The prayer that believers offer before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Softening Evil Hearts” is aimed at pacifying and calming the souls of warring people. Also, this prayer appeal helps to alleviate mental anguish and instills mercy in people's hearts. This miraculous icon is found in almost every Orthodox church.
Myrrh-streaming images are considered the most powerful in the following places:
- In the Church of the Archangel Michael, which is located on the Maiden Field in Moscow.
- In the village of Bachurino in the Moscow region. It is noteworthy that this is a printed image. But after the owner noticed that the image was streaming myrrh, it was recognized as miraculous.
- In the Church of the Holy Righteous Lazarus in Vologda. This icon appeared here in the year the Great Patriotic War ended and immediately began to flow myrrh.
- In the temple of the city of Zhizdra, Kaluga region.
It is noteworthy that after the Second World War, the copy of the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” came to Venice and is currently kept there in one of the chapels. There is a legend that during the battles, German soldiers discovered the icon in a church in the Voronezh region and handed it over to their regimental priest. And it was he who took her to Italy.
Prayer to the Mother of the Seven Shots
The Mother of God deserved such widespread veneration during her lifetime. The first Christians loved her very much, recognizing the unique spiritual height with which she was distinguished from childhood. “Seven Shots” very well reflects the difficult fate that awaited Mary during the divine plan to save people.
The image belongs to a rare type in which the Virgin Mary is depicted alone, without the Child or saints. In this way, her feelings are emphasized and brought to the fore. When the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the young Virgin and announced that she would be the one who would give birth to the Savior, it was unexpected. Mary read about this girl in the Holy Scriptures and dreamed of only being her servant. But it turned out that the honor goes to her.
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She agreed to everything the Lord wanted. And this is not only an honorable duty that made her known to the whole world, but an enormous burden of torment:
- watching the Son die on the cross;
- to take down His body from the cross and bury it;
- to remain on earth for many years without Him.
Therefore, they pray to the Seven-Arrow Mother of God, who softens the most evil hearts, when support is needed in trials. The image helps to reconcile those who are in a quarrel and calms the bitterness in their souls. You can improve family relationships: reconcile differences between husband and wife, children and the older generation. After all, the Immaculate Virgin is also part of the heavenly family, of which all Christians are members.
For my son's work
Praying for the work of an adult boy is very effective. It will bring good luck at work, and ensure harmonious professional relationships in other aspects of life.
Like the Star of Bethlehem, a wonderful spark of your protection, O Lord, may it enlighten my path and may my soul be filled with your good news! I, your daughter, call on you, God, to touch my destiny with your hand and guide the feet of my son along the path of prosperity and good luck. Send down a blessing on me from heaven, God, and fill my life with new meaning and clear light, in order to gain the strength of true life, success in today's affairs and future works, and not know any obstacles under your blessing hand. Amen!"
Composition
The icon of the Mother of God “Seven Arrows” shows the moment when suffering, like sharp swords, pierces the heart of the Blessed Virgin. This moment is well described in the Gospel: the wise prophet takes the little Christ into his arms. Thanks to God's illumination, the pious elder Simeon was able to understand who was in front of him. Then he predicted to the Virgin Mary that she was destined to suffer a lot. Her consolation was prayer, the belief that God is good.
Was it easy for a young girl to travel on foot for many hundreds of kilometers? She was pursued by the soldiers of King Herod, the family was destined to go to an unfamiliar country to save their Son. And this is just the beginning of the tests. How did the Virgin Mary feel when Christ left her to go to a sermon? After all, She knew how it had to end. Not a word of protest or irritation escaped her lips. Neither despondency nor condemnation were characteristic of the one whom the Lord chose.
Suffering is depicted in the form of swords that pierce the tender body from different sides. There are two types of execution, on both the number of weapons is seven. Their position differs slightly, but the image itself today is considered identical, only it can also be called “Simeon’s prophecy.”
- The head of the Blessed Virgin is tilted to the right.
- She holds her hands in front of her at the levels of her heart, either with her palms folded or pointing to her wounds, sometimes her hands are crossed as a sign of submission to the will of God.
- The Mother of God is wearing a red omophorion, completely hiding the figure, except for the hands. It is red in color which signifies suffering.
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The image “Seven Arrows” shows the Mother of God during her suffering. But you should pay attention that at this moment her face is filled with wisdom and silence, although sadness is visible in her eyes. Prayer became her refuge, faith gave her strength.
In what cases should one turn to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Softening Evil Hearts”?
By reading a strong prayer in front of the image of the Most Holy Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts,” you can achieve improved relationships between family members, between relatives and loved ones, between husband and wife, between children and their parents.
The “Seven-Arrow” Mother of God is able to protect from outbursts of anger, anger and irritation (both her own and other people), from other people’s intolerance. An icon helps with any enmity between family members or society. The Mother of God is also approached with prayer during military operations: she is asked for protection from enemy attack.
Role Model
Modern women can learn a lot from the simple Jewish girl Mary. Did she demand jewelry from her husband, constant attention from her son, and recognition of her uniqueness from those around her? But she is smart, educated, beautiful and worthy of all praise. But her destiny was prayer and work for the glory of God. And not because someone forced her - her heart called her to it. The Mother of God in the “Seven Arrow” icon also stands before God. Her head is slightly bowed, her hands are in a prayer gesture.
Her face is not distorted by a cry or despair, although her heart is pierced with seven arrows. True, they are traditionally depicted as double-edged blades. Apparently, the icon painter wanted to emphasize the special severity of the suffering that the Most Pure One endured. Indeed, for her fragile heart, any sin seems an unbearable burden.
The Mother of God, as she is depicted on the “Seven Arrows” icon, still gives her prayer to people today. She is also hurt by our sins. Even though Christ is already in heaven, sitting next to the Father, her soul aches for all Christians. The offended, the abandoned, the destitute - everyone will find shelter and protection from evil hearts.
The meaning of this Christian shrine
The icon is considered one of the most powerful Orthodox amulets.
It depicts the Mother of God without her Son. Her heart is pierced by seven arrows - sometimes 4 on one side and 3 on the other, sometimes 3 on the left and right, and 1 more on the bottom. Less often, swords are depicted instead of arrows.
This icon is a reminder to Christians of the introduction of the baby Jesus into the temple. According to the customs of those times, the baby was brought into the church when he was 40 days old. This is what Mary and Joseph the Betrothed did. Elder Simeon, who saw Him, publicly recognized that this was the Son of God. And the elder prophesied to His mother: “A weapon will pierce your soul, and the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed to you . That is, he already predicted that the mother would see her Son suffering. But thanks to the sorrows she has experienced, her heart will open to the misfortune of other people. And therefore, it is to the Mother of God that we most often pray when we are in trouble.
There is also an opinion that seven arrows are the seven deadly sins . We hide them from other people, but we cannot hide our sins from the Blessed Virgin, since they deeply wound her kind soul.
Do you know? In iconography, the image of the Virgin Mary, whose chest is pierced by arrows, is depicted in several versions. Yes, there is the Seven Shots icon, and there is the Softening of Evil Hearts. Essentially, both images are associated with a prophecy received by the Virgin Mary in the temple, and therefore many people consider one icon to be simply a list of the other. However, there is still a slight difference.
Where can you worship the most powerful image?
The most miraculous icon is located in the Moscow Church of the Archangel Michael (it can be found on the Maiden Field).
the St. John the Theological Seven-Shot Church , built specially in honor of this icon . It is located near Toshni, in the Vologda region.
But the miraculous Seven-Arrow images are also in other churches. For example, this film will show you an icon that streams myrrh in Crimea (Bakhchisaray district, Kholmovka):
Miracles of the Vologda image
- The Heavenly Queen came in a dream to a peasant in the Vologda province. The man had suffered from lameness for a long time. He spent a lot of money on treatment, but it did not produce results. The Heavenly Virgin ordered him to come to the bell tower and find her icon there. It turned out that there really was an icon there (the bell ringer did not find it, considering it a simple board). The icon was transferred to the church. The peasant fell for her for a long time and finally found the long-awaited health.
- In the mid-19th century, cholera occurred in Vologda. The religious procession with this icon (as well as the Semigrad one) was able to stop the spread of the disease.
Church day of veneration of the icon
In all Orthodox churches, the Mother of God of Seven Arrows is celebrated on August 13th . But this is in a new style. And according to the old one - August 26 .
What to pray for
What can console you in a difficult situation, when it seems that there is no way out, strength is running out, and there is no bright spot in sight? The prayer of the Seven Shot Mother of God will make us remember that there is another world invisible to us. There are completely different laws and suffering helps to find imperishable treasures. It’s not for nothing that they are sent by God - through pain we cultivate patience, courage, and learn to pray. Even if they were sent to the Most Pure Virgin, then what can we say about other people who are spiritually much less perfect.
About the author About the book
- Prayer to the Feodorovskaya Mother of God
- Prayer to the Iveron Mother of God - see here
- Prayer to the Tikhvin Mother of God -
The “Seven Shore” Mother of God is also venerated in the Catholic Church. Only there the image has a different name, although the composition is the same. Through prayers, many miracles happened around him over the centuries. Before her death, the Mother of God promised not to leave the earthly world in her care, which she constantly proves with miraculous help. Many sick and disadvantaged people find protection in her. Such is the power of popular love. But you should not forget the Lord in your prayers, because it was to Him that Saint Mary dedicated her entire life from the very cradle.
Strong son protection
The Most Holy Theotokos is the most loving mother and protector of children. Say praises to the Heavenly Mother every day, and she will protect your children from all troubles.
By the will of the Lord you were sent to me, my guardian angel, protector and trustee. Therefore, I appeal to you in difficult times in my prayer, so that you protect me from great trouble.
Those invested with earthly power oppress me, and I have no other defense than the heavenly power, which stands over us all and rules our world. Holy angel, protect me from oppression and insults from those who have risen above me. Protect me from their injustice, for for this reason I suffer innocently.
I forgive, as God taught, these people their sins against me, for the Lord has exalted those who were exalted above me and is testing me with this. All this is the will of God, but from everything that is beyond the will of God, save me, my guardian angel. What I ask of you in my prayer. Amen.
When speaking, it is necessary to delve into the meaning of each phrase. You must feel them, understand what sensations awaken in your heart.
Text of the prayer to the Seven Shot Icon
Troparion, tone 5:
Soften our evil hearts, Mother of God, and extinguish the misfortunes of those who hate us, and resolve all the tightness of our souls. Looking at Your holy image, we are touched by Your suffering and mercy for us and we kiss Your wounds, but we are horrified by our arrows, tormenting You. Do not let us, merciful Mother, perish in our hard-heartedness and from the hard-heartedness of our neighbors, for You are truly the Softener of evil hearts.
Kontakion:
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.
Prayer:
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.
About a son serving in the army
A mother is always worried about her child, especially if he is far from home - in the army. Undoubtedly, she is tormented by various thoughts: how is he, what’s wrong with him, is everything okay. To free yourself from obsessive thoughts and protect an adult guy from all sorts of problems, a mother can read a special petition:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, hear me, unworthy of a servant (name). Lord, my child is in Your merciful power. Thy servant (name), have mercy and save him, for Thy Name's sake. Lord, forgive him all the sins, voluntary and involuntary, that he committed before You. Lord, guide him on the true path of Your commandments, and enlighten his mind with the light of Christ for the salvation of the soul and the healing of the body. Lord, bless his service in the army, on land, air and sea, on the road, in flying and sailing and in every place of Your dominion. Lord, save him by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross under the shelter of Your saints from a flying bullet, arrow, sword, fire, from a deadly wound, water drowning and vain death. Lord, protect him from all visible and invisible enemies, from all trouble, evil, misfortune, betrayal and captivity. Lord, heal him from every illness and wound, from every defilement and ease their mental suffering. Lord, grant him the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health and chastity in all piety and love in peace and unanimity with the rulers around them, near and far. Lord, increase and strengthen his mental abilities and physical strength, return him healthy and prosperous to his parental home.
Miracle after reading a prayer to the Mother of God
A prayer to pacify evil hearts is said in front of the Seven-Arrow Icon of the Mother of Christ, a well-known image that can be found in the vast majority of churches. This Holy Face can also be purchased at a church store in order to be able to use the popular prayer book at home, taking into account all prayer rules.
The prayer to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” works, which is proven by many examples of a real miracle happening, which cannot be explained based on logic and common sense. Vivid examples:
- A peasant from the Vologda province, who suffered greatly from lameness, was able to be healed thanks to the intercession of the Fresh Virgin. Before this, the man, who could lose the ability to walk, turned to all sorts of doctors and healers, but they only threw up their hands, realizing that they were not able to help him. His legs continued to hurt, getting worse every day, and somehow in a dream the Lord came to the suffering man and ordered the lame man to go to the bell tower of the Church of St. John the Theologian. There, as God said, was the man’s salvation. He did not put off visiting the church for long; on the spot the man discovered the upside-down face of the Virgin Mary. When he transferred this image to the temple and hung it on the wall with the words of the prayer to the Seven-Shot Icon, a prayer service was read over it. Immediately after this, a miracle happened. The peasant was able to walk normally without limping.
- The religious procession of 1830 near Vologda was carried out with the image of the Mother of God. And it was thanks to the healing and miraculous power of the latter that people managed to put an end to a serious cholera epidemic. After this incident, all Orthodox Christians began to believe that the icon of the Virgin Mary and the “Softening of Evil Hearts” addressed to it are truly capable of miracles through true faith. It was after the campaign of 1830 that the true meaning and meaning of the Seven-Arrow Face and prayer book was revealed to everyone.
Despite all this, you can still meet people who are disappointed in the miracle of “Softening Evil Hearts.” However, these Christians should understand that after one reading of a prayer they cannot expect healing and the accomplishment of some incredible event. An Orthodox Christian needs to turn to the Mother of God every day, grow and develop spiritually, repent, speak with the Almighty more often, not break the commandments, try to live in Christ and strengthen his faith in him.
How to pray in front of an icon correctly
To be heard by the Mother of God, you must follow the rules:
- Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God
to visit the Orthodox Church; - light a candle in front of the face of the Mother of God and pray for health;
- light a candle and pray in front of the icon of Jesus Christ;
- purchase a candle in the temple, which you will use when performing home prayer;
- get ready to pray at home. In solitude, light a candle in front of the Seven Arrow Icon and sincerely pray, asking the Mother of God for help.
When praying, thoughts should be pure, the heart should be calm, freed from anger and irritation. Read the prayer in a low but firm voice.
Do not forget to thank the Mother of God for the help and care sent.
