- The appearance of the relic “The Inexhaustible Chalice”
- The symbolism of the image - what is encrypted in the image
- Icon “Inexhaustible Chalice”: what it helps with and where to hang it
Dependence on something is the scourge of the modern world. Many people suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, harmful gambling or overeating, making their loved ones unhappy. Of course, they try to fight it - but modern medicine is often unable to heal them. After all, such problems are caused not by physiological characteristics, but by psychological and even spiritual difficulties, loss of moral guidelines, and disappointment in eternal values. Therefore, it is necessary to seek help from those who heal souls, not bodies.
And it is precisely in such situations that the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon is needed. What helps, where to hang the image of grace, what is its history and theological significance - you will learn all this from our article.
The appearance of the relic “The Inexhaustible Chalice”
This shrine, like the prayer “Inexhaustible Chalice” against drunkenness, was given by the Virgin Mary to people not so long ago - in 1878. This is the legend associated with its appearance.
The chronicles say that in the Efremov district of the Tula province there lived one retired soldier, obsessed with the disease of drunkenness. His addiction reached such an extent that he sold all his property, becoming practically a beggar. Then the man’s legs became paralyzed, but he continued to drink alcohol.
But somehow in a dream an old man appeared before him, crowned with a shining halo. The righteous man ordered the soldier to go to a monastic monastery located in the city of Serpukhovo and order a prayer service there before the image of the “Inexhaustible Chalice.” At first the sinner did not listen to these words, mistaking them for a delusional vision. In addition, he did not have a penny and could not walk at all. But the dream returned again and again. The third time, the tone and words of the righteous man became so menacing that the man nevertheless set off on the road, and he had to cover the entire distance on all fours.
Days of celebration icons
Immediately after acquiring the original image, a celebration was established for him on December 10 (New Art). On this day, the icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” is celebrated, which is similar in writing to the “Inexhaustible Chalice”, but is more ancient in veneration.
In 1997, the day of celebration was set on May 18 - the day of remembrance of St. Varlaam Serpukhovsky, who miraculously reminded people of the existence of a forgotten image. The previous celebration has not been forgotten either - December 10, it is celebrated in the Vysotsky Monastery.
The symbolism of the image - what is encrypted in the image
It is not known for certain who and when the shrine was painted, because for the time being it was hidden from human eyes. But, looking at the photo of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon or a list poured out of natural amber, one can note that the master who created it belonged to the Byzantine school.
This relic is considered one of the oldest types of images of the Most Pure Virgin - “Oranta”, that is, the Blessing One. She shows the Heavenly Queen with her arms raised and outstretched to the sides - this pose symbolizes Her constant intercessory prayer for every person.
But the main feature of the icon is undoubtedly Jesus standing in the bowl. It personifies Holy Communion, given to Christians as a sign of atonement for original sin. The grace emanating from it never runs out, so the cup is truly “Inexhaustible” - just as there is no limit to the Lord’s mercy and patience. The Son of God became a sacrifice for the sake of people, so no one should reject Him, exchanging eternal salvation for fleeting pleasure from tobacco, alcohol or drugs - this is what the image reminds of.
Origin of the image
In Orthodoxy it is generally accepted that the composition “The Inexhaustible Chalice” comes from the Nicene image of the Mother of God “Thy belly was the Holy Meal.” According to legend, in 304, during the siege of the city of Nicaea, located in Asia Minor, by enemies, one of the soldiers named Constantine desecrated the face of the Virgin Mary. He did this in despair, blaming the heavenly powers for the defeat and lack of help.
Being overwhelmed with anger, the military man smashed the icon of the Mother of God with a stone and trampled it under his feet. After such a blasphemous act, the Most Pure Mother of God herself appeared to him in a dream and warned him of the upcoming punishment. Soon the wicked man died at the hands of the enemy, having been seriously hit in the head. Subsequently, regular services began to take place in front of the icon “Thy belly was the Holy Meal.”
Icon “Inexhaustible Chalice”: what it helps with and where to hang it
Many people in need resorted to this relic, and through prayer offered to it, various miracles were performed. Most often, relief from cravings for alcohol is observed, which is why, when listing what the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon helps with, they first of all remember the healing of drinking family members. But the shrine saves not only from this - it can heal addiction to any drugs, smoking, or gambling. The grace of the Mother of God strengthens faith and gives willpower, helps to resist sinful temptations, protects from evil and powerful devilish power that pushes a person to self-destruction and death.
There is also evidence that the image has repeatedly contributed to the solution of housing issues. Thus, it facilitates the conclusion of transactions for the purchase, sale or exchange of an apartment, allows you to timely identify a problem with documents and resolve problems with inheritance. Of course, your thoughts must be pure, and your actions must comply with legal and moral standards.
In addition, the akathist “The Inexhaustible Chalice” is read by parents who are sending their children into adulthood. It helps to avoid distortion of moral guidelines, protects against the dangers and unpleasant vicissitudes of independence, and guides on the righteous path.
As for the location of the icon in the house, for healing you need to place the image of the Mother of God at the head of the bed of a person suffering from alcoholism. And, of course, you must pray before the blessed icon every day, expressing your requests, hopes, wishes and sorrows. An image can become an inexhaustible source of spiritual joy, support and consolation - you just need to approach it sincerely and with faith. And the online store “Yantar Polesie” will help you purchase it - our craftsmen carefully and lovingly poured a unique relic from shining precious stones, making it truly alive and spiritual!
Texts in Russian
Special texts in Russian contain prayers that should be read in front of the icon. They are performed in temples or Orthodox churches where the icon is kept, as well as at home, in front of the iconostasis. Each of the texts is intended for specific Orthodox rituals. The prayers are suitable for reading independently at home.
Prayer
Troparion
Today, believers, let us turn to the divine and miraculous image of the Most Holy Theotokos, who fills the hearts of the faithful with Her mercy from the heavenly Unsweetened Chalice, which, seeing and hearing, we spiritually celebrate, fervently exclaiming: “Mistress of goodness, heal our illnesses and passions, asking Your Son Christ our God to save our souls."
Kontakion
Most Holy Theotokos, our holy and wondrous Deliverer, we give thanks and praise to You, merciful Intercessor, for the fact that thanks to Her appearance we were delivered from all our bodily and mental infirmities and sad circumstances. Lady of the Ineffable Chalice, deign to bow to our sorrows and the cries of our hearts, grant deliverance to those suffering from drunkenness, so that we cry out to You with faith: Rejoice, Lady of the Unsinkable Chalice, quench our spiritual thirst.
Greatness
It is worthy to worship You, Mother of God, most venerable of the Cherubim and most glorious of the Seraphim without comparison. Magnificat (to the image of the Mother of God): We honor You, Most Holy Virgin, Mother of Sorrows, and we honor Your holy image, which heals all who come with faith.
Akathist
Chosen of all generations, Mother of God and Queen of God, before Her Immaculate Image, called the immutable Wall, we offer You, Most Holy One, thanksgiving and praise. O You, who have incomprehensible power and ineffable love, save us from all troubles and sorrows, and we cry to You: Rejoice, Mother of God, Indestructible Wall, our Intercessor and Comforter. An angel of intercession was sent from God to you, most holy one, to tell you the good news of universal joy, since you have conceived by the Holy Spirit in your womb God the Word, the Savior of the world. Therefore, realizing this good news, we believe that the Lord, the most blessed of all, will make you an indestructible wall and will save us from all sins, troubles and misfortunes. Therefore, we honor You, Mother of God, and joyfully exclaim: “Rejoice, for the Lord is with You, and You are with us; Rejoice, for at Cana You interceded for the people with Your Son.” Rejoice, for You have covered the faithful with Your omophorion more than the clouds; Rejoice, for Thou hast wiped away the tears of the afflicted with Thy ribbon. Rejoice, for You have applied Your hands to protect us from all defilement; Rejoice, for Thou art blessed, now and ever and unto ages of ages, according to Thy word. Rejoice, Mother of God, Unbreakable Wall, our Intercessor and Comforter.
Canon
The angel calls to You, Most Pure Virgin, rejoice! What do we offer to You, good Mother of God the King, because in these last times You have revealed to us an unchanging treasure - Your miraculous icon for the sanctification and healing of our souls and bodies. Be our strengthener and intercessor in our troubles, Queen of heaven and earth, we place our hope in You, constantly praying for Your goodness. You have given spiritual wealth to Your servants, Life-giving, Immaculate and Most Pure Virgin, Your holy icon, the veneration of which we celebrate with ease, freed from all troubles and sad circumstances. O holy Mother of God, most holy and pure Mother of God, who in an indescribable way gave birth to the Creator of all things, always pray for the goodness of His Passion, so that He will save us, granting us forgiveness of sins. Enlighten our hearts with thoughts of piety, so that, saved by You, we may joyfully exclaim: Glory to Your power, glory and mercy, Lord, benefactor of all. We beg You, Mother of God, heal our souls, weakened by sin, revive our hearts with the dew of repentance and fervent prayer, strengthen true faith and unfeigned love in the hearts of Your servants, so that, recognized as worthy of ascetic deeds, we preserve pure faith, end our lives in peace, praising the Lord: We thank you for your patience, our Savior.
