Akathist The Inexhaustible Chalice: text against drunkenness and how to read correctly in front of the icon of the Mother of God

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon

The icon of the Mother of God, which received this name, is revered as miraculous. The image has been known since 1878 and dates back to the type of the Virgin Mary. This is one of the iconographic images where the Mother of God is depicted with her hands raised, palms facing away from her. This image was lost in 1929. But then 2 miraculous lists were found, which today are kept on the territory of Serpukhov and the Vysotsky monastery.

The ministers have created special akathists, which are read on the day of celebration and veneration of the Patron Mother of God. These are long texts designed to be included in worship. People make specific requests to the lyce even at home, voicing a personal prayer and following the rules.

Akathist text

We have been granted a chosen and wondrous deliverance, / Thy honorable image, Lady Theotokos, / as having been delivered by its appearance from mental and physical ailments / and sorrowful circumstances, / we offer grateful praise to Thee, All-Merciful Intercessor. / You, Lady, whom we call the “Inexhaustible Chalice,” / bow graciously to our sighs / and cry from the heart, / and grant deliverance to those suffering from the disease of drunkenness, / so that we may cry out to You with faith: / Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, / spiritual thirst our quencher.

Ikos 1

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

Kontakion 2

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

Ikos 2

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

Kontakion 3

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

Ikos 3

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

Kontakion 4

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

Ikos 4

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

Kontakion 5

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

Ikos 5

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

Kontakion 6

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

Ikos 6

You shone in the light of Divine glory, the Virgin Mary, on the Child, the Eternal God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who stands before us in a vessel, as if in an inexhaustible chalice, as we see You depicted on your icon, the “Inexhaustible Chalice” mysteriously called, from inexhaustible deliverance from the passion of a piano you grant to those who flow with faith: for this reason, with tears, we bring to You the silent voices of the Lord: Rejoice, for in You the council of angels and the human race rejoice and triumph; Rejoice, for Your glory surpasses the praises of earth and heaven. Rejoice, you who reveal to us the Mystery of the Divine Eucharist by the mysterious image of the Son in a vessel; Rejoice, the Lamb you gave birth to, always to eat and never to be consumed, wonderfully showing us. Rejoice, cup of life and immortality, who leads us to the gates of eternal life; Rejoice, filling thirsty souls with the source of incorruption and joy. Rejoice, who with innumerable goodness does not abandon the most despised and rejected; Rejoice, thou who by Thy mercy snatches away the hopeless from the pit of destruction. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 7

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

Ikos 7

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

Kontakion 8

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

Ikos 8

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

Kontakion 9

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

Ikos 9

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

Kontakion 10

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

Ikos 10

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

Kontakion 11

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

Ikos 11

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

Kontakion 12

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

Ikos 12

Singing Your miracles and great mercy to people possessed by the passion of drunkenness, revealed to You, we pray to You, Lady, save and have mercy, and guide us on the right path, and do not abandon us, who seek Your protection and call to You: Rejoice, to abstain from the sin of drunkenness striving for all; Rejoice, freeing me from addiction to wine with the dew of Your mercy. Rejoice, constant healing for those suffering from the grave sin of drunkenness; Rejoice, quick Helper to those in need of passion. Rejoice, wonderful encouragement to the faint-hearted; Rejoice, great is the joy of the complacent. Rejoice, humbler of the proud; Rejoice, elevating the humble and desiring salvation for all. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 13

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

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, tone 4

Today, let us bring faith/ to the Divine and wonderful image of the Most Holy Mother of God/ who waters the hearts of the faithful/ with the heavenly Inexhaustible Cup of Her mercy/ and miracles for the faithful people showing./ Even though we see and hear spiritually, we celebrate and cry out warmly:/ Merciful Lady,/ heal our ailments and passion/pleading for Thy Son Christ our God/to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Mother of God before Her Icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, tone 6

The representation of Christians is unashamed, the intercession to the Creator is immutable, do not despise the voices of sinful prayers, but advance, as the Good One, to the aid of us who faithfully call upon Ty; hasten to prayer and strive to supplicate, ever presenting the Mother of God to those who honor Thee.

Prayer service to the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”

Healing from a severe addiction will require a lot of work. Work for the sake of love for one's neighbor is accepted by God, who says in the Gospel: “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” First of all, you should contact the priest and listen to his advice in the current situation.

About alcoholism:

About the sin of drinking wine
Orthodoxy and alcoholism

Attention! Then they order a prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon. The prayer can be served either separately, in the presence of the patient himself and his family, or as part of a general prayer service held at a time established by the church schedule. Both options are equivalent.

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

Performing a special prayer service

When performing a separate prayer service, the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon is placed on the lectern in front of those praying. The priest begins the prayer with an exclamation, the troparion to the Holy Spirit “Heavenly King” is sung (you must sign the cross and bow) and a psalm is read, calling on the Lord to hear the prayer of those gathered. After the Psalm, the troparion and kontakion of the Most Holy Theotokos “Inexhaustible Chalice” are sung:

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her Icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, tone 4
Today we are the harbinger of faithfulness to the Divine and wonderful image of the Most Holy Mother of God, filling the hearts of the faithful with the heavenly Inexhaustible Chalice of Her mercy, and showing miracles to the faithful.
Seeing and hearing, we spiritually celebrate and cry warmly: O Lady of Mercy, heal our ailments and passions, beseeching Thy Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Kontakion of the Mother of God before Her icon “The Inexhaustible Chalice”, tone 4
We have been granted a chosen and wondrous deliverance—Your honorable image, Lady Theotokos, as having been delivered by its appearance from mental and physical ailments and sorrowful circumstances, we offer grateful praise to You, All-Merciful Intercessor.
You, the Lady, whom we call the Inexhaustible Chalice, bow down graciously to our sighs and heartfelt cries, and grant deliverance to those suffering from the disease of drunkenness, so that with faith we cry to Thee: Rejoice, Lady, the Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

While singing the troparion and kontakion, you need to focus on prayer to the Mother of God, asking Her on behalf of all those gathered, as the only strong Prayer Book, to heal the sick person from his illness, and to forgive the sins of his loved ones. Then the canon of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” can be read with repeated repetition of the refrain “Most Holy Theotokos, save us!” During the chorus, you also need to bow with the sign of the cross. Frequent bows help to distract yourself from extraneous thoughts and feel like you are standing before God.

Gospel reading at the prayer service to the Mother of God

In the middle of the canon, an excerpt from the Gospel about the Mother of God is read. When Mary was still carrying the Lord in her womb, She came to visit her relative Elizabeth. It was revealed to Elizabeth that Mary would give birth not to an ordinary child, but to God Himself. She joyfully met the Blessed Virgin, predicting Her future glory “from all generations.” While reading the Gospel, worshipers stand straight, heads bowed, and listen carefully to the sacred words.

Icon of the Mother of God with Child

Akathist and litany

If you ordered a prayer service with an akathist, then the reading of the akathist to the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice” will begin here. This is a solemn chant, the repeated choruses of which can be sung along with the priest or choir. You need to do this quietly, decently connecting your voice with the voices of those praying. It is better to have your own book with the text of the akathist: this way it is more convenient to follow the prayer.

Prayers to Orthodox saints against drunkenness:

Martyr Boniface of Tarsus
John of Kronstadt
Matrona of Moscow

After the akathist, the reading of the canon is completed and the litany is pronounced - several petitions to the Lord, including special ones related to the patient for whom a prayer service is being served. After each petition, the chorus “Lord have mercy” follows, accompanied by the sign of the cross and bow.

Prayer to the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”

The exclamation of the priest “Let us pray to our Most Holy Lady Theotokos with tenderness of hearts” announces the beginning of the main prayer of the Mother of God, always joined to the akathist singing. At this moment you need to bow your head or kneel, following the example of the priest. It is advisable to read the text of the prayer in front of the “Inexhaustible Chalice” icon at home in advance in order to understand its contents and direct thoughts according to the spoken petitions.

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

At the end of the prayer service, the priest anoints those present with oil from the lamp that burned in front of the icon.

Prayer “Inexhaustible Chalice” for drunkenness

The intercessor mother, who appears as the Mother of God Oranta, is often turned to for cure from drunkenness and other addictions.

Therefore, the text of the main prayer is dedicated precisely to this.

Prayer text

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

What and how does the “Inexhaustible Chalice” prayer help?

It is believed that the icon saves from alcohol addiction, but in fact it helps from any type of addiction. You can turn to her for help if a loved one is addicted to drugs or gambling.

Akathist to the Mother of God – Inexhaustible Chalice

In front of the icon of the Mother of God of the Inexhaustible Chalice they pray for the healing of alcoholism, drug addiction and gambling addiction.

Record the name in the temple for Church prayer

SUBMIT A NAME TO THE TEMPLE ON SOROKOST

Dear brothers and sisters, you can send a note to the Temple on Sorokoust with your name (as well as the names of those for whom you pray). The priest, for forty days, will offer special prayers for you while removing a particle from the prosphora.

The donation for one name is 300 rubles. (Only names of baptized people are allowed.)

your donation using the form below:

Or enter it yourself using the details:

4276380091877204Sergey Mikhailovich S.

+7(906)707–73–37 +7(906)748–98–38

Akathist before the Icon of the Mother of God “The Inexhaustible Chalice”

Kontakion 1

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

Ikos 1

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

Kontakion 2

As you walked, the Most Holy Lady, the sorrows of the heart, the torment of the soul, the sincere repentance of people obsessed with the destructive vice of drunkenness, You deigned to show Your mercy to the God-saved city of Serpukhov by the appearance of the most wonderful image of Your “Inexhaustible Chalice”, and everyone falling to Him with faith and a contrite heart, having received healing from their serious illness, from the depths of their souls they cry out to God: Allelua.

Ikos 2

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

Kontakion 3

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

Ikos 3

And a greater inexhaustible source, an inexhaustible chalice of heavenly gifts, not only the people of the city of Serpukhov, but also all Orthodox Christians from other cities and towns, flowing to Your wonderful image, called the “Inexhaustible Chalice,” and before this, having received healing, crouching with grateful lips cry out to You : Rejoice, font, in which all our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup, through which we may receive the joy of our salvation. Rejoice, healer of our mental and physical infirmities; Rejoice, taming our passions by the power of Your prayers. Rejoice, you who are helpful in giving every need to those who ask; Rejoice, you who give countless bounties to everyone. Rejoice, thou who revealsest treasures of mercy to us; Rejoice, you who show mercy to the fallen. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 4

I see within those who have doubtful thoughts, but with sincere repentance, flowing to Your ineffable mercy, possessed by a drunken passion, receive healing, and from the depths of their hearts they cry out to our Savior born of You: Allelua.

Ikos 4

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

Kontakion 5

To the godly star, Your venerable icon, You showed us, O Lady of the world, so we see, praying to You with heartfelt faith, the Mother of God, saying: Heal those who suffer from drunkenness and other illnesses of soul and body, and teach the faithful to sing praises to God: Alleluah.

Ikos 5

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

Kontakion 6

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

Ikos 6

in the lightness of Divine glory, Virgin Mary, on the child, the eternal God, our Lord Jesus Christ, visibly, Who in the vessel, like an inexhaustible cup, stands before you, as we see You depicted on Your icon, the “Inexhaustible Cup” mysteriously called, from If you do not grant deliverance from the passion of drunkenness to those who come with faith, for this sake, with tears, we offer You silent voices: Rejoice, for in You the council of angels and the human race rejoice and triumph; Rejoice, for Your glory surpasses the praises of earth and heaven. Rejoice, you who reveal to us the Mystery of the Divine Eucharist by the mysterious image of the Son in a vessel; Rejoice, the Lamb you gave birth to, always to eat and never to be consumed, wonderfully showing us. Rejoice, Cup of life and immortality, who leads us to the gates of eternal life; Rejoice, filling thirsty souls with the source of incorruption and joy. Rejoice, who with innumerable goodness does not abandon the most despised and rejected; Rejoice, thou who by Thy mercy snatches away the hopeless from the pit of destruction. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 7

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

Ikos 7

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

Kontakion 8

is strange and doubtful for the unbeliever to listen to how the icon of Your holy “Inexhaustible Chalice” of Divine healing exudes a miracle. We, who believe in Your word, Lady, spoken to Your first-written icon: “The grace of the One who was born of Me and Mine be with this icon,” we believe that this icon of Yours also exudes Your grace. Let us kiss the same one who reverently worships, crying out to God: Alleluah.

Ikos 8

People suffering from the disease of drunkenness place their hope in Thee, the Lady . Bow down to our weaknesses and passions, who will lead us sinners out of the ditch of destruction and spiritual and physical poverty, if not you, Lady; For this reason, I bowed my knee before Your most pure image and cried out to You: Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of sinners; Rejoice, you who send down Your heavenly help to those who call upon You. Rejoice, showing the depth of Your mercy to sinners; Rejoice, you who encourage the desperate and hopeless. Rejoice, you who extend a helping hand to those obsessed with the passion of drunkenness; Rejoice, you who console patient sufferers with gifts of grace. Rejoice, healer of our ailments, mental and physical; Rejoice, teaching us to despise the vain joys of this world. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 9

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

Ikos 9

In this age of humanity, they are perplexed to praise the glorious appearance of the icon, Lady, Thy icon; below, we, sinners, from our vile lips can bring worthy praise to our Intercessor. Moreover, the innumerable miracles revealed by Your icon, having seen, rejoicing in soul and heart, we say to You: Rejoice, flowing miracles from Your sacred face; Rejoice, thou who quickly deliverest from troubles and sorrows. Rejoice, you who put to shame those who reject You; Rejoice, you who preserve those who come to You from all evil. Rejoice, through Your gentle radiance you disperse the darkness of sin and the darkness of our passions; Rejoice, filling our souls with love for You and Your Son. Rejoice, you who wisely guide us on the path of repentance; Rejoice, zealous intercessor gave us a good answer before the Righteous Judge. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 10

Although many suffering from the disease of drunkenness, You have given Your wonderful icon, the Mother of God, from the mouth, but all, possessed by this passion, flow to Your miraculous image, and, having received healing, cry out to God in tenderness: Allelua.

Ikos 10

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

Kontakion 11

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

Ikos 11

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

Kontakion 12

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

Ikos 12

Singing Your miracles and great mercy to people possessed by the passion of drunkenness, we pray to You, Lady, save and have mercy, and guide us on the right path, and do not leave us, who seek Your protection and call to You: Rejoice, abstinence from the sin of drunkenness striving for all; Rejoice, freeing me from addiction to wine with the dew of Your mercy. Rejoice, constant healing for those suffering from the grave sin of drunkenness; Rejoice, you are a quick helper to those in need of passion. Rejoice, wonderful encouragement to the faint-hearted; Rejoice, great is the joy of the complacent. Rejoice, humbler of the proud; Rejoice, you who exalt the humble and desire salvation for all. Rejoice, Lady, Inexhaustible Chalice, quenching our spiritual thirst.

Kontakion 13 (read three times)

O most merciful Mother of our sweetest Lord Jesus Christ! Hear our present prayer and deliver us from all ailments, mental and physical, and most of all, free Your servants (names) who suffer from the disease of drunkenness, so that they may not perish in evil, but may those saved by You cry out to God everlastingly: Alleluah.

Ikos 1 (read again)

Kontakion 1 (also read again)

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Inexhaustible Chalice”

O most merciful Lady! We now resort to Your intercession, do not despise our prayers, but mercifully hear us, wives, children, mothers and those obsessed with the serious illness of drunkenness, and for this, for the sake of our mother, the Church of Christ, and for the salvation of our fallen brothers, sisters and relatives, heal. O merciful Mother of God, touch their hearts and quickly raise them from the falls of sin and bring them to saving abstinence. Pray to Your Son, Christ our God, that He may forgive us our sins and not turn His mercy away from His people, but may He strengthen us in sobriety and chastity. Accept, O Most Holy Theotokos, the prayers of mothers who shed tears for their children, of wives who weep for their husbands, of orphaned and wretched children, of the lost ones abandoned, and of all of us who fall to Thy icon, and may this cry of ours, through Thy prayers, come to the throne Almighty. Cover and keep us from crafty deception and all the snares of the enemy. In the terrible hour of our exodus, help us to pass through the airy ordeals without stumbling, with Your prayers deliver us from eternal condemnation, may God’s mercy cover us for endless ages of ages. Amen.

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Icon of the Mother of God against drunkenness “Inexhaustible Chalice”

The history of the “Chalice” is associated with another legendary image of the Mother of God of Nicea. The canvas entitled “Thy belly was the Holy Meal” became widespread in 304. When Amir was besieging the city of Nicaea, which is located in Asia Minor, one of the residents of the besieged city saw an icon of the Mother of God near him. He was angry and decided to take it out on the image. He began to destroy everything around him, threw a stone at the canvas, and then began to trample the face with his feet.

At night, the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream and predicted his death. The next day, during the battle, this martyr received a stone in the head, then his body fell and was trampled under the feet of his rivals. This event was described by the First Council of Nicaea in 325. Then the church ministers began the method of singing akathists and glorifications over the canvas of the Mother of God.

The appearance of the image itself dates back to 1878. Then a peasant soldier of the Efremov district of the Tula province, obsessed with drunkenness, saw in a dream an old man who told him to go to the Serpukhov Monastery. The elder said that there was a miraculous icon there that would help the peasant recover from drunkenness. The peasant was so impressed by the vision that the next day he set off on his journey on all fours.

When he appeared at the gates of the Vvedensky Monastery, he immediately spoke about his vision. But no one knew about a face that could help him. Finally, they found a canvas for him, where it was written on the reverse side that this was exactly the same “Chalice”. On the icon he saw an old man who appeared to him in a dream. It was Elder Varlaam. After the prayer service was performed, the drunkard received complete deliverance from his addiction. After this incident, prayer services for targeted healing began to be held, and pilgrims from everywhere began to flock to the monastery.

The icon was especially revered in Serpukhov. The Alexander Nevsky Brotherhood became famous throughout the country. There, in the center of the city, a sobriety center was created, and the icon became a symbol of brotherhood. Each prayer service began with an akathist, then was supported by religious conversations.

It is believed that the veneration of the icon was local in nature. Mention of it is completely absent in other religious and church literature. But it is known that the icon inspired the writer Shmelev to write a story called “The Inexhaustible Chalice.”

How can loved ones motivate a person to stop drinking?

To help an addict, loved ones should not make gross mistakes in communication.

For example:

1) Perceive the addict as a “child” and take full responsibility for his actions, appearance and work

When loved ones take on more than they should, they nonverbally tell the patient: “You are helpless and incompetent, and I am a hero.” This humiliates the addict, touching a sensitive area of self-worth.

Safe words: “I’m here. I'll do it for you"

Replace: “It’s sad that you have this problem. I can help you?"

2) During the “sober” period, ignore what the person likes, what he loves and wants to do

Addicts feel guilty and become flexible. After drinking alcohol for a long time, they stop taking care of themselves and doing what they like. Therefore, it is important to remind about this.

Safe words: “We will do as I say. I know better."

Replace: “What do you think about this? How would you like to do it? I see it differently. Let's think about how to unite our opinions."

3) Devalue and promote the development of guilt in the addict

Behind the loud cries of the addict: “I don’t need you, I can do everything myself,” there is an anxiety: “Who needs me? Nobody cares. And I’m nobody’s.”

Safe words: “Who needs you?” You can’t do anything.”

Replace: “You can do as you see fit. Your opinion and feelings are important. I love you and I can understand you."

4) Ignore your own needs and interests

Family members of an addict should take care of their physical and emotional well-being by setting an example of good behavior.

Safe words: “I will do anything for you and your salvation.”

Replace: “I understand that you are suffering. I love you. I have my own interests and goals. I need to take care of myself."

5) Hide your own feelings and thoughts

It is necessary to honestly and openly discuss what you don’t like in the patient’s behavior, without transgressing boundaries or humiliating his dignity.

Safe words: “You are killing me with your behavior. You are terrible".

Replace: “It hurts me when you treat me like that. I feel angry and resentful. I would like to understand why you are doing this. What do you feel?".

Checklist of phrases to help a person admit addiction and agree to treatment

- the safe words “You drink because your father drank” should be replaced with “You drink because it is your choice”;

— the safe words “You should undergo treatment” should be replaced with “Treatment helps many people, for example...”;

— the safe words “I’ll call you at work and tell you that you’re sick” should be replaced with “It will be good if you call you at work and explain that you had too much yesterday”;

— the safe words “Roam around wherever you want, I don’t care” should be replaced with “Come back early, I’ll worry”;

— the safe words “I won’t give you money for drinks” should be replaced with “Money is needed to get the kids ready for school”;

Having heard these phrases, a person will feel comfortable, confident and think about why he should plunge into alcoholism. There is a principle in psychotherapy: the more a person is pushed in one direction, the more he will resist and resist. By humiliating and insulting, his relatives only push him to drink more. The unusual behavior of loved ones shocks the alcoholic and forces him to turn his head and pay attention to his behavior.