Icon of unexpected joy when. Unexpected joy (icon): what they pray for

The Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” on May 14, June 3 and December 22. The first part of the image is a man standing in front of the icon, whose gaze and hands are turned to the Mother of God. It is located in the lower left corner. The image of the Mother of God herself belongs to the “Hodegetria” type. At the bottom there is usually either the beginning of the story about the miracle of St. Demetrius of Rostov, or part of the prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon. The Infant of God is depicted on the icon with open wounds on his body.

The history of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

The legend tells of the appearance of the Mother of God with the Child of God to a man. It was described by the saint of Rostov in his work “Irrigated Fleece.” The man suffered from a problem that he could not overcome. After each violation of a promise, he asked for forgiveness from the icon of the Mother of God. One fine day, before committing a sin, the man again turned to the icon and, leaving, he noticed that the Mother of God had turned her face to him, and wounds appeared on the body of the Infant of God, from which blood flowed. This event seriously affected the man, and he felt spiritual cleansing and forgot about his sin forever. This story became the basis for painting the famous icon.

The most famous image is located in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which is located in Moscow. Several copies were made from this icon, which also showed their power and worked miracles. Every day people come to the image and turn to Higher powers with their problems.

How does the “Unexpected Joy” icon help?

During life, a person commits different actions and experiences feelings, for example, envy, anger, etc. All this negatively affects the internal state. By turning to the icon, a believer can find joy, peace, and find his true path and purpose. For example, in different historical periods during wars, women prayed to the image for the return of their husbands, and as a result, the desired became a reality.

To receive help, you need to read a prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, and then state everything that lies like a stone in your soul. Many women who want to get pregnant make this request and soon the wish comes true. The icon helps to heal from various diseases; for example, there is evidence that people were cured of deafness and blindness. The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” will help strengthen faith and give hope in better times. If you read a prayer for the family before this image, you can improve relationships, get rid of hostility, conflicts and other problems. You can pray in front of the icon about various family problems, the main thing is to do it from the heart. Lonely people can ask the Higher Powers for help in finding their soulmate. Prayers about earthly affairs are read in front of the icon. For example, you can get protection from existing enemies, gossip and various troubles. The face will also help in solving material problems.

There are no specific rules for how to act in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon. The clergy say that the main thing is to do it from the heart. It is recommended to first contact the priest to receive his blessing. If the text of the prayer is difficult to remember, then you can read it from a page, but it is important to write everything yourself. It is also allowed to address the face in your own words, the main thing is to speak from the heart without any thoughts.

The prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” sounds like this:

This is the most important prayer for addressing this icon, but there are also other texts that are used depending on the situation, that is, taking into account what exactly needs to be asked from the Higher Powers. You can also read the Akathist to the icon “Unexpected Joy”.

Orthodox believers especially venerate her, calling her protector, intercessor, and helper. Almost every day in churches, according to the calendar of Orthodox dates, one or another icon of the Mother of God is remembered with a prayer request. Twice a year, on May 14 and December 22, the miraculous image “Unexpected Joy” is celebrated. Please note that both words in the title are capitalized, because Joy refers to the Most Pure Virgin herself. What does unexpected joy mean? — the one they didn’t expect, didn’t expect. Such an unexpected heartfelt feeling once touched a sinner.

How was the image “Unexpected Joy” revealed?

The exact date and place of appearance of the icon is unknown; it became widespread less than three centuries ago.

It is surprising that an icon is usually called miraculous after it has performed numerous miraculous healings and phenomena. Only the image “Unexpected Joy” precedes a wonderful event. Saint Dmitry of Rostov mentions it for the first time in his work “Irrigated Fleece”. This book was written by the Saint to glorify the locally revered Holy Mother of God icon of the Elias Monastery in the city of Chernigov.

The last chapter described the following story: one unrighteous man lived wickedly, but always treated the Most Holy Theotokos with special reverence. One day he was about to commit lawlessness once again, and as usual, he said the words of prayer, addressing him with an angelic greeting: Rejoice, full of grace. Suddenly the icon seemed to become alive; instead of joy, sorrow was reflected on its face. She held in her arms the Infant of God, whose shirt was torn and bleeding wounds opened on his arms, legs and under his ribs. The wicked man was amazed at what he saw. He bent down and knelt down, asking who could do this to our Lord Jesus Christ.

The answer he received floored him. The Mother of God replied that this was the work of his hands and other sinful people who crucified her Son again and again. The sinner prayed for a long time, without receiving forgiveness twice. The Mother of God together with him asked the Divine Child for help. For the third time, after the heartfelt repentance of the wicked man and the desire of the Mother of God to pray with him at the feet of the Son, the Lord said that the law commands that the Son honor the mother, let it be as she says. The forgiven one kissed the icon, falling unconscious. Having come into himself, he felt unprecedented joy in his heart, hope for forgiveness for his actions. The man was reborn spiritually and began to lead a righteous life.

This event formed the basis for painting the icon “Unexpected Joy”. It received an incredible response in the hearts of believers; by the end of the 18th century, a copy of the miraculous image was in almost every Orthodox church. It can still be found today in many churches; it is especially revered in Moscow in the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Initially, this icon was kept in one of the Kremlin churches, in the mid-20th century it was transported to Sokolniki, and since 1959 it has been in the Elias Church of Elijah; it is known that Patriarch Pimen often prayed in front of it.

What type of Mother of God icons does it belong to?

On the icon “Unexpected Joy” the Mother of God is depicted with the Infant Christ in her arms, this is a type that, translated, means a Guide, she, pointing with one hand at her Son, asserting which way a Christian should go. The unique image differs from most canonical images. This is not just an icon, but an iconographic composition (an icon within an icon).

The action takes place in the temple. In the lower left corner there is a man who knelt in prayer before the image of the Mother of God. Sometimes the letters from his mouth are depicted as ribbons to show his earnest prayer. The head of the Queen of Heaven is slightly tilted, her gaze is indirect, directed at the person praying. She points to the Son with one hand, and holds Him with the other as if on a throne. The Divine Infant has wounds from which blood flows, one hand is raised, it blesses all believers. A number of theologians classify “Unexpected Joy” as a type of akathist icon.

Below the image are words from the book of the Saint of Rostov: A certain lawless man. Think about it, after all, each of us daily commits lawlessness, sins: discussing, despondent, shouting, swearing, being proud, performing seemingly harmless actions, thereby becoming an accomplice in this distant history, again and again crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, the way out is in repentance, hope for forgiveness and prayer help.

What should she pray for?

Often a person finds himself in a critical situation when he can only rely on God’s help. Then they pray to the Mother of God, asking her to cling to the heart of her Son and ask for spiritual joy, help in business, strengthening in faith, for the return of the lost and the preservation of children.

Parents prayerfully ask the Mother of God for their children, so that they are healthy, follow the right path in life, for their confirmation in faith, for spiritual and physical insight. The image of the Mother of God helps spouses to establish peace and mutual understanding, eliminate divisions, and reconcile those at war. This icon is approached with a request to protect from enemies and spiteful critics. Through prayers from the image of “Unexpected Joy” many healings and miracles occur, but most often people receive healing from deafness. This means not only a physical illness, but also a spiritual one: the inability to hear the words of Holy Scripture, loved ones. Cases have been established when women prayed for a quick marriage, for the return of their husbands from the battlefield, from travel, received help, prayer is effective against serious adversity, unjust accusations.

There are several prayer rules that are read depending on life circumstances. When time allows, it is better to read the full text of the prayer or even an akathist. There is a lot of evidence that reading the akathist helps infertile women: despite the diagnosis, they get the opportunity to experience the joy of motherhood.

Prayer for pregnancy to the Mother of God in front of the icon “Unexpected Joy”:

Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness of this city, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses!
Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You: and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your venerable icon, You did not despise Him, but You granted the unexpected joy of repentance, and through Your zealous intercession with Your Son for the forgiveness of the sinner Thou hast bowed thus, and now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, and to all of us, with faith and tenderness before Thy celibate image, who, according to each need, grant unexpected joy: may all in heaven and on the lands lead You as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and this leading, they glorify You and Your Son with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

If there is a lack of time, you can limit yourself to a short call to the help of the Mother of God the Virgin Mary. The clergy emphasize that the main thing is that the prayer comes from a pure heart. It is important to first say the words of prayer, after which formulate a petition in your own words.

Prayer (short):

To the Mother of God and the Queen, chosen from all generations, who sometimes appeared to a lawless man to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer a song of thanksgiving to Thee, the Mother of God: But You, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, let us call to Thee: Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Troparion:

Today, return to the people who glorify the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, and who flow to Her most pure image, we cry out to the Lord: Oh, Merciful Lady Theotokos, grant us unexpected joy, burdened with many sins and sorrows, and deliver us from all evil, praying to Your Son, Christ God ours, to save our souls.

What does the name of the icon say?

Unexpected joy is an image that reminds us that forgiveness of sins is possible with heartfelt repentance and prayer. A joyful feeling does not immediately fill a person; he read the prayer and immediately became happy, no. After heartfelt labor and repentance (remember that Jesus Christ did not immediately forgive the sinner), when it would seem there is no more strength, forgiveness comes, and at the same time, unexpectedly, the heart becomes light and joyful. The icon teaches you to remain true to your word. A person, after repentance and received forgiveness, does not go further to lawlessness, but begins to lead a righteous life.

It is no coincidence that according to legend, the first to go to heaven with Christ was a robber who sincerely repented. No matter what circumstances happen in life, the Most Holy Theotokos becomes the first intercessor of every person. And you need to be able to notice joy in every moment. It is that there is a family, children, a favorite job, that you can hear birds singing and admire nature, it is that there is hope for healing, help, eternal life, there is a heavenly Intercessor ready to help everyone to her to the person who applied.

Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful!

Once Metropolitan Dmitry of Rostov in his essay told about a man who loved to pray at the icon of the Mother of God, and then went and sinned. It was this story that became the plot for the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”. Probably because many recognize their own habits in the sinner’s behavior, the image has become very revered in Russia.

What does one pray to the holy image for?

What do believers pray for at the “Unexpected Joy” icon? Based on the name, they ask the Queen of Heaven for the fulfillment of their deepest desires. Everyone has their own - a certain shepherd can pray for the salvation of an inveterate sinner, whom he no longer wants to save on his own. Someone is tormented by conscience: it seems to a person that his sins are so serious that he cannot expect forgiveness. And then, as a last resort, he comes to the Mother of God.

You can also pray:

about those who have lost their moral compass;
about help with hearing diseases;
about reconciliation;
about the return of the missing;
about people who have fallen into despair (when they are overcome by sorrows and deprivations).

During the war years, women prayed for their missing husbands. It even happened that those who received funerals returned their loved ones with the help of the Almighty. The parents of those children who have taken the sinful path are looking for help - after all, they are doing everything possible, but their sons and daughters still stumble. Then joy seems like something unattainable, something that is forever in the past.

How the “Unexpected Joy” icon will help

The great poetess Marina Tsvetaeva mentioned the icon “Unexpected Joy” in her poems. How does she help that she has truly earned national respect? This can be understood from the name - joy can come through prayer. Joy about the salvation of loved ones. Isn’t it what everyone who has learned the real meaning of faith is looking for?

For a sinner, the most desired news may be the news of his complete forgiveness. When the realization of the gravity of one’s misdeeds comes, the pain that they caused to others, this burden becomes almost unbearable. But you can't let him crush you. We must seek consolation in prayer, because despondency leads to a dead end. You need to pray in any situation when a person cannot help himself or his loved ones:

Separation from spouse.
When someone spreads slanderous rumors.
If relatives are on a sea voyage.
The son is serving in the army.

It is never too late for a sinner to repent, even if he believes that his wrongdoings do not deserve forgiveness. You should not succumb to the tricks of the unclean - you must continue to pray. And that joy that was no longer expected will definitely happen - unexpected joy.

Why read an akathist to an icon?

A special type of church poetry is the composition of akathists. They are dedicated to different icons, but the structure is the same: short songs alternate with longer ones. The akathist to the “Unexpected Joy” icon is no different in form from the others. You need to read it standing in front of the image, preferably doing it out loud. In general, it is better to say all prayers out loud, not necessarily loudly or “with expression,” but so that the reader can hear himself.

The words of prayer have a beneficial effect on both the soul and the surrounding atmosphere. It is not for nothing that in churches prayers are proclaimed and sung, and not read “to oneself.” Prayer teaches people to see joy in the most ordinary events. The sun came out and my son got a good grade. We must learn to notice all this, but not only that. Reading akathists teaches us to thank the Lord for every such joy. After all, the majority are accustomed to turning to God only with tears, requests, and persuasion.

The meaning of the icon “Unexpected joy”

At the end of the 17th century. Saint Dmitry wrote a famous work that told about the miracles that took place in the Elias Monastery (Chernigov). The author calls the hero of the story simply a lawless person, that is, one who did not respect God’s institutions. It is not said what kind of sin he was obsessed with; this silence was done deliberately. After all, otherwise everyone could say: “I am not guilty of this, so the story is not about me.”

The sinner was unusual in that he prayed every day before the icon of the Mother of God. But he did this out of habit, without delving into the meaning of the holy words: “Rejoice, full of grace!” How can the Mother of God rejoice if a person is mired in sin and is not bothered by it at all? To show the abomination of godless life, a miracle was performed. Not because the sinner was worthy of it, but for the edification and salvation of many.

The deep meaning of the “Unexpected Joy” icon is revealed only if the whole story is comprehended as a whole. Having risen, as usual, to pray, the sinner suddenly saw the Baby’s wounds open, from which blood gushed out. Such an experience in itself can kill a person. But the hero of the story enters into dialogue with the Mother of God. This, by the way, is graphically reflected in some versions of the icon.

To the question of who injured the Infant God, the answer was received that every day sinners crucify Christ anew with their godless actions. Each sin, like a nail, digs into the flesh of the Savior, makes his heart bleed, and the Mother of God suffers again.

The sinner turned to Saint Mary so that she would beg her Son to grant him forgiveness of sins. But the Mother of God was refused, and this happened several times. Then she fell on her face and said that she would not rise until the sinner received forgiveness. Here Christ yielded to the pleas. Then the repentant hero of the story began to kiss the wounds on the Savior’s body, then the vision stopped.

The deep lesson of this story is that the inveterate sinner immediately abandoned his previous affairs and spent the rest of his life as a Christian should. Every person knows and feels when he is doing wrong; for this you don’t even need to know the commandments, because the Lord wrote them in our hearts. Prayer in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon will help you see your sins if the voice of conscience has been drowned out.

Where is the holy image located today?

Many miraculous icons were taken abroad during the revolution of 1917, and even more were destroyed by the godless authorities. But, fortunately, today believers can come to where the image of “Unexpected Joy” is located. The revered miraculous list is available for worship in the Church of Elijah the Prophet (Kropotkinskaya metro station). Here the hand of God saved him and other famous icons from disappearing.

The temple is colloquially called the Ordinary. In the old days, this was the name given to churches that were built... in a day. The people gathered before dawn, and by evening the new house of God was ready! This is how the Church of Elijah the Prophet was erected at the end of the 16th century. The memory of this is preserved in the name of the lane (Obydensky). Today, not only Muscovites come here, but also pilgrims from all over Russia. They bring flowers and their prayer needs to the Mother of God.

The temple in the name of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” operates in Maryina Roshcha (metro station VDNKh or Rizhskaya). Another miraculous list created in the 19th century is kept here. The construction of the temple was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, before the revolution, construction was carried out with money raised by city residents. The land was donated. Above the main entrance is an image of a praying sinner. There are three altars in the church, and several more shrines with relics are kept.

The church also did not close, managing to survive the years of persecution of the Church and the faith of Christ almost without losses. Even the bells were preserved, but it was impossible to ring them. Today anyone can come here and pray at the miraculous image. The schedule of services is on the official website, as well as the opening hours.

The revered copy of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” is kept in the Church of the Savior on the Sands (Spasopeskovsky Lane, Moscow). The temple is protected by the state as a cultural monument. It is he who is depicted in the famous painting “Moscow Courtyard”. The history of the church begins in 1642, it was a church in the middle of the Streltsy settlement. It was rebuilt several times and suffered from a fire under Napoleon - but was very quickly restored.

At the end of the 19th century. There were about a thousand parishioners, there was a school, a shelter for the poor, and there was a fight against drunkenness. After the revolution, the rector was arrested and the temple was closed. The building was looted, rebuilt for various needs, and the paintings were gradually destroyed. In the 30s, the church was recognized as an architectural monument, but the building was transferred to the Patriarchate only in 1991. A period of gradual revival began.

The unexpected joy of salvation

One of the most important lessons that a believer receives when contemplating the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” is the endless mercy of the Lord. He is not turned away by the iniquities of sinners only if they experience sincere repentance. It is imperative to express it in prayer, no matter which icon it will be done in front of. This is how the relationship between God and man is built - first through word, then through action. Having admitted your sinfulness, you must leave your old habits. Only then can a person hope for the joy of salvation.

Prayer to the icon Unexpected joy

“O Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patron of this city and holy temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses!

Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy of Your servants, offered to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Your honorable icon, You did not despise him, but You gave him the unexpected joy of repentance and You bowed down Your Son to the many and zealous towards Him. intercession for the forgiveness of this sinner and lost one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and implore Thy Son and our God, and grant to all of us, who with faith and tenderness worship before Thy celibate image, unexpected joy for each need: a sinner mired in the depths of evil and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; to those who find themselves in troubles and embitterment - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; for those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to God the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in the mercy of the Judge.

O Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your all-honorable Name and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession: in piety, purity and honest living, observe them in goodness until their death; create evil good things; guide the erring one on the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, to those who find invisible help and admonition sent down from Heaven, save and save from temptations, seductions and destruction, from all evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; float for those who swim, travel for those who travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; for those who do not have shelter and shelter, provide cover and refuge; Give clothing to the naked, intercession to the offended and unjustly persecuted; invisibly justify the slander, slander and blasphemy of those who suffer; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; To those who are bitterly at odds, grant unforeseen reconciliation and to all of us - love, peace, piety, and health with long life for each other.

Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite me to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; Give quick permission to mothers giving birth, raise babies, teach chastity to young ones, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching, instruct the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect your blood brothers from domestic strife and enmity with peace and love; Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn away from every vice and defilement and teach everything good and pleasing to God; those seduced into sin and uncleanness, having revealed the filth of sin, bring them out of the abyss of destruction; Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be the rod of old age; Deliver us all from sudden death without repentance and grant us all a Christian death in our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ.

Celebration: December 9 (old style) - December 22 (new style), May 1 (old style) - May 14 (new style)

The ancient miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” - one of the shrines of Moscow is located in the Church of the Prophet Elijah the Ordinary. The time and place of origin of the prototype are unknown.

Currently, the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” enjoys great veneration among believers; copies of the image are in almost every Orthodox church, although the distribution of the holy icon in Moscow began in the middle of the 19th century.

The Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” is named in memory of the healing of a certain sinner through the holy icon through the prayers of the Most Pure Mother of God.

The story of this icon is told by St. Demetrius of Rostov in his work “Irrigated Fleece.” According to legend, one robber, spending his life in sins, however, had the habit of praying for a long time before the image of the Mother of God, asking for help in his affairs.
Each time he began his prayer with the Archangel’s greeting: “Rejoice, O Blessed One!” One day, as he was about to go on a sinful deed, during prayer he was attacked by a sudden strong fear, and he saw that the Mother of God and the Child appeared before him alive. Christ's wounds opened on his arms, legs and side, and blood began to flow from them, as during the Crucifixion. The robber was horrified and exclaimed: “Oh, Lady! Who did this? The Mother of God answered him: “You and other sinners; With your sins you again crucify My Son, like the ancient Jews.” The amazed robber began to pray to the Mother of God to have mercy on him.
Then, before his eyes, She began to ask Christ to forgive his sins, but He refused. Then the Most Holy Theotokos came down from her throne and wanted to fall at the feet of the Child. “What do you want to do, O My Mother!” - exclaimed the Son. “I will remain at Your feet along with this sinner,” She answered, “until You forgive his sins.” Christ said: “The law commands every son to honor his mother; and justice requires that the legislator be also the executor of the law. I am Your Son and You are My Mother. I must honor You by doing what You ask Me to do. Be it according to Your desire. Now his sins are forgiven for Your sake. And as a sign of forgiveness, let him kiss My wounds.” Then the shocked sinner stood up and touched with his lips the wounds of Christ open on the icon. With this, the vision ended, and it was not in vain for the man: from that time on, he corrected himself and began to live pleasing to God.
Shocked to the depths of his soul, with a contrite heart, the man prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos to be his Intercessor before God and Intercessor for the forgiveness of his sins. That man realized the depth of his fall and, with the help of God, left his sinful life. Until the end of his days, with tears and gratitude, he prayed to the Mother of God, through whose intercession he received the unexpected joy of repentance and forgiveness of sins from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This image, very revered in Orthodox Moscow, can be found in almost every church in the city.

By type, the icon “Unexpected Joy” refers to Hodegetria - a guide to Christ. It depicts a sinner kneeling in front of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and stretching out his hands to her with a plea for mercy. Sometimes from his lips, in the form of ribbons, icon painters depicted the text of prayers addressed to Her. It turns out an icon within an icon: the Mother of God holds Her Son on her left hand, and the Infant Christ raised His small hands up. The face of the Mother of God is turned to the sinner. Under the image there is an inscription outlining the story of the sinner’s salvation...

Hodegetria “Unexpected Joy” once again testifies that everyone who sincerely wants to be forgiven will be forgiven. Moreover, the story about the icon says that the repentant sinner prayed for the gift of a vision of his sins, and this does not mean that he was going to lead a vicious life again. Any person is a sinner - such is our dual nature, but if sin suddenly occurs due to human weakness, then, seeing it in person, we get the opportunity to repent and, possibly, complete repentance, which will become another step of salvation in the spirit.

This image has many lists distributed throughout Russia. He is glorified for his miracles, we are revered and loved everywhere, because Unexpected Joy is the Mother of God Herself, immeasurably loving, persistently in prayer before Her Divine Son for the entire human race, not leaving people without hope for forgiveness of the most serious sins, giving the unexpected joy of meeting and faith , love.

Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

Many who with faith and love resort to the help of the Most Holy Theotokos receive through this icon the unexpected joy of forgiveness of sins and grace-filled consolation. This icon awakens in every believer a comforting faith in the help of the Queen of Heaven and, through Her, in the mercy of the Lord in all our affairs, as well as in prayer for children.

Days of celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” - May 14 And December 22.

Source: hram-troicy.prihod.ru

Prayer of the Mother of God before the icon of Her Unexpected Joy

O Most Holy Virgin, All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, Patroness of the city of Moscow, Faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who live in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy Thy servants, offered to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Thy honorable icon every day, You did not despise, but You bestowed unexpected joy on him and You bowed down Your Son with many and zealous intercessions towards Him. for the forgiveness of this sinner and erring one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and beg Thy Son and our God, and grant to all of us, who with faith and tenderness bow before Thy celibate image, unexpected joy for each need: to sinners , mired in the depths of evils and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; for those who find themselves in troubles and embitterment - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; to those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - the return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in the mercy of the Judge. O Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your honorable name, and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession; abide in piety, purity and honest living until their last death in goodness; create evil good things; guide the erring one on the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, those who find invisible help and admonition were sent down from Heaven; save from temptations, seductions and destruction; protect and preserve from evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; floating float; for those who travel, travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; for those who do not have shelter and shelter, provide cover and refuge; Give clothes to the naked; for those offended and unjustly persecuted - intercession; invisibly justify the slander, slander and blasphemy of those who suffer; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; Grant unforeseen reconciliation to those who are bitterly at odds, and to all of us for each other love, peace and piety and health with long life. Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite me to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; to mothers and children giving birth, grant permission quickly; raise babies; For young people to be chaste, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching, instruct them in the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect from domestic strife and enmity of half-bloods with peace and love. Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn them away from every vice and filth and teach them everything that is good and pleasing to God, and bring those seduced into sin and impurity, having revealed the filth of sin, from the abyss of destruction. Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be the rod of old age, deliver us all from sudden death without repentance, and grant us all the Christian end of our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the terrible Judgment of Christ. Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, with the Angels and all the saints, make them live, begging for the mercy of Thy Son to be merciful to those who passed away by sudden death, and for all the departed who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Thy Son, Thou thyself be a ceaseless and warm Prayer-maker and Intercessor May everyone in Heaven and on earth lead You as a steadfast and shameless Representative of the Christian race, and, leading, glorify You and Your Son, with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, tone 4:
Today, faithful people spiritually triumph, glorifying the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race and flowing to Her Most Pure Image, we cry out: Oh, Merciful Lady Theotokos, grant us unexpected joy, burdened with many sins and sorrows, and deliver us from all evil, praying to Your Son, Christ Our God, save our souls.

Kontakion, tone 6:
There are no other imams of help, no other imams of hope, unless You, Lady, help us, we hope in You and we boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.

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Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in honor of Her Icon “Unexpected Joy”

Icon of the Mother of God "UNEXPECTED JOY"

The ancient miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” - one of the shrines of Moscow is located in the Church of the Prophet Elijah the Ordinary.The time and place of origin of the prototype are unknown.

The Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” is named in memory of the healing of a certain sinner through the holy icon through the prayers of the Most Pure Mother of God.

The history of this icon is told by St. Demetrius of Rostov in his work “Irrigated Fleece.” According to legend, one robber, spending his life in sins, however, had the habit of praying for a long time before the image of the Mother of God, asking for help in his affairs.
Each time he began his prayer with the Archangel’s greeting: “Rejoice, O Blessed One!” One day, as he was about to go on a sinful deed, during prayer he was attacked by a sudden strong fear, and he saw that the Mother of God and the Child appeared before him alive. Christ's wounds opened on his arms, legs and side, and blood began to flow from them, as during the Crucifixion. The robber was horrified and exclaimed: “Oh, Lady! Who did this?” The Mother of God answered him: “You and other sinners; with your sins you again crucify My Son, like the ancient Jews.” The amazed robber began to pray to the Mother of God to have mercy on him.
Then, before his eyes, She began to ask Christ to forgive his sins, but He refused. Then the Most Holy Theotokos came down from her throne and wanted to fall at the feet of the Child. “What do you want to do, O My Mother!” - exclaimed the Son. “I will remain at Your feet along with this sinner,” She answered, “until You forgive his sins.” Christ said: “The law commands every son to honor his mother; and justice requires that the legislator should also be the executor of the law. I am Your Son, and You are My Mother. I must honor You by doing what you ask Me to do. according to Your desire. Now his sins are forgiven for Your sake. And as a sign of forgiveness, let him kiss My wounds." Then the shocked sinner stood up and touched with his lips the wounds of Christ open on the icon. With this, the vision ended, and it was not in vain for the man: from that time on, he corrected himself and began to live pleasing to God.
Shocked to the depths of his soul, with a contrite heart, the man prayed to the Most Holy Theotokos to be his Intercessor before God and Intercessor for the forgiveness of his sins. That man realized the depth of his fall and, with the help of God, left his sinful life. Until the end of his days, with tears and gratitude, he prayed to the Mother of God, through whose intercession he received the unexpected joy of repentance and forgiveness of sins from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This image, very revered in Orthodox Moscow, can be found in almost every church in the city.

Hodegetria “Unexpected Joy” once again testifies that everyone who sincerely wants to be forgiven will be forgiven. Moreover, the story about the icon says that the repentant sinner prayed for the gift of a vision of his sins, and this does not mean that he was going to lead a vicious life again. Any person is a sinner - this is our dual nature, but if sin suddenly occurs due to human weakness, then, seeing it in person, we get the opportunity to repent and, possibly, complete repentance, which will become another step of salvation in the spirit.

Miracle-working icons of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” arein the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha (Sheremetyevskaya st., 33)and inTemple of Elijah the Prophet in Obydensky Lane (metro station "Kropotkinskaya", 2nd Obydensky lane, 6).

Temple of the Prophet Elijah in Obydensky Lane

The most famous revered icons of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” are located in the Church of the Transfiguration on the Sands (metro station Smolenskaya, Spasopeskovsky lane, 4a) and in the Church of the Resurrection of the Word in Danilovskaya Sloboda (metro station Tulskaya, Danilovsky Val, 2 2) .

Days of celebration of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”b" - May 14 And December 22.

Kontakion, tone 6:
There are no other imams of help, no other imams of hope, unless You, Lady, help us, we hope in You and we boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed.

Prayer of the Mother of God before the icon of Her “Unexpected Joy”:
O Most Holy Virgin, All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, Patroness of the city of Moscow, Faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who live in sins, sorrows, troubles and illnesses! Accept this prayer song from us, unworthy Thy servants, offered to You, and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Thy honorable icon every day, You did not despise, but You bestowed unexpected joy on him and You bowed down Your Son with many and zealous intercessions towards Him. for the forgiveness of this sinner and erring one, so even now do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, and beg Thy Son and our God, and grant to all of us, who with faith and tenderness bow before Thy celibate image, unexpected joy for each need: to sinners , mired in the depths of evils and passions - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; to those who find themselves in troubles and embitterment - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; to those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to the Benefactor; to those in need - mercy; those who are in illness and long illness and abandoned by doctors - unexpected healing and strengthening; for those who were waiting for the mind from illness - return and renewal of the mind; those departing into eternal and endless life - memory of death, tenderness and contrition for sins, a cheerful spirit and firm hope in the mercy of the Judge. O Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your honorable name, and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession; abide in piety, purity and honest living until their last death in goodness; create evil good things; guide the erring one on the right path; Make progress in every good work that is pleasing to Your Son; Destroy every evil and ungodly deed; in bewilderment and difficult and dangerous circumstances, those who find invisible help and admonition were sent down from Heaven; save from temptations, seductions and destruction; protect and preserve from evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; floating float; for those who travel, travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; for those who do not have shelter and shelter, provide cover and refuge; Give clothes to the naked; for those offended and unjustly persecuted - intercession; invisibly justify the slander, slander and blasphemy of those who suffer; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; Grant unforeseen reconciliation to those who are bitterly at odds, and to all of us for each other love, peace and piety and health with long life. Preserve marriages in love and like-mindedness; spouses who exist in enmity and division, die, unite me to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; to mothers and children giving birth, grant permission quickly; raise babies; For young people to be chaste, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching, instruct them in the fear of God, abstinence and hard work; Protect from domestic strife and enmity of half-bloods with peace and love. Be the Mother of motherless orphans, turn them away from every vice and filth and teach them everything that is good and pleasing to God, and bring those seduced into sin and impurity, having revealed the filth of sin, from the abyss of destruction. Be the Comforter and Helper of widows, be the rod of old age, deliver us all from sudden death without repentance, and grant us all a Christian end to our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the terrible Judgment of Christ. Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, with the Angels and all the saints, make them live, begging for the mercy of Thy Son to be merciful to those who passed away by sudden death, and for all the departed who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Thy Son, Thou thyself be a ceaseless and warm Prayer-maker and Intercessor May everyone in Heaven and on earth lead You as a steadfast and shameless Representative of the Christian race, and, leading, glorify You and Your Son, with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.