Each person chooses for himself a certain image of the Mother of God, which is more to his heart and with which he feels a spiritual kinship. But besides this, in many Orthodox families there is certainly a beautiful image of “Tenderness”, especially revered in Russia, where the unearthly beauty of the Most Pure Virgin and her hands folded on her chest will not leave anyone indifferent. Every day in such families begins with prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” and ends the same way.
Celebration days:
- August 1
- 10th of August
History of the icon
There are several faces of the Mother of God, which are called “Tenderness”. They are very different from other images of the face of the Virgin Mary, where she is with the baby. This is an image of the Mother of God even before the birth of Jesus Christ. Her hands are crossed in prayer, her eyes look modestly at the floor, her eyelids are lowered. This is exactly what Mary looked like when an angel appeared to her with the news that she had been chosen by God and would bear him a son. This is the oldest known image of the Mother of God.
Later images are characterized as half-length portraits of the Virgin Mary immediately after the birth of her Divine Son. She admires her newborn, knowing that he is the son of God and has a difficult fate in store for him, to take on the burden of all human sins.
Both images are united by the appearance of the Archangel. The first time he came to announce to the Virgin Mary about her Pregnancy with God's son. The second time he descended to earth to proclaim the birth of the Savior.
The Tenderness icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary have come a difficult path from the moment they were painted to the present day. At all times, many miracles have been associated with them. They were plundered by the conquerors and restored by the Russian tsars. Warriors defended their homeland with the “Tenderness” icons and were cured of illnesses by prayers before them.
Many “copies” were made from the “Tenderness” icons. This is not a “copying” of them one to one, but a conveyance of the mood and type of the Mother of God in the understanding of each icon painter. The most valuable thing about them is that the images drawn later are as bright, miracle-working and helping the Orthodox as their ancient primary images.
The meaning of the “Tenderness” icon
The image of the Mother of God is especially revered by the Orthodox. The “Tenderness” icon has an indescribable attractive power and has a special meaning. The image of the Virgin Mary stands out for its sensitivity and penetration towards those who pray to her. Those asking for amulet, protection, and happiness. The miraculous image supports those praying in times of severe trials, dull everyday life, spiritual depression and mental anguish.
The prayer before the face of the tender Mother of God is said by women with the hope that conflicts will be successfully resolved, mutual understanding, respect, love will appear in the family and there will be no disagreements. The warring parties will reconcile.
Our Lady helps protect not only family values, but also our native land. Warriors, defenders, carried with them the icon of “Tenderness” when the enemy was approaching, and it gave them the strength to defeat the enemy and not allow the despot to enter their native land.
The meaning of the icon remains important for young girls. The prayer “Tenderness” will teach them kindness, chastity, and purity of thoughts. The example of the Virgin Mary serves as a model of devotion to God and boundless faith in his omnipotence.
How does the “Tenderness” icon help?
Anyone can turn to Our Lady with prayers for assistance. But it just so happens that it is mainly women, mothers and those who want to become them who pray to the “Tenderness” icon. After all, the Virgin Mary knew the joy of motherhood and anxiety for her child. She, like no one else, understands the desire to have a family and children, happiness and love.
Various life situations that have happened to Orthodox Christians have proven that if you approach the Mother of God sincerely, with pure thoughts, not only ask, but also limitlessly believe in her assistance, then help and blessing will definitely come. The more sincere the faith, the sooner the miracle will happen and the help will be effective.
More often than others in prayer texts for the Tenderness icon, the following requests are made:
- save the worshiper and his family members, especially children, from illnesses;
- heal mental wounds;
- cleanse yourself from enemies and protect yourself from the intrigues they perpetrate;
- meet a worthy groom and a kind husband, live with him in love (also read strong prayers for marriage and love);
- women ask for motherhood, pregnancy, easy childbirth and a healthy baby.
The prayer before the face of the Mother of God “Tenderness” must be immaculate, devoted, like the very life of an Orthodox Christian. This is exactly how the Virgin Mary lived and teaches us to behave. She reveals to everyone the main rule - a righteous religion must live in the people themselves. Revealing faith in the soul means opening oneself to God and the environment, acquiring eternal blessing.
Lokot Icon “Tenderness” Seraphim-Diveevskaya
The “Tenderness” icon, located in the Seraphim-Diveevo Church, has a long and interesting history. Initially, the icon of the Mother of God belonged to the enlightener Seraphim of Sarov and hung in his cell. The Mother of God patronized him from childhood. When little Procopius - the worldly name of Seraphim - fell from a high bell tower, Saint Mary appeared, prayed over him and resurrected him. Later in life, the Mother of God was always nearby, saving and mentoring the future enlightener.
A lamp was constantly burning in front of the face of the Mother of God. Soot from it collected on the ceiling. The Enlightener Seraphim collected it and anointed the wounds of sick parishioners with prayers to the Mother of God. People recovered quickly. The Enlightener called this icon “Tenderness,” expressing in one word “Joy of all joys.”
Seraphim of Sarov ended his earthly journey on January 2, 1833, praying to the Mother of God. After his death, Father Nifont ordered that the icon be given to the Diveyevo-Seraphim Monastery. Now the prayer of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is read every day by nuns and believers who come to the temple for her sake.
The icon of the Mother of God was once painted on canvas, which was mounted on a cypress board. Russian Emperor Nicholas II worshiped the image of the Mother of God. He expressed his attitude towards the miraculous icon by giving it a precious setting. Every year the image of “Tenderness” is moved to the Epiphany Cathedral, where its veneration takes place. After the liturgy, the icon is taken outside and a religious procession is made around the cathedral, going around it three times.
Over time, several icons appeared copying Seraphim of Diveyevo’s “Tenderness” of the Mother of God. They were created by different icon painters, the names of most of them are unknown. All “Tenderness” icons of the Mother of God have miraculous abilities to heal people, deliver them from illness and misfortune.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Tenderness Icon Pskov-Pecherskaya
Kontakion 1
To the chosen Intercessor of the Christian race, who covers and saves the people of the faithful, to the grieving monk, to the Giver of eternal joy, we shout out songs of gratitude from the heart. But You, who have been called Tenderness, look upon us mercifully and grant us tenderness, so that we may boldly sing to You joyfully:
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Ikos 1
Angels and Archangels and many heavenly powers silently praise Thee, the Queen of all and the Lady. You have made us worthy, with mortal lips, to sing of the joy You have given us in the appearance of Your wondrous icon with the eternal Child. For this reason, accept this praise from us:
Rejoice, sung Archangels; Rejoice, glorified Angel.
Rejoice, lifted up and surrounded by heavenly powers; Rejoice, glory to the saints and martyr.
Rejoice, undoubted joy of the faithful children of the Church; Rejoice, thou who hastens and instructs monks in their labors.
Rejoice, thou who was called Tenderness; Rejoice, granter of tenderness to those who ask.
Rejoice, our only Hope; Rejoice, Otrado in the hour of death.
Rejoice, you who continually beseech Your Son.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the inhabitants of heaven, Thee, the All-Good Mother, constantly praying before the Throne of God for the human race, they glorified the Lord, who gave such an Intercessor to the faithful, with a song of praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Reason has been bestowed on the faithful, Your miraculous face has been given to those who behold, and miracles have been poured out by You, compose songs and songs to glorify Your honorable name, O All-Blessed One. You mercifully accept this praise from us:
Rejoice, miracle of miracles of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, you who take us to heaven.
Rejoice, Merciful One, who has mercy on us; Rejoice, covering us from evil with your omophorion.
Rejoice, the Lord is with You and You with us; Rejoice, you who graciously accept all our sighs.
Rejoice, in the hour of sorrow our only joy; Rejoice, zealous Helper of sinners.
Rejoice, steadfast pillar of the repentant; Rejoice, you who shed tears for the fallen.
Rejoice, protector of the orphans and widows.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Lord is the autumn of You and move to help and intercede for everyone who resorts to Your miraculous icon and worships it. Seeing this, people fell down with trepidation and sang to God, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
The ancient monastery of Pskov-Pechersk has Your holy image, Blessed Virgin Mary, flowing currents of miracles and protecting the monastery from all evil, filled with great joy and consolation. Behold, the Mother of Light with Her wings of Motherly love protects us who cry out tenderly:
Rejoice, our most bright joy; Rejoice, rejoicing of faithful hearts.
Rejoice, thou who shone forth light for us; Rejoice, you who visited the monastery by Your mercy.
Rejoice, who gave her Your icon as a pledge of love; Rejoice, for healings are achieved through this icon.
Rejoice, O protector of Your monastery; Rejoice, you who live in her as a helper.
Rejoice, child-loving Mother of monks; Rejoice, vigilant guardian of monastic vows.
Rejoice, you who bring joy to the whole world.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 4
Through a storm of evil invasions, the pious people of the city of Pskov reverenced You and received Your celibate icon “Tenderness”, erecting it on the walls of the city against the Batory warriors. You, working a miracle, protected the city from the deadly arrows of the enemy and moved the faithful to sing thanks to the God born of You: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing the inhabitants of the city of Pskov and the entire Russian country, the greatness of Your miracles, as You showed them in the test of those who were from the beastly wars, glorified You, the great Intercessor of the suffering, by singing these:
Rejoice, you who transform our sorrows into joy; Rejoice, you who quickly help those who come to You.
Rejoice, fence of the city of Pskov; Rejoice, you who have corrected the evil insolence of the warriors.
Rejoice, thou who guarded the walls of the city; Rejoice, you who covered the enemy from the deadly arrows.
Rejoice, you who made Your people glad; Rejoice, having provided the Orthodox with hope.
Rejoice, our fortress and protection; Rejoice, fragrant Flower of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, meek turtledove of the world.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 5
Thou didst show the godly star, Thy venerable icon, to the monasteries and villages of the Pechers, the Lady of the World! To her, faithfulness, vision and kissing love, we cry: be a shield and a fence for us, and let us cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing those near and far, how Your holy image of “Tenderness” brings healing to all the infirm, having come running to You in sorrows and illnesses, and no one departs from You, tired and inconsolable, and Your holy image is a joy. For this sake of faithfulness they call gratefully:
Rejoice, our infirmities have been driven away; Rejoice, healing of deadly plagues.
Rejoice, quick Comforter in troubles; Rejoice, Demon Driver.
Rejoice, decoration of the city of Pecher; Rejoice, Pechersk monastery wall and fence.
Rejoice, Heavenly Abbess of monks; Rejoice, you who providentially care for a virtuous life.
Rejoice, indestructible wall in adversity; Rejoice, haven of desperate sinners.
Rejoice, you who are perplexed by reason.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 6
Preachers of miracles from Thy holy icon, Lady, for the blind see, the sick receive healing, for this sake of faith people flock to the monastery in great numbers, eager to receive Thy mercy, O All-merciful Queen of heaven, their faces with monastic voices join together and cry in joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Divine grace has risen through Your miraculous icon, Lady, with faith and love for You, the Mother of God, to those who confess, who accept healing of spiritual ailments and communion with the Kingdom of Heaven, humbly exclaiming to You:
Rejoice, not only the savior of the body, but also the soul; Rejoice, you who wipe away the tears of your children.
Rejoice, you who show us the power of love; Rejoice, eternal shelterless chamber.
Rejoice, depths of sin in the bath; Rejoice, cup that washes the conscience.
Rejoice, radiant treasure of faith; Rejoice, hope of salvation for the stone.
Rejoice, adamante of Christ's love; Rejoice, giver of eternal joy to those who mourn.
Rejoice, cover of purity and virginity.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to leave this corrupt world, on the holy mountain of God-loving elders the venerable Mark and Jonah labored and created the monastery of the Holy and Most Pure Virgin, and the venerable abbot Cornelius established that image of the Lady, so that the faithful may have a reliable Helper and cry out according to: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Seeing Your new and glorious icon “Tenderness”, which was sent to the fence of the Pskov-Pechersk monastery, and rejoicing at the greatness, love of God, the foreigners and faithful people cried out diligently:
Rejoice, beautiful glory of the prophets; Rejoice, blessed sky.
Rejoice, abundant food in times of poverty; Rejoice, you who feed everyone with spiritual joy.
Rejoice, Helper in the labors of fasting; Rejoice, you who relieve all sorrows.
Rejoice, you who soften evil hearts; Rejoice, our helper before the Son.
Rejoice, you who brought peace with God; Rejoice, the secrets of the ages have been revealed.
Rejoice, fragrant flower of virginity.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 8
A strange and glorious miracle was Your face, Most Blessed One, shining upon the faithful from the icon: even more, the Venerable Cornelius, before Your image, pray to You, that You may protect the faithful children of the monastery from all evil, and teach us to sing praises to the All-Good God, who has given You Your Mother: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The repentant sinner, completely burdened with sins and despairing in his life, ran to You in tearful prayer, asking that You ask before Your Son and God the forgiveness of his sins, and exclaimed with these calls:
Rejoice, consolation for repentant sinners; Rejoice, forgiveness of sins.
Rejoice, thou who taketh away every tear; Rejoice, sun that warms people.
Rejoice, joy given to the faithful; Rejoice, Heavenly Mother of Christians.
Rejoice, correction of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, fragrance of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, you who teach us prayer; Rejoice, help in troubles is abundant.
Rejoice, you who drive away nightly fear.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 9
Our hearts incessantly praise You, the supreme Virgin of all the powers of the angels; You, the truly purest lordship of the sun, are unceasingly magnified. Thou art an Intercessor for us on the day of the Last Judgment to Thy Son and God, then remember the prayers of sinners and vouchsafe to sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The twisted tongue of many words will not be able to adequately sing Your sweet face, O Virgin and Mother of the Lady. The increase of Your wonderful gifts and indescribable beauties fills the heart with tenderness and grants us to comb the sources of tears, and strives to cry out in contrition:
Rejoice, hearts filled with tenderness; Rejoice, hope of all the hopeless.
Rejoice, refuge for all those deprived of righteousness; Rejoice, chaser of evil demons.
Rejoice, forbidden by the demon; Rejoice, rise of the discouraged in spirit.
Rejoice, for everything is possible for You; Rejoice, admonition of obstinate souls.
Rejoice, thou who sleepest the sleep of sin; Rejoice, sweetness to all who live in bitter works.
Rejoice, Joy to all who mourn.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 10
Faithful people who want to be saved, You appeared for them as the Intercessor before God on the hills of the city of Pskov, showing Your mercy, presenting Your miraculous icon more than the Batory howl. The people, having seen the miracle, sing to You with a great voice: “O my Queen, Most Blessed!” and exclaiming to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thou art a wall of monks, O Most Pure Virgin, from the machinations of the enemy, from troubles, sorrows and misfortunes. For thee entrust us to the venerable Mark, Jonah and Cornelius, and be the intercessor and righteous Vassa. For this reason, we lift up our troubled spirit in humble prayer, crying out:
Rejoice, confirmation of Your faithful; Rejoice, loving one of your children.
Rejoice, city of the King, glorified by all; Rejoice, praise and joy to the Holy Church.
Rejoice, rejoicing of heavenly minds; Rejoice, you who bring the unfaithful to Christ.
Rejoice, our zealous Intercessor; Rejoice, you who save those in trouble.
Rejoice, trampling down the wicked warriors; Rejoice, adorned with virtues.
Rejoice, abundant rejoicing of the monks.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 11
Singing praise brings Ti, All-Sung, we get rid of every inconvenience. We earnestly kiss your honest image, we pray to You: grant us undoubted faith, send brotherly love and peace to our souls, and in peace and silence we cry: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
You were a light-receiving light, O Most Pure Virgin, illuminating our path with heavenly light, and far away from us all untruth and lawlessness. For this reason, we cry out to You in gratitude:
Rejoice, unfading light of our life; Rejoice, Ladder, leading to heaven.
Rejoice, all-bright cloud; Rejoice, tabernacle of the Heavenly King.
Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Creator of the Universe; Rejoice, for you are blessed by all.
Rejoice, glorified Cherubim and Seraphim; Rejoice, rain that waters pious souls.
Rejoice, treasury of love and mercy; Rejoice, formidable avenger of those who swear in vain.
Rejoice, you who deliver us from slander.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 12
The grace of Ti is given from the Lord with His holy veil to cover the Orthodox Church from unbelief, heresies and schism, and to protect the children of the faithful to the Church in peace and teach them to virtue, so that they may continually glorify God with the song: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Thee, the All-Singing Virgin, and honoring Thy miraculous icon “Tenderness”, which exists in the monastery of the Pskov-Pecherstya, we rejoice out of duty, seeing Thee, the Intercessor and zealous Helper of all who want to reap salvation and chant every day:
Rejoice, Mother, my prayer to You; Rejoice, full share of paradise.
Rejoice, recipient of heavenly food; Rejoice, you who sow food and nourish us.
Rejoice, thou grieving monk, giver of eternal joy; Rejoice, decoration of righteous women.
Rejoice, land of good desires; Rejoice, martyr of all boldness.
Rejoice, most honorable banner of the Church; Rejoice, eternal treasure of life.
Rejoice, golden candlestick of faith.
Rejoice, All-Good Lady, our tenderness and salvation.
Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Queen of heaven and earth! Good monks to the Goalkeeper, faithful protection and tenderness! Having accepted this present singing, deliver us from every evil situation and do not deprive us of the joy of the Kingdom of Heaven, but let us cry out diligently: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angels and Archangels...” and the 1st kontakion “To the Chosen Intercessor...”.
Prayer
Oh, Most Blessed Virgin Mary and Lady! Mother of all those who suffer and have heart problems! Our country and city to the Defender! Pskov-Pechersk monastery beauty and glory! Look upon us, humble, burdened with many sins, burdened with sorrows and sorrows and looking with contrition and tears at Your most pure face, revealed in the miraculous icon. Preserve this holy monastery from all evil, and entrust the venerable Cornelius with the elders Mark and Jonah to You, and to all who labor in it in faith and hope. Save this city, and all the people who live faithfully and come running to You, from the invasion of foreigners, from all fear and cowardice, from pestilence and famine, from evil people and all kinds of sorrow. Apply Your mercy to us, as You graciously pressed Your Divine face to the cheek of the Infant God. Warm us with the breath of Your love and never depart from us, neither in this life nor in the future, so that, expecting Your all-powerful Motherly help, we will be honored to comfortably reach eternal life and glorify the Heavenly Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, glorifying God in the Trinity, forever centuries. Amen.
Two different images with the same name: description and history
Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” of Pskov-Pechersk
Both images belong to the iconographic type of Eleus (Tenderness), but the characteristic features of this version are inherent only to the Pskov-Pechersk Mother of God. The Most Pure Virgin is shown hugging and holding the Infant Christ sitting on Her right hand. Their faces, with a mutual affectionate touch of their cheeks, convey a touching picture of the trusting relationship between mother and child.
Novgorod and Smolensk icons
The Novgorod and Smolensk icons of the Mother of God “Tenderness” reflect the next stage of the life of the Virgin Mary, when Jesus was already born and was a baby.
The Novgorod icon was created at the end of the 12th century. On it, the baby Jesus clings to his mother’s cheek, but his position is typical for the canonical painting of images of Hodegetria - the most common image of Jesus Christ, an iconographic image created by the Evangelist Luke. In the baby’s right hand there is a scroll, the left hand is extended to the mother.
The first surviving description of the icon dates back to 1701. It lists the precious stones in the crown of the Mother of God and Jesus. The inventory of 1815 indicates that the icon has a simple setting and there are no precious stones on it. One can only assume that it was plundered by the French during the invasion by Napoleon's troops in 1812.
In 1875, the Novgorod Mother of God “Tenderness” was placed in a new massive silver frame. Restoration took place in 1961. During this process, a layer of drying oil was removed, the age of the icon was accurately determined and its original appearance was restored.
On the Smolensk icon, the Mother of God looks with delight at her newborn son lying in front of her. The baby Jesus Christ lies on his mother’s clothes and holds an orb - a symbol of power. He reaches out his left hand to his mother, demonstrating boundless love for her, and thanking the Virgin Mary for his birth.
The icon “Tenderness” appeared in Smolensk in 1103. The role it played during the invasion of Polish invaders in the period 1609-1611 was enormous and limitless. The face of the Mother of God was in the camp of governor Shein. His detachment did not allow the enemy to enter the city and did not allow it to be plundered. For 18 months, the valiant army held back the enemy. According to the Russian governor, they owe their success to the support and help of the Mother of God in the image of “Tenderness”.
In 2003, the 900th anniversary of the appearance of the Tenderness icon was sublimely celebrated in Smolensk. At this time, the face of the Mother of God was placed in the Smolensk Spaso-Trench Church. From there, the icon was solemnly delivered to the Holy Dormition Cathedral, where a festive liturgy and religious procession were held. During the anniversary celebration, the priests carried two icons of the Mother of God: “Tenderness” and “Hodegetria” - canonical, created according to the Babylonian model of icon painting.
The meaning of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness” for the Diveyevo monastery and Orthodox Christians
This icon is considered the patroness of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Monastery, and it is no coincidence that on this day almost all the sisters of the monastery try to receive the Sacrament of Communion at the festive Liturgy. And she truly became the spiritual symbol of Diveevo.
But it should also be noted that even during the life of St. Seraphim of Sarov, many sick people received healings near her. And these miracles still happen today. What do the written testimonies handed over to the monastery and the decorations donated to the icon in gratitude for the healing tell?
All these rings, pendants, chains, gold and silver, with or without inlay, can be seen in person: they are under the glass of an exact copy of the miraculous icon, which is located on the right side of the Trinity Cathedral.
In front of the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” they prayed for deliverance from troubles and illnesses. And yet, God-fearing people noted that more often it is women who receive what they ask for. So, girls pray to the Queen of Heaven for preservation of purity before marriage and for a successful marriage; those who gather in a monastery pray for spiritual enlightenment. Those who are desperate to become pregnant, after fervent prayer, are given the opportunity to conceive a child. Many women have been healed of cancer and women's diseases.
Perhaps this is why the rumor arose among the people that the icon of “Tenderness” is a female icon. Although in reality such a division cannot be made, because Father Seraphim and many bishops and priests prayed in front of the icon during the years of persecution.
Therefore, if, while in Diveevo, you have a desire to purchase an icon of “Tenderness” as a gift to a priest or believing friends, do not hesitate - it will be a wonderful gift.
Tatyana Strakhova
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Prayer before the icon “Tenderness” Seraphimo-Diveevskaya
Help will certainly come if you pray in front of the Tenderness icon. At the same time, it is necessary to give all your power to words. Then it will come back doubled. The prayer asks for deliverance from mental pain and suffering, for harmony in life and easier childbirth.
All petitions are different, as are the people reading the prayer texts. But all readings require sincerity, purity of thoughts and desires. You should tune in, gain heart and faith in your soul, love for the Mother of God in your heart, and say the words of prayer.
Troparion tone 4
An appeal to the Mother of God and a request to accept prayer and give mercy.
Kontakion voice 3
Repentance for the callousness of the soul and lack of humility. A request for mercy and the gift of spiritual and heartfelt humility.
First prayer
The first prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is repentant. Requests to forgive sins, to deliver from troubles and misfortunes, to turn to the great Savior, her son Jesus Christ.
Second prayer
Majestic. It exalts the Mother of God and asks her son to be taken away from sins and temptations.
Prayer three
The third prayer text contains a request for pardon and the gift of peace of mind and well-being.
The icon of “Tenderness” of the Mother of God is special. It carries within itself the love of the Virgin Mary for her unborn child and admiration for the baby she brought into the world. The icon preserves the love of a mother for her son, whose purpose and fate were known even before his conception.
The Mother of God does not yet know how much suffering and torment she will have to endure in her earthly life, how she will suffer, looking at his crucifixion on the cross and the death of her son. But she is already ready for the difficult maternal fate of the Savior. She will go with her son and behind her son, will preach together with his disciples and protect all Orthodox Christians on earth after her death.
What prayer to read
First prayer
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.
Second prayer
Accept, O all-powerful, Most Pure Lady, Lady Theotokos, these honorable gifts, the only ones 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 with 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.
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