who cry out for You: Allelua.

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

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

O Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patron of this city and holy temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon, You did not despise him, but You gave him the unexpected joy of repentance and You bowed down Your Son to the many and zealous towards Him. intercession for the forgiveness of this sinner and lost one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and beg Thy Son and our God, and grant to all of us, who with faith and tenderness worship before Thy celibate image, unexpected joy for each need; a sinner mired in the depths of evil and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; to those who find themselves in troubles and embitterment - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; for those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to God the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in the mercy of the Judge. O Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your all-honorable Name and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession: in piety, purity and honest living, observe them in goodness until their death; create evil good things; guide the erring one on the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, to those who find invisible help and admonition sent down from Heaven, save and save from temptations, temptations and destruction, from all evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; float for those who swim, travel for those who travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; for those who do not have shelter and shelter, provide cover and refuge; Give clothing to the naked, intercession to the offended and unjustly persecuted; invisibly justify the slander, slander and blasphemy of those who suffer; slanderers and slanderers are clothed before everyone; To those who are bitterly at odds, grant unforeseen reconciliation and to all of us - love, peace, piety, and health with long life for each other. preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite them to each other and give quick permission to those who bear children, raise babies, be chaste in young people, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching, instruct the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect your blood brothers from domestic strife and enmity with peace and love; Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn away from all vice and defilement and teach everything that is good and pleasing to God, and bring those seduced into sin and impurity, having revealed the defilement of sin, from the abyss of destruction; Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be the rod of old age; Deliver us all from sudden death without repentance and grant us all a Christian death in our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, create with the Angels and all the saints the lives; those who have fallen into sudden death, beseech the merciful existence of Your Son and for all the departed who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Your Son, Be yourself a constant and warm Prayer Book and Intercessor: so that everyone in Heaven and on earth may lead You as a firm and unashamed Representative of the race Christian and, leading, glorify You and Your Son, with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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