Icon “Softening Evil Hearts”
The holy image depicts the Most Holy Theotokos, pierced by seven arrows of sorrow and suffering. This is a symbol of the earthly path of the Mother of God, who had to endure the painful death of her Son, reproach from people, and the fullness of grief caused by these events. The cruel world thrust spears of suffering into the Mother’s soul. 2000 years have passed, but enmity and evil have not disappeared from the face of the earth. The name of the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” carries the hope that someday peace, good thoughts will reign in the hearts of people and everyone will begin to love each other, wars and mutual condemnation and hatred will stop.
@Κύριεἐλέησον.με
Designed for private reading.
Kontakion 1
And to the chosen Virgin Mary, above all the daughters of the earth, the Mother of the Son of God, to Her is given the salvation of the world, we cry with tenderness: look at our many-sorrowful life, remember the sorrows and illnesses, I But Thou hast endured, like our earthly being, and deal with us according to Thy mercy, let's call you:
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Ikos 1
An angel announced to the shepherd of Bethlehem the Nativity of the Savior of the world, and with him many heavenly hosts praising God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” But You, Mother of God, having no place to lay your head, no place in the abodes, gave birth to Your Firstborn Son in a den, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger. Moreover, the sorrow of Your heart is leading, we cry to You:
Rejoice , you who warmed your beloved with the breath of your Son; Rejoice, thou who hast wrapped the Eternal Child in swaddling clothes. Rejoice, Thou who nourished the Bearer of the universe with His milk; Rejoice, you who turned the den into the sky. Rejoice, the throne of the Cherubim has been made; Rejoice, in the Nativity and after the Nativity, the Virgin remained.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 2
While the Eternal Child was walking, the shepherds of Bethlehem came and worshiped Him, lying in a manger, and the angels spoke to them about the Childhood. Mariam kept all these words in her heart. And after eight days Jesus was circumcised according to the law of Israel, as a man. Singing Thy humility and patience, O Mother of God, we sing to the Eternal God: A liluia.
Ikos 2
Having a mind established in God and keeping the Law of the Lord, on the fourtieth day, when the day of atonement was fulfilled, Jesus ascended to Jerusalem to His parents, who had already set Him before Him Let us give a sacrifice for Him according to what is said in the Law of the Lord; We cry out to the Mother of God:
Rejoice , you who brought the Creator of the universe to the Temple of Jerusalem to fulfill the Law; Rejoice, you were joyfully met there by the elder Simeon. Rejoice, One Pure and Blessed One among women; Rejoice, Thy cross, adorned with sorrow, carried in humility. Rejoice, you who did not listen to the will of God in any way; Rejoice, you who showed us the image of patience and humility. Rejoice, vessel filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Son of the Only Begotten Father in Heaven.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 3
With the silt from above you were strengthened, Mother of God, when you heard the words of the righteous elder Simeon: “Behold, this one lies for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel and as a sign we quarrel Oh, and a weapon will pierce your very soul, so that many hearts may be opened thoughts." Otherwise, great sorrow pierced the heart of the Mother of God, and she cried out to God: And liluia.
Ikos 3
And trying to destroy the Child, Herod sent to kill all the children who were in Bethlehem and its borders, from two years old and lower, according to the time they experienced from the Magi. And behold, by the command of God, given through an angel in a dream to Elder Joseph, the entire Holy Family fled to Egypt and remained there for seven years until the death of Herod. Moreover, with tenderness let us sing to You, Mother of God:
Rejoice , you who bore all the hardships of the journey; Rejoice, for all the idols of the fallen in the land of Egypt were unable to endure the strength of Your Son. Rejoice, you who abided with the wicked pagans; Rejoice, you who came from Egypt with the Firstborn Youth and Your betrothed to Nazareth. Rejoice, you who lived in poverty with Elder Joseph the treemaker; Rejoice, you who spent all your time in work.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 4
Through the storm of sorrow I supported the Most Pure Mother, when she returned from Jerusalem and did not find the Child Jesus on the way. For this reason, let us return to Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass in three days that He was found in the church, sitting in the midst of the teachers, and listening to them, and questioning them. And His Mother spoke to Him: “Son, what have you done to us? Behold, Thy Father and I, most painfully, seek Thee.” And Jesus said to him: “What do you seek from Me? Do you not know that in those even My Father, I am worthy to be?” But You, Most Pure One, kept these words in Your heart, crying out to God: A liluia.
Ikos 4
You have heard, Mother of God, how Jesus went through all of Galilee, teaching the congregation, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every disease among the people. And the rumor about Him went out throughout the whole country, and everyone who was sick with various ailments and passions, demon-possessed and paralyzed, was brought to Him, and He healed them. But You, Mother of God, leading the prophecy, grieving at heart, knew that the hour would soon come when Your Son would sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world. Moreover, we please Thee, much-sorrowful Mother of God, crying out:
Rejoice , you who gave your Son to serve the Jewish people; Rejoice, sorrowful at heart, but submissive to the will of God. Rejoice, you who saved the world from the sinful flood; Rejoice, you who have erased the head of the ancient serpent. Rejoice, you who sacrificed yourself to God; Rejoice, the Lord is with you, blessed one.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 5
the Kingdom of God on earth, Jesus denounced the pride of the Pharisees, who imagined themselves to be righteous. Moreover, he heard His parables, understanding that he spoke about them, and seeking to take Him, but was afraid of the people, because they had His prophet; This is all knowing, grieving Mother of God for Her beloved Son, who suffered, so that they do not kill Him, both crying out to God: A liluia.
Ikos 5
When Nezia came from the Jews, the resurrection of Lazarus went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done; and Caiaphas, the bishop of that summer, spoke to them: “We have no choice but to let one man die for the people, and not the whole people perish.” And from this day on they conferred, let them kill Him. We cry out to You, Most Pure One:
Rejoice , you who gave birth to the Savior of the world; Rejoice, our salvation is paramount. Rejoice, pre-chosen one from birth into the Mother of our Savior; Rejoice, Mother of God, doomed to suffering. Rejoice, Blessed One, made Queen of Heaven; Rejoice, I will pray for you for us.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 6
First a preacher of the word of God, but later a traitor, Judas Iscariot, one of the two ten apostles, went to the bishop, even though he would betray his Teacher; When they heard it, they were delighted and promised to give him pieces of silver. But you, Mother of God, grieving for your beloved Son, cried out to the mountain God: A liluia.
Ikos 6
This was the last supper for the disciples of Christ, at which the Teacher washed their hands, showing them an image of humility, and said to them: “Only you will betray Me, the one who eats with Me.” We, who grieve the Mother of God with compassion, sing to Her:
Rejoice , Mother of God, weary of heartache; Rejoice, all who endured much sorrow in this vale. Rejoice, you who found peace in prayer; Rejoice, joy to all who mourn. Rejoice, quenching of our sorrows; Rejoice, you who save us from the mire of sin.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 7
showed His love for the human race at the Last Supper, having blessed and broken the bread, He gave to His disciple and apostle the words: “Take, eat, this “is my body” and, having received the cup and given praise, I gave it to them, verb: “This is My blood of the New Testament, which was shed for many times for the remission of sins.” Thanking the Merciful God for His unspeakable mercy towards us, we sing to Him: And liluia.
Ikos 7
a new sign of His mercy to His disciples, promising to send them another Comforter - the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father to testify of Him. To you, Mother of God, once again sanctified by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, we cry to you:
Rejoice , dwelling place of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, all-holy devil. Rejoice, vast village of the God of the Word; Rejoice, you who produced Divine Beads. Rejoice, through Your Nativity you open the doors of heaven to us; Rejoice, you who have shown us a sign of God’s mercy.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 8
is strange and sad for us to hear that Judas Iscariot betrayed his Teacher and Lord with a kiss. Spira and the captain and the servants of the bishop took Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to the high priest Annas first, and then to Caiaphas the bishop. The Mother of God, waiting for mortal counsel for her beloved Son, cried out to God: A liluia.
Ikos 8
In this case, the Jews took Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetor to Pilate, declaring that He was an evildoer. Pilate asked Him and said to them that you would not find a single fault in Him. We, the Mother of God, who sees the reproach of Her Son, cry out tenderly:
Rejoice , you who had a heart torn by grief; Rejoice, you who shed tears for your Son. Rejoice, Thy beloved child, ripened at the judgment seat; Rejoice, you who endured everything without complaining, like a servant of the Lord. Rejoice, you who groan and weep; Rejoice, Queen of heaven and earth, who accepts the prayers of Her servant.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 9
In this birth we bless Thee, the most honest Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, the Lady and Mother of our Savior, who brought joy to the whole world with Her Nativity, but after her great sorrow who saw His beloved Son mocked, beaten and betrayed to death. We bring tender singing to You, Most Pure One, crying out to Almighty God: A liluia.
Ikos 9
In the midst of multiplying, they will not be able to utter all the sufferings You have endured, Our Savior, who was always a warrior, wove a crown of thorns and placed it on Your head, and clothed You in a scarlet robe, O Lord Lahu: “Hail, King of the Jews,” and Biyahu Thee on the cheek. We, Mother of God, knowing Your suffering, cry out to You:
Rejoice , Thou who hast ripened Thy Son; Rejoice, thou who hast ripened with scarlet and a crown of thorns. Rejoice, You who saw Him tormented You nourished Him with Your milk; Rejoice, you who suffered His suffering. Rejoice, thou who saw all His disciples forsaken; Rejoice, you who were condemned by His unrighteous judges.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 10
from the mouth of Jesus, Pilate spoke to the Jews: “This is the custom for you, that I may let you have only one thing for Passover. Do you want to let me release to you the King of the Jews?” But they all cried out, saying: “Not this one, but Barabbas.” Glorifying the mercy of the Heavenly Father, Who so loved the world, as He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross, that He might redeem us from eternal death, we cry to Him: Aleluia .
Ikos 10
Be a shadow and protection for us, the Lady, who are exhausted from grief and illness. You yourself suffered, hearing the Jews crying: “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Now hear us crying to You:
Rejoice , Mother of mercy, who takes away every tear from the cruelty of those who suffer; Rejoice, you who give us tears of tenderness. Rejoice, you who save perishing sinners; Rejoice, shameless representation of Christians. Rejoice, thou who deliverest us from passions; Rejoice, you who give consolation to the contrite heart.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 11
We offer all-contrite singing to the Savior of the world, who went into free suffering and carried His cross. The warriors, who came to Golgotha, drank Him. I stood at the cross of Jesus, His Mother, and His Mother’s sister, Mary of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus, seeing the Mother and the disciple standing, loved him, and said to His Mother: “Woman, behold Thy son”; then she said to the student: “Behold your Mother.” And from that hour the disciple sang to himself. But you, Mother of God, were dishonored seeing the Son and the Lord on the cross, you were tormented, crying out to God: And liluia.
Ikos 11
Happy now, My and Eternal God, Creator of all creatures, Lord! How you endure passion on the cross, - Pure Virgin, weeping, verb. “For Your terrible Christmas, My Son, I would have been exalted above all mothers, but woe is Me: now that I see You, my heart is on fire.” We, shedding tears and listening to You, cry out to You:
Rejoice , deprived of joy and joy; Rejoice, you who freely saw the suffering of Your Son on the cross. Rejoice, O child, your beloved, who has matured in the wounded; Rejoice, Lamb, led to the slaughter, Mother. Rejoice, you who saw the Savior of mental and physical ulcers covered with ulcers; Rejoice, Thou who hast ripened Thy Son risen from the dead.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 12
Grant us grace, O All-Merciful Savior, by giving up Your spirit on the Cross and tearing up the handwriting of our sins. “Behold, my sweet light, my good hope and life, my God, you were extinguished on the Cross,” the Virgin, lamenting, said. Trying, Joseph, to approach Pilate and ask him to take down his wounded Teacher from the tree: “Give me this strange thing, who has no place to lay his head.” The Mother of God, having seen Her unglorious Son, naked on the tree, cried out: “Woe is Me, My Child, woe is Me, My light, pass through My soul as a weapon according to the words of the righteous elder Simeon.” We, the Most Pure Virgin, with compassion, cry out to God: And liluia.
Ikos 12
Adoring Thy mercy, O Lover of mankind, we bow to the riches of Thy mercy, Master. “Even though you saved your creation, you took away death,” said the Most Pure One, “but by your Resurrection, O Savior, have mercy on us all.” We cry out to the Mother of God, who prays for us:
Rejoice , you who see the dead, who are breathless of the Most Blessed Lord; Rejoice, O thou who kissed the body of Thy beloved Son. Rejoice, ripening of Your sweet naked and wounded Dead Light; Rejoice, Thou who betrayed Thy Son to the grave. Rejoice, you who wrapped the new shroud around His body; Rejoice, you who saw His Resurrection.
Rejoice , much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy and softening the hearts of evil people.
Kontakion 13
Oh , All-Singing Mother, exhausted from grief at the cross of Your Son and God! Listen to our sighs and tears, soften the evil heart that rises up against us, deliver from sorrow, illness and eternal death all those who trust in Your ineffable mercy and cry out to God: Aleluia .
This kontakion is said three times. Also Ikos 1st and Kondak 1st
First prayer
Oh , much-sorrowful Mother of God, who surpassed all the daughters of the earth in Her purity and in the multitude of sufferings You brought to earth! Accept our many painful sighs and keep us under the shelter of Your mercy. There is no other refuge and warm intercession for You, but because we have boldness in Him who was born of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we may without stumbling reach the Kingdom of Heaven Therefore, together with all the saints we will sing praises to the One God in the Trinity, always , now, and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Second prayer
Oh , who will not please You, O Blessed Virgin, who will not sing of Your mercy to the human race. We pray to you, we ask you: do not leave us, who are perishing in evil, dissolve our hearts with love and send your arrow to our enemies, may our hearts be wounded with peace against those who persecute us. If the world hates us, You extend Your love to us, and if the world persecutes us, You accept us. Give us the gracious power of patience - to endure the trials that happen in this world without grumbling. O Lady! Soften the hearts of evil people who rise up against us, so that their hearts do not perish in evil, but pray, O Blessed One, Your Son and our God, may He pacify their hearts with peace; let the devil, the father of malice, be put to shame! We, chanting Your mercy towards us, the evil, the needless, will sing to You, O Most Wonderful Lady of the Blessed Virgin: hear us at this hour, contrite hearts of those who have, protect us with peace and love for each other and for our dear friend, eradicate from us all malice and enmity, let us sing to You and to Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: Alleluia!
Greatness
We glorify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and we honor Your holy image, which brings healing to all who come with faith.
Akathist “Softening Evil Hearts”
Believers resort to the akathist “Softening Evil Hearts” in difficult life situations, in a sinful state of mind. Prayer before the image of the grieving Mother of God helps Christians:
- cleanse your own heart from evil;
- to become accustomed to mercy;
- get rid of intolerance and anger;
- have peace of mind;
- send kindness into the thoughts of enemies;
- restore peace in the family;
- stop the growing conflict, war, epidemic.
The greatest virtue in Christianity is love for enemies. The akathist “Softening Evil Hearts” helps to cleanse our hearts of anger and condemnation, reconcile with our neighbors, and pass the tests life sends us.
