Akathist to the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts”: the fight against passions when resorting to prayer

Icon “Softening Evil Hearts”

The holy image depicts the Most Holy Theotokos, pierced by seven arrows of sorrow and suffering. This is a symbol of the earthly path of the Mother of God, who had to endure the painful death of her Son, reproach from people, and the fullness of grief caused by these events. The cruel world thrust spears of suffering into the Mother’s soul. 2000 years have passed, but enmity and evil have not disappeared from the face of the earth. The name of the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” carries the hope that someday peace, good thoughts will reign in the hearts of people and everyone will begin to love each other, wars and mutual condemnation and hatred will stop.

What is the akathist dedicated to?

The Akathist “Decreasing Evil Hearts” consists of 13 kontakia and 12 ikos. They set out the entire earthly journey of the Mother of God from the moment when she gave birth to the Baby in the shepherds’ cave, having no place to lay her head, until the day when she saw the suffering of Her Son on the cross.

A separate kontakion tells about the meeting with Elder Simeon. The events of the removal to Egypt are also described, when Joseph and Mary, having lost the child Jesus, found him in the Jerusalem temple, the years of Christ's wanderings, the resurrection of Lazarus and the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem to accept the crown of thorns and torment on the cross.

Akathist “Softening Evil Hearts”

Believers resort to the akathist “Softening Evil Hearts” in difficult life situations, in a sinful state of mind. Prayer before the image of the grieving Mother of God helps Christians:

cleanse your own heart from evil;
to become accustomed to mercy;
get rid of intolerance and anger;
have peace of mind;
send kindness into the thoughts of enemies;
restore peace in the family;
stop the growing conflict, war, epidemic.

The greatest virtue in Christianity is love for enemies. The akathist “Softening Evil Hearts” helps to cleanse our hearts of anger and condemnation, reconcile with our neighbors, and pass the tests life sends us.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Softening Evil Hearts”

Kontakion 1

To the chosen Virgin Mary, above all the daughters of the earth, the Mother of the Son of God, who gave Him the salvation of the world, we cry with tenderness: look at our many-sorrowful life, remember the sorrows and illnesses that you endured, like our earthly-born, and do with us according to Your mercy, Let us call You: Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Ikos 1

The angel who announced the Nativity of the Savior of the world to the shepherd of Bethlehem, and with him many heavenly powers, praised God, singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” But you, Mother of God, who had no place to lay your head, no place in the monasteries, gave birth to Your Firstborn Son in a den and, having wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, laid Him in a manger; thereby recognizing the sorrow of Your heart, we cry out to You: Rejoice, having warmed Your beloved Son with Your breath; Rejoice, you who wrapped the eternal Child in swaddling clothes. Rejoice, Thou who nourished the Bearer of the universe with Thy milk; Rejoice, you who turned the den into the sky. Rejoice, thou who hast become the throne of a cherub; Rejoice, thou who remained the Virgin at the Nativity and after the Nativity. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Eternal Child, the midwife lying in the manger, the shepherds of Bethlehem came and bowed to Him and spoke about the verb spoken to them by the Angel about the Childhood, and Mariam kept all these verbs in Her heart; and after seven days Jesus was circumcised according to the law of Israel, as a man of eight days; Glorifying Your humility and patience, O Mother of God, we sing to the eternal God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Having a mind established in God and observing the law of the Lord, on the fortieth day, when the days of purification were fulfilled, His parents ascended Jesus to Jerusalem to set Him before the Lord and give a sacrifice for Him according to what was spoken in the Law of the Lord; We cry out to You: Rejoice, Thou who brought the Creator of the universe to the temple of Jerusalem to fulfill the law; Rejoice, you were joyfully met there by Elder Simeon. Rejoice, one pure and most blessed among women; Rejoice, O Thy Cross, adorned with sorrows, bearing in humility. Rejoice, you who disobeyed the will of God in no way; Rejoice, you who showed the image of patience and humility. Rejoice, vessel filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 3

You were strengthened by the power from above, Mother of God, when you heard the words of Elder Simeon, saying: “Behold, this One is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and is a sign that can be contradicted, and a weapon will pierce your very soul, so that many hearts may be opened.” thoughts,” and great sorrow pierce the heart of the Mother of God, and cry out to God in sorrow: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the desire to destroy the Child, the ambassador Herod killed all the children in Bethlehem and its borders from two years ago and below, according to the time of the hedgehog from the wise men and behold, according to the command of God given through an Angel in a dream to the elder Joseph, the whole holy family fled to Egypt and remained there seven years before the death of Herod. In the same way, with tenderness, we cry out to Ti: Rejoice, you who bore all the hardships of the journey; Rejoice, for all the idols fell in the land of Egypt, unable to endure the strength of Your Son. Rejoice, you who remained with the wicked pagans for seven years; Rejoice, you who came to Nazareth with the Eternal Child-Youth and with Your Betrothed. Rejoice, you who lived in poverty with Elder Joseph the treemaker; Rejoice, you who spent all your time in labor. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 4

The storm of sorrow overcame the Most Pure Mother, but those returning from Jerusalem did not find the Child Jesus on the way. For this reason, she returned seeking Him, and after three days found Him in the church, sitting among the teachers and listening to them and asking them questions. And His Mother spoke to Him: Child, what have you done to us? Behold Thy father and I am the most painful in quest of Thee? And he said to him: what is the source of Me, don’t you know that in those who are My Father, the essence is worthy of being Me; and His Mother kept all these words in Her heart, crying out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard the Mother of God, as Jesus passed through all of Galilee, teaching in their congregations, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every ailment and every ulcer among the people, and the rumor went out throughout all Syria and brought to Him those who were sick with various illnesses and passions, possessed and demons, and paralyzed and healing them. But You, Mother of God, leading the prophecies, grieved in your heart, knowing that the hour would soon come when Your Son would sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world. In the same way, we bless Thee, long-suffering Mother of God, crying out: Rejoice, who gave Thy Son to serve the Jewish people; Rejoice, sorrowful at heart, but submissive to the will of God. Rejoice, you who saved the world from the flood of sin; Rejoice, you who have erased the head of the ancient serpent. Rejoice, you who offered yourself a living sacrifice to God; Rejoice, the Lord is with you, O Blessed One. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 5

Preaching the Kingdom of God on earth, Jesus denounced the pride of the Pharisees, who imagined themselves to be righteous. Tis, listening to His parables, understood what He was saying about them, and sought His yat, but was afraid of the people, because they had His prophet; Knowing all this, the Mother of God grieved for her beloved Son, fearing lest they kill Him, crying out in grief: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the resurrection of Lazarus from the Jews, he went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done, and Caiaphas, the bishop, spoke this year: “We have no choice but to let one man die for the people, and not the whole tongue perish,” from that day they conferred , let them kill Him; We cry out to You, Most Pure One: Rejoice, Thou who has given birth to the Savior of the world; Rejoice, our salvation is the main thing. Rejoice, pre-chosen from birth as the Mother of our Savior; Rejoice, Mother of God, doomed to suffering. Rejoice, Blessed One, who has become the Queen of Heaven; Rejoice, I will take you out to pray for us. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 6

First a preacher of the word of God, later a traitor - Judas Iscariot, one of the two ten apostles, went to the bishop to betray his Teacher; When they heard it, they were very happy and promised to give him pieces of silver; But you, Mother of God, grieving for your beloved Son, cried out to the mountain God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The last supper was celebrated by the disciples of Christ, and at it the Teacher bore his mind, thereby showing an image of humility, and saying to them: “Only from you will betray Me, the one who eats with Me.” We, who grieve with compassion for the Mother of God, cry out to Her: Rejoice, Mother of God, exhausted by heartache; Rejoice, all who endured much sorrow in this vale. Rejoice, you who found peace in prayer; Rejoice, joy to all who mourn. Rejoice, quenching our sorrows; Rejoice, you who save us from the mire of sin. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 7

The Lord Jesus Christ, who wanted to show His love for the human race at the Last Supper, blessed and broke bread, gave His disciple and apostle the words: “Take, eat, this is My Body,” and having received the cup and given praise, He gave them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you, this is My Blood of the New Testament, which was shed for many for the remission of sins.” Giving thanks to the merciful God for His ineffable mercy towards us, we sing to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The Lord showed a new sign of His mercy to His disciples, when He promised to send them the Comforter of the Spirit of Truth, Who comes from the Father and will testify about Him. To you, Mother of God, twice sanctified by the Holy Spirit, we cry: Rejoice, dwelling place of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, all-bright devil. Rejoice, vast village of God the Word; Rejoice, you who produced Divine beads. Rejoice, through Thy Nativity, who opens the doors of heaven to us; Rejoice, you who have shown us a sign of God’s mercy. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 8

It is strange and regrettable for us to hear that Judas Iscariot betrayed his Teacher and Lord with a kiss, and Spira and the captain and the servants of the Jews brought Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to the high priest Annas first, then to Caiaphas the bishop. The Mother of God, awaiting the mortal counsel of Her beloved Son, cried out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

All the Jews took Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetor to Pilate, saying that He was a villain. Pilate, having questioned Him, told them that not a single person found guilt in Him; We cry out to You: Rejoice, you who had a grief-stricken heart; Rejoice, you who shed tears for your Son. Rejoice, you who endured everything without complaining, as a servant of the Lord; Rejoice, you who groan and weep. Rejoice, Queen of heaven and earth, who accepts the prayers of Her servants; Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 9

All generations bless Thee, the most honorable cherub and the most glorious without comparison seraphim, the Lady and Mother of our Savior, who brought joy to the whole world with Her Nativity, who later had great sorrow, seeing His beloved Son mocked and beaten to the death of the betrayed, but we bring tender singing to Thee, Most Pure , singing to Almighty God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The prophets of many things will not be able to express all the suffering You have endured, O our Savior, when the warriors wove a crown of thorns on Your head and put on Your scarlet robe, saying: “Hail, King of the Jews,” and hitting You on the cheeks. We, Mother of God, knowing Your suffering, cry out to You: Rejoice, You nourished Him with Your milk, having seen Him tormented; Rejoice, thou who hast ripened with crimson and a crown of thorns. Rejoice, you who suffered through His suffering; Rejoice, having seen Him abandoned by all His disciples. Rejoice, you who were condemned by His unrighteous judges; Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 10

To save Jesus, Pilate spoke to the Jews: “It is a custom for us that I will release one to you, so do you want to release to you the King of the Jews?” They all cried out, saying: “Not Him, but Barrabas!” Singing the mercy of God, who gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross, that He might redeem us from eternal death, we cry to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Be a wall and fence for us, Lady, who are exhausted from sorrow and illness. You yourself suffered, hearing the Jews crying: “Crucify Him.” Now hear us crying to You: Rejoice, Mother of Mercy; taking away every tear from the cruelty of those who suffer; Rejoice, you who give us tears of tenderness. Rejoice, you who save perishing sinners; Rejoice, shameless intercession of Christians. Rejoice, thou who deliverest us from passions; Rejoice, you who give joy to the brokenhearted. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 11

We offer all-congratulatory singing to the Savior of the world, going to His free suffering and carrying His Cross to Calvary upon Him; standing at the Cross of Jesus His Mother, Mary of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene. Jesus, seeing the Mother and the disciple standing, loving him, said to His Mother: “Woman, behold your son!” then the verb to the student: “Behold your Mother!” And from that hour the disciple went home. You, Mother of God, seeing your Son and Your Lord tormented on the Cross, cried out to the Highlander God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

My Light, Eternal God and Creator of all creatures, Lord, how did you endure the passions on the Cross? - The Pure Virgin weepingly spoke about Your strange Christmas: “My son, I was exalted above all mothers, but, alas for Me, now seeing You crucified, my womb burns”; We shed tears, listening to You, crying out to You: Rejoice, deprived of joy and joy; Rejoice, you who freely saw the suffering of your Son on the Cross. Rejoice, Thy beloved child who matured in the wounded; Rejoice, O Lamb, seeing Your Child as a Lamb being led to the slaughter. Rejoice, you who saw the Savior of mental and physical ulcers covered with ulcers; Rejoice, Thou who hast ripened Thy Son risen from the dead. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 12

Grant us grace, O All-Merciful Savior, who gave up Your Spirit on the Cross and accepted the handwriting of our sins. “Behold, My good Light, My God was extinguished on the Cross,” the Virgin lamented. “Try, Joseph, to approach Pilate and ask that Thy Teacher be taken down from the tree. Having seen Thee wounded naked on the tree without glory, My Child, My soul was pierced by a weapon according to the prophecy of the righteous Simeon,” the providence of the Mother of God, crying: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Thy mercy, O Lover of Mankind, we bow to the riches of Thy mercy, O Lord. “Even though you have lifted up the death of Thy creation,” the Most Pure One spoke, but by Thy resurrection, O Savior, have mercy on us all, but we call upon Thy Most Pure Mother with tenderness: Rejoice, the most pure Lord is visibly dead; Rejoice, O thou who kissed the body of Thy beloved Son. Rejoice, Thou didst bear forth the naked and wounded dead of Thy Light; Rejoice, Thou who betrayed Thy Light to the grave. Rejoice, thou who hast wrapped the new shroud around His Body; Rejoice, you who saw Him risen. Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, exhausted from sorrow at the Cross of Your Son and God, listen to our sighs and tears and deliver from sorrow, illness and eternal death all who trust in Your ineffable mercy and cry out to God: 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 “Softening Evil Hearts”

O long-suffering Mother of God, Higher than all the daughters of the earth, in Your purity and in the multitude of sufferings You have endured on earth, accept our much-painful sighs and keep us under the shelter of Your mercy. Do You know of no other refuge and warm intercession, but, since You have the boldness to be born of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we may without stumbling reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where with all the saints we will sing praises in the Trinity to the one God, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Softening Evil Hearts”

Troparion, tone 5

“Before, I only saw the image of Semistrelnaya in a photo. Once the opportunity arose to go to where she was, since the holy image travels all the time, I went to the nearest city (Moscow). I have my own pain - litigation with my relatives, litigation, including (on inheritance issues). I wanted to ask for help, to soften our hearts. Moreover, she traveled with faith in God, but could not admit the thought that this trip would change something.

Veronica, 39 years old, Stavropol

At the same time, I began to pray that they would forgive me for my lack of faith, and then I somehow perked up. It seemed that I felt the support of the Mother of God there, at the icon. I was at a service that was held for the sake of the Holy Face. It helped me, I rethought something.

First of all, the importance of inheritance has disappeared when you stand next to a shrine. We gradually decided everything with our relatives, when the rigidity went away, someone gave in, the other did not insist on his part either - that’s how we found mutual understanding. We haven’t become close, but at least we’re not at odds.”