Akathist to the Second Most Holy Theotokos before the Tenderness Icon Seraphimo-Diveevskaya
Permitted by the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church for private reading
Kontakion 1
Chosen from all generations to the Intercessor of the universe, receiving the praiseworthy voice of Your servants, O All-Blessed One, deliver us from all troubles, so that before Your icon we too sing the Archangel’s greetings with our zealous souls:
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Ikos 1
The Archangel of God Gabriel, the chief leader of the Heavenly Forces, appears to You, the Young Lady, opening the Eternal Council and saying “Rejoice”: “You will be the Mother of the Lady.” Therefore, what follows is true, we all dare to unfeignedly sing this joyful voice to You, who prays for us:
Rejoice, who gave birth to Life in the womb of all; Rejoice, salvation of the sinful world.
Rejoice, Your Son has risen from the grave; Rejoice, deliverance of Eve's tears.
Rejoice, thou who hast trampled the ancient serpent; Rejoice, you who have torn apart the bonds of sin.
Rejoice, unspeakable joy to wives; Rejoice, door of God's mercy.
Rejoice, unceasing song of angels; Rejoice, chosen Daughter of God.
Rejoice, all creatures awaiting; Rejoice, hope for all sinners.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 2
Seeing this image of Your “Tenderness”, flowing healing currents to everyone, we flow warmly to it in humility, in need and sorrow, we long for salvation. You begged Christ, like Mother, to grant us every request, so that we may ever sing a song of gratitude before this image: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The mind of the heavenly acquisitive Seraphim, lying possessed by a serious illness; I pray for you to heal the disease. But you, Good One, came in a dream and meekly appeared to him in silence, promising to prolong the youth’s life. Moreover, saved from death by You, the tender Seraphim sweetly sang:
Rejoice, highest heaven of heavens; Rejoice, Holy Mother of the Lord.
Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Abyss of miracles; Rejoice, thou who art full of bounty, all-gold.
Rejoice, You show us mercy; Rejoice, you heal every disease.
Rejoice, healing for soul and body; Rejoice, good rising of the fallen.
Rejoice, triumph of heavenly minds; Rejoice, sinners' appeal to Heaven.
Rejoice, you beseech God for us; Rejoice, you destroy the enemy’s network.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 3
By the power of the Most High we wonderfully preserve, because of the power in the soul, Saint Seraphim excelled in his youth. We diligently went to the temple of the Most Holy One and, tenderly praying, singing praises in psalms with our hearts, thanking the All-Bountiful God, always adoring Alleluia to Him.
Ikos 3
Having You as a faithful Companion in life, Your chosen one leaves Your young homeland, directing the path to the Sarov monastery. Composing your words in your heart, your fatherland imagines heaven, pleasing the deserted belly on earth. And hearing: “This is from our family,” you sang to your hope:
Rejoice, guiding star of faith; Rejoice, Helmstress of my life.
Rejoice, Companion, profitable to God; Rejoice, shelter from the storm of passions.
Rejoice, for you guide us towards God; Rejoice, you admonish me to save my soul.
Rejoice, unforgettable path of truth; Rejoice, bridge, build up the mountain.
Rejoice, wonderful Helper to the poor; Rejoice, crown, gladden hearts.
Rejoice, you call us to the Kingdom; Rejoice, you open the doors of heaven.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 4
The Mother of God will soon save the blessed widow from the storms of life; she promises to hand over His lot to her, to cultivate the blessed land. Moreover, the widow is obedient to the Most Pure Will, the widow sets off on an unknown path, enduring everything complacently, until she is settled in the holy lot, the Virgins are patiently waiting for the word, diligently singing to God the Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
The widow heard the long-awaited verb, spoken to her in a subtle doze: “Here is My place in Diveyevo, here is My fourth chosen lot, here you will lay your bones, having first created a refuge for the virgins.” Moreover, the widow, having risen from her bed, brightly sings the following praise to the Mother of Light for her holy joy:
Rejoice, blessed abode of Light; Rejoice, God's chosen destiny.
Rejoice, holy tabernacle of God; Rejoice, treasure of good deeds.
Rejoice, boundless sea of mercy; Rejoice, the shower is quiet and serene.
Rejoice, caring for widows to purity; Rejoice, precious vessel of virginity.
Rejoice, strength strengthened in old age; Rejoice, good rod in youth.
Rejoice, Virgin Mary, incorruptible; Rejoice, blessed by the Lord.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 5
Listening to the voice of the Mother of God, the widow builds a temple in Her name; Gathering a small flock of orphans, he grows them in piety. Thus, in Diveevo, God’s seed was planted in the good soil in time, and the fruit was brought forth in patience, as if we partake of the fruit today, we thank the Good Mother of the Creator in heaven, singing a song about Her: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the first mother, as if the monastery had begun to grow, the Virgin Mary’s words were fulfilled, she entrusted her small flock to the elder of Sarov and wisely entrusted all spiritual care to the flock. And, having succeeded in his life, thanking the source of miracles, the Virgin Mary, for help from Heaven, he composes songs of praise to Her:
Rejoice, our quiet joy; Rejoice, Your name is Tenderness.
Rejoice, Mother of the verbal flock; Rejoice, glorification of this place.
Rejoice, for you have extended your protection to us; Rejoice, you are gathering us to Christ.
Rejoice, virgins, You are a bright palace; Rejoice, you protect the orphans from troubles.
Rejoice, for God will listen to you; Rejoice, comfort to all who cry.
Rejoice, you who endure our infirmities; Rejoice, you who enrich us in good things.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 6
Honest Alexandra was a preacher of the mercy of all in her life. God's Name is always in our mouths, in our hearts and thoughts, holy prayer. We bring tears to You, O Life-Giving Source, honoring You, and tirelessly doing your daily work, burning in spirit and singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Shining the light of grace in wondrous Diveyevo, the Mother of God extends Her omophorion over him, the machinations of the enemy and the slander of men, the infirmities of the spirit and the passions of the flesh, the needs common to earthly people - the good Queen satisfies everything, and quickly helps Her orphans. Moreover, singing Her miracles, She joyfully recites these words:
Rejoice, blessed light of salvation; Rejoice, beauty of pure hearts.
Rejoice, conscience of the world, sweet to all; Rejoice, the spirit of love is wide.
Rejoice, fragrant flower bed; Rejoice, rod, terrifying enemies.
Rejoice, all-powerful help in weakness; Rejoice, joy from Heaven in sorrow.
Rejoice, abundant food in times of poverty; Rejoice, who is above all words.
Rejoice, for you satisfy God’s wrath; Rejoice, you call upon us mercy.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to leave this corrupt world, the blessed one gathers together the orphans and the Mother of God the inheritance entrusted to her, Pachomius begs the elder to take care of it; The most pure image is accepted on the Persian and in the hand of the Lady the spirit betrays. Filled with grief, Pachomius listens to her and sings her funeral song: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new guardian angel for Diveyevo, the organizer of the lot of the Virgin and virgins, was sent by the Most Pure One, Seraphim. Together with the most praised Peter, with John, in the cell the Virgin appeared indescribably, bright, with the holy face of the martyrs, fragrant with the heavenly world. “You shall not forsake My virgins,” he proclaims, promising help to him all day long, and he brings Her his gift of words:
Rejoice, beautiful glory of the prophets; Rejoice, full of paradise.
Rejoice, great song of martyrs; Rejoice, you who wiped away my tears.
Rejoice, you who have not forgotten sinful prayers; Rejoice, you who visited your orphans.
Rejoice, our Helper before the Son; Rejoice, you who brought peace with God.
Rejoice, souls of the Bridegrooms; Rejoice, you who have been invited to the feast by the Door.
Rejoice, mysteries revealed from the ages; Rejoice, Virgin, to You is my song.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 8
Participant in strange visions, the blessed, gracious old man Father Seraphim takes to his heart the unforgettable covenant of the Virgin Mary and, guided by Her, builds a special monastery for virgins; He gives the measure to the cathedral church, he outlines the holy place with a ditch, he faithfully shepherds the flock of the Most Pure One, he lays down the rule of life and the order, he inspires God to sing without laziness: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
With your whole mind on your back to Christ, anticipating the bliss of paradise on earth, with a holy girdle, like the blessings of those guilty, Mary, who gave birth to us, the Savior of us, the archangel “Rejoice”, the voice is always diligent with filial simplicity. Imitating this, Mary’s inheritance to this day bypasses its ancient border, singing praises to the Virgin Mary, so that Toya’s communicant will be joyful:
Rejoice, O Virgin Mary; Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Savior Christ.
Rejoice, thou who didst contain God in the womb; Rejoice, Thy fruit is the path of life for us.
Rejoice, guilty one of eternal joys; Rejoice, glory and joy of the church.
Rejoice, wedding of pure virgins; Rejoice, generous Mother of monks.
Rejoice, magnification of all mothers; Rejoice, home, fill with grace.
Rejoice, you who extinguish arrows in days; Rejoice, you drive away fears at night.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 9
All the powers of the angels, the Virgin, the highest, our hearts silently praise You, the lordships of the sun, truly pure, all creation magnifies You without end. You are the Intercessor for us, awaken to the Son and God on the terrible day of Judgment; Then do not forget sinful prayers; always vouchsafe us to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The crown of many-voiced tongues cannot adequately sing Your sweet face, O Virgin and Mother of the Lord of Heaven. The increase of Your wonderful gifts and strength fills the heart with dew of tenderness, and gives us to comb the sources of tears. Your holy image with a burning lamp always cheers the gaze of the praying old man, always bowing to his knees before him, earnestly praising You with this song:
Rejoice, hope for all who are hopeless; Rejoice, thou art filled with tenderness to the heart.
Rejoice, you who are stripped of righteousness; Rejoice, source of salvation for all of us.
Rejoice, you have cast down the demonic face; Rejoice, you threateningly forbid the demon.
Rejoice, rise of the discouraged in spirit; Rejoice, club to those sleeping in evil.
Rejoice, punishment for obstinate souls; Rejoice, everything is possible for You.
Rejoice, there is sweetness in bitter works for everyone; Rejoice, Mother, joy to all who mourn.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 10
Having sowed with tears of salvation during the fast, the elder reaps in joy the broadcast from the Virgin: “You will soon, beloved, be with us.” And he is calm in spirit, in living hope, preparing his departure from the world.
He teaches his prayer charter and instructions to protect his orphans: “From today on, the Good is yours alone; You have many nurturers, children, but your father will not be me, look for joy on my grave, and in needs and sorrows, come to me; and I believe that the Lord will give you consolation, so that the song of Alleluia may ever rise from you to Him.”
Ikos 10
Thou art a wall to the virgins, O Most Pure Virgin, from the machinations of the enemy, from need and anger; for unto Thee do Saint Seraphim entrust us. And in the hour of testing, our troubled spirit we lift up to You in a humble prayer: O, be the Helper of Your orphans, may we joyfully praise You, the Ever-Blessed One, with worldwide glory, unchanging praise:
Rejoice, confirmation of Your faithful; Rejoice, strong orphan wall.
Rejoice, praise to the Holy Church; Rejoice, depth of the heavenly mind.
Rejoice, our unfading blossom; Rejoice, glorified city of the King.
Rejoice, ladder that led to God; Rejoice, light cloud of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who has produced dew from the fleece; Rejoice, You are a ready covering for everyone.
Rejoice, our known hope; Rejoice, unbrided virgin of praise.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 11
Every singing today is overcome by the multitude of Thy good deeds; Your mercy extends to the whole world, the glory of heaven and the joy of earth. Your Son, O Virgin, will always listen to the voice of the God-pleased Mother. Joy with all joy You, Blessed One, we will never be silent in calling. Thus do you call Thee, venerable one, singing to God, our representative from beyond the grave: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The palace longed for by the old man was revealed to the light, in admiration to You in prayer, O Virgin, before this image of “Tenderness.” In the hand of the Most Pure One you received the holy soul into another endless life in the villages of paradise. The weeping child, deprived of their father, but touched by the new knowledge of mercy towards Thy elder, dissolving the tears of the gravestone with a red song, the greatness of praise agreeing with Thee, the only Mother looking at You:
Rejoice, lamentation of the dark powers; Rejoice, triumph of righteous souls.
Rejoice, gatekeepers of hell lamentation; Rejoice, nature sings to you.
Rejoice, you who have overthrown the prince of ordeals; Rejoice, thou who has humbled the pride of demons.
Rejoice, name desired by the saints; Rejoice, in the hour of death of the Helper.
Rejoice, our joy is inexpressible; Rejoice, at that hour hear our voice.
Rejoice, tenderness of our hearts; Rejoice, God's propitiation.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 12
A gracious guarantee for protection, the elder of Diveyevo left this image of the Most Pure One “Tenderness” to the children of Diveyevo. Rejoicing brightly in glory, the Heavenly Mother earnestly prays for the orphans to mercifully observe it, so that despondency will not sleep, but let them drink with the oil of light, and enter into the palace with their Bridegroom, singing the eternal song of the Angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Today we sing Your glory and mercy, O Mother of God, to sinners, to the power of demons; We all celebrate Your miracles with light. Having immeasurably sanctified You all, Immaculate, God has placed You among the people in an omnipotent fortress: For they will listen to You for Your ear. By You we save everything every hour, we bring You this song according to:
Rejoice, eternal treasure of life; Rejoice, holy ark of righteousness.
Rejoice, endless praise for people; Rejoice, golden candlestick of faith.
Rejoice, God's favor; Rejoice, salvation of all people.
Rejoice, martyr of all boldness; Rejoice, song of your saints.
Rejoice, ornament of righteous women; Rejoice, land of good desires.
Rejoice, most honorable banner of the church; Rejoice, good Mother to us sinners.
Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.
Kontakion 13
O Mother of All, grant to all for salvation, O All-Good One, tenderness of hearts, so that we may always be protected by the fear of God, we will escape the destructive snares of the fighter, and thus saved by Your prayers, we will forever praise the good Creator: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Archangel of God...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen from all generations...”.
Prayer
O Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, grant us repentance before the end, have mercy on our prayers and grant joy instead of sorrow.
And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all misfortune, misfortune, sorrow, illness and all evil, and make us, Thy sinful servants, worthy to be at the right hand at the second coming of Thy Son, Christ our God, and we will be made worthy to be heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for ever and ever. Amen.
Source: //azbyka.ru/days/caa/588
History of the image of the Most Holy Theotokos Tenderness
Initially, the shrine was made on canvas mounted on a cypress board. This image was especially revered by the monk Seraphim of Sarov, who knew how to see the soul of every person and ask for healing for everyone. He prayed before this face most often, with his hands raised to heaven. The saint lived a long life and ended his earthly journey in prayer before the image of the Protectress. Seraphim bequeathed this face to the Diveyevo temple, located not far from his monastery.
Interesting! Lamp oil burning near the image of the Virgin Mary acquired healing properties. Saint Seraphim often used this divine remedy to save many unfortunate people from various ailments.
Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow received the “Tenderness” in 1991. The Holy Image of the Mother of God was placed in the patriarchal monastery. Every year the image is brought for veneration to the Epiphany Cathedral, which can accommodate a large number of believers.
This day is considered a holiday: the clergy dress in appropriate clothes and perform a solemn service. On the days of December 22, August 1 and August 10, in monasteries you need to light candles in front of the Virgin Mary with a request for the health of loved ones, and also sing an akathist (praise choir). The icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is designed to instill meekness and spiritual humility in all parishioners.
“Tenderness” SERAFIMO-DIVEEVSKAYA
Prayer akathist tenderness of the Mother of God meaning
Religious reading: Akathist prayer, tenderness of the Mother of God, meaning to help our readers.
In the Christian faith, many icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary are venerated, which is depicted both with and without the Child. One of them, deeply revered, is the icon of Tenderness.
Description of the icon
The Virgin Mary is depicted on such an icon waist-deep, with her hands folded crosswise, as if in prayer. Her eyes are downcast and her head is slightly tilted to the side.
The icon depicts a joyful event when the Blessed Virgin Mary learned from the Archangel Gabriel, who appeared to her at night, that she would give birth to the Son of God.
The image is permeated with joy and meekness, precisely those feelings that the Virgin Mary experienced at that moment.
There is also an icon of “Tenderness” where the Mother of God is depicted with the Baby, whom she holds in her arms, and her head is tilted towards him in love and joy. Little Christ also reaches out with his hands to the Virgin Mary and presses his cheek to her cheek. This icon is permeated with warmth and love, which only happens between a mother and a baby.
Initially, the icon was painted on ordinary canvas. It was attached to a board made of thin wood - cypress. After a while, it was presented as a gift to St. Seraphim of Sarov, a deeply revered saint in Rus'. Nicholas II became the donor of this icon. She was depicted in magnificent clothes, and her whole face shone with meekness and joy.
It was in front of the Tenderness icon that Seraphim of Sarov prayed most often. He also often climbed onto a stone with his hands raised to the sky and could stand for hours in motionless prayer. All the forest animals loved him; they say that he even fed a wild bear with his hands and it never attacked him.
The oil that burned in the lamp in front of the holy image had miraculous powers. It was with them that the Reverend began to treat and heal people.
Seraphim of Sarov lived a long life and presented himself before this icon in prayer. He was found by monks who came to the monk’s monastery.
He knelt in front of the Tenderness icon with his hands folded in a prayerful gesture.
After his death, he bequeathed this icon to the Diveyevo monastery, which was located not far from his monastery.
In 1991, the “Tenderness” icon was transferred to Patriarch Alexei II in Moscow. After which she was placed in the patriarchal church.
Every year, for veneration, this icon is solemnly transferred to the Epiphany Cathedral, where a large number of believers gather. On this day, a special service is held in front of the icon, and the church ministers themselves are dressed in festive clothes.
After a while, they began to draw from this icon and make a huge number of copies, which also worked miracles among Christians.
Holiday in honor of the icon “Tenderness”: when and how is it celebrated?
In honor of the Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness, deeply revered in churches throughout the Orthodox world, celebrations are held, which are held three times a year at different times.
December 22 is celebrated as the day of the Venerable Seraphim of the Maiden Mill Community. Also, the celebration falls annually on August 1 and 10 according to the new style.
On these days, it is customary in church to light candles in front of the icon for the health of one’s family and friends, read an akathist and special prayers, and also understand that meekness and humility before the will of God, which the Virgin Mary showed, should settle in the hearts of every Orthodox Christian.
The meaning of the icon of the Tenderness of the Virgin Mary
This icon is rightfully considered female.
- Before her they pray for the preservation of purity, innocence, and morality.
- They also ask for intercession and patience in everyday situations before the Holy Image.
- The icon shows that before any news, it is necessary to show meekness and meet any trials with humility.
How does the icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God help?
First of all, the miraculous face helps sick people get rid of any ailments and misfortunes . Also, the icon is able to console the rebellious soul and calm down bad thoughts and any mental disorders. If a girl is unable to conceive a child for a long time, a prayer service is also held in front of the holy icon. As a rule, after this everything works out, and the couple learns about the good news.
In cases where a girl cannot find a worthy life partner for a long time, they also resort to the help of a holy image. But it is also worth remembering that each person has his own so-called icon.
If seeing this face resonates something in your soul, you should read prayers in front of it more often, light candles and order a prayer service. Sometimes the icon of Tenderness can be a sign and appear to a woman or man in a dream.
This always foreshadowed goodness and joy that would happen in a person’s life in the future.
Many Orthodox Christians attach great importance to this icon.
The image is permeated with humility and love, and the bright and joyful face of the Mother of God is capable of calming the most evil and difficult thoughts of a person, just by looking at this image.
It is also necessary to pray fervently in front of the icon if a person has lost the joy of life and does not see his future path . We must not despair, but humbly accept our cross, as the Mother of God did in her time.
In which churches is the “Tenderness” icon located today?
In the Cathedral of Seraphim of Sarov there is the same icon that was presented as a gift to St. Nicholas II. The cathedral itself was built in Golitsyno. This icon was painted in the 19th century before last. For more than forty years it was in the house of the artist who painted it.
But over time, when they began to build the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the artist gave the icon to him in Golitsyno.
The Trinity Cathedral of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Church also contains one of the most revered and significant faces of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The border was consecrated in his honor.
At the end of the twentieth century, the nuns of the monastery painted this holy image, which became famous for the many miracles performed through the prayers of the laity in front of the image of the Mother of God.
It was in honor of this icon that special days of its veneration were determined. According to the new style, they fall on July 28 and December 9. Paraklis, church hymns, are held in front of the holy face every Sunday.
Another revered image, which is widely known among Orthodox Christians, is located in the Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral.
Miracles created by the image of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The chronicle of 1337 describes an incident that occurred in Novgorod. At that time, there was a terrifying pestilence in the city, which took a large number of human lives every day. Having fallen into despair, all the remaining people marched to the Trinity Cathedral.
So the Christians began to sigh tearfully and cry out for salvation, reading a prayer service that would save their city from a cruel disease. After their desperate prayers, the epidemic subsided, and in memory of this event they began to make an annual crusade to the Trinity Monastery.
There was another case of a miracle, which also occurred in 1337, on July 8. That day, tears began to flow from the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the image itself soared in the air, as if supported by an unknown force.
After this incident, the clergy were convened and a religious procession was held to conduct a service in the Trinity Cathedral.
Also, more than once there were cases of complete healing of cancer patients who prayed fervently in front of the icon, located in the family of Victor and Natalia Remezov, in the settlement of Lokot, Bryansk region. After one woman prayed fervently in front of the image for a long time, her upcoming operation to remove the tumor was canceled because it simply could not be found. She disappeared without a trace.
- Icon of the Mother of God “Ostrobramskaya”
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- Seven-shot Icon of the Mother of God - //bogolub.info/semistrelnaya-ikona-bozhej-materi-znachenie-v-chem-pomogaet/
Prayer to the icon of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, give us first and give us a place of joy in sorrow.
And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all evil, and grant us, your sinful servants, to be at the right hand at the second coming of Your Son, Christ our God, and to be our heirs, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for endless ages. Amen.
Accept, O all-powerful, Most Pure Lady, Lady the Mother of God, this honorable gift, the only one applied to You, from us, Your unworthy servants: chosen from all generations, the highest of all creatures of heaven and earth, who appeared, because for Your sake the Lord Almighty was with us, and through You we have known the Son of God and become worthy of His holy Body and His most pure Blood; Blessed are you, too, in the birth of generations, O God-blessed One, the brightest of the cherubim and the most honest of the seraphim. And now, all-sung Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil council and every situation and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil; but even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if through Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the One God and the Creator of all, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Each icon of the Mother of God helps in the most difficult moments of both one person and the entire Orthodox society as a whole.
The Virgin Mary is the first prayer book and protector of the Christian race before the Throne of God, therefore it is customary to pray to her in any need, mental anguish, illness and sorrow.
She will always hear our prayers and help everyone who asks. The main thing is to believe and offer a fiery prayer every time a person stands before the Holy Face.
Most Holy Theotokos pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls!
Interesting facts about the “Tenderness” icon
His mother remained an innocent girl, although she gave birth to a Son. of the icon
comes from , which shows Mary in her mother.
. The Icon the Mother
of God “
Tenderness
” is here.
Special relationship with the Mother of God
He carried it through his entire life -
the icon of
“
Tenderness
” was in Seraphim of Sarov’s cell, he anointed those who came with oil from the lamp.
Icon of the Mother of God
"Desperate One Hope" portrays Christ Himself as a foolish child, which goes against Orthodox theology.
. Icon the Mother
of God “
Tenderness
”…
In the right hand is the Mother of God
holds a candle - a symbol of unceasing prayer.
The icon
was discovered at the end of the 19th century.
in the city of Uglich. . Icon the Mother
of God “
Tenderness
”…
Kasperovskaya Icon Mother of God
belongs to the “
tenderness
” type, only in this case the image is not taken full-length, but only shoulder-length. This is a very ancient species that came to us from Byzantium.
His mother remained an innocent girl, although she gave birth to a Son. of the icon
comes from , which shows Mary in her mother.
. The Icon the Mother
of God “
Tenderness
” is here.
Special relationship with the Mother of God
He carried it through his entire life -
the icon of
“
Tenderness
” was in Seraphim of Sarov’s cell, he anointed those who came with oil from the lamp.
Icon of the Mother of God
"Desperate One Hope" portrays Christ Himself as a foolish child, which goes against Orthodox theology.
. Icon the Mother
of God “
Tenderness
”…
In the right hand is the Mother of God
holds a candle - a symbol of unceasing prayer.
The icon
was discovered at the end of the 19th century.
in the city of Uglich. . Icon the Mother
of God “
Tenderness
”…
Kasperovskaya Icon Mother of God
belongs to the “
tenderness
” type, only in this case the image is not taken full-length, but only shoulder-length. This is a very ancient species that came to us from Byzantium.
Source: //xn——6kccgdvsdzky9au.xn--p1ai/molitva-akafist-umilenie-bozhej-materi-znachenie/
Healings sent to the Most Pure Mother of God by the Tenderness Icon
Judging by the story of the monk in the chronicle, in 1337, in the glorious city of Novgorod, a terrible disease was rampant, which devoured a huge number of human lives every day, and no one could find an antidote to this deadly disease. And when they had completely lost hope of salvation, all the Christian people gathered and came to the Trinity Church, where, on their knees and with tears in their eyes, they began turning to the Holy Face of the Most Pure Virgin Mary, reading a prayer for protection from the deadly breath of the pestilence. And after some time, the deadly disease was defeated, and in honor of this divine miracle, people every year make a pilgrimage to the Trinity Church from the St. Sophia Church.
It also happened that the icon could shed tears, one of such events was on July 8, 1337, but then the Divine image not only had tears, but the entire miraculous icon hung in the air, held by some invisible hand. After this, they gathered the clergy, who went on a crusade to the Trinity Church to perform divine services;
In the village of Lokot, which is located in the Bryansk region, there is a miraculous holy relic of the Diveyevo Most Pure Mother of God in the house of Victor and Natalya Remezov. One day, a woman suffering from cancer came to visit them, and soon she was scheduled for a very difficult operation. The girl very carefully and sincerely prayed with all her heart to the Virgin Mary for a cure for her illness, and after praying the woman went to the hospital to prepare for the operation. But after undergoing an ultrasound examination, the surprise of the doctors knew no bounds, because the ultrasound showed that the cancer had disappeared and the sufferer had become absolutely healthy.
In the most difficult and difficult times for themselves and the state as a whole, people submitted petitions through prayers to the heavenly powers. The most revered image among the people has become the Holy Image of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness”, which is famous for such miracles as: With the help of this icon, the Mother of God grants recovery, support and encourages the sufferers, shares with them the joy of healing and eases their suffering, is proud of the unlimited abilities of God’s son.
In 1581, the Holy Image protected the city of Pskov from danger during its siege by the Poles. According to legend, a cannon shell fell into the church, but did not touch the icon, nor did it hit the people who were nearby. Two more decades later, the Holy Image of the Mother of God of Tenderness, during the military conflict of 1812, saved another Russian village - Polotsk. The outcome of that incident was so important that from that moment on, on October 7, a holiday in honor of the icon is celebrated every year.
Starting from the middle of the 16th century, a stream of believers headed to the Pskov temple who came for recovery, good parting words and advice in various matters. Ancient records keep the names of those people who were helped by the Holy Face of the Mother of God “Tenderness”.
The glory of the Heavenly image - the Healer - has firmly entered the lives of people. For those who were blind from birth or who lost their sight by an absurd accident, it returned. Sufferers who could not stand or walk were miraculously healed. For people who were speechless, it appeared. All these cases and many other miracles remained in the memory of people and were passed on from person to person, and the clergy in churches recorded all these cases for subsequent generations - in the name of the glory of God. However, wonderful events do not end in our time. Orthodox believers are completely convinced: The petition submitted to the Holy Image “Tenderness,” read sincerely and from the bottom of the heart, is capable of much. Especially if these are prayers for your relatives and neighbors, for your parents and children, for health and prosperity. Also, the Holy Face is able to change anger to the mercy of those people who are angry with you. With the help of her influence, it is easier to make peace with loved ones and gain peace of mind and harmony. That is why the Holy Image of the Mother of God is not called “Tenderness”.
In addition to the icon located in Pskov, in Russian cathedrals and monasteries there are many different icons of the Mother of God “Tenderness”. 66696666666666666665656 This testifies to the great reverence for this divine image. Also, there were cases when the Mother of God herself appeared weak and sick, either in dreams or clearly and advised how to submit a petition in order to get rid of the disease, and where this image should be located. And indeed the sufferers went to the said place, noticed the image that the Mother of God told them about, turned to her and were immediately healed. A lot of people were cured in this way - by prayer before the Holy images of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Akathist and prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (Seraphim-Diveevskaya)
Many people come to holy images for help and strengthening of their faith. It is for these reasons that the akathist to the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is read.
The holy image depicts the beautiful Virgin Mary with her head bowed and her hands pressed to her heart. Her whole appearance speaks of humility and obedience; she seems to represent the entire quintessence of female wisdom and kindness.
It’s not for nothing that she is considered the patroness and helper of all girls and young women.
What does an icon help with?
The Akathist to the Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is usually read on the days of remembrance: August 1 and 10.
They ask the Mother of God “Tenderness” for different things:
- about the salvation of husband and relatives;
- about a happy marriage;
- about a large family;
- about the Lord's gift of children;
- about the happy fate of daughters;
- about preserving spiritual beauty;
- about women's wisdom.
More prayers for happiness in marriage:
The Mother of God does not leave a single prayer unheard and intercedes before the Lord for everything. But before you pray to her, you should remember that spiritual beauty and salvation are more important than anything else, and this is what you should pray for first of all.
Icon "Tenderness"
Location of the icon
It is located along with other relics in the estate of the Patriarchs of the Church in the city of Moscow. Every year, during the celebration of the Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is taken out and placed in the Epiphany Cathedral so that people can come and venerate.
The Virgin Mary in the icon is depicted waist-deep, with her head bowed and her hands folded in a cross on her chest. A characteristic feature of the image is the absence of the baby Christ in her arms, since the face depicts the moment of acceptance of the Good News by the Virgin Mary. When the Archangel Gabriel informed her of the will of the Lord. Therefore, the Virgin is depicted as humble, and this is exactly how she received the message from the Lord.
Among its lists there is one famous one - an exact copy is kept in the Tretyakov Gallery, and every visitor to the gallery can appreciate the beauty of the board and also read a prayer in front of it. There are other lists that are kept in various churches.
Advice! A small copy can also be purchased for a home iconostasis.
The history of the appearance of the face
The Virgin Mary is painted on canvas in oil and attached to a cypress board (67x49 cm). Initially, it was in the possession of the holy monk Seraphim of Sarov and was one of several images of the Virgin Mary kept by him.
This board was Sarovsky’s cell board, and it was with its lamp oil that he anointed the sick who came to him. Many miracles happened, because the monk prayed frantically for every sick person, and many people received healing after anointing with oil.
It was the monk Seraphim who named the image “Tenderness” or “Joy of All Joys”, and he died in front of him during Sunday prayer on January 2, 1833.
After the death of the monk, the entire estate was distributed by the abbot, Father Nifont.
“Joy of All Joys” went to the nuns in the Diveyevo monastery, which the holy monk patronized during his life and to whom he bequeathed the image, saying that he entrusted the entire community to the care of this Queen of Heaven.
This is where the current name of the board came from - Serafimo-Diveevskaya - on behalf of the first and second owners.
Several decades before the Red Revolution, the image was kept in the Trinity Cathedral of this monastery, where restoration simultaneously took place. During it, the board was placed in a gilded frame, although a little later Emperor Nicholas II presented another chasuble decorated with precious stones.
The shining rays emanating from the Virgo's halo are lined with precious stones and pearls. As you know, the emperor and his wife were extremely involved in the life of Seraphim of Sarov and even took an active role in the canonization of the saint.
The icon has many copies, some of which are also famous as miraculous.
Before the revolution, the image once participated in the procession from Diveevo to Sarov during the holiday in honor of St. Seraphim. However, with the advent of Soviet power, the monks began to be persecuted, so in 1927 the monastery was closed, and its abbot and his wife were arrested.
Mother Alexandra was able to save some of the relics and, after her release, took them to the city of Murom.
When she died, nun Maria began to look after the relics and at the end of her life she handed everything over to Patriarch Pimen, who, in turn, handed everything over to Archpriest Victor from Kratovo for safekeeping.
While keeping the things of the holy monk, the archpriest and his wife often witnessed miraculous healings of the sick who came to pray to the icon.
And only in 1991, all of Sarovsky’s belongings came to Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and remained in storage at the Patriarchal residence in Moscow.
Appearance of the icon “Tenderness” to Seraphim of Sarov
How does godly tenderness differ from godly tenderness?
Tenderness, like many other human feelings, in a moral sense can have both good and bad content.
During the Old Testament, for many representatives of Israel, due to the coarsness of their hearts, godly tenderness was something not very familiar and not very understandable.
Educating and educating the chosen people, reminding them of what their mission and their chosenness were, God turned them away from the temptations of paganism, allowed disasters, sent down punishments, and through this contributed (including) to arousing tenderness in them (cf.: “He showed Thou art cruel to thy people: thou hast given us to drink the wine of tenderness” (Ps. 59:5)).
Preparing Israel for the coming meeting with Christ, God promised through the prophet that with the Coming of the Messiah, He would send the spirit of grace and tenderness to the house of His servant, David. Under the influence of this gracious feeling, even many of those who participated in His execution and murder should have believed in Christ (Zech. 12:10).
During the New Testament, tenderness as a feeling based on the joy of communication with God, reverence and humility before Him as the Heavenly Lord, to one degree or another became available to all true believers Christians. However, in order to comprehend this state in depth, a lot of effort is required from the ascetic.
One of the most important means to achieve this state is cutting off the sinful will, detachment from the vanity of the world, sincere prayer, participation in the Sacraments, obedience and trust in God.
If a person does not live in accordance with the moral law, and does not even believe in God and His purifying Providence, tenderness is also possible, for example, tenderness before idols, tenderness caused by an impulse of certain passions (for example, a love passion or a passion for acquisitiveness).
Such tenderness can further alienate a person from God, cultivate in him an addiction (to the object of tenderness) or intensify an already burning passion, subordinating him to the will of evil spirits.
It is precisely this sinful form of tenderness that the apostle speaks of when he says: “God has given them the spirit of tenderness, so that eyes cannot see and ears cannot hear, even to this day” (Rom. 11:8).
St. John Climacus speaks of the “blessed joyful sadness of tenderness.” He writes: “Reflecting on the property of tenderness, I am amazed at how crying and so-called sadness contain joy and gladness, like honey is contained in a honeycomb... Such tenderness is truly a gift of the Lord... God comforts the brokenhearted in a hidden way... In the abyss of crying is found consolation, and purity of heart receives enlightenment...”
See JOY SORRY
Hymn to the Mother of God before the icon, how to read and order correctly
The holy face of the Seraphim-Dineevskaya Holy Blessed Virgin Mary is the protector of all young girls who want to find their soulmate and get married.
Hymn to the Holy Face Tenderness is also served by girls who want to nurture and give birth to a child without any problems. They say that it won’t hurt and will serve as a good sign to have such a Face in the house, especially if there are girls among the children. This gives them a good life.
The chant before the most pure face must be read while standing and with great trepidation.
The Akathist should be read with the following prayers:
• Our Father;
• Glory to You, our Almighty;
• Heavenly Almighty
• Prayer of the Reverend Father.
After the holy father has finished reading the akathist, a prayer service to the Mother of God begins before the icon of tenderness and several more prayers are read:
• Glory and Now;
• Worthy to be;
• Songs of the Holy Fathers;
• You must say three times, God save and preserve.
Prayer chants can be read from prayer books. The chant read before the holy image of Tenderness during the celebration of the memory of the Virgin Mary of Seraphim-Dineevskaya is considered especially deified. This holiday is celebrated twice a year - on August 1 and 10.
The text of the chant must be pronounced very vigilantly, slowly and in complete silence. In this way, a person is completely immersed in a state of balance and completely belongs to faith.
Of course, it is not prohibited to submit these prayers twice a day, although the prayer books, which should be read at the very beginning and at the end, can be omitted if they have already been read out once. Of course, it is correct to read the akathist before the Holy Face. However, if there is no icon in the house, then you can go to the temple or determine the east and turn your face there and read the akathist.
In this icon, the Most Pure Virgin Mary is depicted at the most beautiful time, even before she gave birth to Our Savior - Jesus Christ, but after the Archangel Gabriel revealed to her her destiny.
This Holy Face is distinguished by the fact that the Mother of God is depicted with an admiring expression on her face and a most pure image. The Most Holy Theotokos is depicted with her palms folded respectfully in a prayerful gesture, with her head slightly bowed and her eyes slightly closed, which in turn means such qualities as the embodiment of kindness, integrity, patience and modesty.
The Virgin Mary the Mother of God is depicted at the moment when Archangel Gabriel tells her that her destiny is to give birth to the Son of the Most High.
First, the Holy Face of Our Lady of Tenderness was written on a sheet of paper, which was attached to a cypress board.
*The icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary was given to the Holy Elder Seraphim of Sarov by Tsar Nicholas II. ** Seraphim of Sarov had amazing abilities, he saw through a person, he could see not only the kindness of hearts, but also the nature of each of the people, which is why he prayed for the recovery of Christian people.
The lamp with oil that stood next to the holy relic had healing effects; with the help of this oil, the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, anointing people stricken with ailments, could heal them.
Saint Seraphim passed away kneeling next to the miraculous icon of the Most Pure Mother of God. A little later, in 1991, the icon was given to the Reverend Father Alexei II in the capital to be placed in the patriarchal church, but for veneration the Holy Face is brought to the Church of the Epiphany every year. A little later, countless duplicates began to be removed from the Sacred Relic, and few of them were prescribed no less medicinal properties than the original.
