Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” of Pskov-Pechersk
From the Greek word “ελεος”, meaning “compassion, mercy”, comes the name of one of the types of Mother of God icons - “Eleusa”, in other words, “Merciful”, and in common people “Tenderness”. This is one of the most popular types of icons in the Russian tradition. On it, the Infant God pressed his cheek to the cheek of His Mother with true tenderness. They represent, as it were, a single whole, with Their indivisibility personifying endless love for people.
One day I was looking in a church shop for an icon I loved called “Tenderness.” Imagine my surprise when the worker offered me several icons at once, each of which bore this tender name. Today the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of one of them - the Pskov-Pechersk Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”.
It appeared in 1521 in the Holy Dormition Monastery, which is located in the city of Pechory, Pskov region. Initially, the icon was a copy of the Vladimir Mother of God, and it was painted by Hieromonk Arseny (Khitrosh). Grateful merchants from Pskov named Vasily and Fedor brought the icon as a gift to the monastery, where the Monk Cornelius was then abbot.
The revered elder of the monastery, Archimandrite John Krestyankin, on the day of the celebration of the miraculous Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” of the Pskov-Pecherskaya said the following words: “There is neither time nor strength to list all the miracles of the Mother of God. If we believe that, turning to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, we have an inexhaustible sea of miracles, then what can we say about the Most Pure Mother of God? This is, apparently, an inexhaustible ocean of wonders.”
Truly so. The first drops of miracles began back in 1524. Then, in general terms, historical evidence of healings was recorded: “Not only does the Mother of God give healing to the Orthodox, but also from non-believers, that is, from the Latin German land, who come with faith to the Most Pure Mother of God and to Her miraculous image, she gives healing.”
The Mother of God provided the strongest help to the residents of Pskov in 1581. The troops of the Polish king Stefan Batory then reached the northwestern lands of Rus'. The monks sent the icon to strengthen the spirit of the residents. The siege of the city lasted 5 months. During this time, the enemy stormed the Pskov Kremlin 30 times, but was defeated. Historians said that if it were not for Pskov, the Polish army would have moved to Moscow and Novgorod. The intercession of the Mother of God in the fight against the enemy showed great mercy to all of Rus'.
This is how love for the Mother Intercessor settled in the people’s hearts on the icon, and the Russian Tsar Theodore Ioannovich (son of Ivan the Terrible) ordered it to be decorated with diamonds, emeralds, pearls….
Almost 240 years later, residents of Pskov and the surrounding area again had to experience the power of prayer from the miraculous image. Another enemy from the West came to Rus' - the French. In the Patriotic War of 1812, danger again threatened the city, and here the Mother of God was merciful to the prayers of the believers. In those distant autumn days, Napoleon attacked the Belarusian Polotsk, and after it he was going to move to Pskov. At the request of residents of the northern Russian city, a religious procession was held with icons, one of which was the image of “Tenderness.” A miracle followed: Russian soldiers recaptured Polotsk, and the threat bypassed Pskov.
In memory of the miraculous deliverance of the city from the French invasion, the celebration of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness” is celebrated on October 7 according to the old style (on the 20th according to the new style). A memorable religious procession with a miraculous image also took place for a long time. It lasted from the beginning of September until the celebration of Memorial Day, and the icon was even sent to Riga. Despite the tradition of religious processions being interrupted for a long time, it has been resumed since 1997. However, now the icon is carried inside the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery - from the Assumption to St. Michael’s Church and back. The latter, by the way, was built in memory of that very miraculous salvation of the city from Napoleon. There they began to keep the “Tenderness” icon at the right choir.
All the miracles before the icon cannot be counted. Evidence of this is the whole 5 days of celebration (May 21/June 3, June 23/July 6, August 26/September 8, October 7/20 and the 7th Week of Easter).
There is a tradition of praying to the holy image for healing and the return of vision. There is a known case of recovery of Maria Terentyeva, who lived in Podkoporye across the Neva River. For three years the woman saw nothing. However, without losing hope, she came to pray to the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” at the Pskov-Pechersky Monastery. And then an epiphany came. Potapiy Grigoriev, who was deprived of the happiness of seeing the world for 6 years, was also happy, but in 1603, after prayer, he regained his sight.
However, if you remember how the Mother of God is called in prayers - Quick to Hear, the Offended Patroness, the Grieving Joy - you can safely turn to the Mother of God with any trouble. Let only the words of prayer come from the heart.
20.10.2018
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Tenderness” Pskov-Pechersk
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Intercessor of the Christian race, who covers and saves the people of the faithful, to the grieving monk, to the Giver of eternal joy, we shout out songs of gratitude from the heart. You, who have been called Tenderness, look upon us mercifully and grant us tenderness, so that with boldness we sing to You joyfully: Rejoice, All-merciful Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Ikos 1
Angels and Archangels and many heavenly powers silently praise Thee, the Queen of all and the Lady. You have made us worthy, with mortal lips, to sing of the joy You have given us in the appearance of Your wondrous icon with the eternal Child. For this reason, accept this praise from us: Rejoice, sung by Archangels; Rejoice, glorified Angel. Rejoice, lifted up and surrounded by heavenly powers; Rejoice, glory of the saints and martyr. Rejoice, undoubted joy of the faithful children of the Church; Rejoice, thou who hastens and instructs monks in their labors. Rejoice, thou who was called Tenderness; Rejoice, granter of tenderness to those who ask. Rejoice, our only Hope; Rejoice, Otrado in the hour of death. Rejoice, thou who continually besought Thy Son; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the inhabitants of heaven, Thee, the All-Good Mother, constantly praying before the Throne of God for the human race, they glorified the Lord, who gave such an Intercessor to the faithful, with a song of praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Reason has been granted to the faithful, Your miraculous face has been given to those who behold and the miracles poured out by You, compose songs and chants to glorify Your honorable name, O All-Blessed One. You mercifully accept this praise from us: Rejoice, miracle of the miracles of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, you who take us to heaven. Rejoice, Merciful One, who has mercy on us; Rejoice, covering us from evil with your omophorion. Rejoice, the Lord is with You and You with us; Rejoice, thou who graciously accepts all our sighs. Rejoice, in the hour of sorrow our only Joy; Rejoice, zealous Helper of sinners. Rejoice, steadfast pillar of the repentant; Rejoice, you who shed tears for the fallen. Rejoice, protector of the orphans and widows; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Lord is the autumn of You and move to help and intercede for everyone who resorts to Your miraculous icon and worships it. Seeing this, people fall down with trepidation and sing to God, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
The ancient monastery of Pskov-Pechersk has Your holy image, Blessed Virgin Mary, flowing currents of miracles and protecting the monastery from all evil, filled with great joy and consolation. Behold, the Mother of Light with Her winged Maternal love protects us who cry out tenderly: Rejoice, our most radiant joy; Rejoice, rejoicing of faithful hearts. Rejoice, thou who shone forth light for us; Rejoice, having visited the monastery by Your mercy. Rejoice, who gave her Your icon as a pledge of love; Rejoice, healings come from that icon. Rejoice, O protector of Your monastery; Rejoice, you who live in her as a helper. Rejoice, child-loving Mother of monks: Rejoice, vigilant guardian of monastic vows. Rejoice, you who bring joy to the whole world; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 4
Through a storm of evil invasions, the pious people of the city of Pskov reverenced You and received Your celibate icon “Tenderness”, erecting it on the walls of the city against the Batory warriors. You, working a miracle, protected the city from the deadly arrows of the enemy, and the movement of the faithful sings thanks to the God born of You: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the inhabitants of the city of Pskov and the entire Russian country the greatness of Your miracles, as You showed them in the test of those who were from the wars of beasts, glorifying You, the great Intercessor of the suffering, singing these: Rejoice, transforming our sorrows into joy; Rejoice, you who quickly help those who come running to You. Rejoice, fence of the city of Pskov; Rejoice, you who have corrected the evil insolence of the warriors. Rejoice, thou who guarded the walls of the city; Rejoice, you who covered the enemy from the deadly arrows. Rejoice, you who made Your people glad; Rejoice, you who have provided the Orthodox with hope. Rejoice, our fortress and protection; Rejoice, fragrant Flower of the Heavenly King. Rejoice, meek turtledove of the world; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 5
Thou didst show the godly star, Thy venerable icon, to the monasteries and villages of Pechersk, the Lady of the World! To this faithfulness, with vision and kissing love, we cry: be a shield and a fence for us, and let us cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing those near and far, how Your holy image “Tenderness” brings healing to all the sick, having come running to You in sorrows and illnesses, and no one departs from You, tired and inconsolable, and Your holy image is a joy. For this reason, for the sake of faithfulness, we call with gratitude: Rejoice, our infirmities have been driven away; Rejoice, healing of deadly plagues. Rejoice, quick Comforter in troubles; Rejoice, Demon Driver. Rejoice, decoration of the city of Pecher; Rejoice, wall and fence of the Pechersk monastery. Rejoice, Heavenly Abbess of monks; Rejoice, you who providentially care for a virtuous life. Rejoice, indestructible wall in adversity; Rejoice, haven for desperate sinners. Rejoice, you who are perplexed by reason; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 6
Preachers of the everyday life of miracles from Thy holy icon, Lady, as in blindness they see, the sick receive healing, faithful people in multitudes flock to the monastery, eager to receive Thy mercy, O All-merciful Queen of heaven, their faces with monastic voices join together and cry in joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Having shone forth Divine grace through Your miraculous icon, Lady, with faith and love for those who confess You as the Mother of God, who accepts healing of spiritual illnesses and communion with the Kingdom of Heaven, humbly exclaiming to You: Rejoice, not only the body, but also the soul of the Savior; Rejoice, who wipes away the tears of Your children. Rejoice, you who show us the power of love; Rejoice, eternal chamber of the homeless. Rejoice, depths of sin in the bath; Rejoice, cup that washes the conscience. Rejoice, radiant treasure of faith; Rejoice, hope of salvation for the stone. Rejoice, adamante of Christ's love; Rejoice, Giver of eternal joy to those who mourn. Rejoice, cover of purity and virginity; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to leave this corrupted world, on the holy mountain of God-loving elders the venerable Mark and Jonah labored and created the monastery of the Holy and Most Pure Virgin, the venerable abbot Cornelius established that image of the Lady, so that the faithful may have a reliable Helper and cry out according to: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Seeing Your new and glorious icon with “tenderness”, sent to the fence of the Pskov-Pechersk monastery, and rejoicing at the greatness, love of God, the foreigners and faithful people cried out diligently: Rejoice, beautiful glory of the prophets; Rejoice, blessed sky. Rejoice, abundant food in times of poverty; Rejoice, you who nourish everyone with spiritual joy. Rejoice, Helper in the feat of fasting; Rejoice, you who relieve all sorrows. Rejoice, softener of evil hearts; Rejoice, our Helper before the Son. Rejoice, you who brought peace with God; Rejoice, the secrets of the ages have been revealed. Rejoice, fragrant blossom of virginity; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 8
A strange and glorious miracle was Your face, Most Blessed One, shining from the icon upon the faithful. Moreover, the Venerable Cornelius prayed before Your image to protect the faithful children of the monastery from all evil, teaching us to sing praises to the All-Good God, who gave us Your Mother: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All burdened with sins and despairing in his life, the repentant sinner ran to You in tearful prayer, asking that you ask before Your Son and God the forgiveness of his sins, and exclaiming with these calls: Rejoice, consolation for repentant sinners; Rejoice, and forgiveness of sins. Rejoice, thou who taketh away every tear; Rejoice, sun that warms people. Rejoice, joy given to the faithful; Rejoice, Heavenly Mother of Christians. Rejoice, correction of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, fragrance of the Heavenly King. Rejoice, you who teach us prayer; Rejoice, help in troubles is abundant. Rejoice, you who drive away nightly fear; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 9
All the powers of the Angels, the Supreme Virgin, our hearts incessantly praise You, the truly purest lordships of the sun they incessantly magnify. Thou art an Intercessor for us on the day of the Last Judgment to Thy Son and God, then remember the prayers of sinners and vouchsafe to sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
A writhing polyphonic tongue will not be able to adequately sing Your sweet face, O Virgin and Mother Lady, Your wonderful gifts and ineffable beauties, the multiplication of the heart fills with tenderness and grants us the sources of tears, and strives to cry out in contrition: Rejoice, dew of tenderness in the hearts; Rejoice, hope of all the hopeless. Rejoice, refuge for all those deprived of righteousness; Rejoice, Driver of evil demons. Rejoice, you threateningly forbid demons; Rejoice, rise of the discouraged in spirit. Rejoice, for everything is possible for You; Rejoice, admonishment of obstinate souls. Rejoice, thou who sleepest the sleep of sin; Rejoice, sweetness to all who live in bitter toil. Rejoice, joy to all who mourn; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 10
To save the faithful people, the Intercessor appeared for them before God on the hills of the city of Pskov, show Your mercy, present Your miraculous icon more than the Batory howl. The people, having seen the miracle, sing to You with a great voice: “O my Queen, Most Blessed!” and exclaimed to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thou art the wall of the monk, O Most Pure Virgin, from the machinations of the enemy, from troubles, sorrows and misfortunes, so entrust us to Thee, Reverend Mark, Jonah and Cornelius. The righteous Vassa also became an intercessor. For this reason, we lift up our troubled spirit in humble prayer, crying out: Rejoice, strengthening of Your faithful; Rejoice, loving one of Your children. Rejoice, city of the King, glorified by all; Rejoice, praise and joy to the Holy Church. Rejoice, rejoicing of heavenly minds; Rejoice, you who bring the unfaithful to Christ. Rejoice, our zealous Intercessor: Rejoice, you who save those in trouble. Rejoice, trampling down the wicked warriors; Rejoice, adorned with virtues. Rejoice, abundant rejoicing of the monks; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 11
Singing praise brings Ti, All-Sung, we get rid of every inconvenience. We earnestly kiss your honest image, we pray to You: grant us undoubted faith, send brotherly love and peace to our souls, and in peace and silence we cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You were a light-receiving light, Most Pure Virgin, illuminating our path with heavenly light, and far away from us all untruth and lawlessness. For this reason, we cry out to You in gratitude: Rejoice, unfading light of our life; Rejoice, Ladder, leading to heaven. Rejoice, all-bright cloud; Rejoice, tabernacle of the Heavenly King. Rejoice, Thou who gave birth to the Creator of the universe; Rejoice, You are blessed by all. Rejoice, glorified Cherubim and Seraphim; Rejoice, rain that waters pious souls. Rejoice, treasury of love and mercy; Rejoice, terrible Avenger of those who swear in vain. Rejoice, you who deliver us from slander; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 12
The grace of Ti was given from the Lord to cover the Orthodox Church from unbelief, heresies and schism with His holy veil. And protect the children of the faithful of the Church in peace and teach them virtue, so that they may continually glorify God with the song: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thee, the All-Singing Virgin, and honoring Thy miraculous icon “Tenderness”, which exists in the monastery of the Pskov-Pecherstya, we rejoice in seeing Thee for a long time, the zealous Intercessor and Helper of all who want to reap salvation and chant every day: Rejoice, Mother, my prayer to You; Rejoice, full share of paradise. Rejoice, Receiver of heavenly food; Rejoice, you who sow food and nourish us. Rejoice, monk who grieves the Giver of eternal joy; Rejoice, ornament of righteous women. Rejoice, land of good desires; Rejoice, martyr of all boldness. Rejoice, most honorable banner of the Church; Rejoice, eternal treasure of life. Rejoice, golden candlestick of faith; Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 13
O All-Sung Mother, Queen of heaven and earth! Good monks to the Goalkeeper, faithful protection and tenderness! Having accepted this present singing, deliver us from every evil situation and do not deprive us of the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven, but let us cry out diligently: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Tenderness” Pskov-Pechersk
O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Lady! Mother of all those who suffer and have heart problems! Our country and city to the Defender! Pskov-Pechersk monastery beauty and glory! Look upon us, humble, burdened with many sins, aggravated by sorrows and sorrows, and looking with contrition and tears at Your most pure face, revealed in the miraculous icon. Preserve this holy monastery from all evil, and entrust the venerable Cornelius with the elders Mark and Jonah to You and all who strive in faith and hope in it. Save this city, and all the people who live faithfully and resort to You, from the invasion of foreigners, from all fear and cowardice, from pestilence and famine, from evil people and all kinds of sorrow. Apply Your mercy to us, as You graciously pressed Your Divine face to the cheek of the Infant God. Warm us with the breath of Your love and never depart from us, neither in this life nor in the future, and hoping for Your all-powerful Motherly help, let us be worthy to comfortably reach eternal life and glorify the Heavenly Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity of the glorified God, forever and ever. . Amen.
Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Tenderness”
Troparion, tone 4
Let us fall to the Mother of God with tenderness, all burdened with sins, Her miraculous icon, kissing tenderness and crying out with tears: Lady, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants and grant us, who ask, Your great mercy.
