The meaning of the image “Recovery of the Lost” in Orthodoxy
The modern meaning of the word “seek” differs from the outdated form, which had derivative word formations “seeker” (mind), “seekers” (knowledge of Divine truth). In the name of the image of the Mother of God, “recovery” means “salvation.”
Christian theologians believe that the prototype of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost” appeared in the 6th century. Monk Theophilus succumbed to the devil's instigation and left the path of the righteous. But, realizing his moral fall, he began to tearfully beg the Mother of God to forgive his sins and beg the Lord for this.
The Queen of Heaven showed her mercy to the repentant Christian. In Russia, several icons of the Virgin Mary are known under this name.
Each became famous for miraculous phenomena after a sincere, emotional appeal to the Mother of God:
- the rescue of the peasant Obukhov, who was caught in a snowstorm on the road, lost his bearings and froze far from his home (XVII century);
- deliverance of residents in the Kharkov region from cholera (XVIII century);
- assistance to a Moscow resident who fell into poverty and despair (19th century).
The most famous versions of the icon are in churches and monasteries in Moscow and Serpukhov:
- Resurrection of the Word;
- Positions of the Robe of the Lord;
- Nikolsky;
- Vysotsky Monastery.
The image of “Recovery of the Lost” is the last stronghold for those who have lost hope of saving their souls and bodies in tragic circumstances. Turning to the icon gives hope for forgiveness, God's mercy, spiritual and moral rebirth.
A little history of the appearance of the Holy Image
The Pskov Monastery has a Divine Image in storage, the history of the appearance of which is quite interesting, because it was the Blessed Matrona of Moscow who insisted and blessed the painting of this unique shrine.
One day the Saint said to her mother: “I dream about the same image all the time. Mom, the Queen of Heaven is asking to come to our church.” The blessed one gave a blessing to the women to collect money from all villages for the shrine. Among all the donations, one man reluctantly gave a ruble, and his brother even threw in a penny out of laughter.
When the donations were brought to Matrona, she sorted through them and found the same kopek and ruble and then said: “Mother, give them back to them, otherwise they will ruin all my money.”
When the required amount was collected, the artist was ordered to paint the image. But before that, Matrona asked him if he could fulfill the order and create such an image, he replied that such a thing was familiar to him.
The blessed one ordered him to take communion and confess at the Holy Mysteries of Christ, but after some time the artist came to Matrona and said that he could not paint the image. The preacher spiritually felt that the icon painter had one more unconfessed sin. Having said this, the artist was very shocked and after that he again went to the priest for communion and repentance, and he also asked for forgiveness from Blessed Matrona.
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Then the Preacher said: “Now go, you can create an image of the Holy One,” and the icon painter actually painted the divine face, which Matrona did not part with until her death. Currently, the shrine is located near the relics of the holy old woman.
It should also be noted that the Miraculous Image has no less interesting iconography. The Mother of God herself holds the baby with clasped hands, gently tilting her head towards him. The Son of God, kneeling on the Saint, hugs her with his arms and presses his cheek to her, while his legs peek out from under his vestments.
This type of shrine is one of the rarest faces in which the Mother of God is depicted with her hair flowing, but there are also several varieties of the face: the Virgin Mary with her head uncovered and covered.
What is asked for in front of a Christian icon?
The miraculous image is prayed to in cases where:
- loved ones are in a war zone and are in danger;
- bad habits ruin your husband or children;
- doctors make a disappointing diagnosis of injury or cancer to the praying person or relatives;
- they wish their daughter or granddaughter to meet a worthy man and marry him;
- a “black” streak is coming in financial matters.
Preserved historical information indicates that heartfelt prayer always reaches the Heavenly Patroness. February 18 is the day of celebration of the icon, celebrated in churches where there is a miraculous image.
How to pray to the Mother of God correctly
In tragic situations, one should pray in front of the temple icon. The prayer request must be sincere, sincere, with deep faith in the mercy of the Mother of God. This requires a psychological attitude so that current worries and nervousness remain behind the church gates.
To cleanse the mind and heart from sinful thoughts and actions, one must first observe a three-day fast, confess, and take communion. Light a candle in front of the icon and read a prayer. If the prayer will be read at home, then it is better to do it in the morning, while the family is sleeping, and no one is distracting.
The believer should wash, get dressed, and light a blessed candle in front of the image. First they read the “Our Father”, cross themselves, bow, then turn to the Most Holy Theotokos. The sign of the cross is applied at the beginning and end of the prayer address.
Strong Orthodox texts before the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Seeking the Lost”
Prayerful appeals to the miraculous image should contain not only requests for help, but also praise and gratitude to the Heavenly Queen.
Prayer
The meaning of the name of the holy image is to grant forgiveness to believers in a critical life situation. Prayer to the icon will help everyone who turns to the Mother of God with faith and hope in her miraculous power. Wives pray for their husbands when bad habits destroy the family or the spouses are in a war zone. Young women ask the Blessed Virgin to help them get married successfully.
Recovery of the dead
O zealous, compassionate intercessor of the Lord Mother!
I come running to You, the accursed one and the most sinful man above all, listen to the voice of my prayer and hear my cry and groaning.
For my iniquities have exceeded my head, and I, like a ship in the abyss, am plunging into the sea of my sins.
But You, All-merciful and Merciful Lady, do not despise me, desperate and perishing in sins, have mercy on me, who repent of my evil deeds, and turn my errant, accursed soul to the right path.
On You, my Lady Theotokos, I place all my hope.
Thou, Mother of God, preserve and keep me under Thy roof, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
About my husband
Oh, Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin, Lady Theotokos, Helper of sinners and Seeker of the lost!
Look with Your merciful eye on us standing before Your holy icon and praying to You with tenderness:
raise us from the depths of sin, enlighten our minds, darkened by passions, and heal the ulcers of our souls and bodies.
There are no imams of other help, no imams of other hope, do You, the Lady, weigh all our weaknesses and sins? We resort to You and cry out:
do not forsake us with Your heavenly help, but appear to us ever and with Your ineffable mercy and bounty, save and have mercy on us who are perishing.
Grant us correction of our sinful life and deliver us from sorrows, troubles and illnesses, from vain death, hell and eternal torment.
You, Queen and Lady, are the quick Helper and Intercessor of all those who flow to You, and the strong Refuge of repentant sinners.
Grant us, O Most Blessed and All-Immaculate Virgin, the Christian end of our life to be peaceful and shameless, and grant us, through Your intercession, to dwell in the abodes of Heaven,
where the unceasing voice of those celebrating with joy glorifies the Most Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
About marriage
Oh, Most Holy Lady and Most Holy Theotokos, hear me, Servant of God (proper name), give me consolation and give me hope for a prosperous and joyful life. Only you can I ask for refuge in my sorrow and troubles. You are the only one who, standing at the throne of the Lord, can pray to the Almighty for the forgiveness of all my sins committed through my foolishness. Hear me and save me from death and sorrow. I stand before your Holy Icon and fall in tears to your image, speedy Protector and helper of all people who cry out to you in their grief and sorrow. Amen.
Troparion
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, / who bore the Eternal Child and God in her arms. / Ask Him to give peace to the world / and salvation to our souls. / For the Son speaks to You, the Mother of God, / I For all Your requests will be fulfilled for good./ For this reason and We fall, we pray / and hope in You, so that we do not perish, / we call Your name: / For You are the Lady, // The seeker of the lost.
Troparion
Seek us, who are perishing, O Most Holy Virgin, / not because of our sin, punish us, / but because of your love for mankind, / deliver us from hell, illness and need, / and save us.
Canon
Song 1
Irmos: I will open my mouth and be filled with the Spirit, and I will vomit the word to the Queen Mother, and I will appear, brightly triumphant, and I will sing, rejoicing, Those miracles.
Have mercy on us, sinners, perishing, Most Holy Theotokos, but instead of sorrow, give us joy, so that we sing praise to You, All-Holy Lady.
Calm the ferocity of our souls, before many sorrows and sorrows attack us, sinners, so that we do not perish in evil and damnation.
You are our strength and affirmation and protection from enemies, and for this sake we are not afraid of the enemy’s slander, but we sing and praise You evermore, O All-Glorious One.
Many misfortunes, troubles, and sorrows have come upon us and burdened us, and with all our hearts we pray to Thee, crying out: deliver, O Mother of God, from the evils that beset us and fill us with joy.
Song 3
Irmos: Thy hymns, O Theotokos, living and unenvious source, spiritually establish the face of thyself, and grant crowns of glory in Thy Divine glory.
You are a warm Representative and a firm intercessor, deliver us, All-Holy One, from the misfortunes that have come upon us, for You, Lady, correct the fallen.
Deliver us, O Most Pure One, from misfortunes, and troubles, and spiritual darkness, and despondency, drive away all passions from us, O Pure One, so that we may glorify Thee forever.
We flow to You, Most Pure One, do not despise our illness and sighing, but look at us who are in sorrow, and turn this sorrow of ours into joy, O Blessed One.
See, O Lady, our misfortune and sorrow, as in those the crafty enemy strives to devour us, but You, Most Pure One, thwart his evil cunning, and, having been delivered, we glorify You, the firm Intercessor for us who are perishing in our sins.
Sedalen, voice 2
Warm prayer and an insurmountable wall, source of mercy, refuge of the world, we diligently cry out to Thee: Mother of God, Lady, advance and deliver us from troubles, One who will soon appear.
Song 4
Irmos: Seated in glory on the Throne of the Divine in a light cloud, the Divine Jesus came with an Imperishable Hand and called to salvation: glory, O Christ, to Thy power.
You are, Most Pure Virgin, our indestructible hope and affirmation, and liberation from severe troubles, and consolation from sadness, and enlightenment of our souls, and an unshakable pillar in our hope.
In these sorrows, be sweet consolation, and in troubles, a quick Helper, and in prayers, the Representative, You, the Mother of God, having acquired, we are delivered from all troubles and are guided to salvation by You.
You are, Most Pure Virgin, a refuge for those in trouble, you help the weak, you correct sinners and guide them to salvation, as you are the Mother of God.
Judge those who offend, and overcome those who fight us, and deliver us, the condemned, from vain insult, for You have given birth to the Righteous Judge, the All-Immaculate One, who wants to judge everyone according to his deeds.
Song 5
Irmos: Everyone was terrified of Your Divine glory: You, the Unmade Virgin, had God in your womb above all and gave birth to the Lifeless Son, giving peace to all who sing Your praises.
Bow down to the prayers of Your servants, Lady, and do not hesitate to deliver us from all the sorrows and troubles that will support us, drive away visible and invisible enemies from us, so that we will not perish evilly, cursed.
In adversity and sorrow, You mercifully protect those who come running under Your roof; Accept, O Most Pure One, our small prayer from a sad heart, so that we may not perish evilly in despair.
With your merciful and gentle eye, Mother of God, and with Your mercy, look upon us, the unworthy, and free us from the current adversity, calling upon You for help, O All-Pure One.
The primordial Adam and Eve were delivered from tears by You, Lady, and with them we who fall and pray to You, deliver tears, sorrows and sorrows and give us useful consolation about God, our Savior.
Song 6
Irmos: This divine and all-honorable celebration, O God of Wisdom, Mother of God, come, let us clasp our hands, glorifying the God who was born from Her.
Hear the sad cry of Your servants, demanding Your help, O Mother of God, for You are our hope, trying to turn our sorrow into joy.
Deliver us, O Lady, from the tongue of flattery and from the unrighteous man, for all that You can, as the Mother of the Creator of our existence.
We are You, God-Blessed, speedy recovery of the lost, for us, the weak, strength and affirmation; We call You with spirit, lips and heart: from adversity and sorrow, free us, Lady, who come running to You.
Deliver us from misfortunes and troubles, Bride of God, for God has arranged for you to save and intercede our Intercessor, for this sake for us, unworthy, intercede for deliverance from sorrow.
Kontakion, tone 6
The intercession of Christians is shameless, 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 Thee: hasten to prayer and strive to supplicate, ever interceding, the Mother of God, those who honor Thee.
In kontakion, voice the same
There are no other imams of help, no other imams of hope, unless You, Most Pure Virgin, help us, we rely on You and boast in You: for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.
Song 7
Irmos: Having not served the creation of God’s wisdom more than the Creator, but, having bravely overcome the fiery rebuke, I rejoice, singing: O Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Thou art, Most Pure Virgin, our Patroness and the unceasing joy of our souls, do not despise us, obsessed with fierce misfortune and inconsolable sadness, but intercede and have mercy on Thy servants.
Thou art our strength, Most Pure Lady, and consolation in those who have found unexpected sorrows, and for this sake we, Thy unworthy servants, confidently cry out to Thee: have mercy on us, the fallen.
Heal spiritual ulcers, Lady, and intercede for us, Your servants, deliver us from the destructive network of the evil one, save us from all fall and corruption, Most Blessed One.
Destroy the advice of the unrighteous, which is sophisticated against us, for we are imams of no other help, except for You, Pure One, and we resort to You: do not let us perish, for all things are possible for You.
Song 8
Irmos: The pious youths in the cave saved the Nativity of the Theotokos; Then what is formed, now in action, raises up the entire universe to sing to You: Sing to the Lord’s deeds and exalt Him to all ages.
Keep our souls under Thy roof, Most Blessed Mother of God, and deliver us from the various troubles and sorrows that befall us, so that our enemy may not rejoice over our destruction, but let us glorify Thee, the Mother of God, forever.
We are afraid of seeking human help, and have come running to You, All-Immaculate One, You are the Guardian of Christians; today we come to the protection, hoping for the mercy of Your compassion; Motherly have mercy on us, may we glorify Thee forever.
You are, Most Pure Virgin, enlightenment and deliverance, You are our all-joyful Helper and the indestructible wall, our glory and praise, All-immaculate, may we glorify You forever.
We place all the hope of our salvation in Thee, Unfathomable Mother of God, and we call upon Thee for help: save us from this sorrow and misfortune and deliver us from all sorrows, so that we glorify Thee forever.
Song 9
Irmos: Let every earth-born leap, we are enlightened by the Spirit, let the nature of the bodiless minds triumph, honoring the sacred triumph of the Mother of God, and let it cry out: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.
Our strength is weakened, as if it were weaker, from sadness, and we are approaching hell; from the language of the soul-destroying, Mother of God, by Your intercession and from the sorrows that hold us with your hand, Mother, deliver us, so that we glorify You, Pure Ever-Virgin. (Twice.)
All-immaculate Youth, strong Helper to all the faithful, and the hope of Christians, be for us also a constant Prayer Book to Your Son and God for liberation from this misfortune that has come upon us, and let us cry out to You: Rejoice, Pure Ever-Virgin.
You are our fortress, refuge and invincible wall, You are the Prayer Book warm to God, free from all misfortunes and misfortunes, One Blessed One, let us cry out to You: Rejoice, Blessed Mother of God, Ever-Virgin!
Akathist
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Voivode, the Queen of heaven and earth, who gave us the most wonderful icon of the Seeking One, we offer thanksgiving singing. But You, as a gracious Mother, do not reject our prayer, but have the good will to accept it, and grant us the opportunity to cry out to You like this:
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Ikos 1
Saint Anna heard the angelic voice and said: conceive and give birth to the Daughter, blessed Mary, through her the whole tribe of the earth will be blessed and salvation will come to the whole world; We, who know this, will cry out to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, Mother of the Son of God; Rejoice, most immaculate Virgin.
Rejoice, Thou who gave birth to the Savior of our souls; Rejoice, uncontainable container.
Rejoice, good will towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God.
Rejoice, most honest cherub; Rejoice, most glorious seraphim without comparison.
Rejoice, trampling on hell and death; Rejoice, gift of eternal life.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 2
Having seen Your holy parents Joachim and Anna, as You are, the Most Pure One, the blessed fruit, they gave thanks to God, and before the doors of the temple they made a vow to dedicate You to the Lord, singing to Him: Hallelu ia.
Ikos 2
You have acquired perfect intelligence, O Mother of God, having been brought up in the Holy of Holies, so do not cease to make wise and enlighten with the light of God’s understanding all Christians who cry out to You like this:
Rejoice, you who lead to the knowledge of God; Rejoice, you who turn the deceived to the light of truth.
Rejoice, instilling the fear of God in hearts; Rejoice, you who teach us to revere the holy thing.
Rejoice, inspiring zeal for salvation; Rejoice, thou who inspirest to honor the temples of God.
Rejoice, you can find inspiring joy in them; Rejoice, thou who arouse the thirst for Holy Communion.
Rejoice, igniting faith and love for God; Rejoice, champion of purity and chastity.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 3
The Power of the Most High Autumn of You, O Gracious One, when the Archangel Gabriel brought the gospel of the seedless conception from You of the Son of God the Savior to the world; But you, having received this good news with humility, as a servant of the Lord, cried out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having in the womb of Christ the Giver of Life, You rose up, O Blessed One, to Your little wife, the righteous Elizabeth, and kissed both mothers, rejoicing in God our Savior. For this reason, as to the source of holy joy, we cry out to You:
Rejoice, you who make our hard life easier; Rejoice, you who drive away cruel troubles and misfortunes.
Rejoice, you who save us from mental anguish and despondency; Rejoice, you who show God's trials for good.
Rejoice, you who give consolation in the midst of suffering; Rejoice, for through You our good desire is fulfilled.
Rejoice, for through You our evil undertakings are stopped; Rejoice, Thy Mother of Fire warming the love of the souls of the faithful.
Rejoice, thou who illuminatest us with the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, gracious Mother of all who mourn and are oppressed.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 4
A storm of bewilderment confuses my mind, how can I praise You with unworthy lips, Most Holy Virgin, for Your great help to us; Moreover, magnified by Your innumerable mercies, I humbly sing to the Almighty God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing in Bethlehem the shepherd of angels singing the Nativity of Christ, he flowed to the cave, finding there the Mother of God holding the Eternal Child in her arms. With them in spiritual joy we also offer you, as a common Mother, the following verb:
Rejoice, education of infants; Rejoice, O youth of the giver of meaning.
Rejoice, greatness of good deeds; Rejoice, you who enrich mature men with wisdom.
Rejoice, thou who endows life with humility and meekness; Rejoice, sweet tranquility to the reverent elders.
Rejoice, quiet refuge of the kind-loving elders; Rejoice, establishment of honest marriages.
Rejoice, blessing upon pious families; Rejoice, praise and exaltation of virginity.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 5
You are a God-rich star, O Queen of Heaven, to all who come running under Your omnipotent roof and continually cry out to God with tender hearts: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the righteous Simeon come with the Baby Jesus in the temple, he presented himself to the Lord, saying: A weapon will pierce your very soul, foreseeing your maternal suffering for your Son, God. ́stvenem. For this reason we call Ti:
Rejoice, encouragement to the ridiculed servants of God; Rejoice, you who stand for the defense of truth.
Rejoice, you who delight the patient sufferers with the anticipation of bliss in heaven; Rejoice, hearts of evil people, hostile, softening.
Rejoice, thou who destroyest evil counsel and their deceit; Rejoice, you who protect us from robbers along the way.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 6
Preachers of Your grace-filled help, all the multitude of those saved by You are: the suffering, the sick, the grieving and those burdened with sin, who cry out to God with gratitude for You: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The divine light appeared in Egypt and the idols fell there, when you fled, the Most Pure One, with the Infant Jesus, fleeing from the murder of Herod; For You, illuminating the minds of all the retreating delights of the vanity world with the light of God, plucking from their souls the idols of the destructive passions nesting there, we also extol You with these words:
Rejoice, admonishment for those who doubt their faith; Rejoice, you who are proud to bring humility to your minds.
Rejoice, taming those embittered and scorched by anger; Rejoice, reconciliation of those who grumble at God’s providence with the hardships of life.
Rejoice, you who guide those who are lost on the path of salvation; Rejoice, shame on the superstitious and fortune tellers.
Rejoice, reproof of the corrupt and wicked; Rejoice, for you have cast down the harmful teachings.
Rejoice, for you help us to know the truth; Rejoice, for you dispel the darkness of blasphemy, blasphemy and all lies.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 7
Although you were no longer separated from the Savior of the world born by You, You, the God-blessed One, remained with Him inseparably in the city of Nazareth, raising children and feeding Him as a Man, and singing in the heart To our own, as to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Showing a new motherly love for Your Son, with sorrow you sought Him, the youth of two decades, in the city of Jerusalem on the holiday of Easter, imagining Him to be in the army. Leading this is Your compassion, with tenderness we cry out to You:
Rejoice, you who lift up the offended and distressed; Rejoice, you who crown those hated and rejected by all with honor.
Rejoice, garment of the poor and naked; Rejoice, food for the poor and ruined.
Rejoice, charity for the homeless, the strange, widows and orphans; Rejoice, those who travel will return safely to home.
Rejoice, you have brought those who are lost on their way to their home; Rejoice, renewing the minds of foolish children.
Rejoice, you who do not abandon your help to the minds and morals of ordinary people; Rejoice, joy for those who trust in the will of God.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 8
Your strange and wonderful care was for Christians on all the paths of their life, many rebellious and difficult ones; Having in You only a merciful and unenvious helper, all Your blessings loudly sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were all with Christ, always serving the human race, as the divine Luke narrates. For I came to Thy Son, saying: Thy Mother and Thy brethren stand outside, wanting to see Thee. We imagine that You, O all-merciful Mother, constantly remain with all those who work for the glory of God and those who praise You like this:
Rejoice, teaching those in power to the triumph of goodness; Rejoice, you who demonstrate the rule of faith and piety to the saints.
Rejoice, you who supply shepherds with zeal for the salvation of the souls of their spiritual children; Rejoice, master of perfect understanding.
Rejoice, progress in science for those who study; Rejoice, helping monks and nuns in the fight against the world and the flesh.
Rejoice, judge of the holy mirror of truth; Rejoice, skillful physician in healing the sick.
Rejoice, co-worker of the farmers and good helper; Rejoice, peace and safe haven for all who labor.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 9
Every age of the faithful benefits from Your care, all-merciful Mother, as those who always resort to You provide soul-helping gifts that are needed in life, and You earnestly intercede for us, the weak and the sinful. standing at the throne of the Lord of glory, to Him we sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The vitiations of many things cannot express Your motherly sorrow, which was at the cross of Your Son, when You saw Him suffering for all men with unspeakable torments; Moreover, as if we were tempted in all sorts of ways, help us to endure the most difficult sorrows and hardships. For this reason we call upon You:
Rejoice, sight for the blind; Rejoice to the deaf who hear.
Rejoice, lame walker; Rejoice, healing of those who are weakened by the body.
Rejoice, health to the sick; Rejoice, deliverance from colds from demons.
Rejoice, enlightenment of those damaged by the mind; Rejoice, thou who receivest the incurable sick into thy all-powerful hand.
Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of desperate sinners; Rejoice, you who snatch them away from their destructive lack of will.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 10
Although the Lord, who was on the cross, saved the world from all others, he gave to the whole world the most holy, most merciful Mother, who always spoke to the most immaculate and beloved disciple: Woman, behold your son, and: Behold your mother. Thanks to the all-good God for this, the verb to Him is: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The strong wall appeared to you according to the covenant of the Lord, O Blessed One, giving to all prosperity, peace, consolation, joy, as you yourself received from the risen Christ the Savior, having heard from Him greeting voice:
Rejoice, for all your family pleases You; Rejoice, thou who tames all hatred and malice.
Rejoice, instilling peace about the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the faithful; Rejoice, destroyer of slander, jealousy and rancor.
Rejoice, you who suffer from brotherly love; Rejoice, protector from famine, cold, cowardice, flood, fire, and sword.
Rejoice, you who feed the faithful with their daily bread; Rejoice, you who stop the deadly plague.
Rejoice, quenching the righteous wrath of God; Rejoice, haste of righteous deeds.
Rejoice, there is providence on all the paths of life for Christians; Rejoice, you who console parents with the good behavior of their children.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 11
Our humble singing, offered to You out of the fullness of love and zeal, do not despise, O Bride of God, and do not turn away from us, sinners and unworthy, but help us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, so that it may be possible Let us sing to God worthily and righteously: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You appeared as a guiding light as an apostle, Mother of God, after the ascension of Your Son into heaven; Therefore, O All-Singing One, do not deprive everyone of this light, even those who have remained to this day and want to be saved and come to the understanding of the truth. By Your holy guidance, save us, in the sea of life, overwhelmed by worries, but from the heart we bring You the following praises:
Rejoice, thou who burnest up unclean thoughts; Rejoice, you who drive away temptations and temptations from us.
Rejoice, you who strive for repentance and correction of our lives; Rejoice, you who wash away the abyss of our iniquities with tears of contrition.
Rejoice, you who help us to remain spiritually awake; Rejoice, you who lead the faithful to sobriety and prayer.
Rejoice, you who prepare the bliss of the spirit for those; Rejoice, clear strengthening of the ascetics of piety.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand, so that we do not perish in sins and cruel circumstances that come upon us from enemies visible and invisible; Pacify our hearts, filled with malice and enmity, and be comforted by You, we joyfully call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your honorable dormition, we glorify Your holy protection, spread over the whole world, especially the Christian race, which glorifies You in this way:
Rejoice, you who prepare us through repentance for the departure from this life; Rejoice, you who cleanse us from sins through illness.
Rejoice, for you have saved the faithful from vain death; Rejoice, for you have granted the last parting advice to those worthy.
Rejoice, you who remove mortal fear from those; Rejoice, you who send speedy release of the soul from the body in the throes of death to those who are in the throes of death.
Rejoice, granter of the peaceful end of our lives; Rejoice, deliverer of bitter ordeals.
Rejoice, you who do not deprive us of Christian burial; Rejoice, to the Lord, Your Son, who stands for us.
Rejoice, you who remain with us both in life and in death; Rejoice, our joy, who opens the doors of heaven to us.
Rejoice, Blessed Virgin Mary, all-merciful Mother, seeking the lost.
Prayer three
O Most Holy Lady and Mother of God, the highest Cherub and the most honorable Seraphim, God's chosen Youth, the Seeker of the lost and the Joy of all who mourn, grant consolation to us who exist in perdition and sorrow, unless You have no other refuge and help than the Imams. You are the only one who is the Intercessor of our joy, and as the Mother of God and Mother of Mercy, standing at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, you can help us: no one else, who flows to You, leaves in shame. Hear us now, on the day of destruction and sorrow, falling before Your icon and praying to You with tears: take away from us the sorrows and troubles that are upon us in this temporary life, so that through Your omnipotent intercession, do not deprive us of eternal, endless joys in the Kingdom Your Son and our God. Amen.
History of the icon “Recovery of the Dead”
The icon “Recovery of the Lost” was first mentioned in the sixth century in connection with the following event. In the city of Adana there lived a certain monk named Theophilus. He held the position of housekeeper for the local bishop. But as a result of slander, the monk was removed from his post and expelled from the bishop's house. The offended Theophilus not only harbored a grudge against the bishop and other offenders, but also began to blaspheme Christ Himself and the Most Holy Theotokos. Moreover, he entered into an alliance with the devil himself. Realizing after a while the depth of his fall, Theophilus was horrified. He began to pray fervently before the icon of the Mother of God, calling Her “Seeking the Lost.” And the Merciful Lady heard his tearful prayer, accepted his repentance and freed him from his obligations to the prince of darkness.
In Rus', icons of this iconography have been known since the middle of the 17th century.
Iconography
The icon “Seeking the Lost” depicts the seated Mother of God. The Savior stands on Her knees, hugging Her neck. The Infant God presses his left cheek to the cheek of His Most Pure Mother. The hands of the Virgin Mary form a circle around the Savior. There are several iconographic versions of the image. The head of the Mother of God may be open or covered with a veil; the fingers are sometimes clasped together, sometimes not. Some lists are supplemented with images of saints or gospel events.
In the upper part of one of the most famous icons “Seeking the Lost” - Borskaya, the scene “Baptism of the Lord” is depicted in memory of the miraculous salvation of a peasant from a cruel death, which occurred on this holiday through the intercession of the Mother of God.
