“Our sins and iniquities grew... The holy wonder-working icons of the Queen of Heaven were hidden, and until there is a sign from the holy wonder-working icon Mother of God, I don’t believe that we are forgiven. But I believe that there will be such a time and we will live to see it.”
GREATNESS:
We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your holy image, through which you bring healing to all who come with faith.
HISTORY OF THE IMAGE
The first mention of the icon itself dates back to the 1830s, but the event that gave rise to its writing occurred at least a century earlier and is described in the book “Irrigated Fleece,” compiled by St. Dmitry of Rostov.
A certain dashing man led a sinful life, but nevertheless reverently revered the Most Pure One, praying daily before Her image. One day, getting ready to “go out for a criminal deed,” he prayed and suddenly saw how the wounds on the Infant God’s arms, legs and side began to bleed; and he heard the voice of the Most Pure One: “You and other sinners are again crucifying My Son with your sins, like the Jews. You call Me Merciful, but why do you insult Me with your lawless deeds?” The shocked sinner begged the Most Pure One for intercession, and from that time on he returned to an honest and pious life.
According to the legend about the repentant sinner, on the icon “Unexpected Joy” it is written “a certain lawless man”, praying on his knees in front of the image of “Hodegetria”, under which are usually inscribed the first words of the story itself or a special prayer.
“UNEXPECTED JOY” IN OUR TEMPLE
The history of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” before it came to our church is not known for certain. Most likely, this particular icon was in the Church of Constantine and Helena in the Taininsky Garden of the Moscow Kremlin, destroyed in 1928. From there, along with other numerous shrines of Moscow, it ended up in the Resurrection Church in Sokolniki. Over time, when the authorities stopped supporting the renovationists, their movement disintegrated, and many icons from Sokolniki began to return to the surviving Moscow churches.
The then rector of “Ilya the Ordinary,” Archpriest Alexander Tolgsky, received the blessing of Patriarch Sergius, and in 1944 the icon was solemnly transferred to our church. This event occurred on Friday, and since then on Fridays it has been served in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon of the Mother of God.
On the robe of the miraculous icon is the inscription: “With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Rus', the robe was restored on the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in the summer of 1959 under the rector of the Church of the Prophet Elijah the Ordinary, Archpriest A.V. Tolgsky.”
The late Patriarch Pimen especially loved this icon and, considering himself a parishioner of the Church of Elijah the Ordinary, often attended evening services.
WHAT DO YOU PRAY FOR BEFORE THE IMAGE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “UNEXPECTED JOY”
Many hundreds of people over the centuries have prayed to this miraculous image, turning to the Most Pure Virgin with faith and in the hope of receiving the unexpected joy of forgiveness and gracious consolation, help in business. They ask her for the conversion of the lost, for confirmation in the faith, especially praying for their children.
The image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” reminds Orthodox Christians of repentance and the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. “God will not destroy a broken and humble heart” (Ps. 50:19), sings the prophet David. “There is no sin, no matter how great it is, that conquers God’s love for mankind, if at the appropriate time we repent and ask for forgiveness,” says St. John Chrysostom.
TROPARION, tone 4
Today, faithful people, / we 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, // beseeching Thy Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.
KONDAK, tone 6
There are no imams of other help, / no imams of other hope, / except for You, the Lady. / Help us, / we rely on You, / and we boast in You, / For we are Your servants, // Let us not be ashamed.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in Honor of Her Icon “UNEXPECTED JOY”
Kontakion 1
Chosen from all generations of the Mother of God and the Queen, who sometimes appeared to the lawless man, in order to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer thanksgiving singing to Thee, the Mother of God; But You, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, let us call to You:
Ikos 1
The angels and righteous souls were surprised when you appeared before your Son and God and interceded with many prayers for the man who is always in sin; We, with the eyes of faith seeing Your great compassion, with tenderness cry out to You:
Rejoice, you who accept the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, and you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners.
Rejoice, you who intercede for your Son for them; Rejoice, you who give them the unexpected joy of salvation.
Rejoice, saving the whole world through Your intercession; Rejoice, quenching all our sorrows.
Rejoice, Mother of God of all, comforting embittered souls; Rejoice, you who arrange our life well.
Rejoice, having brought deliverance from sins to all people; Rejoice, you who have given birth to joy to the whole world.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the Most Holy One, even if he is lawless, but every day with faith and hope before Her venerable icon, he casts himself down and brings the Archangel’s greeting to Her, and he listens to such a sinner’s praise, and all, seeing Her Motherly mercy, in Heaven and on earth cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Human reason truly surpasses Your love for the Christian race, for even then You did not cease from Your intercession for the lawless man, when Your Son showed You the wounds of the nails, the sins of men committed by Him. Seeing You as the persistent Intercessor for us sinners, we cry out to You with tears:
Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Guide, who leads us to the Heavenly Fatherland.
Rejoice, guardianship and refuge of the faithful; rejoice, for the help of all who call Your name sacred.
Rejoice, thou who hast snatched away all those despised and rejected from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who turn those to the right path.
Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency and spiritual darkness; Rejoice, for those who have been waiting for a new mind from illness and better meaning serving.
Rejoice, you who have been left by doctors in Your all-powerful hand.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 3
The power of grace abounded there, where sin abounded; May all the Angels in Heaven rejoice over the one sinner who has repented, singing before the Throne of God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having Motherly mercy towards the Christian race, give a helping hand to all who come to You with faith and hope, O Lady, so that with one heart and one mouth we all bring the praise of Tisitsa:
Rejoice, for through You God's favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You we, too, are imams who have increased boldness towards God.
Rejoice, for in all our troubles and circumstances you offer your Son earnest prayers for us; Rejoice, for you make our prayers pleasing to God.
Rejoice, for not visible enemies you drive us away; Rejoice, for you deliver us from visible enemies.
Rejoice, like hearts evil people soften; Rejoice, for you have taken us away from slander, harassment and reproach.
Rejoice, for through You all our good desires are fulfilled; Rejoice, for Your prayer can accomplish much before Your Son and God.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 4
Having a storm of sinful thoughts inside, a lawless person prayed before Thy honorable icon and, seeing the Blood from the wounds of Thy Eternal Son flowing in streams, like on the Cross, fell from fear and cried out to Thee with sobs: “Have mercy on me, O Mother of mercy, lest My malice will overcome Your ineffable goodness and mercy, for You are the only hope and refuge for all sinners; bow down to mercy, O Good Mother, and beg Thy Son and my Creator for me, so that I may continually call to Him: Alleluia.”
Ikos 4
Hearing the inhabitants of heaven about the miraculous salvation of their dying earthly brother through Your prayers, they glorified You, the compassionate Queen of Heaven and earth; And we, sinners, having experienced such intercession of a sinner similar to us, even if our tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to our heritage, from the depths of our tender heart we sing to Thee:
Rejoice, Helper of the salvation of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost.
Rejoice, Unexpected Joy of Sinners; Rejoice, rise of the fallen.
Rejoice, Representative to God, saving the world from troubles; Rejoice, for the voices of Your prayers tremble.
Rejoice, as the Angels rejoice at this; Rejoice, for the power of Your prayers fills us, earthly creatures, with joy.
Rejoice, for with these you remove us from the mire of sins; Rejoice, for you have extinguished the flame of our passions.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 5
Godly star, miraculous icon You showed Your Mother to us, Lord, for, looking at the image of Her bodily eyes, we rise with our minds and hearts to the Primordial Image and through Her we flow towards You, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the Guardian Angels of Christians, as if the Mother of God was assisting them in their instruction, intercession and salvation, they tried to cry out to the Most Honest Cherub and the Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison:
Rejoice, reigning forever with Your Son and God; Rejoice, you who always bring prayers to Him for the Christian race.
Rejoice, Teacher of Christian faith and piety; Rejoice, Eradicator of heresies and pernicious schisms.
Rejoice, preserving temptations that corrupt the soul and body; Rejoice, you who deliver us from dangerous circumstances and sudden death without repentance and Holy Communion.
Rejoice, you who give a shameless end to those who trust in You; Rejoice, even after death for the soul that has gone to the judgment of the Lord before Your Son, unceasingly interceding.
Rejoice, by Your Mother's intercession you deliver this from eternal torment.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 6
The preacher of Your wondrous mercy, bestowed on a certain lawless man, appeared Saint Demetrius of Rostov, who, having written off the great and glorious, and fair works of God, revealed in You, committed to writing this work of Your mercy for the teaching and consolation of all the faithful, and even these, in sins, troubles, sorrows and embitterments of their beings, many times every day with faith in prayer before Your image they bow their knees and, having left those, cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Your miraculous icon, O Mother of God, appears to us like a bright dawn, driving away the darkness of troubles and sorrows from all who cry out to You with love:
Rejoice, our Healer in bodily illnesses; Rejoice, Good Comforter in our spiritual sorrows.
Rejoice, you who transform our sorrow into joy; Rejoice, you who rejoice those who do not hope with undoubted hope.
Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher; Rejoice, robe of the naked.
Rejoice, Comforter of widows; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans.
Rejoice, O unjustly persecuted and offended Intercessor; Rejoice, just avenger of those who persecute and offend.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 7
Although the Lawgiver, the Righteous Lord Himself is the Executor of the law and shows the abyss of His mercy, bow down to Your fervent prayer, Blessed Mother of the Virgin, for the lawless man, saying: “The law commands, that the son honor the mother. I am Your Son, You are My Mother: I must honor You, listening to Your prayer; Be it as you wish: now his sins are forgiven for Your sake.” We, seeing such the power of our Intercessor’s prayer for the forgiveness of our sins, will glorify Her mercy and ineffable compassion, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new wondrous and glorious sign appeared to all the faithful, as if not only Your Mother, but also Her most pure face, depicted on the tablet, You have granted the power of miracles, Lord; Marveling at this mystery, with tenderness of heart we cry out to Her like this:
Rejoice, revelation of the wisdom and goodness of God; Rejoice, affirmation of faith.
Rejoice, manifestation of grace; Rejoice, gift of useful knowledge.
Rejoice, overthrow of harmful teachings; Rejoice, it is not difficult to overcome lawless habits.
Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, you foolish, intelligent worker.
Rejoice, children, inconvenience to students, giver of reason; Rejoice, good Guardian and Mentor of youth.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 8
A strange and terrible vision of a certain lawless man, showing him the goodness of the Lord, forgiving his sins through the intercession of the Mother of God; For this reason, therefore, correct your life, live in a manner pleasing to God. Sitsa and we, seeing the glorious deeds and manifold wisdom of God in the world and our life, let us move away from earthly vanities and unnecessary cares of life, and raise our mind and heart to Heaven, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All abiding in the highest, and you have not retreated from the lower ones, Most Merciful Queen of Heaven and earth; Even though, after Your Dormition, You ascended into Heaven with Your Most Pure Flesh, yet You did not leave the sinful earth, being a Participant of the Providence of Your Son for the Christian race. For this sake, we dutifully please Thee:
Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Your most pure soul; Rejoice, who made all Heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body.
Rejoice, Providence of Your Son for the generation of Christians, Holy Servant; Rejoice, zealous Representative for the whole world.
Rejoice, Thou who adopted us all at the Cross of Thy Son; Rejoice, always showing motherly love for us.
Rejoice, O unenvious Giver of all gifts, spiritual and physical; Rejoice, blessings of the temporary Intercessor.
Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, and filling their hearts with pure joy in the land.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 9
Every angelic nature was amazed at the work of Your mercy, Lord, for You have granted such a strong and warm Intercessor and Helper to the Christian race, I am present to us invisibly, but I hear You singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
In their proclamation, but not in their enlightenment of God, they talk vainly, as if worshiping a holy image is like worshiping an idol; They do not understand that the honor given to the holy image ascends to the Archetype. Not only do we know this good thing, but we also hear from faithful people about many miracles from the face of the Mother of God, and we ourselves need to worship him for the time and eternal life Acceptingly, with joy we cry to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, for miracles work from Your holy face; Rejoice, for this wisdom and grace have been hidden from the wise and prudent of this age.
Rejoice, for she was revealed as a child in faith; Rejoice, for you glorify those who glorify You.
Rejoice, for you put to shame those who reject You before everyone; Rejoice, for you have delivered those who come to You from drowning, fire and sword, from deadly plagues and from all evil.
Rejoice, for you mercifully heal all the illnesses of mankind, mental and physical; Rejoice, for through Your prayer you will soon satisfy the righteous wrath of God against us.
Rejoice, for You are a quiet refuge from storms for those floating on the sea of life; Rejoice, for at the end of our everyday voyage you will reliably lead us to the storm-free country of the Kingdom of Christ.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 10
Although you saved a certain lawless man from the error of his life’s path, You showed him a wondrous vision from Your most honorable icon, O Most Blessed One, yes, seeing the miracle, he will repent and, raised from the depths of sin by Your merciful providence, cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Thou art a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mother of God, and to all who flow to Thee, for the Creator of Heaven and earth, who dwells in Thy womb and is born of Thee, reveal Thee, the Ever-Virgin, the guardian of virginity, purity and chastity and the vessel of all virtue, and teach Thee to proclaim to all:
Rejoice, pillar and fence of virginity; Rejoice, invisible Guardian of purity and chastity.
Rejoice, kind Teacher of the virgins; Rejoice, good bride, Decorator and Supporter.
Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages; Rejoice, speedy resolution for mothers giving birth.
Rejoice, upbringing of infants and grace-filled protection; Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and the Spirit.
Rejoice, consolation to mourning mothers; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 11
Bringing all-contrite singing to You, the unworthy, we ask You, Virgin Mother of God: do not despise the voice of Your servants, for we run to You in adversity and sorrow and before You in our troubles we shed tears, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
As a light-giving lamp, appearing to those who exist in the darkness of sin and the vale of weeping, we see the Holy Virgin; the spiritual fire of His prayers, kindling instructions and consolation, leads everyone to the Unevening Light, the appeal of those who honor You with these:
Rejoice, Ray from the Sun of Truth, Christ our God; Rejoice, enlightening bad conscience.
Rejoice, secret and foreseen inconvenience, leading all the good and telling it as it should; Rejoice, you who disgrace false seers and vain fortune-telling.
Rejoice, in the hour of perplexity you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, abiding ever in fasting, prayer and contemplation of God.
Rejoice, you who encourage and admonish the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, everlasting consolation for God-fearing monks and nuns.
Rejoice, unashamed Intercessor of sinners who repent before God; Rejoice, warm Intercessor of all Christians.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away every enemy and adversary from us, pacify our lives, so that we may not perish violently, without repentance, but accept us into eternal shelter, Mother of God, so that we may rejoice in God, through You. to him who saves us: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards lawless man, we all praise You, as a steadfast Intercessor for us sinners, and we worship You, who prays for us; For we believe and trust, as if You have asked Thy Son and God for good, temporal and eternal, for all, crying out to Tis with love:
Rejoice, all slander and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil are trampled underfoot; Rejoice, unforeseen reconciliation of bitterly warring people.
Rejoice, unknown correction of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, speedy Comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sadness.
Rejoice, you who provide us with the grace of humility and patience; Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions.
Rejoice, thou who protectest the blood of the same blood from domestic strife and enmity through peace and love; Rejoice, thou who invisibly turns us away from disastrous undertakings and senseless wishes.
Rejoice, in our good intentions you have been a companion to the Helper; Rejoice, at the hour of death for all of us, Helper.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 13
O All-Singing Mother, Who contained the Inconceivable God in her womb and gave birth to Joy to the whole world! Accept this present singing, turn all our sorrows into joy and deliver us from all misfortunes and remove future torments from those who cry out for You: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos: “Angels and righteous souls...” and the 1st kontakion: “The chosen one from all generations...”.
PRAYER
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, 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 erring 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 bow before Thy celibate image, unexpected joy for each need: for a sinner mired in the depths of evil and passion - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; to those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; to those who find themselves in troubles and embitterment - a complete abundance of these; to 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; those who were waiting for the return and renewal of the mind from illness; 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, invisible help and admonition were sent down from Heaven; save from temptations, seductions and destruction; protect and preserve from all 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-blooded ones 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, create a life for those who died of sudden death, beseech the merciful existence of Your Son, and for all the departed who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Your Son, Be yourself a constant and warm Prayer and Intercessor May everyone in Heaven and on earth lead You as a firm 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 forever and ever. Amen.
In times of weak faith, a person turns to God only after realizing the futility of his own efforts. It is not easy to beg the Lord, feeling the burden of sins on your soul. It is even more difficult for the prayer of one who does not want to see his guilt to reach Him. While waiting for repentance, the Lord hesitates in fulfilling requests and, surrounded by unsolvable problems, a person feels despair in his soul.
Despair is a terrible spiritual state inspired by demons. You cannot give in to this feeling, which entails disbelief and madness. In case of prolonged misfortunes, there is a last refuge for the sinner - the Most Holy Theotokos.
Wanting to show people the power of Her intercession, the Mother of God revealed Orthodox Prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” brings hope, strength of patience and fulfills petitions that seemed useless.
In what cases do you turn to “Unexpected Joy”
The image of “Unexpected Joy” is glorified by many miracles. To a Christian believer they do not seem incredible: mercy and love for to the human race usual for the Mother of God.
About miracles in Orthodoxy:
The story depicted on the icon recalls the strong prayer of the Mother of God, overcoming even the righteous anger of the Lord. But to fulfill what is asked, one condition is necessary - repentance of sins.
Virgin Mary with Jesus Christ
The very name of the icon - “Unexpected Joy” - encourages people to turn to it in a hopeless situation. But the love of Christians for this image is so great that they flock to it with any requests, with confidence that they will receive what they ask for.
Important! It is traditional to pray before the image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in the following needs:
- serious illnesses
- family feuds
- inability to have a child
- in search of a spouse, etc.
Where to start a prayer
IN difficult situation If you want to get what you ask for, you should follow a small but constant rule. Be sure to consult with a priest to be sure that the work you are starting is pleasing to God. The blessing received will give strength to carry out prayer work when demons begin to interfere, fearing to lose the sinner’s soul.
It is necessary to examine your conscience: remember unrighteous deeds that could bring the wrath of the Lord. Be sure to go to confession and take Communion. Without communication with the Church, prayer weakens many times over. It must be remembered that the sinner depicted in the “Unexpected Joy” icon received the Lord’s forgiveness only after sincere repentance.
What to pray for
Attention! Consistency in prayer pleases God, but one should think about whether what is being asked is really so necessary? Will the fulfillment of desire bring new delusions and sins? To any petition, believers add the words “if God wills.”
Temple in honor of the icon “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha
How else can you pray to “Unexpected Joy”
Akathist and prayer are used for church or home rules. There are short, easy-to-remember prayers to the Mother of God that should be known by heart and repeated mentally at work, in transport, in church in front of an icon. Simple texts can be learned with children.
There are no other imams of help, no other imams of hope except You, Lady, help us! We hope in You and boast in You, for we are Your servants, let us not be ashamed
Open the doors of mercy for us, blessed Mother of God, who trust in You, so that we may not perish, but may we be delivered from troubles by You, for You are the salvation of the Christian race
Virgin Mary, Rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You! Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Where to make a pilgrimage for prayer
- Temple of Elijah the Everyday Prophet in Moscow. The ancient miraculous icon “Unexpected Joy”, which survived the hard times of the revolution, is kept here;
- The Church of the Icon “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha (Moscow) also has a miraculous icon of the Mother of God;
- With. Pushkarka (Diveevo) - a temple in the name of the icon “Unexpected Joy”, which can be visited during a pilgrimage to the Diveevo Monastery;
- men's monastery in the name of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in the village. Kolochava (Transcarpathia). Located in the Synevyr nature reserve, founded in 2002, belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church;
- in any church dedicated to an icon, there is a revered image of “Unexpected Joy” to the right of the altar.
More about temples and monasteries:
- Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia in Strogino
Watch the video about the Akathist Icon of the Mother of God
Icon of Unexpected JoyHistory of the icon
The appearance of the face dates back several centuries ago, at the beginning of the eighteenth century. The origin story of this icon is based on the story of a man who, having committed any sin, immediately went to the temple and asked for forgiveness from the Most Pure Virgin Mary. Once, to a sinner, when he was sincerely reading a prayer book, the Mother of God appeared before him, holding little Jesus in her arms, and whose whole body was covered with open bleeding wounds. The Mother of God explained that such wounds do not go away, because people continue to commit sinful acts, and thereby wound Christ in a new way, causing suffering to him and her. The sinner began to pray even more diligently, and only after reading the third prayer did the Almighty grant him forgiveness, and the child’s wounds disappeared.
Since then, the sinner has completely changed his lifestyle. And his sincere repentance was called unexpected joy.
The icon represents the very essence internal transformation. Working hard on yourself and making prayers helps people choose true path goodness and happiness.
Brief information about the origin of the holy image
The icon was created at the beginning of the eighteenth century.
This image depicts a man fallen to his knees, who repents of his sinful acts and prays for the remission of his sins Holy Virgin Mary, who stands with the Child of God in her arms.
The day of veneration of this face is celebrated not once a year, but several times: on the ninth of December and the first of May.
The original of this icon is located in the Cathedral of the Prophet Elijah, which is located on Obydensky Lane in Moscow. Copies of this image are kept in many churches in Russia.
This holy image gives believers happiness suddenly, at a time when people no longer hope for anything and have lost faith in recovery. People regain their lost faith when they say a prayer in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon.
How does an icon help?
It is necessary to pray for a message of help from the Mother of God, imprinted on the divine image, in the following situations:
When you are struck by ear disease;
If you have been diagnosed with infertility;
When your children have turned away from the true path, and you want to help them, they will return to " the right way";
When your loved ones died and it became a bitter loss that you constantly mourn and have lost the meaning of life;
When searching for missing relatives or friends;
You can also offer a prayer before the face of “unexpected joy” in cases of serious illness.
Where is the correct place to place the holy image?
If you want the holy face to always support you, you need to choose the right location for it in your home. The holy image must be hung in the most visible place in the apartment.
However, there are places where you absolutely cannot place the image:
in latrines, for example, a restroom;
in places where all sorts of old things are stored;
It’s also not advisable to hang the image in the hallway.
It is also necessary to note that when you turn to the Lord, it is better to do it alone, so that no one disturbs you. The most best place the placement of the holy face is your bedchamber.
And most importantly, this face should not be hung up, but simply placed on something. You can place it on a table, a bedside table, a chest of drawers, or on a special shelf for holy images located at the right end of the bedroom.
In order for your prayer to reach the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is depicted in the image, and for her to help you, you must address your prayers to her in the proper way.
As already mentioned, it is better to say prayers alone.
You can pray twice a day in the morning and before going to bed in the evening.
It is recommended to light the purchased candle in the temple when reading the prayer text.
Among other things, it is necessary to follow and adhere to all fasts, not sin and say thanksgiving prayers To the Almighty for everything you have, and in this case the Lord and the Virgin Mary will respond to your request.
You can say a special prayer before the face of “Unexpected Joy”, or you can do it in your own words. When you want to have children, you can turn to the Mother of God with the following words:
"Most Holy Theotokos, our All-Tsarina! Hear me, send me happiness, give me a baby. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen!"
When the miraculous icon of the Mother of God is venerated
Celebrations of the Holy Face occur twice a year:
the fourteenth of May in the new style and the first in the old style;
December twenty second new style and the ninth as usual.
In which cathedrals and churches is the icon of Unexpected Joy kept?
The original relic is kept in the Cathedral of Elijah the Prophet in Belokamennaya; a couple of copies were made from this icon, which are also considered miraculous.
Every day thousands of pilgrims come to the temple, who pray not only for grace, but for the forgiveness of their sins from the Almighty. Believers reflect all sorrows and hesitations in prayer.
Before the holy icon, Orthodox Christians are endowed with hope, peace, patience, and receive protection and guidance.
The divine image is kept in the following churches:
You can find unexpected joy in Maryino Bor, which is located in the Moscow Cathedral;
In the Grandmother's Church of God's saints Natalia and Adrian;
This face is also kept in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which is located on Obydensky Lane
In the Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Lord on the Pea Field;
On the Sands in the Church of the Transfiguration;
And in the Danilovskaya church at the Church of the Resurrection of the Savior
Meaning of the icon
According to church chronicles, this icon was created in the mid-eighteenth century. And as mentioned earlier, the original of the divine image is now kept in the Church of Elijah the Prophet on Obydensky Lane (Moscow). But the prayer before the face of “Unexpected Joy” can be read both in church and at home. Icon painters believe that this icon belongs to the type of “Guide” - Showing the Way to the Lord. According to generally accepted church rules, the image is depicted as a face inside the image - the villain in front of the icon reverently bows before him, begging for forgiveness. Sometimes icon painters write the words of a prayer service near the sinner’s mouth, depicting these words on special bright stripes. And under the image of the Virgin Mary, who holds the Divine Infant Christ in her shui, there is a story of pardon, written in Church Slavonic text.
What is the meaning of the icon?
This relic was created to convey to every person this immutable truth: the Almighty forgives and grants salvation to everyone who truly repents. It is noteworthy that a sinful act is not interpreted as an irreversible fall into a vicious or dissolute path of life, but is interpreted as a threshold on the road leading to confession and salvation of the soul. Any person can succumb to temptation, but through the great atonement of Christ, each person has the ability to be protected from temptation, to be reborn spiritually, and to receive a place in the heavenly places.
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 sin 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.
Most famous image 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 on how to pray 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 main prayer appeals to 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”.
Prayer to the Mother of God “Unexpected joy”
From time immemorial, many people have worshiped and revere the image of “Unexpected Joy”. Even those who are passing through Moscow come to pray to her.
Prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” helps the suffering and heals the sick. Its very name seems to be clear to everyone, but there is still a certain misunderstanding.
Few people are familiar with the history of the origin of the prayer appeal “Unexpected Joy”. Once upon a time there lived a sinful man. IN once again intending to sin, he turned in prayer to the icon. Before he could utter the words of Archangel Gabriel “Hail, O Blessed One,” he fell silent in shock.
Open, bleeding ulcers appeared on the arms, legs, and side of the Divine Infant.
The sinner, in horror, bowed face down in front of the icon, and in fear asked who did this.
In response to his question, the sinner heard reproachful words Holy Mother of God, indicating lawless deeds, endless insults and sins of sinful people. These words touched the man so much that he began to cry in tears for mercy, for forgiveness. He asked the Son of the Mother of God to pray for his sinful actions. When he was completely desperate, he heard words of forgiveness. Joy came to the sinner when he no longer hoped or hoped. From that time on, his life changed; the sinner began to lead a pious life.
It was thanks to this story that the image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” was created. It depicts a kneeling man stretching out his hands to the face of the Mother of God and the Child of God.
In what cases is an icon used?
The image of the Mother of God was created in the eighteenth century. Since its writing, it and other lists from it have revealed miraculous events. Prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” helps to heal many diseases, promotes early marriage, helps to return lost souls home. Prayer to an icon inspires a person to moral rebirth. And if he prays for his loved ones in front of the icon, often listens to the audio prayer message online, those who despair of salvation will receive unexpected joy with its help, deliverance from troubles and sorrows.
People turn to prayer in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon when they despair of getting any help. Prayer to the Mother of God will protect a person from diseases associated with hearing, not only physical, but also spiritual.
A prayerful appeal to the Mother of God will help in all sorrows associated with the separation of spouses, with the loss of relatives, with hardships, with salvation from slander, and will help in a quick marriage.
Also, many people turn to the image in search of protection. If loved ones are going on a long voyage or traveling overland, their relatives begin to read prayer appeal The Most Holy Theotokos with a request to protect from all dangers and for the soon successful return of the traveler home.
What is the name of the icon associated with?
The name of the image calls people to both spiritual and prayerful work. Although the results will not appear immediately. It will take a long time to achieve them. The teaching of the ancient ascetics speaks of constant “work and prayer.” The name of the icon of the Mother of God, as well as the prayer itself, speaks of an unexpected, unexpected joy that can well decorate the life of any person.
The “Unexpected Joy” prayer teaches a person gratitude. Before the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, every person is pitiful, although this should not be ashamed at all. You need to accept this fact, accidentally rejoice that you were accepted and opened up unlimited possibilities. Prayerful appeal teaches people to be faithful in deed, in a word, it teaches hatred of sin. Prayer helps to get closer to the heights of faith, gives strength, and enlightens.
Video: Prayer “Unexpected joy”
Prayer "Unexpected Joy". Prayer to the icon "Unexpected Joy"
There are situations when earthly forces, friends and relatives cannot help, and the person himself understands that he is powerless in a given situation. For example, incurable disease, insurmountable grief from the loss of loved ones, family discord and disobedient children. At such moments in life, a person is left either alone with himself or with faith and begins to ask the Lord and other saints to help and support him. In order for your requests and prayers to be heard faster, you need to address them directly to one or another saint. In this article you will find out what the prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon gives to people, who exactly it helps and why it is called that.
History of the creation of the icon
In the 18th century, the work of Demetrius of Rostov “Irrigated Fleece” provided the subject for the creation of an icon. It tells the story of a criminal who had the habit of going to church to pray to the Mother of God before each of his crimes. 
One day, while reading a prayer, the Mother of God and the Child appeared to this young man, whose whole body was covered in bleeding wounds. To the young man’s question about the child, the Virgin Mary replied that these ulcers appear on the body of Jesus from every bad deed committed by sinners on Earth. After being dried, the criminal repented and begged for forgiveness, but Jesus forgave him only the third time, then he touched with his lips every wound on the body of the Baby, and he and the Mother of God melted into the air. From that moment on, the criminal repented and completely changed his lifestyle, directing it in a righteous direction. When a prayer was read to them, unexpected joy visited him along with liberation from sins. Thanks to this event, the icon received its name.
To this day, prayer in front of the icon “Unexpected Joy” awakens in people morality, decency, tolerance towards themselves and others and makes them rethink their lives, behave righteously, and if you pray for loved ones and relatives, you can help them find relief, save them from sorrow and troubles, if any are present in their life.
What is depicted on the icon?
The appearance of the icon completely coincides with the plot of the story. It depicts a praying sinner kneeling before the Virgin Mary, and the Baby Jesus wearing rags instead of clothes and with bleeding wounds. The sinner is located in the lower left corner, and under the icon the first lines from the story of Demetrius of Rostov or sometimes the prayer “Unexpected Joy” are written. Some icons depict a sinner with a ribbon in his mouth, on which words of forgiveness addressed to the Mother of God are visible.
How does prayer in front of the icon “Unexpected Joy” help?
The Mother of God, having heard people’s prayers addressed to her, protects those who ask from troubles, tears, sadness and sadness. The prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos “Unexpected joy” protects people from all kinds of diseases associated with hearing, both literally and figuratively. 
She hears the call of the soul and asks the Lord for the people, and they say that he answers prayers to the Mother of God and other saints. The prayer of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” helps in many other ways. 
Here is a small list of problems that she will certainly cope with:
Quarrels and separation of husband and wife;
Sadness from the loss of relatives;
Various hardships;
Saving your own reputation from slander and gossip;
Protection in any difficult situations.
The “Unexpected Joy” prayer will help protect those traveling by sea and land from the dangers that may arise on their way, as well as facilitate their speedy return home safe and sound.
In what matters does an icon help?
The prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” helps everyone get what they have longed for a long time, but were secretly afraid that they would never get it. For example, a priest may want sinners to repent and thereby save their souls; those who kneel before the icon will receive forgiveness and remission of sins. Parents will finally be able to find common language and bring some sense into your rebellious, disobedient children, and guide them on the right path. The “Unexpected Joy” prayer helps to find lost loved ones, reconcile warring parties, and suggest a good, bright solution even in the darkest, confusing situations.
Unexpected good news
Prayer in front of an icon gives people the most desired and at the same time unexpected, sudden joy. There is information that during the Great Patriotic War, women, being in the rear, did not leave the icon day or night, praying for their husbands and sons who were at war or missing. Some, especially desperate ones, continued to pray for the health of their loved ones even after they received news of their death - a “funeral”. And they begged the sky for their unexpected joy: information about the tragic death turned out to be erroneous, and the soldier returned home alive. 
Many believers know that the prayer to the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” helps everyone and fulfills almost any desire, especially those in which people have already despaired of believing.
The icon will help you find female happiness
Many women or married couples They turn to the icon together when they have problems conceiving a child. The prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” helps everyone who passionately desire it to feel the happiness of motherhood and fatherhood. Many cases have been recorded when couples, trying in vain to have a child for a long time, turned to the icon and, lo and behold, they achieved their goal. Everyone knows that keeping the fire in the family hearth is hard work, and also that the life of a modern social unit is like a powder keg. 
But wise women who want to preserve the sacred marriage, instead of discussing problems with their friends, resort to the miraculous power of the icon. Any quarrels or grievances are forgotten between spouses, and complete harmony and mutual understanding, harmony and peace reign in the family.
To sum it up...
After reading all of the above, someone will decide that he has found the ideal key to solving all problems, but you need to understand that it cannot be so easy. That without making any effort, it is impossible to achieve any success, that you need to fight, and not just sit back and pray. Faith in the Lord God helps you gain faith in your own strength. Prayer clears the mind and guides a person to perform noble deeds. Persistence and determination, supported by strong prayer and faith - this is the ideal union that guarantees success in any life situations. The “Unexpected Joy” icon will give all those who ask and need happiness, grace and the solution to all difficulties and obstacles in their lives. By turning their souls to faith and the Most Holy Theotokos, everyone will find their own innocent joy.
Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”
Quote from TATYSIY Read in full In your quotation book or community!Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”
The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” was created in the 18th century based on the plot of a repentant sinner from the work of St. Dmitry of Rostov “The Irrigated Fleece.” Since then, this icon and other copies from it have revealed miraculous events associated with healing from illnesses, through the prayers of parents, with the return of children from the path of vice, and with the spiritual insight of people who realized their spiritual imperfections. Prayer in front of the icon and knowledge of the events that are associated with the birth of the image inspire a person to moral rebirth, and prayer for loved ones helps those in despair find unexpected joy and gives hope for a sudden joyful deliverance from troubles and sorrows, if they are present in their life.
How an icon will protect you and your loved ones
With her holy intercession through our prayers before the icon of Her “Unexpected Joy,” the Mother of God protects us from all sorrows and troubles that may be in our lives, since, as it is said in the kontakion (see section “How to pray in front of an icon”), we do not have there is no other hope, no other help than Her. Unexpected joy - one that we no longer expected or expected. The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, the prayer to the Mother of God in front of it will protect from diseases, especially those associated with hearing, and here we mean not only physical, but also spiritual hearing - to the extent that we hear the Lord and His answer to prayers through the Mother of God and the saints.
And a prayer to the Mother of God in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon will protect you from many misfortunes. This list of sorrows is expressed in a lengthy, heartfelt prayer to Her. In all sorrows - separation of spouses, lost relatives, in hardships, in salvation from slanderous slander, in all difficult situations, you can ask the Mother of God in front of Her icon “Unexpected Joy” for protection. For example, when praying for those sailing at sea or traveling on land in any difficult conditions, it is worth asking Her “Unexpected Joy” icon to protect them from danger, asking for their speedy and successful return.
What does an icon help with?
Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected joy” helps to find peace of mind and inner spiritual strength. As Marina Ivanovna Tsvetaeva wrote in “Poems about Moscow”:
To Unexpected Joy in the Garden
I will bring in a foreign guest.
The domes of red will shine,
The sleepless bells will ring,
And at you from the crimson clouds
The Virgin Mary will drop her veil,
And you will rise, filled with wondrous powers...
“You won’t regret that you loved me.”
Prayer in front of this icon helps us get everything that we have wanted for so long, that we no longer hoped to receive, each according to our own desire: for a priest, this could be the repentance of a sinner in the flock and the salvation of his soul, for someone who prays for the forgiveness of sins, it can be forgiveness. It helps parents in cases where it is necessary to bring some sense to children who have lost their way or gone down a vicious path. At the request of people, someone finds lost loved ones, someone reconciles with someone with whom reconciliation seems impossible, and much, much more happens, even a seeming failure can turn into a happy accident.
It is believed that prayer in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon helps in healing from diseases, especially those associated with deafness. Here, physical deafness is probably subconsciously associated among believers with spiritual deafness, with the loss of moral guidelines, which obviously manifests itself at the bodily level.
Also, prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected joy” helps to find just such a joy, the most amazing, because it is unexpected, sudden. It is known that during the Great Patriotic War, many women in the rear prayed in front of this icon (there is information about this) for the men of their family who were missing, and others even for the fallen, after the funeral. And unexpected joy happened - the information about the death turned out to be erroneous, the fighter returned home. Many believers know: ask Her icon “Unexpected Joy” for everything that your soul grieves about, and She, the Intercessor, helps everyone who comes with faith and prayer, even in what seems almost impossible, returning lost hopes.
How to pray in front of an icon
Kontakion 1 (from the Akathist to the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”)
Chosen from all generations of the Mother of God and the Queen, who sometimes appeared to the lawless man, in order to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer thanksgiving singing to Thee, the Mother of God; But you, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, and let us call you: Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful.
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 imams of other help, no imams of other 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.
First prayer
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the Patroness 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 beseech Thy Son and our God, so that all of us who worship with faith and tenderness before Thy celibate image will grant unexpected joy for each need: as a shepherd to the church - holy zeal for the salvation of the flock; 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; for those who find themselves in troubles and bitterness - a complete abundance of these; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; in the joy and contentment of those living - 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 - 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 God's mercy. Oh, Most Holy Lady! Have mercy on all who honor Your All-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 those who are lost 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, invisible help and admonition were sent down from heaven; save from temptations, seductions and destruction; protect and preserve from all evil people and from enemies visible and invisible; floating float; for those who travel, travel; Be the Nourisher for those in need and hunger; be the Cover and Refuge for those without shelter and shelter; Give clothes to the naked; for those who are offended and suffer from untruths - intercession; invisibly justify the one who suffers slander, slander and blasphemy; expose slanderers and slanderers before everyone; Unexpectedly grant reconciliation to those who are bitterly at odds, and to all of us - love, peace and 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 them to each other and establish an indestructible union of love for them; to mothers and children giving birth, grant permission quickly; educate infants, young ones to be chaste, open their minds to the perception of all useful teachings, instruct 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 all vice and filth and teach them everything good and pleasing to God; those who have been seduced and fallen 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 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, create with the angels and all the saints the lives; to those who died a sudden death, beseech the mercy of Thy Son, and for all those who have died who have no relatives, begging for the repose of Thy Son, Thou thyself be a ceaseless and warm Prayer Book and Intercessor; may they lead Thee to heaven and earth as a steadfast and unashamed Representative of the Christian race, and glorify Thee and Thy Son with Thee, with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Second prayer
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, Thy unworthy servants, offered up to You: and like the sinner of old, who prayed many times before Thy honorable icon every day, You did not despise, 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.
TATYSIY
How does the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” help?
How does the icon of the Mother of God help? « Unexpected joy» ?
Any person can unexpectedly feel a bright, great joy if he goes to the world with an open, kind soul, completely pure thoughts, if this is a believer who has converted for the help you need to the healing icon. Believers consider the saint to be a real miracle. Icon "Unexpected Joy" with the image of the Mother of God. Believers in Moscow can see this holy image in the Temple of Elijah the Ordinary.
Believers love this miraculous icon. Laid here makes a lot of sense. On this shrine in front of the Mother of God the artist depicted an atheist. He sinned a lot. However, prudent new life this atheist began after he felt incredible repentance.
Mychange
If we recall the wonderful story associated with the image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, then first of all the Most Holy Theotokos helps through prayer in front of this image in spiritual life; if a person does not have the strength to leave some serious sins, then he can receive help from the Mother of God. This help is limited only by the strength of your faith and the purity of your soul, the depth of repentance. You can ask the Most Holy Theotokos for anything, only on one condition - it must be for the benefit of you and other people.
Galina78
Icon of the Mother of God" Unexpected joy"they pray in case of illness, and parents also pray for children who are subject to bad influence from others or are in mortal danger. Desperate people pray in front of the icon to receive hope for recovery or deliverance from a terrible misfortune.
“Unexpected joy” is the name of the miraculous face, the icon of the intercessor, the helper. People who pray to this image know about its miraculous power.
She brings back lost hopes and gives joy to everyone who flows to her with sincere prayer. A believer receives an unexpected, unexpected gift.
Days to celebrate the image “Unexpected Joy”
The place and date of appearance of the icon are unknown. But about three centuries it decorates Orthodox churches.
The image “Unexpected joy, by church canons, has the purpose of Hodegetria, which means: Guide to Christ. She is, in fact, a double icon.
What does this holy face look like?
Photos of this face can be found on Orthodox Internet sites. It depicts a sinner stretching out his hands to the image of the Mother of God, who is holding Her Son, the Youth Christ. The body of the Divine Infant is covered with bleeding wounds
The face of the Mother of God is directed at the sinner, from whose lips prayer flies. He is wearing a green tunic, like the Old Testament righteous who did not know Divine grace.
A praying sinner awaits forgiveness and a grace-filled change in life.
At the back is a red curtain, which symbolizes the entrance to heaven, the royal gates. Red is the color of resurrection.
The meaning of this image is that every sincerely repentant sinner will earn the joy of forgiveness and, cleansed of sins, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
The story behind the appearance of this image is amazing.
The plot of the image “Unexpected Joy” was inspired by icon painters at the turn of 1683 by the saint, church writer and educator Dmitry of Rostov, who wrote large number books about the lives of saints, about faith and repentance, about the Miracles of God and many gospel stories. This amazing book in patristic culture is called "Irrigated fleece".
It is based on impressions of divine miracles that miraculously took place thanks to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the 17th century in the monastery called St. Elias.
Twenty-four cases of the unusual miraculous healing described in the book. One story served as the plot for the painting of the icon “Unexpected Joy” in the 18th century..
The story is about a lawless, sinful man who often came to the image of the Queen of Heaven to pray before committing his crimes, but one day he saw the wounded bleeding body of the Holy Child. He fell to his knees in horror.
To his question who did this, the Mother of God replied that it was done by sinners who pray for forgiveness and again continue to commit terrible iniquities. The sinful man begged, begging not to punish him, and promised not to do evil deeds. Then he pressed his lips to the Baby’s wounds and they stopped bleeding. He believed, from which he received an unexpected gift - the joy of Divine forgiveness and became a righteous man.
This event became the basis for writing the image. The story told by Saint Dmitry of Rostov found a response in the souls and hearts of believers. At the end of the 18th century, the miraculous face was in almost every church.
You can venerate the “Unexpected Joy” icon today in numerous churches in Russia. In Moscow there is Temple of Elijah the Prophet, it is located in Obydensky Lane, there is a miraculous ancient icon from the Kremlin Cathedral, which in the second half of the 20th century was transported to Sokolniki, and since 1944 it has taken pride of place in the Ilyinsky Church.
Founded in 1592 in Moscow, it became a repository of shrines from churches destroyed by the Bolsheviks. The Lord saved the church of Elijah the Prophet from ruin.
In 2015, the opening of a church in honor of the image of the Queen of Heaven “Unexpected Joy” took place in the city of St. Petersburg, at the memorial cemetery where eight hundred and seventy-four defenders of the hero city of Leningrad found their peace.
Seven wonderful facets of the icon
In the 18th century, icon painters, inspired by the plot, painted the first icons. Church parishioners began to celebrate the miraculous features of the face. The “Unexpected Joy” icon helps in what way, they knew well, because by turning to her, sick people were healed and protected from misfortunes who turned to the image in prayer.
The miracles of spiritual renewal are borne by this holy face:
A weak person receives an unexpected gift - strength and confidence to overcome obstacles.
Granted to strong people humility and patience.
The spiritual significance of this icon is great
The meaning and essence of the image consists in trusting in the will coming from the Lord. Repentance for bad deeds and unworthy thoughts and getting rid of them, gratitude for the joy of every day - the essence of the icon.
Patience and humility before the will of God is the secret meaning of the face. From the face of “Unexpected Joy” comes spiritual and physical rebirth, faith in a prayerful appeal to the Most Holy Theotokos, which will be rewarded with a bright, joyful event. “Unexpected joy” calls for prayerful feats and spiritual work. She gives joy at that moment when there is only hope for a miracle. And it is given to the praying person as an unexpected blessed gift.
How to pray to the image “Unexpected Joy”
The Mother of God, who constantly remains in prayer for the human race, does not leave people without forgiveness for serious sins and gives an unexpected path of love and faith.
With their grief and misfortune, which the human soul cannot bear, people flock to the icon. The prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon helps in getting rid of illnesses; people bring requests for forgiveness to the holy image of the Mother of God. She helps in family, earthly and spiritual matters. But not only with grief, but with joy and gratitude one must turn to the face.
You need to address prayer words to the Lord correctly:
- The appeal to the icon “Unexpected Joy” must be read with all your soul and requests must be given with all your heart. At this moment, the sounds of prayer should go up, loud and clear.
- You need to ask to be relieved of the mental grief that prevents you from living and breathing. When there is almost no faith left, “Unexpected Joy” will restore hope.
- The shortest prayer - Glory to you, Lord! - uttered by a repentant heart will be heard faster than an insensitive rule rattled out of a prayer book.
- Before turning to the image, you need to ask the priest for a blessing.
- It is allowed to say a prayer in your own words, which must come from the heart.
- It is important to tell the congregation about troubles and sorrows, without thinking about matters of another kind during the hour of prayer.
It is necessary to remember that people are sent more than just joy. Suffering is also necessary for spiritual development. Therefore, hope in God’s help is an inexhaustible source of spiritual work, an unexpected gift.
Even clergy, making requests in prayers, impose a fast, read the psalter and Akathist.
Lay people should humbly accept the lessons of fate and limit themselves from excessive fun. Sincerity and pure thoughts give soul-saving joy.
There are prayers and canons, Akathist to the face of “Unexpected Joy”, useful for spiritual reading.
Description of the “Unexpected Joy” icon
Rules for reading the akathist
Akathist is a hymn, laudatory and joyful words of gratitude.
It represents special poetic creativity, a powerful prayer appeal.
- It includes several prayers that need to be read while standing.
- Akathists do not serve during Lent.
- You can read it on Sundays in front of the icon.
- Sometimes it is said for several days in a row.
- Before reading it, you need the obligatory blessing of the priest. He will give recommendations on the number of days and reading times.
- There is a special, unexpected moment when the joy given to us fills the soul with a wonderful light, so much so that the lips want to speak from the excess of heartfelt feelings. At this moment you need to stand in front of the face and read the laudatory akathist.
The image of “Unexpected Joy” teaches each of us to thank life for its manifestations. Before the face of the Mother of God, everyone is restless, sinful and pitiful. Recognize it, accidentally rejoice at this spiritual gift, and say words of gratitude in prayer.
Our life is woven from small joys, most of which happen accidentally; the ability to notice them and tirelessly thank them for them is important.