If God were fair, say the holy fathers, we could not hope for forgiveness. On the pages of the Old Testament Scripture, the Lord appears as a formidable Judge and Accuser, punishing the slightest crime against the Law, and today the earth does not open up even under inveterate sinners. Why this happens is explained by an instructive story shown in a pictorial image known as the “Unexpected Joy” icon.
Miracles occurring from miraculous icons are carefully studied and recorded. They did the same at the Holy Trinity Elias Monastery near Chernigov. In 1662, the first miracle was recorded from the icon of the Mother of God, painted by the monk Gennady. Tears flowed from the eyes of the Most Pure Virgin, holding the Divine Infant in her arms, for 10 days. All of Chernigov “looked with great horror” at the weeping Virgin.
The miracle of the Ilinsk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God became famous and has come down to the present day thanks to St. Dmitry of Rostov.
Interesting. St. Dmitry Rostovsky is a church writer and educator who has written many books, including the lives of saints, sermons on faith and repentance, discussions on gospel stories and God's miracles.
Resurrection of the Youth
Traveling through the monasteries of Little Russia, St. Demetrius wrote the book “Irrigated Fleece,” based on stories about miracles from Our Lady of Chernigov. The stories were accompanied by teachings. One of the chapters, “The Dew of Resurrection,” talks about a youth who suddenly died. There was no illness or other reasons indicating the approach of death. The hieromonk of the Elias Monastery, who was then nearby, advised the parents to pray before the miraculous icon of Chernigov.
Saint Dmitry of Rostov
The parents went to the monastery and fell to the Intercessor. And a miracle happened: the child came to life. No one expected such happiness, although they believed in the mercy of the Mother of God. To the story of the resurrection of the youth, which occurred in April 1679, St. Demetrius attached a parable, on the basis of which the icon “Unexpected Joy” was written.
About other icons:
- Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God
- Icon of the Nativity of Christ
- Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary “Nurturing”
Prayer for health
Prayers for health sometimes provide healing from the most incurable diseases. There are facts according to which the icon “Unexpected Joy” gave relief from deafness. Prayer for the birth of a child will bring a long-awaited child. The icon of a young mother will provide a successful resolution of the burden.
The image saves you from mental ailments - it will support you in despondency and melancholy, anxiety and despair. Will help in a painless death in case of a serious illness. He will send you courage and protect you from death without repentance.
The icon “Unexpected Joy” will give you strength in faith and hope for mercy. Prayer for the gift of children will help bring home an orphan in need of love and care, or bring news of a long-awaited pregnancy.
Parable of St. Dimitri and writing a new image
A certain sinner had the custom of praying to the Blessed Virgin with the words of the angelic greeting “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice”, going to his iniquity. One day, kneeling in front of the icon and about to say the usual prayer, he saw a terrible vision: blood flowed in streams from the feet and hands of the Infant God, and the Mother of God Herself appeared to him as if alive.
“Who did this, Lady?” - the sinner shouted in horror. “You and those like you constantly wound My Son, like the Jews on the Cross, with your iniquities,” answered the Mother of God. Instantly repenting, the man began to beg for forgiveness, but the Lord did not look in his direction. Then he appealed to the Mother of God: “Let my sins not overcome Your mercy, Lady, ask the Lord for me!”
Icon “Unexpected Joy”, Pokrovsk
The Mother of God turned to her Son with a prayer for forgiveness for the sinner. The Lord answered Her, like a Son, with respect: “I cannot forgive, for I endured his iniquity for a long time.” The petitioner, who watched this with fear, completely despaired of his salvation. Then the Most Pure One stood up and wanted to fall on her knees before Christ: “I will lie at Your feet until this man receives forgiveness!” The Lord did not allow this to happen, saying that although He is God, He honors His Mother and is ready to fulfill Her prayers. The forgiven sinner rushed to kiss the wounds of the Lord, which immediately healed and the vision ended.
After reading “The Irrigated Fleece,” an unknown artist painted an icon based on the parable where a man prays to the Mother of God, calling it “Unexpected (unexpected) joy.”
The connection between the miracle and the parable is obvious: just as the parents of the dead boy did not expect to see him alive, so the sinner from the parable did not expect forgiveness from the Lord. But through the prayers of the Intercessor of the Mother of God, everyone received what they asked for, which became an “unexpected joy” for them.
The meaning of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”
Akathist
Kontakion 1 To the Mother of God and the Queen, chosen from all generations, who sometimes appeared to a lawless man, in order to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer thanksgiving singing to Ty, the Mother of God; But you, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, and let us call you: Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful.
Ikos 1 The angels and righteous souls were amazed when you appeared before your Son and God and with many prayers you interceded for man, who is always in sins; But we, with the eyes of faith seeing Thy great compassion, with tenderness cry out to Ty: Rejoice, thou who acceptest the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, and you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners. Rejoice, you who intercede for your Son for them; Rejoice, you who give them the unexpected joy of salvation. Rejoice, saving the whole world through Your intercession; Rejoice, quenching all our sorrows. Rejoice, Mother of God of all, comforting embittered souls; Rejoice, you who arrange our life well. Rejoice, having brought deliverance from sins to all people; Rejoice, you who have given birth to joy to the whole world. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 2 Seeing the Most Holy One, even if she is lawless, but every day with faith and hope before Her honorable icon, he casts himself down and brings the Archangel’s greeting to Her, and he hears such a sinner’s praise, and all who see Her Motherly mercy, in Heaven and on earth They cry out to God: Allelua.
Ikos 2 Human reason truly surpasses Your love for the Christian race, for even then You did not cease from Your intercession for the lawless man, when Your Son showed You the wounds of the nails, the sins of men committed by Him. Seeing You as the persistent Intercessor for us sinners, we cry out to You with tears: Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Guide, who leads us to the Heavenly Fatherland. Rejoice, guardianship and refuge of the faithful; Rejoice, help of all who call on Your holy Name. Rejoice, thou who hast snatched away all those despised and rejected from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who turn those to the right path. Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency and spiritual darkness; Rejoice, you who give new and better meaning to those who have been dependent on illness. Rejoice, left by the doctors in Your all-powerful accepting hand. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 3 The power of grace abounded there, where sin abounded; May all the Angels in Heaven rejoice over the one sinner who has repented. Singing before the Throne of God: Allelua.
Ikos 3 You who have Motherly mercy for the Christian race, give a helping hand to all who resort to You with faith and hope, O Lady, so that with one heart and one mouth we all bring the praise of Ty: Rejoice, for through You God’s favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You we also imams have increased boldness towards God. Rejoice, for in all our troubles and circumstances you offer your Son earnest prayers for us; Rejoice, for you have made our prayers pleasing to God. Rejoice, for you drive away invisible enemies from us; Rejoice, for you deliver us from visible enemies. Rejoice, for you soften the hearts of evil people; Rejoice, for you have taken us away from slander, harassment and reproach. Rejoice, for through You all our good desires are fulfilled; Rejoice, for Your prayer can accomplish much before Your Son and God. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 4 Having a storm inside of sinful thoughts, a lawless person praying before Your honorable icon and, seeing the Blood from the wounds of Your Eternal Son flowing in streams, like on the Cross, fell from fear and with a sob cried out to You: “Have mercy on me, O Mother of mercy, May my malice not overcome Your ineffable goodness and mercy, for You are the only Hope and Refuge for all sinners; bow down to mercy, O Good Mother, and pray for me to Your Son and my Creator, so that I may continually call to Him: Allelua.
Ikos 4 Having heard the inhabitants of heaven about the wonderful salvation of their dying earthly brother through Your prayers, they glorified You, the gracious Queen of Heaven and earth; and we, sinners, having experienced such intercession of a sinner similar to us, even if our tongue is perplexed to praise You according to our heritage, from the depths of our tender heart we sing to You: Rejoice, Helper of the salvation of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost. Rejoice, Unexpected Joy of Sinners; Rejoice, rise of the fallen. Rejoice, Representative to God, saving the world from troubles; Rejoice, for the voices of Your prayers tremble. Rejoice, as the Angels rejoice at this; Rejoice, for the power of Your prayers fills us, earthly creatures, with joy. Rejoice, for with these you take us away from the mire of sins; Rejoice, for you have extinguished the flame of our passions. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 5 You showed us the God-bearing star - the miraculous icon of Your Mother, O Lord, for, looking at the image of Her bodily eyes, we rise with our minds and hearts to the Primordial Image and through Her we flow towards You, singing: Allelua.
Ikos 5 Having seen the Guardian Angels of Christians, as the Mother of God assists them in instructing them, interceding and saving them, trying to cry out to the Most Honest Cherub and the Most Glorious without comparison Seraphim: Rejoice, reigning forever with Your Son and God; Rejoice, you who always bring prayers to Him for the Christian race. Rejoice, Teacher of Christian faith and piety; Rejoice, Eradicator of heresies and pernicious schisms. Rejoice, preserving temptations that corrupt the soul and body; Rejoice, deliverer from dangerous circumstances and sudden death, without repentance and Holy Communion. Rejoice, you who give a shameless end to those who trust in You; Rejoice, even after death for the soul that has gone to the judgment of the Lord before Your Son, you never cease to intercede. Rejoice, by Your Mother's intercession you deliver this from eternal torment. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 6 Preacher of Your wondrous mercy, bestowed on a certain lawless man, appeared Saint Demetrius of Rostov, who, writing off the great and glorious and fair works of God, revealed in You, committed to writing and this work of Your mercy for the teaching and consolation of all the faithful, and even these, in their sins, troubles, sorrows and bitterness, many times every day with faith in prayer they bow their knees before Your image and, having forgotten them, cry out to God: Allelua.
Ikos 6 Your miraculous icon, Mother of God, has risen to us, like a bright dawn, driving away the darkness of troubles and sorrows from all who cry out to You with love: Rejoice, our Healer in bodily illnesses; Rejoice, Good Comforter in our spiritual sorrows. Rejoice, you who transform our sorrow into joy; Rejoice, you who rejoice those who do not hope with undoubted hope. Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher; Rejoice, robe of the naked. Rejoice, Comforter of widows; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans. Rejoice, O unjustly persecuted and offended Intercessor; Rejoice, O just Avenger of those who persecute and offend. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 7 Although the Lawgiver, the Righteous Lord Himself is the Executor of the law and shows the abyss of His mercy, bow down to Thy fervent prayer, O Most Blessed Mother of the Virgin, for the lawless man, saying: “The law commands, that the son honor the mother. I am Your Son, You are My Mother: I must honor You, listening to Your prayer; Be it as you wish: now his sins are forgiven for Your sake.” We, seeing such power in the prayer of our Intercessor for the forgiveness of our sins, will glorify Her mercy and ineffable compassion, calling: Allelua.
Ikos 7 A new wondrous and glorious sign appeared to all the faithful, as if not only Your Mother, but also Her Most Pure Face, depicted on the board, You have granted the power of miracles, O Lord; Marveling at this mystery, with tenderness of heart we cry out to Her like this: Rejoice, revelation of the wisdom and goodness of God; Rejoice, affirmation of faith. Rejoice, manifestation of grace; Rejoice, gift of useful knowledge. Rejoice, overthrow of harmful teachings; Rejoice, it is not difficult to overcome lawless habits. Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, you foolish, intelligent worker. Rejoice, children, inconvenience to students, giver of reason; Rejoice, good Guardian and Mentor of youth. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 8 A strange and terrible vision of a certain lawless man, showing him the goodness of the Lord, forgiving his sins through the intercession of the Mother of God; For this reason, therefore, correct your life, live in a manner pleasing to God. Sitsa and we, seeing the glorious deeds and manifold wisdom of God in the world and our life, let us move away from earthly vanities and unnecessary cares of life, and raise our mind and heart to Heaven, singing to God: Allelua.
Ikos 8 You are all abiding in the highest, and you have not retreated from the lower ones, Most Merciful to the Queen of Heaven and earth; Even though, after Your Dormition, You ascended into Heaven with Your most pure flesh, yet You did not leave the sinful earth, who are a Participant of the Providence of Your Son for the Christian race. For this sake, we dutifully please You: Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Your most pure soul; Rejoice, who made all Heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body. Rejoice, Providence of Your Son for the generation of Christians, Holy Servant; Rejoice, zealous Representative for the whole world. Rejoice, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; Rejoice, always showing maternal love for us. Rejoice, O unenvious Giver of all gifts, spiritual and physical; Rejoice, blessings of the temporary Intercessor. Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, and filling their hearts with pure joy in the land. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 9 Every angelic nature was amazed at the work of Your mercy, Lord, for You have granted such a strong and warm Intercessor and Helper to the Christian race, I am present to us invisibly, but I hear You singing: Allelua.
Ikos 9 Vetia preaches many things, but does not talk about God's enlightenment, as if worshiping a holy image is like worshiping an idol; They do not understand that the honor given to the holy image ascends to the Archetype. Not only do we know this well, but we also hear from faithful people about many miracles from the Face of the Mother of God, and we ourselves, who are in need of temporary and eternal life, accept the worship of Him, with joy we cry out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, for miracles are wrought from Thy sacred Face; Rejoice, for this wisdom and grace have been hidden from the wise and prudent of this age. Rejoice, for she was revealed as a child in faith; Rejoice, for you glorify those who glorify You. Rejoice, for you put to shame those who reject You before everyone; Rejoice, for you have delivered those who come to You from drowning, fire and sword, from deadly plagues and from all evil. Rejoice, for you mercifully heal all the illnesses of mankind, mental and physical; Rejoice, for through Your prayer you will soon satisfy the righteous wrath of God against us. Rejoice, for You are a quiet refuge from storms for those floating on the sea of life; Rejoice, for at the end of our everyday voyage you will reliably lead us to the storm-proof country of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 10 Although you saved a certain lawless man from the error of his life’s path, You showed him a wondrous vision from Your most honorable icon, O Most Blessed One, yes, seeing the miracle, he will repent and, raised from the depths of sin by Your merciful providence, he cries out to God: Alleluah.
Ikos 10 You are the Wall of the virgins, O Virgin Mother of God, and of all who flow to You, for the Creator of heaven and earth, who dwells in Your womb and is born of You, reveal You, the Ever-Virgin, the guardian of virginity, purity and chastity and the vessel of all virtue, and proclaim to You all teach: Rejoice, pillar and fence of virginity; Rejoice, invisible Guardian of purity and chastity. Rejoice, kind Teacher of the virgins; Rejoice, good bride, Decorator and Supporter. Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages; Rejoice, speedy resolution for mothers giving birth. Rejoice, upbringing of infants and grace-filled protection; Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and the Spirit. Rejoice, consolation to mourning mothers; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 11 Bringing all-conciliatory singing to You, the unworthy, we ask You, Virgin Theotokos: do not despise the voice of Your servants; For we run to You in adversity and sorrow, and before You in our troubles we shed tears, singing: Allelua.
Ikos 11 I give a light-giving candle, we dry in the darkness of sin and the vale of weeping, we see the Holy Virgin; the spiritual fire of His prayers, kindling instructions and consolation, leads everyone to the Unevening Light, the appeal of those who honor you with these: Rejoice, Ray from the Sun of Truth - Christ our God; Rejoice, enlightening bad conscience. Rejoice, foreseen secret and inconvenience, leading all the good and telling it as it should; Rejoice, you who disgrace false seers and vain fortune-telling. Rejoice, in the hour of perplexity you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, abiding ever in fasting, prayer and contemplation of God. Rejoice, you who encourage and admonish the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, everlasting consolation for God-fearing monks and nuns. Rejoice, unashamed Intercessor of sinners who repent before God; Rejoice, warm Intercessor of all Christians. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 12 Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away every enemy and adversary from us, pacify our lives, so that we do not perish violently, without repentance, but accept us into eternal shelter, Mother of God, so that we may sing joyful things to God , Who saves us through You: Allelua.
Ikos 12 Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards lawless man, we all praise You, as a steadfast Representative for us sinners, and we worship You, who prays for us; We believe and trust that You have asked from Your Son and God good things that are temporal and eternal to all who cry out to You with love: Rejoice, all slander and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil are trampled underfoot; Rejoice, unforeseen reconciliation of bitterly warring people. Rejoice, unknown correction of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, speedy Comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sadness. Rejoice, you who provide us with the grace of humility and patience; Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions. Rejoice, thou who protectest the blood of the same blood from domestic strife and enmity through peace and love; Rejoice, thou who invisibly turns us away from disastrous undertakings and senseless wishes. Rejoice, in our good intentions you have been a companion to the Helper; Rejoice, at the hour of death for all of us, Helper. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 13 O All-Singing Mother, who contained the inconceivable God in her womb and gave birth to Joy to the whole world! Accept the present singing, turn all our sorrows into joy and deliver us from all misfortunes, and remove the future torments of those who cry out for You: Allelua.
This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1.
Meaning of images
Interesting.
The image of “Unexpected Joy” is unusual in that the Blessed Virgin and the Lord are depicted addressing a sinner and are inscribed in the interior of the temple. In terms of the type of iconography, the image of the Mother of God resembles the Ilyinsko-Chernigov one, only the royal crown on the head of the Mother of God is missing. This means Her humility in prayer to the Lord. The Lord, depicted as a Youth, does not hold a scroll in his hand, but shows his hands with traces of sores to a kneeling sinner. The tunic has been thrown off, wounds on the rib and legs are visible. According to the Gospel, Christ received four wounds when He was crucified on the cross, and the fifth, in the rib, when the guards wanted to make sure of the death of the condemned man.
Icon “Unexpected Joy” in the temple dedicated to her in Maryina Roshcha
On old copies of the icon there is always a drawn-back curtain in the background - a symbol of the church's royal doors, the entrance to heaven, slightly opened for the sinner. The red color of the veil is a symbol of resurrection.
The sinner himself is dressed in a green chiton. Green is the color of the earthly, human world. In such clothes they depicted the Old Testament prophets, who were righteous, but did not know Divine grace, only foreseeing the coming of Christ. The praying sinner is not yet forgiven, but expects forgiveness and renewal of life.
Prayer for children
Through prayers to the Mother of God in front of her icon, solutions are given in difficult situations. Enlightenment is given to children and parents in difficult relationships. The icon “Unexpected Joy” brings reconciliation in quarrels and forgiveness of grievances. Prayer to get pregnant will give hope or happy news of conception.
The Most Holy Theotokos will protect children from harmful thoughts, enemies, and dangerous situations. Will give parents mutual understanding with their children. It will help guide you on the path of beneficial teaching and gaining knowledge. It will build mutual respect between parents and children. Provides support and protection to children who are away from their parents (in training, military service, treatment, travel).
The “Unexpected Joy” icon can provide assistance to poor parents for their child’s development. Prayer for pregnancy will bring news of its occurrence. Will give life to the fetus and healthy development. Only faith and humility will help you find out about the long-awaited pregnancy. If it does not occur immediately after prayer, this means that the time has not yet come, the parents are not ready for the birth of a child.
The “Unexpected Joy” icon gives hope. Prayer for children, reviews about it say that patience and faith in the will of the Lord will help you get through difficult moments. They will set you up for a successful outcome of the case and help you in the fight against despair and disbelief. There are known facts when childless couples gave birth to a child after praying in front of the icon.
Inscriptions on the icon
In the field under the image of the Virgin Mary there is the text of the parable, written in illegible Church Slavonic script. Usually the initial words are placed: “A certain lawless man has a daily rule of praying to the Most Holy Theotokos...”, sometimes the title “The Unexpected Joy of the Most Holy Theotokos” is written.
Radonitsa in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha
It is believed that the word sanctifies the image; it must be included in the composition. Due to lack of space for text, it is placed in a greatly abbreviated form, symbolizing the entire inscription. On large images the words of the sinner are sometimes written: “Oh, Lady, who did this?” and the response of the Mother of God “You and other sinners with your sins...”, in lines directed from the sinner to the Mother of God.
Where in the house is it correct to place the holy image?
If you want the holy face to always support you, you need to choose the right location for it in your home. The holy image must be hung in the most visible place in the apartment.
However, there are places where it is strictly forbidden to place the image: • in latrines, for example, a restroom; • in places where all kinds of junk are stored; • It is also not advisable to hang the image in the corridor.
It is also necessary to note that when you turn to the Lord, it is better to do it alone, so that no one disturbs you. The best place to place the holy face is your bedchamber.
And most importantly, this face should not be hung up, but simply placed on something. You can place it on a table, a bedside table, a chest of drawers, or on a special shelf for holy images located at the right end of the bedroom.
What does an icon help with?
They pray in front of the holy image on a variety of occasions, because help comes not from the image itself, but from the Most Holy Theotokos. Traditionally, it is in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon that it is customary to pray in despondency, depression, and melancholy. They also resort to help by prayer in front of this icon in any difficult everyday circumstances.
The image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” teaches us gratitude to the Lord for all the countless blessings that He sends to us in life. If you think about the words of the akathist, it will become clear that we have an endless number of reasons for joy every day. Most often, we do not notice them and take them for granted, not even considering them a special mercy of God. But if we try to look at our life with spiritual eyes, we will understand how much the Lord loves and has mercy on us. This is what this icon teaches us.
What does one pray to the holy image for?
What do believers pray for at the “Unexpected Joy” icon? Based on the name, they ask the Queen of Heaven for the fulfillment of their deepest desires. Everyone has their own - a certain shepherd can pray for the salvation of an inveterate sinner, whom he no longer wants to save on his own. Someone is tormented by conscience: it seems to a person that his sins are so serious that he cannot expect forgiveness. And then, as a last resort, he comes to the Mother of God.
You can also pray:
- about those who have lost their moral compass;
- about help with hearing diseases;
- about reconciliation;
- about the return of the missing;
- about people who have fallen into despair (when they are overcome by sorrows and deprivations).
During the war years, women prayed for their missing husbands. It even happened that those who received funerals returned their loved ones with the help of the Almighty. The parents of those children who have taken the sinful path are looking for help - after all, they are doing everything possible, but their sons and daughters still stumble. Then joy seems like something unattainable, something that is forever in the past.
Icon Veneration Day
The Orthodox Church glorifies the memory of this holy image twice a year - on December 22 and May 14 according to the new style. These days, in the churches that are consecrated in honor of the “Unexpected Joy” icon, magnificent festive throne services are held. Sometimes ruling bishops take part in such services, and large numbers of pilgrims come to churches. Participation in the throne service is always marked with special joy and awe.
In churches where the patronal feast day falls on another day, the usual services scheduled for that day can be served. The icon is brought out on a lectern in the middle of the temple, all believers can come up and venerate it. In many churches, prayer services are held with the reading of akathists.
Why don’t requests in front of an icon come true?
It happens that a person prays in front of an icon for years, but his wish does not come true. What is this connected with, why does this happen?
This may be due to the fact that a person is not ready to meet his dream in reality and will not be able to withstand its consequences. Or it’s just that the time hasn’t come yet. “The ways of the Lord are mysterious,” the clergy say in such cases.
You can’t just ask and immediately get what you want. There must be a work of the soul, a path to fulfilling a dream. Even clergy, if they ask for something in prayers, they always impose a special fast on themselves, read the Akathist, the psalter. Likewise, the laity should limit themselves to excessive joy, excessive fun. Do not allow angry words and pride. Accept the most difficult lessons of fate with humility. Only sincerity and purity of thoughts will help to bestow what will be useful and saving for the soul.
It is not always possible for a person to understand why some wishes come true and others do not, why some people pray for years and do not get what they want, while others went to church a couple of times and received an answer to their request. The “Unexpected Joy” icon promises surprise. The meaning and prayer of this image is the acquisition of faith, hope for an unexpected event. Patience, human humility before the will of the Lord - this is the secret meaning of the icon.
