Akathist to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Eternal King, who exceeded every creation of Heaven and earth, the Queen, who sometimes came to the Blachernae Church to pray, offers worthy worship with thanksgiving, as if in the darkness of existence, we resort under Your luminous omophorion with faith and tenderness. You, who have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, so we call You: Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Ikos 1

The Archangel and Angel in multitude, with the Forerunner, the Theologian and all the saints in the face, co-presented You, His Queen, in the Church of the Blachernae and, having heard Your prayers for the whole world, touched with surprise, cried out the following: Rejoice, eternal favor with God the Father without beginning; Rejoice, most pure receptacle of God, the flightless Son. Rejoice, chosen dwelling place of God the All-Holy Spirit; Rejoice, never-ending wonder of the angelic ranks above. Rejoice, all-threatening deterrence of the dark forces of hell; Rejoice, the multitude of cherubim are met in the air. Rejoice, She who is praiseworthy will be ascribed to the Seraphim’s hexacrylation; Rejoice, even as we, earthlings, gratefully bow to Her most blessed cover. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Holy image of the Intercession of the Mother of God

There is an icon that means the protection of all people who turn to God through it. It is called the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary, she stretches her arms forward, while holding her omophorion. Here it is important to understand what kind of clothing item this is. Thus, today an omophorion refers to the attire of a church minister (of high rank). Literally it means “carrying on the shoulders.” Moreover, the word means duality (two shoulders).

The omophorion can also represent the image of a lost sheep that was carried back home on its shoulders. Accordingly, this word has a deeper meaning. It means the salvation of a person who, like a lost sheep, wandered away from the Lord, and when he turned to the temple, the clergyman restored his faith. There is also another, deeper interpretation: the salvation of all mankind by the Son of God.

Without an omophorion, a clergyman cannot conduct a service or otherwise demonstrate his sacred rites.

Considering the deep meaning of the omophorion, we can speak with confidence about the power of this Pokrov attire. The icon depicts Mary with an omophorion; she extends it forward, which may indicate her readiness to cover the suffering. Moreover, it provides protection not only for the body, but also for the soul.

Kontakion 2

Saint Andrew and Epiphanius saw You in the church in the air, praying for Christians to God, knowing that You are the Mother of Christ our God who ascended into Heaven, and, falling to earth, I joyfully bowed to Your all-blessed protection, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

You have no understanding, O Virgin Mother of God, in protecting Orthodox people, for the sake of our enemies they do not understand, so long as the prayer of God to the Mother is strong. We, knowing well about Your all-powerful intercession, call to You with tenderness: Rejoice, most merciful Comforter of all who mourn and are burdened; Rejoice, never-sleeping Teacher of all the lost and blinded. Rejoice, thou who quickly quenches the righteously driven wrath of God against us through Thy prayer; Rejoice, taming our evil passions with an omnipotent wave. Rejoice, strong awakening of sleeping consciences; Rejoice, easy overcoming of lawless skills. Rejoice, for whose sake hell groans and the souls of malice tremble; Rejoice, even for the sake of it the gates of Paradise are opened to all of us. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

In honor of what event was the Akathist written?

During the reign of Leo the Wise, Constantinople was turbulent. Palace intrigues, betrayal, struggle for power, constant clashes with Arabs and barbarians did not promise anything good for the inhabitants of this city. The situation was so difficult that the people gathered at the Blachernae Church of the Theotokos for the All-Night Vigil service. Prayed:

about the peaceful arrangement of the authorities;
getting rid of internal and external enemies;
asked for salvation from ruin and hunger;
about protecting the people of God from all misfortunes and misfortunes.

According to various sources, this is either 910 or 930. In the crowd of worshipers was Blessed Andrew the Fool for Christ with his disciple Epiphanius. And suddenly, they saw the Most Pure Virgin Mary emerge from the Altar. Kneeling down, she prayed for a long time with tears. Then she took off her cloth, shining like the sun, and spread it over the worshipers.

Andrey told those present about what he saw. They believed him. We were soon convinced in practice: the Intercessor showed the sign of the Protection and mercy to people. The enemies retreated. Peace and prosperity reigned. The robe and belt of the Mother of God, kept in the temple, acquired even greater Glory, which the believers had given before.

Kontakion 3

The power of the Most High overshadows with faith and reverence those who resort to Your all-honorable protection: You alone, the Most Holy and Most Pure Mother of God, have come, that every request of Yours may be fulfilled. Therefore, every age of the faithful praises You and Your Son, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having an infinite wealth of mercy, you extend your helping hand to the whole end of the earth, O Lady: healing to the sick, to the weakened, to the blind, to the blind, and to everyone according to their every need, giving thanks to those who cry out with gratitude: Rejoice, indestructible fortress and fence of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, the first adornment of holy temples and altars. Rejoice, the surest protection of piety; Rejoice, merciful city rulers, ever-growing Helper. Rejoice, invincible Commander of the leaders and armies of the Christians; Rejoice, holy mirror of truth to the unbearable judges. Rejoice, perfect mind of teachers and teachers; Rejoice, blessing of the homes and families of the pious. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 4

Through the storm of many troubles, you help us, O Lady, who are possessed: stand before the altar of the Lord, lifting up your hand, and praying that the Lord, the King of Glory, will look upon our unworthy prayer, and listen to the petitions of those who call on your holy name, and those who call to your Son: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard the Lord God of Joshua, praying and commanding the sun, he will take revenge on the enemy. The Lord Jesus, the chosen Chamber of the Holy Spirit, also hears Your prayers now. In the same way, we, sinners, trusting in Your protection, like the Mother of God, dare to say to You: Rejoice, illuminated by the mental Sun and enlightening us with an unstoppable light; 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, protection and supply of the holy abodes of Christ. Rejoice, cheerfulness and admonition of the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, God-fearing monks and nuns, Teacher. Rejoice, undisturbed calm of the reverent elders; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Second prayer

My Most Blessed Queen, my Most Holy Hope, friend of the orphaned and strange Intercessor, help for the needy and protection of the embittered, behold my misfortune, behold my sorrow: I am possessed by temptation everywhere, but there is no intercessor. You yourself, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange, guide me as I am lost, heal and save me as I am hopeless. There is no other help, no other intercession, no consolation except You, O Mother of all who grieve and are burdened! Look down on me, a sinner and in bitterness, and cover me with Your most holy omophorion, so that I will be delivered from the evils that have befallen me, and I will praise Your revered name. Amen.

Troparion, tone 4

Today, people of good faith brightly celebrate, overshadowed by Your coming, O Mother of God, and looking to Your most pure image, we tenderly say: Cover us with Your honorable Protection and deliver us from all evil, praying to Your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

Kontakion 5

Moses, the seer of God, is sometimes in the army against Amalek, when he lifts up his hand, Israel prevails, and when he lets down his hand, then Amalek is victorious, strengthened by those who support him, defeat the enemy. But You, O Mother of God, having raised Your hand in supplication, even though you are supported by no one, You always defeat the enemies of the Christians and You are an invincible shield for us, crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen Thee, the saints gathered in the air in the Church of the Blachernae, extending prayers to the Son and God, joyfully with the Archangels and Angels a grateful song was sung to Thee. We, stronger than Moses’ hands, strengthen Your hand, touchingly crying out: Rejoice, Whose hand will support for all of us, Her love and mercy for us; Rejoice, we cannot stand before the enemy, visible and invisible. Rejoice, you who drive away the dark horde of our passions and lusts; Rejoice, Divine Fire - holding Christ in His hand and igniting us, cold ones. Rejoice, for those who wage war on the flesh through chastity have been crowned with a fair amount; Rejoice, those who strive in fasting and silence for ever-present conversation. Rejoice, speedy Comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sadness; Rejoice, you who provide the grace of humility and patience. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 6

Saint Roman the Sweet Singer appeared as a preacher of Your inexhaustible grace and mercies, when in a dream he received from You a scroll of books for consumption: therefore he became wise to begin to sing intelligently to Your glory, and to write praiseworthy words to the saints, crying out with faith: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Thou hast shone forth from the true Sun of Truth, the Dawn, the Virgin of the Virgin Mary, enlightening all with the wisdom of God Thy Son and bringing into the knowledge of the truth those who call Thee: Rejoice, O God's Power and God's Wisdom - who gave birth to Christ in the flesh; Rejoice, thou who has put to shame the foolish wisdom of this age and taught those blinded by it to the right path. Rejoice, guardian of the holy faith and Orthodox dogmas, Teacher; Rejoice, Eradicator of wicked heresies and pernicious schisms. 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, you who redeem yourself from harmful undertakings and meaningless wishes. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

The power of the Intercession of the Mother of God revealed to the Russian barbarians

Another story is connected with the Intercession of the Mother of God, which showed the Russian barbarians the Power of the True God.
During the time of Prophetic Oleg, our flotilla approached the shores of Constantinople with the intention of plundering the city. After praying in the Blachernae Church, the clergy lowered the chasuble (veil) of the Virgin Mary into the sea, which was kept there along with the belt of the Most Pure One (once brought from Jerusalem). A strong storm arose. Almost all the boats sank. That’s when the barbarians saw and appreciated the power of prayer to the True God. Perhaps this event also influenced the choice of religion in Rus'. Soon Prince Vladimir received Baptism, and after him all of Rus'. There was a continuity not only of faith, but also of the Protection, Intercession and Mercy of the Most Holy Theotokos to Russia. For Her activity is inextricably linked with the Will of God.

Kontakion 7

Although the long-suffering All-Seer, the Lord, revealed the unsearchable abyss of His love for mankind, He chose You as His only Mother and created You for people’s insurmountable protection: so that even if someone from them is worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, Your sovereign protection is still preserved for repentance, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

Thou didst show wondrously Thy deeds in Thy Most Pure Mother, O Lord, when the most wonderful omophorion in Her hand, shining more than a ray of sunshine, appeared, covering the people who are in the Church of the Blachernae. Having heard such a sign of Her merciful intercession, I was overcome with horror and joy and kept saying: Rejoice, omophorion not made by hands, like a cloud, spread out over the whole world; Rejoice, O Eternal Bishop, Your Son, holding the sign on Your hand. Rejoice, you who manifest this new mercy and new grace in the Orthodox Church; Rejoice, pillar of cloud covering us all from the temptations and enticements of the world. Rejoice, pillar of fire, showing us all the path of salvation in the darkness of sin; Rejoice, obvious strengthening of the apparent piety of the ascetics. Rejoice, secret admonition of God’s servants in the midst of the world; Rejoice, and me, naked of good deeds, not leaving behind Your cover and grace. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Full text in Russian with accents

Before reading the prayer words to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the full text of the akathist in Russian.

Kontakion 1

Ikos 1

Kontakion 2

Ikos 2

Kontakion 3

Ikos 3

Kontakion 4

Ikos 4

Kontakion 5

Ikos 5

Kontakion 6

Ikos 6

Kontakion 7

Ikos 7

Kontakion 8

It is marvelous that the angels, hastening from heaven to the Blachernae church, appeared to you, glorifying the apostles, praising the face of the saints and saints and the holy wives of the class. The Forerunner bowed down with the Theologian, and the people in the church cried out with joy: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

The Lord rules over all above and below, having seen You in the church, His Mother stands and prays to Him with tenderness, saying: “Ask, My Mother, I will not turn away from You, but I will fulfill all Your requests and I will teach You all to sing in gratitude to You: Rejoice, Ark The covenant, in which the sanctification of the entire human race is kept; Rejoice, most holy one, in whom the Bread of Eternal Life is preserved for those who hunger for righteousness. Rejoice, all-golden vessel, in which is prepared for our sake the flesh and blood of the Divine Lamb; Rejoice, you who accept those left by doctors into your all-powerful hands. Rejoice, you who lift up those weakened in body, but not in spirit, and by faith from the bed of illness; Rejoice, you who give new and better meaning to those who are destroying their minds due to illness. Rejoice, you who wisely trouble us on the obstinate path of sin and passions; Rejoice, touching cruelty of our unrepentant heart. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 9

All praiseworthy angelic nature brings to You, the true Mother of God and Intercessor of all who flow to You, leading, as with Your indestructible protection you have made the righteous glad, interceded for sinners, delivered the needy and prayed for all the faithful, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The prophets of many things, like dumb fish, are perplexed as to how to praise the great feast of Thy all-honorable Protection according to their heritage: everything that is said about You from them is not sufficient for a single calculation of Thy bounties. We, seeing Your countless good deeds, cry out with joy: Rejoice, you who keep us from the plague and all-destruction of mortals; Rejoice, preserving the cities and weights from sudden vibrations of the earth. Rejoice, you who raised up from the flooding of waters and from drowning with a strong hand; Rejoice, thou who deliverest from the fiery dew of Thy prayers. Rejoice, who supplies you with the Bread of Life from hunger of soul and body; Rejoice, you who take away the strikes of lightning and thunder from our head. Rejoice, thou who savest from the invasion of foreigners and secret murderers; Rejoice, thou who protectest half-blooded ones from domestic strife and enmity with peace and love. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 10

To save any human race from the charms of the enemy, the Lover of Mankind, the Lord, has given to You, His Mother, to help, protect and protect us on earth, so that you may bring comfort to the sad, joy to the sorrowing, an Intercessor to the offended, and may you raise everyone from the depths of sin, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

“O Heavenly King,” the all-immaculate Queen standing with the Angels said in prayer in the air, “receive every person who prays to You and calls on My name for help, so that he may not depart from My face empty-handed and unheard.” Having heard this all-good prayer, the congregation of saints cried out in gratitude: Rejoice, thou who crownest farmers with pure hands and hearts with blessed fruits; Rejoice, I will buy help and righteous rewards for all who do. Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions; Rejoice, sudden help to those in need along the way, on land and waters. Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and spirit; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans. Rejoice, strong Intercessor of those in captivity and exile; Rejoice, ever-watchful Guardian of those who live in bondage and prison. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 11

We hear the all-tender singing and warmly listen to Your prayer for us, we ask You, Virgin Mother of God, 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, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Like a light-receiving light, burning in prayer, seeing Thee in the air, the Blachernae Church, in agreement with the many people who were in it, exclaimed: “Where does this come from for me, so that the Mother of My Lord may come to me?” Saint Andrew and Epiphanius warmly pray to You, calling: Rejoice, unenvious Giver of all spiritual and physical gifts; Rejoice, faithful Representative of sinners who begin the repentance of sinners. Rejoice, ever-present Companion to those who fight the passions and attacks of the enemy; Rejoice, invisible taming of the cruel and bestial rulers. Rejoice, secret peace and joy for the meek and suffering slaves; Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages. Rejoice, quick and painless resolution for mothers giving birth; Rejoice, at the hour of death, one Helper to all of us. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 12

Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away from us every enemy and adversary and pacify our lives, so that we do not perish in cruelty without repentance, but accept us into eternal shelter, our Patroness, so that we joyfully call You: Alleluia .

Ikos 12

Singing Your sovereign protection, we all praise You, as our steadfast Representative, and we worship You, who prays for us: we believe and hope that You have asked Your Son and God for the eternal and temporal goodness of all who cry out to You with love: Rejoice, strong for the whole universe intercession; Rejoice, sanctification of all earthly and heavenly elements. Rejoice, blessing of all seasons; 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, you who do not reject the despised and rejected by all; Rejoice, you who snatch away the desperate from the pit of destruction. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Kontakion 13

O All-Sung Mother, Most Pure Lady, Virgin Mother of God! I lift up my spiritual and physical eyes to You, I stretch out my relaxed hand to You and cry out from the depths of my heart: look upon the faith and humility of my soul, cover me with Your all-powerful omophorion, so that I may be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes, and at the hour of my death, O All-Blessed One, appear to me and deliver the torment prepared for the sake of my sins, so that I may take out the call of worship: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Kontakion 8

Ikos 8

The Lord rules over all above and below, seeing You in the church, His Mother standing and praying to Him with tenderness, saying: “Ask, My Mother, I will not turn away from You, but I will fulfill all Your requests and I will teach you all to sing thanksgiving to You”: Rejoice, The Ark of the Covenant, in which the sanctification of the entire human race is kept; Rejoice, most holy one, in whom the Bread of Eternal Life is preserved for those who hunger for righteousness. Rejoice, all-golden vessel, in which is prepared for our sake the flesh and blood of the Divine Lamb; Rejoice, you who accept those left by doctors into your all-powerful hands. Rejoice, you who lift up those weakened in body, but not in spirit, and by faith from the bed of illness; Rejoice, you who give new and better meaning to those who are destroying their minds due to illness. Rejoice, you who wisely trouble us on the obstinate path of sin and passions; Rejoice, touching cruelty of our unrepentant heart. Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.

Meaning in Orthodoxy

For a long time, on the territory of Russia, the Intercession was perceived simply as the meeting of winter and autumn. Therefore, many people associated the holiday with seasonal household work. Previously, prayers related to housekeeping, children's health and marriage were often read on this day. The clergy do not prohibit saying such prayers.

However, they ask to remember more ancient customs and remind that the best protection against problems is the prayer of the Mother of God.

Before the holiday, some believers set up iconostases in their homes, in front of which they can pray in front of the holy images of the Mother of God. When saying a prayer, the Mother of God is asked to help cope with evil and protect herself from misfortunes and troubles.

When addressing the Mother of God, the following prayers are said:

Troparion. This prayer text explains why believers visit church on a holiday and ask Our Lady for help.
Kontakion. They describe in detail Andrei's visions, and also talk about the solemnity of such a festive event.
Akathists. They describe in detail the miracle that happened in the Blachernae temple.
Prayers said after akathists. They are read out to convey all requests to the Lord and the Mother of God. The recitation of the prayer text must begin with the glorification of the Mother of God. Then you need to ask for forgiveness of all sins and mercy. Only after this can a person list pressing needs and problems that need help in solving.

Kontakion 9

Ikos 9

Kontakion 10

Ikos 10

Reading rules

In order for the Mother of God to hear the spoken prayer words, it is necessary to understand the basic rules for reading prayers.

When is the best time to pray?

First you need to figure out the most appropriate time for prayer. Nowadays, many people find it difficult to set aside time to say prayers. However, despite this, every believer must develop a prayer discipline and adhere to it. Priests recommend saying prayer texts in the morning, before starting all business. If you have to do this in the evening, it is better to pray before dinner.

How to Prepare for Prayer

A person needs to prepare in advance to pronounce prayer words. First you need to learn the text that will be pronounced during prayer. This is necessary so that a person can understand the meaning of the text and in the future pronounce it more sincerely, with comprehension of what was said. Also, before prayer, it is necessary to expel irritation, bitterness and resentment from your heart. It is impossible to allow a prayer service to be said with malice in the heart.

Where is the best place to pray?

Priests recommend reading prayers within the walls of the holy temple. However, not all people manage to attend church and therefore have to pray at home. It is best to choose the most secluded place in the room for this, so that no one will distract you. The prayer text should address the icon of the Mother of God, and therefore it is better to place it in front of you and light candles with a lamp around it.

How to start praying

Before starting to read the prayer book, a person needs to make the sign of the cross. Then bows to the ground or from the waist must be made. Having finished with this, you need to tune in to a future conversation with the Lord. To do this, just stand silently for a few minutes and think about the words that need to be said.

How to end a prayer

A person should end his prayer with an expression of gratitude to the Lord. You need to thank him for his help and for the opportunity to communicate with him.

Kontakion 11

Ikos 11

Kontakion 12

Ikos 12

Prayers to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First prayer

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the highest powers, Queen of heaven and earth, our city and country, Almighty Intercessor! Accept this singing of praise and gratitude from us, unworthy Thy servants, and lift up our prayers to the Throne of God Thy Son, that He may be merciful to our iniquities, and add His grace to those who honor Thy all-honorable name and with faith and love worship Thy miraculous image. We are not worthy of being pardoned by Him, unless You propitiate Him for us, the Lady, for everything is possible for You from Him. For this reason, we resort to You, as to our undoubted and speedy Intercessor: hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection, and ask God for Your Son: zeal and vigilance for our souls as our shepherds, wisdom and strength as city rulers, truth and impartiality for judges , the mentor is reason and humility, the spouse is love and harmony, the child is obedience, the offended is patience, the fear of God is offended, the sorrowful is complacency, the rejoicing is abstinence; for all of us is the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. To her, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on Your weak people; Gather those who are scattered, guide those who have gone astray to the right path, support old age, raise young ones to be chaste, raise infants, and look upon us all with the gaze of Your merciful intercession, raise us from the depths of sin and enlighten our heartfelt eyes to the vision of salvation, be merciful to us here and there, in the land of earthly arrival and at the terrible judgment of Your Son; Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, our fathers and brethren began to live with the Angels and all the saints in eternal life. For you are, Lady, the Glory of heaven and the Hope of earth, You, according to God, are our Hope and Intercessor of all who flow to You with faith. We therefore pray to You, and to You, as the Almighty Helper, we commit ourselves and each other and our whole life, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Second prayer

My Most Blessed Queen, my Most Holy Hope, friend of the orphaned and strange Intercessor, help for the needy and protection of the embittered, behold my misfortune, behold my sorrow: I am possessed by temptation everywhere, but there is no intercessor. You yourself, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange, guide me as I am lost, heal and save me as I am hopeless. There is no other help, no other intercession, no consolation except You, O Mother of all who mourn and are burdened! Look down on me, a sinner and in bitterness, and cover me with Your most holy omophorion, so that I will be delivered from the evils that have befallen me, and I will praise Your revered name. Amen.

Source ABC of Faith

On the screensaver there is a fragment of a photo spbda/www.flickr.com

My story “My prayer for the Intercession”

“I was born on October 14, so I was taught to pray from childhood. Parents said: “On your birthday, the connection with the Mother of God is stronger.” But children do not always deeply feel the need to say a prayer, so I did too - I read a short version, thought, let others do it, and I have more important things to do, especially on Sundays, when I wanted to go for a quick walk. But already in adulthood, I faced problems that I myself could not solve: health, financial, and in my personal life.

Anna, 34 years old, Kirov

I started visiting the temple, I already knew that I needed to cover my head and come to the service. She started with a simple prayer (the shortest one), then moved on to the akathist Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos; she could only read it from a prayer book; it was difficult to remember a large amount of text. Now I appreciate this holiday as one of the most important. I go to church every year. The Mother of God helped me overcome thyroid disease; after treatment, my finances were at zero, but even here help came in the form of a new type of employment with a high income.”