Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a type of image of the Virgin Mary in Catholic iconography. The iconography of the image includes figures of angels carrying the instruments of the Passion of Christ. A similar iconographic type exists in the Orthodox Church, this is the Passionate Icon of the Mother of God. The Redemptorist congregation especially contributed to the spread of veneration of this image in the Catholic Church.
The iconographic type was developed by Italian and Greek masters in the 15th century. The most famous and revered copy of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is in Rome, in the Church of St. Alphonsus Liguori (English) on the Esquiline. This icon was brought to Rome in 1480 from Crete and was kept in the Roman Church of St. for about three centuries. Matthew, and since the beginning of the 19th century in the church of Santa Maria in Posterula.
In 1865, Pope Pius IX gave it to the Redemptorist Order and, according to legend, said: “Make sure that this icon is known throughout the world.” Thanks to the activities of the Redemptorists, the veneration of this icon has spread widely in the Catholic world; now there are several hundred churches and sanctuaries dedicated to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, including Catholic churches in the Russian cities of Orsk and Petrozavodsk consecrated in honor of the image. In the 1990s, the Roman image was carefully restored.
There are several small female monastic congregations dedicated to the image. On June 27, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of this icon.
In front of which icon of the Mother of God what do they pray for?
It is generally accepted that it does not matter which icon you pray in front of, as long as you do it with a pure heart and good intentions. We pray and venerate not a specific icon, but the one who is depicted on it.
However, there are known cases when the Mother of God herself appeared to the sick and suffering in a dream or in reality and told which icon to pray in front of in order to receive healing from an illness, and where to find this icon.
Many people received healing from prayer in front of the icons of the Mother of God.
All these miraculous healings were recorded and now we know what kind of healings specific icons of the Mother of God became famous for.
Also look at the icons of the Mother of God by celebration date; perhaps some icon of the Mother of God is celebrated on your birthday. Prayers and special veneration of “one’s own” icon of the Mother of God (coinciding with one’s birthday, or the next after it) are considered by many to be especially important.
Icon of the Mother of God “Gracious Heaven” - they pray for guidance on the path leading to salvation and inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven - the day of celebration is March 6 (19).
TODAY, February 18, is the celebration of one of my most favorite Images of the Mother of God, the MIRACLE ICON “SEEKING THE LORD” - the last refuge, the last hope of perishing people
No reliable information has been preserved about the origin of the image “Recovery of the Dead.” There are several miraculous icons known under this name, through which the Mother of God showed Her mercy to people who had already crossed the threshold of death. The miraculous icon of the Seek for the Lost is a divine image of mothers and fathers who pray for their children, that is, the shrine represents the face of the comforter of the sorrows of parents. How does the prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” help? What do they pray for before the icon:
About help in hopeless situations; If a person is in danger, with which he is left alone (drug addiction, alcoholism); About salvation during disasters; About healing from illnesses; About protection from the power of sin.
The last refuge and last hope for people who are on the verge of death (including on the verge of suicide). People who have turned away from the Lord and have lost all faith in anything good can also pray to the image. In wartime, a large number of people asked this Holy Face for the protection of their loved ones and relatives at the front. The divine image also performed miracles in the fight against various diseases. That is why every year a huge number of people call on the Saint for help in overcoming ailments. There is also evidence that if you ask the Virgin Mary for relief from headaches, epidemics, various eye diseases and other ailments, then the face can not only heal, but also give a blessing. Prayer to the icon of Recovering the Lost can traditionally help single girls find a successful marriage. As for married couples, they can ask the Mother of God for strong and happy marriage bonds. Also, young girls can pray for the preservation of their relationship with a young man and for them to gain patience and wisdom. The most famous lists of the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” are in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word on the Assumption Vrazhek (Moscow) https://vslov.ru/vzyiskanie-pogibshih.html and in the Church of the Laying of the Robe of the Lord in Moscow, in the Vysotsky Monastery (Serpukhov) and in St. Nicholas Cathedral (Serpukhov). In difficult moments of his life, F.I. prayed before the image. Tyutchev, Mother Matrona did not part with him...Matrona did not part with this Holy Face until her death. Now the image is kept next to the relics of the blessed one. M.Yu. Lermontov dedicated the poem “The Wanderer’s Prayer” (1837) to this icon: I, Mother of God, now with prayer Before Your image, with a bright radiance, Not for salvation, not before battle, Not with gratitude or repentance, Not for my soul I pray deserted, For the soul of a wanderer in the light of the rootless, - But I want to hand over the innocent maiden to the Warm Intercessor of the cold world. Surround a worthy soul with happiness, Give her companions full of attention, Bright youth, calm old age, Peace of hope for a kind heart. Will the time approach the farewell hour? Whether in a noisy morning, or in a silent night - You went to the sad bed of the Best Angel to receive a beautiful soul. Now this miraculous icon is in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word on the Assumption Vrazhek in Moscow. It dates from 1802. On one of the lists of the icon “Seeking the Lost” the following words are written: “Be of good cheer, I will seek and hear.” From morning to evening, worshipers flock to the miraculous icon, sometimes coming from afar. In front of the image of the Mother of God, they pray for the seriously ill and those mired in drunkenness and other vices, and also, according to the ancient Moscow custom, for a happy marriage and prosperity in family life. The numerous thanksgiving offerings from parishioners - rings, crosses, medallions, chains, with which the magnificent silver chasuble of the icon is richly decorated - testify to how many the Queen of Heaven sends help and intercession. ___________ PRAYERS before the icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”: 1. Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Seeking the Lost”: Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin, Lady Theotokos, Helper of sinners and Seek the Lost! Look with Your merciful eye on us, standing before Your holy icon and praying to You with tenderness: raise us from the depths of sin, enlighten our minds, darkened by passions, and heal the ulcers of our souls and bodies. We are not the imams of other help, not the imams of other hope, do You, the Lady, weigh all our weaknesses and sins? We resort to You and cry out: do not abandon us with Your heavenly help, but appear to us ever and with Your ineffable mercy and bounties, save and have mercy on us dying. Grant us correction of our sinful life and deliver us from sorrows, troubles and illnesses, from vain death, hell and eternal torment. You, Queen and Lady, are the quick Helper and Intercessor of all those who flow to You, and the strong Refuge of repentant sinners. Grant us, O Most Blessed and All-Immaculate Virgin, the Christian end of our life to be peaceful and unashamed, and grant us, through Your intercession, to dwell in the heavenly abodes, where the unceasing voice of those celebrating with joy glorifies the Most Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. 2. Second prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon “Seeking the Lost”: Zealous Intercessor, Compassionate Mother of the Lord, I come running to You, the accursed and most sinful of all people; Hear the voice of my prayer, hear my cry and groaning. For my iniquity has exceeded my head, and I, like a ship in the depths, am plunging into the sea of my sins. But You, All-Good and Merciful Lady, do not despise me, desperate and perishing in sins; have mercy on me, who repent of my evil deeds, and turn my lost, cursed soul to the right path. On You, my Lady, Mother of God, I place all my hope. You, Mother of God, preserve and keep me under Your roof, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. 3. Third prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon “Seeking the Lost”: Oh, Most Holy Lady and Mother of God, Supreme Cherub and Most Honest Seraphim, God’s Chosen Maiden, Seek the Lost and Joy to all who mourn! Give consolation to us, who are in perdition and sorrow; Have you no other refuge and help than the imams? You alone are our Intercessor of joy, and as the Mother of God and the Mother of Mercy, standing at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, you can help us, for no one who comes to You leaves in shame. Hear us now, on the day of death and sorrow, falling before Your icon and praying to You with tears: take away from us the sorrows and troubles that are upon us in this temporary life, so that You will not be deprived to them by omnipotent intercession and eternal endless joy in the Kingdom of the Son and God ours. Amen. Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon “Seeking the Lost”, tone 7: “Rejoice, O Blessed Virgin Mary, / who bore the Eternal Child and God in Her arms. / Ask Him to give peace to the world / and to our souls We give salvation./ For You are the Son, O Mother of God, prophesies, / that all Your requests will be fulfilled for good. / For this reason, we also fall down and pray / and those who trust in You, that we may not perish, / We call Your name: / For You art the Lady, // Seek dead. Translation: Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, who bore the Eternal Child and God in Her arms. Ask Him to give peace to the world and salvation to our souls. For your Son, Mother of God, says that everything you have asked for will be fulfilled for good. Therefore, we pray on our knees, hoping in You, that we may not perish, calling on Your name, for You are the Lady, the Seeker of the lost.”
Most Holy Mother of God, save us! Prayer:
Film “Icon of the Mother of God “Recovery of the Lost”:
The Mother of God will help everyone. An icon that brings faith and hope to our hearts
Very often in childhood, we could hear from old people that in case of any problem or illness, we should always turn to the Mother of God with a petition. Many people have only general concepts about the Great Intercessor of all humanity, but has anyone ever wondered what kind of person this woman was, how she lived and what she looked like? As we can see, the Mother of God, whose icon almost everyone has, is quite pretty, and her gaze can reach to the very depths of the soul.
Meek woman
It is enough to pay just a little attention to searching for interesting information, and you will forever remain fascinated by this great image. After all, Mary was born ordinary people - just like all of us. But what could influence the holiness of this girl-woman so that she could become the chosen one among all past and future generations of humanity?
Most likely, this will remain known only to God, but we have received great memory and help in any situation, even the saddest. It is not for nothing that the Mother of God loves us. The icon was given to us for closer communication with her and to receive an answer. You just have to believe - and miracles will certainly come into your life.
Earthly helper
The Virgin Mary loves all humanity so much and worries about us that she stayed with us on Earth and helps everyone in need with her love in every possible way. The help of the Mother of God herself, believe me, is a great miracle that can radically change your life for the better.
The world was given multiple faces of Holy Mother, who always hears our prayers and asks for us before God, even for the most unworthy sinner. The Mother of God helps everyone. The icon represents a kind of window into another world, where you will be heard and always helped.
The main thing is not to forget about this, and Mother will guide you throughout your life. Her angels are always present next to you and help in any life situations. Not only is she with us on Earth, but she has also brought a whole army of her angels to help all those in need.
Image of the Virgin Mary
No wonder she is the queen of angels - Cherubim and Seraphim. And of course, everyone knows the angelic song praising the Great Intercessor: “O Virgin Mary, rejoice...” With this song, contact with great power begins. The Mother of God (the icon with her image is a kind of symbolic window or entrance to the world of love and miracles) is always ready to listen and help.
There are a lot of icons dedicated to the Mother of God herself and her earthly life all over the world. But the very first one was written by the Apostle Luke. He was famous for his talent for painting. The first image, according to legend, was written on a board that served as a dining table for the Holy Family. The Mother of God herself blessed her image and ordered to pray to it for quick help.
One of these icons is “Vladimirskaya”. Although the original image has not survived, multiple copies of it are also filled with the miraculous power of love and goodness. The Day of the Icon of the Mother of God of Kazan falls on November 4.
Have you ever wondered what Mary looked like during her lifetime? Icons adhere to a certain style that was long ago accepted in icon painting. Sometimes the image may change, but there are no significant differences. From the icon of the Mother of God, a photo can easily convey that very ray of love and tranquility that every person so needs. Even if you don’t have images, look at the images, this will be enough to establish contact with our great Intercessor. According to the surviving descriptions of Christ’s contemporaries, the appearance of the Mother of God is indeed similar to the images on the icons.
Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation” or “Consolation” (Paramithia), Vatopedi
Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation” or “Consolation” (Paramithia), Vatopedi (January 21 / February 3, 807)
Tradition. 1 version
In the waters near Mount Athos in 395, during a strong storm, Prince Arkady, the son of Emperor Theodosius the Great, fell from a ship into the sea and was swallowed up by the waves. Tired of searching, the prince's companions accidentally approached one of the bushes and saw Arkady calmly sleeping. Waking up, he told how he was miraculously delivered from death through the intercession of the Mother of God. This is the first benefit shown by the Mother of God to the human race on this site of Mount Athos.
In memory of this event, a monastery was founded here, called Vatopedi , that is, “ the bush of the youth .”
In January 807, a certain Algerian pirate named Vardukhan, who settled on the island of Milos, raided and devastated the islands of the Aegean Sea, the coast of Thrace and Asia Minor with fifteen pirate ships. That month he decided to attack the Holy Mountain. He prepared ten ships, took two hundred pirates with him and went to the Vatopedi monastery. At dawn on January 21, the robbers moored in the monastery bay, lined up in battle formation and, hiding, began to wait for the morning opening of the monastery gates.
The monks, having finished Matins, went to their cells for a short rest. There was only one abbot left in the church, who continued to pray. Suddenly the elder heard a voice coming from the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos: “Do not open the gate today.” Climb the walls and drive away the pirates. Surprised by what he heard, the elder turned and looked at the icon of the Mother of God and it turned out that the faces of the Mother of God and the Divine Child miraculously came to life. Little Jesus extended his hand, covering the mouth of His Most Holy Mother with it, and turning His face to Her, said: “No, Mom, don’t say that!” Leave them alone, let them be punished as they deserve!
However, the Mother of God took the hand of the Divine Infant, turned her face a little to the right and said again: “Do not open the monastery gates today!”
The shocked abbot called the brethren and told the monks about everything he had seen and heard. They became convinced with fear that the sacred faces on the icon of the Mother of God had changed their position and expression. After this, thanking the Most Holy Theotokos for Her saving Providence, the monks climbed the walls.
Meanwhile, pirates with ladders and axes were already preparing to storm the monastery. The abbot, standing on the loophole, first allowed them to approach, and then, raising the Honorable Cross, gave the signal to repel the attack. Overnight, ten pirates fell dead, many were wounded, and the rest ran to their ships and sailed away.
The touched monks went down to the temple and once again thanked the Mother of God with all their hearts. Since then, the icon, which is still preserved in the Vatopedi monastery, began to be called “Paramithia” (i.e. “Consolation”, “Consolation”) and still remains modified as a reminder of that amazing incident.
In memory of the miraculous deliverance of the monastery from plunder, an unquenchable lamp was lit in front of the “Otrada” icon and a large candle was lit. In the chapel where the icon is located, tonsure of all those entering the brethren of the monastery has long been performed and a prayer service to the Mother of God is sung daily. In the altar of the cathedral church they placed an image of the Most Holy Theotokos and gave the icon the name “Consolation”, over the years another word was added - “Consolation”.
This happened after the miraculous image saved the Vatopedi monastery from robbers and plunder; such an attack actually took place in 807.
Tradition. 2nd version: Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation”
Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation”
All this was presented to us for worship after Matins. The obliging Father Filaret has served us a lot, and we are grateful to him, he is so modest and friendly. The Liturgy took place in the paraclis of the Mother of God “Consolation” or “Consolation”. The miraculous icon of “Otrada” is located here at the right choir, in a wall niche.
The face of the Mother of God expresses compassionate love and a feeling of pleasure: Her gaze breathes meekness and mercy; a quiet smile of greeting and consolation rests on the lips. The face of the infant God is not like that: it is menacing, the movement of anger is noticeable in all features; the gaze is full of severity and inexorable judgment.
This is what they say about this icon.
God knows when and at what exact time a gang of robbers approached the Holy Mount Athos with the intention of breaking in at dawn, as soon as the porta (door) of one of the best monasteries, namely Vatopedi, to beat up the monks and plunder the monastic wealth.
The robbers, having come ashore in the evening, disappeared until the morning in the bushes adjacent to the monastery. But the Overseer of the entire Holy Mountain, the Most Holy Virgin Mary, did not allow the barbaric plan of the atheists to take place. The next day, after Matins had departed, when all the brethren had gone to their cells for a temporary rest, the abbot of that monastery, remaining in the church, began to carry out his morning rule; only suddenly he hears a voice from the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos:
“Do not open the monastery today, but climb the monastery walls and unmarry the robbers.”
The embarrassed abbot fixed his eyes on the icon of the Mother of God, from which this voice was heard, and a terrible miracle was revealed to him. He sees that the face of the Mother of God has become animated, as well as the Baby Jesus held by Her.
The Eternal Child, stretching out His right hand and covering with it the lips of His Divine Mother, turned His face to Her and said:
- No, My Mother, don’t tell them this: let them be punished...
The icon “Consolation and Consolation” is very revered in Russia ; there are many copies in churches throughout Russia.
Hieroschim. Sergiy Vesnin. Letters from the Saint. Icon of the Mother of God “Consolation” or “Consolation”
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called “Consolation”, or “Consolation”
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Victorious Voivode, as having been delivered from the evil, let us write thanks to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power from all our troubles and sorrows of freedom, let us call to Thy: Rejoice, our Joy, giving joy and consolation to the faithful.
Ikos 1
Many angels and all the heavenly hosts praise You, Mother of all, Theotokos, as You exude joy and consolation to the hearts of people in sorrow. In the same way, we are burdened with sorrows, having received the hope of salvation in You, we tenderly cry out: Rejoice, maternal goodwill towards us sinners; Rejoice, those who resort to You for strong intercession. Rejoice, Divine Giver of goodness; Rejoice, intercession of the Christian race. Rejoice, for all the tribes of the earth confess to You the Matter of God; Rejoice, for through Your prayers our sorrows are calmed. Rejoice, through Your intercession our good petitions are fulfilled; Rejoice, you who show us grace and mercy through Your icons. Rejoice, saving the world from the flood of sin; Rejoice, for those who pray to You are preserved from all evil. Rejoice, for Your honest icons are glorified by miracles; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the multitude of miracles pouring out from Your honest icons, as You are those who pray to the Good Helper, those who are offended by the Intercessor, those who do not hope for Hope, those who mourn, Joy and Consolation, those who are sick, healing, those who labor for help, we cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Give us reason, O all-zealous Representative of ours, in the fierce sorrows that come upon us, run to You, seeking consolation. You, who are Good, do not leave us in all the help we need, but having received such, we joyfully cry out to You: Rejoice, you who are overwhelmed by a quiet refuge; Rejoice, well-known statement to those who doubt. Rejoice, quick Helper in sorrows and misfortunes; Rejoice, warm Intercessor in all circumstances. Rejoice, beseeching our sorrows with Your consolation; Rejoice, you who cleanse our sins through sorrows. Rejoice, you who give us consolation in our sufferings; Rejoice, who delivers those who pray to You from sudden death without repentance. Rejoice, protecting us from enemies visible and invisible; Rejoice, you who save people from the attacks of evil. Rejoice, you who help those who come to You in all their needs; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 3
Strengthen us with the power from above, O Good Lady, to Thy intercession of those who come with faith and grant Thy visitation and providence, driving away the darkness of despondency and sorrows that have enveloped us, so that we may be saved by You and cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having an ineffable wealth of mercy, you extend a helping hand to everyone who asks, healing ailments, quenching sorrows, quenching passions. Do not despise us, Good Lady, in our sorrows and sorrows flowing to You and crying out: Rejoice, One Mother of all, showing mercy to us; Rejoice, thou who openest Thy treasury of mercy to all. Rejoice, quenching sorrow for parents who grieve for their lost children; Rejoice, strengthener of widows. Rejoice, you who provide goodness for the orphans; Rejoice, comfort to all who mourn. Rejoice, there is only one Hope for those who despair; Rejoice, O intercessor and reinforcement for those who are exhausted from despondency. Rejoice, safe visitation to those who are sick in body and soul; Rejoice, for those possessed by the wisdom were healed by various ailments. Rejoice, for through You, according to the measure of faith, perfect healing is given to the infirm; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 4
The storm of many troubles and misfortunes contains us and we endure their unrest in the world. You, as the Merciful Mother of our Savior, lift up your hand to Your Son, so that He may look upon the fierceness of our hearts and snatch us from the abyss of despair, crying out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing, O Most Holy Virgin and Mother, how you have shown and shown many mercy to the Christian race, do not leave us in the days of sorrow and misfortune and grant us deliverance from these, we pray to You: protect and protect us all from all troubles and sorrow, so that in peace we sing to You : Rejoice, our Intercessor, who by Your all-powerful intercession delivers us from all need; Rejoice, you who bring earnest prayer to the Lord for us. Rejoice, quenching the righteous wrath of God by Your intercession; Rejoice, you who incline us to His mercy. Rejoice, through Your help you do not abandon those who trust in You; Rejoice, strengthener of those who struggle well. Rejoice, thou who instruct us in what is good and beneficial to our souls; Rejoice, guiding souls burdened with everyday cares to spiritual care. Rejoice, good reward for all the faithful; Rejoice, for those who live in oblivion of duty and honor receive just punishment. Rejoice, in captivity, in the bonds of existence there is reinforcement and return; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 5
The God-blessed ranks of angels glorify You as the Mother of all and the Mother of God. We, our Intercessor, offer worship and tender favor and, trusting in Your mercy, we humbly pray to You: be merciful to us, Lady, and deliver us from troubles and sorrows, so that we may always glorify Your mercy calling to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the heavenly powers as the wrath of God is quenched by Your prayer, they glorify and magnify Your mercy. We sinners on earth, seeing You, the depicted Most Pure Mother of God, tenderly cry out: Rejoice, Mother of the Christian race, showing mercy to us; Rejoice, you who constantly pray for Christians at the Throne of Your Son. Rejoice, you who cover our sins with your love; Rejoice, interceding for us by Your mercy. Rejoice, you who exude a source of joy and consolation to everyone; Rejoice, you who protect us from civil strife and strife. Rejoice, quenching enmity and hatred with peace and love; Rejoice, touching sorrow and confusion of our hearts. Rejoice, you who admonish those possessed by anger; Rejoice, joy and consolation in peace with all who live. Rejoice, you who teach us to despise the vain charms of this world; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 6
All people of Orthodoxy preach Your mercies and miracles, O Mother of God, for with Your honest protection You protect the entire Christian race. With the same cry to Ti: through Your prayers, deliver us all from troubles and misfortunes, so that we may all sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Radiant grace has risen from Thy wonderful icons, Mother of God, before them we bow down and pray to Thee: drive away the cloud of temptations that have come upon us, and cry out to Thy: Rejoice, glorifying Thy honest icons with miracles; Rejoice, you who fulfill their petitions with faith in front of these icons. Rejoice, intervening in these troubles; Rejoice, you who give salvation to those who trust in You. Rejoice, Representative before God, praying for us all; Rejoice, Intercessor of the Christian race, given to us by God. Rejoice, for You are the first adornment of our churches; Rejoice, blessing of Christian homes. Rejoice, Protection and Intercession of Orthodox people; Rejoice, purification of the whole world. Rejoice, you who bestow all benefits on those who ask You; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to show His mercy, the Abyss commanded, the Most Pure One, the abbot of the monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, not to open the gates of their monastery, so that through Your intercession, according to the judgment of God, they would escape the impending attack of the enemy and thus be delivered by Your mercy from the troubles and misfortunes of all the foreigners, hastening to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
O Mother of God, You showed a wondrous miracle to the monks of salvation; You spoke from Your holy icon, but You also changed the image of the face of Your Most Pure Son on the icon. For this reason, having seen this great and glorious miracle, all people cried out to Ti: Rejoice, you have deigned to show your holy icons on earth for the salvation of everyone; Rejoice, you who show us your merciful intercession with your icons. Rejoice, through holy images Your miracles still flow forth; Rejoice, you who satisfy our sorrows and sorrows with them. Rejoice, for by looking at Your icon we worship You Yourself; Rejoice, through Your merciful intercession we are saved from sins. Rejoice, having sanctified our city with Your holy icons; Rejoice, you who have gladdened the hearts of believers. Rejoice, you who saved the cities and towns of Russia from destruction with your miraculous icons; Rejoice, you who delivered our country from enslavement. Rejoice, you who bring joy to those who pray before Your venerable icon with consolation and joy; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 8
We are all strangers and strangers on earth, according to the Apostle’s verb: troubles from enemies, sorrows from loved ones, sorrows from false brethren, and relatives enduring in many hardships. But You, Lady, as the Merciful Comforter, guide us to a quiet refuge and pray to Your Son to grant us consolation and joy, and always cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Our entire life on earth is painful and involves sorrow: glory is not worth it, wealth flows by, friends and sincere ones are taken away by death, the body is weak, and our spirit is exhausted. We therefore resort to You, O Mother of God, falling before Your Most Pure Icon, fill our sorrowful heart with joy and consolation, so that we cry out to You: Rejoice, covering all those who come running to You with Your mercy; Rejoice, Merciful One, who has mercy on us too. Rejoice, Housebuilder, who organizes our life well; Rejoice, you who satisfy our sorrows with joy and consolation. Rejoice, reigning forever with Your Son and God; Rejoice, you who always bring prayers to Him for us. Rejoice, softening the hardness of our hearts; Rejoice, you who cheer the despairing with hope. Rejoice, through Your intercession you avert those who are hostile to us; Rejoice, you who save us from the snares of the spirit of evil. Rejoice, you who give strength and courage to believers against the devil; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 9
Every angelic nature sees Thee, Mother of God, at the Throne of Thy Son, standing and praying for all Christians, praising Thee, as through Thy powerful intercession of sinners, who have rescued those who come running to You from troubles, quenching our sorrows with joy and praying for all those who call by faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Human creativity will not be able to adequately praise You, Most Holy Theotokos, and glorify Your countless miracles, with which You enlighten us. We, knowing Your good deeds, with our souls rejoicing in You, say: Rejoice, protecting us from misfortunes by Your intercession; Rejoice, you who free us from all troubles through Your intercession. Rejoice, freeing us from the impending righteous rebuke of God by Your tenderness; Rejoice, you who save us from the invasion of the enemy. Rejoice, thou who protectest peaceably from domestic enmity and warfare of half-blooded ones; Rejoice, you who heal those who come running to You with undoubted faith from deadly plagues. Rejoice, propitiating justice of God; Rejoice, O protector of our Orthodox countries. Rejoice, Good Intercessor of all believers; Rejoice, help and strength to all who labor. Rejoice, warm Representative for all of us; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 10
Save the human race from eternal torment and the charms of the enemy, the Lover of Mankind, the Lord has given You, Your Mother, joy and consolation to the earthly, so that you may be the offended Intercessor, the despairing Hope, the grieving joy, the sad consolation, and all those in need and adversity who come running to You, saving those who cry out faithfully: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
You are the wall and intercession of all who flow to You with faith and love, Most Pure Lady, with the same we pray to You: intercede and cover and protect all orphans and helpless us from temptations, embitterment and troubles to those who cry out with love: Rejoice, Mother of God, who has loved us with maternal love ; Rejoice, for Your maternal prayer can do much, propitiating the Lord. Rejoice, O Merciful One, who opens the doors of God’s mercy to us; Rejoice, you who stir us up to works of mercy. Rejoice, you who teach us to fulfill the Holy Commandments; Rejoice, you who teach us to love your neighbor. Rejoice, calling sinners to repentance; Rejoice, thou who findest upon us the cloud of sorrows and scattered sorrows. Rejoice, fading flame of our passions; Rejoice, you who drive out the darkness of temptations. Rejoice, who through Your petition to God gives us all that is useful; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 11
We offer all-contrite singing to Thy servants, Mother of God, as the all-powerful Intercessor of the Christian race: for we resort to Thee in adversity and sorrow, and before Thee in our troubles we shed tears, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Your holy icons shine radiantly, revealed for our sanctification and consolation. We, with love, honor them with faith and fall before them and cry out to Ti: Rejoice, Mother of the True God, enlightening pious souls; Rejoice, our Comforter, pacifying the burdened hearts. Rejoice, you extend a helping hand to all who call upon You; Rejoice, who constantly helps us by naming and honoring the Mother of God. Rejoice, you who give the shameless end of life to those who trust in Thee and live in faith; Rejoice, you who strengthen us in sudden troubles. Rejoice, protector from violence and sudden death; Rejoice, protector from thieves. Rejoice, you who eradicate envy and unbrotherly love in our hearts; Rejoice, protector from slander, slander and reproach. Rejoice, you who admonish those who depart from the faith and the church and return them to the right path; Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son, O Most Pure Mother of God, and extend a helping hand, cover us with the shelter of Your wing, deliver us from surrounding misfortunes and misfortunes, drive away from us every enemy and adversary, pacify our lives, Lady, and help the needy in sorrow, Let us be saved by You and sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your mercies and miracles, Mother of God, we all praise You, as our steadfast Representative, we believe and hope, as You have asked, Good, temporary and eternal to all who sing of Thee: Rejoice, our unshameful Hope in our lives and in our imagination; Rejoice, you who give the end of life to those who trust in Thee in the world. Rejoice, you who bless all sincere believers; Rejoice, admonisher of those of little faith and superstition. Rejoice, you who punish those who do not venerate the icons of Your saints; Rejoice, you who help those who worship Your icons and You to help those who call upon You. Rejoice, thou who humbleth the pride of the minds of those who are possessed and depart from the holy Church; Rejoice, thou who are seduced by the blessings of this world and who have special care for them, illuminating them with the light of the true blessings. Rejoice, good and pure life of the Mentor in your youth; Rejoice, O Guardian in old age from petrification of the heart. Rejoice, our Joy, who gives joy and consolation to the faithful.
Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing and All-Merciful Mother, Most Pure Lady Theotokos! Hear the voice of Your praying servants and accept this little prayer of ours, deliver us from all troubles, sorrows and misfortunes: give us a helping hand in life, kindle our enemies, heal our ailments, drive away all malice and enmity from us, in the sorrows of life, joy and Grant comfort and remove the future torment of those who cry out for You: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called “Consolation” or “Consolation”
First prayer
Hope to all the ends of the earth, the Most Pure Virgin Mary, our Consolation and Joy! Do not disdain us sinners, for we trust in Your mercy. Quench the flame of sin and water our withered hearts with repentance. Cleanse our minds from sinful thoughts. Accept prayers offered to You from your soul and heart with sighing. Be an intercessor for us to Your Son and God and turn His anger away from us with Mother’s prayers. Strengthen the Orthodox faith in us, put in us the spirit of the fear of God, the spirit of humility, patience and love. Heal mental and physical ulcers, calm the storm of evil enemy attacks. Take away the burden of our sins and do not leave us to perish until the end. Grant us Thy mercy and Thy holy blessing to all those present and praying here, and always remain with us, giving those who come to You joy and consolation, help and intercession, may we all glorify and magnify You until our last sigh. Amen.
Second prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord, Queen of Heaven and Earth! Hear the much-painful sighing of our soul, look down from Thy holy height upon us, who with faith and love worship Thy Most Pure Image. We are immersed in sins and overwhelmed by sorrows, looking at Your image, as if You were alive and living with us, we offer our humble prayers. Imams have no other help, no other intercession, no consolation except You, O Mother of all who mourn and are burdened! Help us the weak, satisfy our sorrow, guide us who are erring on the right path, heal and save the hopeless, grant us the rest of our lives to spend in peace and silence, grant us a Christian death, and at the terrible judgment of Your Son, appear to us the Merciful Intercessor, may we always sing , we magnify and glorify Thee, as the good Intercessor of the Christian race, with all those who have pleased God. Amen.
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