The iconography of the Blessed Virgin is striking in its diversity. And this despite the existence of fairly strict canons, without compliance with which the image of the Mother of God will be considered just a painting, albeit on a theological theme!
The Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is perhaps the most lively and reverent reflection of the Virgin Mary and Child. At one glance at her, you feel the depth of maternal and filial love, because despite the Divine essence, Jesus was once a baby and needed his mother’s affection.
One name - different icons
On the territory of Rus', the “Tenderness” icon in different versions has become widespread since the 11th century. The name “Tenderness” has historically been applied to different iconographic variants of images of the Mother of God. Initially it was applied only to icons with the type “Eleousa” (translation from the Greek “Merciful”). The Most Holy Theotokos was depicted from the waist up, holding the Baby Jesus in her arms and tenderly bending towards Him. However, there is a completely different scripture of the image with the same name. It depicts the Blessed Virgin alone, with her arms crossed on her chest.
Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness” (Seraphim-Diveevskaya)
To the question of what the icon of “Tenderness” of the Most Holy Theotokos means, one can answer with confidence: a tender, warm feeling of the boundless love of the Mother of God for Her Son, humility before God.
The history of the acquisition of the icon, its types and description
The vast majority of Tenderness icons belong to the canonical iconographic type of Eleus (“merciful”). In the Greek tradition, this type is more often called Glykofilusa (“sweetly loving” or “sweetly kissing”).
Some researchers consider Eleusa to be a subspecies of another iconographic type of the Virgin Mary, Hodegetria. However, the Tenderness icon looks somewhat different and awakens different feelings in believers.
The Evangelist Luke himself is considered the discoverer of the Hodegetria type. He personally knew Mary and painted her face virtually from life. So the first images of this type appeared already two thousand years ago, at the dawn of our era!
Scientists believe that Eleusa separated from Hodegetria around the 9th-10th centuries. In any case, the first image of the Eleus type that has come down to us is a rock fresco in the Tokali Kilis temple (now in Turkey).
Images like Eleus - rock frescoes in the temple
In the 11th century, the Mother of God was increasingly painted in the type of Eleusa. Around the same time, the first Tenderness icons appeared in Rus' and gradually became the most beloved among icon painters. In fact, the appearance of Eleusa coincided with the birth of Russian Orthodoxy.
Pskov-Pechersk Icon “Tenderness”
The Holy Dormition Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery houses the especially revered icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (painted in 1521 in Moscow). This image is a copy (copy) of the Vladimir icon. In the mid-16th century, during the reign of St. Cornelius, the merchants Vasily and Theodore (their last names have not been preserved) donated it to the monastery.
The story of the miraculous salvation of the city of Pskov is connected with the icon of the Mother of God. In 1581, the city of Pskov was besieged by the troops of the Polish king Stefan Batory. During one of the assaults, a red-hot cannonball hit the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness,” which was placed on one of the protective walls of the city. However, the cannonball, hitting the icon, did not harm either the image or the people who were nearby. Over the course of five months, the enemy tried to storm the city 30 times. However, as a result, the attacking troops were defeated. In memory of the miraculous salvation of the city of Pskov, the icon of the Mother of God was decorated with pearls and precious stones.
In October 1812, a threat again loomed over the city of Pskov. Napoleonic troops occupied the city of Polotsk (less than 300 kilometers from Pskov). After a religious procession with a miraculous image, Russian troops liberated the city of Polotsk from the enemy.
Subsequently, the “Tenderness” icon was moved to the newly built St. Michael’s Cathedral in the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery.
The day of remembrance of this miraculous image is October 20, according to the new style.
By the providence of God in 1920, according to the Tartu Treaty, the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery ended up on the territory of Estonia (until 1940). This made it possible to save the monastery from destruction by the Soviet regime.
Today, the Pskov-Pechersk Icon “Tenderness” is located in St. Michael’s Cathedral of the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery.
Smolensk Icon “Tenderness”
Another version of the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness,” as legend says, was once brought from Georgia. By whom and when remains unknown. Iconographically, the image differs from the main type of writing. The Most Holy Theotokos holds her hands on her chest, looking tenderly at the infant Christ, who lies on her lap and in his right hand holds a symbol of power - an orb.
In 1103, the Tenderness icon was found in a well (the historical details of the miracle have not been preserved).
This image became widely known at the beginning of the 17th century. For a year and a half, the Russians defended Smolensk from Polish troops. The icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was among the Russian troops and a prayer service was regularly served in front of it. After 1917, the image was lost.
A list (copy) of the miraculous image is now kept in Smolensk in the Spaso-Trench Church on the site of earthworks built to defend the city in the early 17th century.
Remembrance Day of the Smolensk Icon “Tenderness” is April 1 according to the new style.
Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Tenderness”
The Seraphim-Diveyevo image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness” is iconographically different from the icons of the same name. It shows the obvious influence of Western painting style. The icon depicts the moment when Archangel Gabriel communicated the good news to the Blessed Virgin Mary about the birth of the Son of God. Her arms are crossed on her chest, and her gaze is lowered - as a sign of submission to the will of the Lord. The face is full of humility, love and tenderness - tenderness (which is reflected in the name of the image). Above the head of the Most Holy Theotokos are written the words from the akathist (praise-praise chant): “Rejoice, Unbrideless Bride!”
This icon was the cell image of St. Seraphim of Sarov throughout his entire monastic life. The monk anointed the believers who came to him with oil from the unquenchable lamp, after which they received healing from their ailments. The Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God was presumably painted at the end of the 18th century; there is no information about the icon painter.
According to the will of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the “Tenderness” icon was transferred to the Diveyevo convent (1833). In 1902, Russian Emperor Nicholas II donated a gold frame and a silver lamp for the icon. The writing of exact lists (copies) dates back to this time.
In 1927, the Diveyevo Monastery was closed. Abbess Alexandra gave the miraculous icon to pious people in the city of Murom for safekeeping. This image was given to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II in 1991. Now the icon is in the Vladimir Church (Moscow Patriarchal Residence). On the fifth Saturday of Great Lent, when the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated, the Diveyevo Icon is brought out for veneration by believers.
Her revered list is kept in the Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery (Nizhny Novgorod region). The days of remembrance of this image fall on August 1, 10, December 22 according to the new style.
Miracles from the Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”
In 1999, a resident of the village of Lokot, Bryansk region, Natalya, on the cover of an old calendar, was struck by the image of the Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”. The news of this miracle quickly spread, and the sick began to turn to the Most Holy Theotokos for help.
A resident of Bryansk, who was preparing for surgery with an oncological diagnosis, after reading the akathist and anointing flowing from the icon of peace, a tumor was not found on a repeat ultrasound. At the insistence of the doctor, she nevertheless agreed to surgery. As a result, only a small ulcer was found at the site of the suspected tumor.
In 2022, a resident of the city of Samara received healing from diseases of the stomach and pancreas. This happened after she began to pray before the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” and add oil drop by drop from a lamp from the village of Lokot to her food. You must remember that you can’t always take wonderful oil, but you can always pray and the Lord will give His help)
How does an image help?
The image of the Most Holy Theotokos, All-Good and All-Merciful, listens to all those who pray. She tirelessly helps women and men, babies and old people, rich and poor. There were cases when even non-believers prayed to the icon and received what they asked for.
They pray to the icon for:
- healing and maintaining health,
- deliverance from sinful thoughts and addictions,
- sending down healthy offspring,
- guiding children on the right path,
- gaining material well-being,
- help in finding a job,
- bestowing happiness in marriage,
- reconciliation with loved ones,
- protection from enemies and misfortunes,
- consolation in sorrows,
- strengthening faith.
The most powerful prayers are not for yourself, but for other people. It is believed that Eleusa most favors women who pray for the birth, health and well-being of children, because she is the standard of maternal love.
Prayer
Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ the King and Mother of our God, source of tenderness and mercy, giver of soul-saving gifts and gracious consoler of grieving souls!
We fall to You with love and before Your holy icon we pray: pray, Lady, Your beloved Son Christ our God to have mercy and save us who are perishing in sins, breathe into our souls sincere repentance and God-pleasing tenderness. With cleansing tears, wash us from the filth of sin and reveal the servants of Christ pure and blameless. Mercifully, O Lady, grant us all that is beneficial to our temporary and eternal life. Peace the world, kindly preserve this holy monastery, send down serenity and abundance of earthly fruits upon us, and at the end of our lives do not deprive us of Your Motherly intercession and help, so that through Your intercession we will safely pass through the ordeals of the air and be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
To her, the all-merciful Queen, all the joys of joy and the consolation of the whole Christian world, help us now and then, when we most especially require Your holy help, and save us with Your Motherly prayers to Christ God, to Whom, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, all glory, honor and worship are due now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of Her icon, called “Tenderness” (Seraphim-Diveevskaya)
Kontakion 1
Chosen from all generations to the Intercessor of the universe, having received the laudatory voice of Your servants, O All-Blessed One, deliver us from all troubles, so that before Your icon we too sing the Archangel’s greetings with our zealous souls: Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Ikos 1
The Archangel of God Gabriel, the chief leader of the heavenly powers, appeared to You, the Young Lady, revealing the eternal advice and saying “Rejoice”: “You will be the Mother, the Lady.” The following is true, we dare to all unhypocritically sing this joyful voice to You, praying for us: Rejoice, womb that gave birth to Life for all; Rejoice, salvation of the sinful world. Rejoice, Your Son has risen from the grave; Rejoice, deliverance of Eve's tears. Rejoice, thou who hast trampled the ancient serpent; Rejoice, you who have torn apart the bonds of sin. Rejoice, unspeakable joy to wives; Rejoice, door of God's mercy. Rejoice, unceasing song of angels; Rejoice, chosen Daughter of God. Rejoice, all creatures awaiting; Rejoice, hope for all sinners. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 2
Seeing your image of this Tenderness, flowing healing currents to everyone, we flow warmly to it in humility, in need and sorrow, awaiting salvation. You begged Christ, like Mother, to grant us every request, so that we may ever sing a song of gratitude before this image: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The mind of the heavenly acquisitive Seraphim, lying possessed by a serious illness; I pray for you to heal the disease. But you, Good One, came in a dream and meekly appeared to him in silence, promising to prolong the youth’s life. Moreover, saved from death by You, the tender Seraphim sweetly sang: Rejoice, highest heaven of heavens; Rejoice, Holy Mother of the Lord. Rejoice, thou who has given birth to an abyss of miracles, Rejoice, thou who art full of all-gold bounties. Rejoice, You show us mercy; Rejoice, you heal every disease. Rejoice, healing for soul and body; Rejoice, good rising of the fallen. Rejoice, triumph of heavenly minds; Rejoice, sinners' appeal to heaven. Rejoice, you beseech God for us; Rejoice, you destroy the enemy’s network. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 3
By the power of the Most High we wonderfully preserve, because of the power in the soul, Saint Seraphim excelled in his youth. We diligently went to the temple of the Most Holy One and, tenderly praying, singing praises in psalms with our hearts, thanking the all-merciful God, we ever bowed to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having You as a faithful companion in life, Your chosen one leaves Your young homeland, directing the path to the Sarov monastery. Composing your words in your heart, the fatherland imagines the heavens, pleasing the deserted belly on earth. And, hearing: “This is from our family,” you sang to your hope: Rejoice, guiding star of faith; Rejoice, Helmswoman of my life. Rejoice, companion, profitable to God; Rejoice, shelter from the storm of passions. Rejoice, for you guide us towards God; Rejoice, you admonish me to save my soul. Rejoice, unforgettable path of truth; Rejoice, bridge, build up the mountain. Rejoice, wonderful Helper to the poor; Rejoice, crown, gladden hearts. Rejoice, you call us to the Kingdom; Rejoice, you open the doors of heaven. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 4
The Mother of God will soon save the blessed widow from the storms of life; she promises to hand over His lot to her, to cultivate the blessed land. Moreover, the widow is obedient to the Most Pure Will, the widow sets off on an unknown path, enduring everything complacently, until she is settled in the holy lot, the Virgins are patiently waiting for the word, diligently singing to God the Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The widow heard the long-awaited verb, spoken to her in a subtle doze: “Here is My place in Diveyevo, here is My fourth chosen lot, here you will lay your bones, having first created a refuge for the virgins.” Moreover, the widow, having risen from her bed, brightly sings the following praise to the Mother of Light for her holy joy: Rejoice, blessed abode of light; Rejoice, God's chosen destiny. Rejoice, holy tabernacle of God; Rejoice, treasure of good deeds. Rejoice, boundless sea of mercy; Rejoice, the shower is quiet and serene. Rejoice, caring for widows to purity; Rejoice, precious vessel of virginity. Rejoice, strength strengthened in old age; Rejoice, good rod in youth. Rejoice, Virgin Mary, incorruptible; Rejoice, blessed by the Lord. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 5
The widow builds a temple in Her name to the voice of the Mother of God who listens; the small flock of orphans gathered in piety brings them back. Thus, in Diveevo, God’s seed was planted in the good soil in time, and the fruit was brought forth in patience, as if we partake of the fruit today, we thank the Good Mother of the Creator in heaven, singing a song about Her: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the first mother, as if the monastery had begun to grow in fulfillment of the words of the Virgin Mary, she entrusts her small flock to the elder of Sarov and wisely entrusts all spiritual care to the flock. And, having succeeded in his life, giving thanks to the source of miracles to the Virgin Mary for help from heaven, he composes songs of praise to Her: Rejoice, our quiet joy; Rejoice, Your name is Tenderness. Rejoice, Mother of the verbal flock; Rejoice, glorification of this place. Rejoice, for you have extended your protection to us; Rejoice, you are gathering us to Christ. Rejoice, virgins, You are a bright palace; Rejoice, you protect the orphans from troubles. Rejoice, for God will listen to you; Rejoice, comfort to all who cry. Rejoice, you who endure our infirmities; Rejoice, you who enrich us in good things. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 6
Honest Alexandra was a preacher of mercy for all in her life, God’s Name is always in our mouths, in our hearts and thoughts, holy prayer. Honor the currents of tears, You, the Life-Giving Source, and tirelessly do your daily work, burning in spirit and singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shining the light of grace in the wondrous Diveyevo, the Mother of God extends Her omophorion over it, the machinations of the enemy and the slander of men, the infirmities of the spirit and the passions of the flesh, the ordinary needs of earthly people - the good Queen satisfies everything, and soon helps Her orphans. Moreover, singing Her miracles, joyfully speaking these words to Her: Rejoice, blessed light of salvation; Rejoice, beauty of pure hearts. Rejoice, conscience of the world, sweet to all; Rejoice, the spirit of love is wide. Rejoice, fragrant flower bed; Rejoice, rod, terrifying enemies. Rejoice, all-powerful help in weakness; Rejoice, joy from heaven in sorrow. Rejoice, abundant food in times of poverty; Rejoice, who is above all words. Rejoice, for you satisfy God’s wrath; Rejoice, you call upon us mercy. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to leave this corrupt world, the blessed one gathers together the orphans and the Mother of God’s inheritance, entrusted to her, Pachomius begs the elder to take care of it; The most pure image is accepted on the Persian and in the hand of the Lady the spirit betrays. Filled with grief, Pachomius listens to her and sings her funeral song: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new guardian angel for Diveyevo, the organizer of the lot of the Virgin and virgins, was sent by the Most Pure One, Seraphim. Together with the most praised Peter, with John, in the cell the Virgin appeared indescribably bright, with the holy face of the martyrs, fragrant with the heavenly world. “You shall not forsake My virgins,” he proclaims; He promises help to him all day long, but he brings Her his gift of words: Rejoice, beautiful glory of the prophets; Rejoice, full of paradise. Rejoice, great song of martyrs; Rejoice, you who wiped away my tears. Rejoice, you who have not forgotten sinful prayers; Rejoice, you who visited your orphans. Rejoice, our Helper before the Son; Rejoice, you who brought peace with God. Rejoice, souls of the Bridegrooms; Rejoice, you who have been invited to the feast by the door. Rejoice, mysteries revealed from the ages; Rejoice, Virgin, to You is my song. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 8
Participant in strange visions, the blessed, gracious old man Father Seraphim takes to his heart the unforgettable covenant of the Virgin Mary and, guided by Her, builds a special monastery for virgins; He gives the measure to the cathedral church, he outlines the holy place with a ditch, he faithfully shepherds the flock of the Most Pure One, he lays down the rule of life and the order, he inspires God to sing without laziness: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
With your whole mind on your back to Christ, anticipating the bliss of paradise on earth, with a holy girdle, like the blessings of those guilty, Mary, who gave birth to us, the Savior of us, the archangel “Rejoice,” the voice is always diligent with filial simplicity. Imitating this, Mary’s inheritance to this day bypasses its ancient border, singing praises to the Virgin Mary, so that Toya will be a communicant of joy: Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God; Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Savior Christ. Rejoice, thou who didst contain God in the womb; Rejoice, Your fruit is the Path of life for us. Rejoice, guilty one of eternal joys; Rejoice, glory and joy of the church. Rejoice, wedding of pure virgins; Rejoice, Generous Mother of Monks. Rejoice, magnification of all mothers; Rejoice, home, fill with grace. Rejoice, you who extinguish arrows in days; Rejoice, you drive away fears at night. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 9
All the powers of the angels, the Virgin, the highest, our hearts silently praise You, the truly pure lordships of the sun, all creation magnifies You endlessly. You are the Intercessor for us, awaken to the Son and God on the terrible day of judgment; Then do not forget sinful prayers; always vouchsafe us to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The crown of many-voiced tongues cannot adequately sing Your sweet face, O Virgin and Mother, Lord of the heavens. The increase of Your wonderful gifts and strength fills the heart with dew of tenderness, and gives us to comb the sources of tears. Your holy image with its burning light always cheers the gaze of the praying elder, always bowing on his knees before him, earnestly praising You with this song: Rejoice, hope for all the hopeless; Rejoice, thou art filled with tenderness to the heart. Rejoice, you who are stripped of righteousness; Rejoice, source of salvation for all of us. Rejoice, you have cast down the demonic face; Rejoice, you threateningly forbid demons. Rejoice, rise of the discouraged in spirit; Rejoice, club to those sleeping in evil. Rejoice, punishment for obstinate souls; Rejoice, everything is possible for You. Rejoice, there is sweetness in bitter works for everyone; Rejoice, Mother, joy to all who mourn. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 10
Having sowed tears of salvation during the fast, the old man awaits in joy the broadcast from the Virgin: “You will soon, beloved, be with us.” And he is calm in spirit, in living hope, preparing his departure from the world. He teaches his prayer charter and instructions to keep his orphans: from today the Good is yours alone to keep; You have many nurturers, children, but your father will not be me, look for joy on my grave, and in needs and sorrows, come to me; and I believe that the Lord will give you consolation, so that the singing of Him always rises from you: Alleluia
Ikos 10
Thou art a wall to the virgins, O Most Pure Virgin, from the machinations of the enemy, from need and anger; for unto Thee do Saint Seraphim entrust us. And in the hour of testing, our troubled spirit we lift up to You in a humble prayer: O be a helper to Your orphans; let us cheerfully praise You, ever-blessed, world-wide glory, unchanging praise: Rejoice, strengthening of Your faithful; Rejoice, strong orphan wall. Rejoice, praise to the Holy Church; Rejoice, depth of the heavenly mind. Rejoice, our unfading blossom; Rejoice, city, glorified King. Rejoice, ladder that led to God; Rejoice, light cloud of Christ. Rejoice, you who produced the dewy fleece; Rejoice, You are a ready covering for everyone. Rejoice, our known hope; Rejoice, unbrided virgin of praise. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 11
Every singing today is overcome by the multitude of Thy good deeds; Your mercy extends to the whole world, the glory of heaven and the joy of earth. Your Son, O Virgin, will always listen to the voice of the God-pleased Mother. Joy with all joy You, Blessed One, we will never be silent in calling. Thus do you call Thee, venerable one, singing to God, our representative from beyond the grave: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The palace longed for by the old man was revealed to the light, admiring You in prayer, O Virgin, before this image of Tenderness. In the hand of the Most Pure One you received the holy soul - into another endless life in the villages of paradise. The weeping child, deprived of their father, but touched by the new knowledge of mercy towards Thy elder, dissolving the tears of the grave with a red song, Thy great praise according to Thy greatness, the only Mother considering Thee: Rejoice, lamentation of the dark power; Rejoice, triumph of righteous souls. Rejoice, gatekeepers of hell lamentation; Rejoice, nature sings to you. Rejoice, you who have overthrown the prince of ordeals; Rejoice, thou who has humbled the pride of demons. Rejoice, name desired by the saints; Rejoice, in the hour of death, helper. Rejoice, our joy is inexpressible; Rejoice, at that hour hear our voice. Rejoice, tenderness of our hearts; Rejoice, God's propitiation. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 12
A gracious pledge for protection, the elder of Diveyevo left the image of this Most Pure One of Tenderness to the children of Diveyevo. Rejoicing brightly in glory, the Heavenly Mother earnestly prays for the orphans to mercifully observe it, so that despondency will not sleep, but yes, with the illumination of oil to drink, they will enter the palace with their Bridegroom, singing the eternal song of the angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Today we sing to Your Mother of God, glory and mercy to sinners, to the power of demons; We all celebrate Your miracles with light. Having immeasurably sanctified You all, immaculate, God has placed You among the people in an omnipotent fortress: For they will listen to You for Your ear. By You we save everything every hour, we bring You this song according to: Rejoice, treasure of eternal life; Rejoice, holy ark of righteousness. Rejoice, endless praise of people, Rejoice, golden candlestick of faith. Rejoice, God's favor; Rejoice, salvation of all people. Rejoice, martyr of all boldness; Rejoice, song of your saints. Rejoice, ornament of righteous women; Rejoice, land of good desires. Rejoice, most honorable banner of the church; Rejoice, good Mother to us sinners. Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 13
O all-singing Mother, grant salvation to all, O All-Good One, tenderness of hearts. Yes, we are always protected by the fear of God, we will escape the destructive snares of the fighter, and thus saved by Your prayers, we will forever praise the good Creator: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Tenderness” (Seraphim-Diveevskaya)
Accept, O all-powerful, Most Pure Lady, Lady Theotokos, these honorable gifts, the only ones applied to You, from us, Your unworthy servants: chosen from all generations, the highest of all creatures of heaven and earth, who appeared, because for Your sake the Lord Almighty was with us, and with You We have known the Son of God and become worthy of His holy Body and His most pure Blood; Blessed are you, too, in the birth of generations, O God-blessed One, the brightest of the cherubim and the most honest of the seraphim. And now, all-sung Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil council and every situation and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil; but even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if through Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the One God and the Creator of all, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Tenderness”
Troparion, tone 4
Let us fall to the Mother of God with tenderness, all burdened with sins, Her miraculous icon, kissing tenderness and crying out with tears: Lady, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants and grant us, who ask, Your great mercy.
