« Unexpected joy“- this 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, according to 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 a large number of 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 was based on impressions of divine miracles that miraculously took place thanks to the icon. Holy Mother of God in the 17th century in a 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, a church in honor of the image of the Queen of Heaven “Unexpected Joy” was opened 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 prayer 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. 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. Because hope for 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 icon “Unexpected Joy”
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 this, 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.
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 Higher powers help in finding your 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 the reproachful words of the Most Holy Theotokos, pointing to lawless deeds, endless insults and sins of sinful people. These words affected 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 very time 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 illnesses, promotes early marriage, and helps lost souls return home.
Prayer to the 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 a prayer appeal to the Most Holy Theotokos asking them to protect them from all dangers and for the soon successful return of the traveler home.
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, an incurable illness, 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 each wound on the body of the Baby with his lips, 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 mutual 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 fighting 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 couples 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 desires 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 union, 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. Perseverance 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 icon “Unexpected Joy” 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 missing men of their family, 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, restoring 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 ineffable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, 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 beg Thy Son and our God, so that all of us with faith and tenderness who worship 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; from all of us evil people protect and preserve 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 offended and suffering 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 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 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 the departed, 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, 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 approaches the world with an open, kind soul, completely pure thoughts, if he is a believer who has turned to a healing icon for the necessary help. 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, this atheist began a prudent new life 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.
On December 22, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy.” This image arose in the 18th century and became one of the most revered in Russia.
1. In 1683, Saint Demetrius of Rostov wrote the essay “Irrigated Fleece,” in which he described 24 cases of miraculous healing in front of the icon of the Mother of God that occurred in the Chernigov St. Elias Monastery in the 17th century.
2. The work had a huge resonance; it was it that prompted the icon painters of the 18th century to paint the image “Unexpected Joy”.
3. Legend says that one man had the habit of praying every day in front of the image of the Virgin Mary, and then going and doing an evil deed. After another prayer, the wounds on the hands of the infant Christ opened and blood flowed from them. The sinner began to persistently pray to the Mother of God, and on the third day forgiveness was granted to him.
4. The Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” belongs to the type of Hodegetria (guidebook).
5. No one knows exactly when the first copy of the icon appeared and by whom it was written. Chronicles indicate that by the end of the 18th century, almost every temple had its own list.
6. The “Unexpected Joy” icon is a unique phenomenon in icon painting. A dynamic plot is depicted here. A sinner on his knees turns to the image of the Virgin Mary in the temple. This is one of the exceptional cases when an icon painter depicted an icon within an icon.
7. Another difference from the traditional image of Hodegetria is that the Mother of God does not bend over the baby. Her face and the face of Christ are turned towards the sinner. This artistic technique reflects the essence of the miracle - the appeal of the Mother of God and the Son of God to a praying person.
8. Most likely, the icon “Unexpected Joy” depicts the Elijah Icon of the Mother of God, lost in 1918, during the occupation of Chernigov by German troops.
9. “Unexpected Joy” should be understood as meaning joy that was not hoped for and that was not expected, joy given by the Mother of God.
10. The title refers to the Mother of God herself as Joy, which is why both words are written with a capital letter.
11. There are at least 8 especially revered copies of the “Unexpected Joy” icon.
12. The most revered image of “Unexpected Joy” until 1917 was in the Church of the Burning Bush in Khamovniki. It was donated to the temple in 1835 according to the will of Alexandra Kunitsyna. In 1930 the temple was demolished by the Bolsheviks, further fate icons unknown.
13. A miracle of healing is attributed to the now lost image. In 1838, the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” restored the hearing of the widow Anisya Stepanovna.
14. One of the miraculous images “Unexpected Joy” is preserved in the church in the name of Elijah the Prophet. He was rescued in 1928 from the Church of Constantine and Helena in the Taininsky Garden of the Kremlin and secretly transported to a small church in Vtoroy Obydensky Lane.
15. The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, kept in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, was given a rich Robe in 1959. This was done with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy I.
16. Another miraculous list is located in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha.
17. There is an akathist (“unsaddled singing”) dedicated to the icon “Unexpected Joy.” It was adopted in 1901 by the censors of the Synodal Commission.
18. The Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” is prayed to in those cases when hopes of solving the problem by ordinary means are no longer possible and one can only hope for the intercession of the Mother of God.
19. They also pray to the “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Mother of God for the return home of missing relatives.
20.V Orthodox tradition On May 14, June 3 and December 22, celebrations are held in honor of the “Unexpected Joy” icon of the Mother of God.
The Icon of Unexpected Joy is a miraculous icon depicting the Mother of God. She is especially revered in the tradition of the Russian Orthodox Church. Read more in the article!
Icon of Unexpected Joy: history of origin
We cannot live without sorrows, but we also experience joys. And if in sorrow, abandoning the most urgent matters, we rush to the temple - to beg, to beg, so that this bitter cup may pass from us, we do not hold in joy and thoughts to rush in the same way - to give thanks.
In Moscow, very close to the Kropotkinskaya metro station, there is the Temple of Elijah the Prophet. Many Muscovites also call it Ordinary. Temple of Elijah the Ordinary. Why? Yes, now the word “ordinary” in relation to the temple surprises us; we have long and firmly invested in it our meaning, which is far from spiritual meaning. And our ancestors knew well what an ordinary temple was. This is a temple built in one day. Yes, yes, the whole world gathered while it was still dark, quickly divided up who was where, and - they built. Brick by brick, pebble by plank. And by evening - Lord, bless us in Your new home!
The temple of Elijah the prophet is also ordinary. And the lane on which the temple stands is also called Ordinary. In 1592, a wooden temple was erected on this site one day. And then, a hundred years later, a stone one. The Lord saved the Church of Elijah the Ordinary from Bolshevik devastation; it did not close. They marked it as “petty hooliganism”: they threw down the bells in 1933. That was all there was to it. The temple became a haven for shrines from those churches that fell under the hot hand, bad head and empty heart of the builders of a new life. This is exactly how the miraculous icon “Unexpected Joy” ended up in the temple of Elijah the Ordinary. At first it was located in the Kremlin in the small church of Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, then, after its destruction, it moved to Sokolniki, to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, and since 1944 - here, in Obydenny Lane.
The icon “Unexpected Joy” is very popular. They bring flowers to her, even those who are passing through Moscow come to worship her. Unexpected Joy... Everything seems to be clear, and there seems to be some kind of misunderstanding. And the history of this icon is as follows. There lived one sinner who multiplied his days with obscene deeds, but despite this, he always prayed before the icon of the Mother of God. Once again I got ready to commit sin and once again approached the icon. “Rejoice, O Blessed One...” was all that Archangel Gabriel had time to say. And he fell silent, shocked by what he saw. Suddenly, the Infant of God, whom the Virgin Mary was holding, began to have ulcers, real ones, on his arms, legs and side, and began to bleed. The sinner, unconscious from horror, fell on his face and shouted:
-Who did this!
And I heard the terrible words of the Mother of God:
-You. You sinners crucify My son, you insult Me with lawless deeds, and then you dare to call Me Merciful.
The sinner began to shed bitter tears.
“Have mercy on me,” he asked the Mother of God, “forgive me, beg the Son for me.”
The Mother of God immediately said a prayer: “Forgive all the things he has done.” Only the Eternal Son remained silent, and the sinner rushed about in horror before the icon:
-Have mercy on me, beg me!
Finally, he heard words of forgiveness. And I heard it when I was completely desperate, remembering the gravity of my sins. But God's mercy is limitless. The forgiven sinner rushed to the icon and began to kiss the bloody wounds of the Savior crucified by our sins. And he didn’t expect, and he didn’t hope anymore... And now she, unexpected joy, visited his almost trembling heart. From then on, they say, he began to live piously.
This story served as the reason for painting the icon “Unexpected Joy”. It depicts a man kneeling. He stretches out his hands to the icon in which the Mother of God holds Her Son on her lap. Below, under the face, the first words of the story telling about this are usually placed: “A certain lawless man...”
A certain lawless man... Isn’t it about us? It seems that all of us, having strained our memory and not strained it, can remember how not once or twice, but many times we sinned in big and small ways, while constantly justifying ourselves, finding the most convincing arguments that there is no other way... Of course, in the depths of our souls , the most secret ones, we always correctly understand what is what. But what we understand ourselves, is it really necessary to announce to others? We do not know what sin the person committed when he approached the icon for a blessing. For us this is not so important; our own sins are more burning and unforgivable. But we are not always embarrassed by this, it seems that we know better what is useful for us, what is necessary for us, and we ask not to admonish for good, but to give, give... I remember how one Moscow shepherd said in a sermon:
– We don’t ask, we demand. Lord, my will be done. Mine, not Yours, because I know better what I need.
Apparently, sin, especially unconscious sin, which for us is almost a virtue, is capable of wounding the Body of Christ to the point of bleeding. After all, that “certain lawless man” also approached the icon to be blessed for sin. One offended woman recently complained to me about... God:
-If only you knew how I prayed! I bowed down on my knees and kept asking: Lord, do not allow my son to marry, this is not the kind of wife he needs, they will not live, I feel it in my gut. But he doesn’t want to listen. How I prayed! It’s already the eve of the wedding, they’re buying vodka for the table, and I’m still praying. So what's the point? Signed...
“My will be done...” A classic case when life is undoubtedly perceived by us as normal, correct, healthy. There is no doubt that I know better what kind of woman my son needs, what profession my daughter needs, what brand of car my son-in-law needs. And we ask: strengthen, Lord, my irrefutable arguments, tell them all that I am right. But the Lord is in no hurry. Waiting. Waiting for us to finally doubt our far-fetched, harmful righteousness, when our heart suddenly begins to see clearly. Then it will give a person unexpected joy. They didn’t expect it, they didn’t know it, but they were gifted!
“Unexpected joy” is an icon calling us to work. Spiritual and prayerful work. The results of that work will not appear immediately. We have to wash them and wash them. It’s not for nothing that prayer work is called a feat. “Work and pray,” the ancient ascetics taught. Always work and always pray. Do we at least once, and if not, then “what’s the point?”
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But the icon is called “unexpected Joy”. And if it’s unexpected, it means it’s unexpected, unexpected, like out of the blue, like a golden ruble on the road, like a gift. Yes, unexpected, unexpected joys greatly decorate our lives. Sometimes it happens that even an unexpected call from a good person can rescue us from a state of protracted, exhausting depression.
“How I want to see you,” he will say. good man, - I really need to meet you.
And - miracles! Our tediousness (everything is wrong, everything is not the same) will instantly be trampled by a healthy desire to pull back the curtains, go to the mirror... An unexpected joy walked with a light step through the heavy soul, such a small, such an unexpected joy...
How important it is to cultivate a commitment to such joy. She is in thanksgiving. Don't forget to say “thank you.” After all, when receiving a gift, even the most ill-mannered among us will at least quietly mutter “thank you.” And unexpected joy is a spiritual gift. Thanksgiving for him is in prayer. “I don’t know a single prayer, I don’t know how to pray at all, I go up to the icon and think: what should I do next? Well, I crossed myself, and then what? “The editors often receive letters like this, and there is nothing surprising about it. We know English because we completed the courses foreign languages, we know how to drive a car because we passed our driver's license exams, we know how to knit because our mother taught us, and we bake pies according to our grandmother's recipe. But no one taught us to pray. We are in best case scenario self-taught, or at worst ignorant. But first of all, it’s never too late to learn. Secondly, does the Lord need our lengthy speeches? “Glory to Thee, Lord!” - the shortest prayer in the world. We've already learned it. Pronounced with a repentant heart, it will reach its “destination” faster than a complete prayer rule rattled off without feeling from a prayer book. But there is also a special prayer to the icon “Unexpected Joy” - an akathist.
What does the akathist teach before “Unexpected Joy”?
Akathist is a Greek word and it is translated as a hymn that is sung while standing. Standing in front of an icon. Every holiday, every saint of the Russian Orthodox Church, every icon has its own akathist. This is a special poetic creativity. Let us reveal the akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos “for the sake of Her miraculous image of Unexpected Joy.” Here are just a few akathist lines: “Rejoice, Thou Who has given birth to Joy to the whole world. Rejoice, for the flame of our passions is extinguished. Rejoice, blessings of the temporary Intercessor. Rejoice, Thou who grantest unexpected joy to the faithful.” The Akathist can be read at home. There are moments when the unexpected joy bestowed upon us fills our soul with such light that our lips begin to speak out of the abundance of our hearts. This is where it’s time to stand in front of the image and read the akathist.
If we take a closer look at our lives, we can easily find in it many reasons for unexpected joy. Your son passed physics with a B, but it seemed to you that even a C was a blessing, an unexpected joy. It rained for a week, and today the sun is in the entire sky - an unexpected joy. You picked up a tiny puppy, who soon became your friend, your husband was unexpectedly given two (you and him) free trips to a sanatorium, but you never know... Life is woven from small joys, half of which are unexpected, so many reasons for thanksgiving. Another thing is that we don’t have the skill. We know how to ask, beg, cry in front of an icon, if we have an urge, we’ll learn right away, but to give thanks... Let’s learn to give thanks. And teach children. After all, children need this science so much in life. An ungrateful person who forgets to thank his neighbor for his mercy will all the more forget about the highest gratitude. A relapse of his poor memory will be his inability to experience heartfelt joy. And the inability to experience heartfelt joy will become the cause of a joyless life, reduced to the framework of earthly existence. What a chain reaction, what a strong connection.
The icon “Unexpected Joy” teaches us a grateful life. Before the face of the Most Holy Theotokos, each of us is pitiful, sinful and restless. And there is no need to be ashamed of this as a great shame. You have to admit this and accidentally rejoice that you have accepted, that now you have wide open space and unlimited possibilities. Remember in the akathist? “Rejoice, O Thou who grantest unexpected joy to the faithful.” And not to those who, during a long marathon from sin to sin, suddenly make a zigzag towards the icon and, just in case, freeze in front of it for a minute pause. Faithful are those who have shown their faithfulness in deed, in word, in hatred of sin, and in prayer. Help us, “Unexpected Joy,” to get closer to the faithful. Give us strength and understanding.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of her icon called “Unexpected Joy”
Kontakion 1
To the Mother of God and the Queen, chosen from all generations, who sometimes appeared to a 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 ineffable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, let us call You: Rejoice, you who grant unexpected joy to the faithful.
Ikos 1
The angels and righteous souls were amazed when you appeared before your Son and God and interceded with many prayers for man, who is always in sin; But we, with the eyes of faith seeing Thy great compassion, with tenderness cry out to Ty: Rejoice, thou who acceptest 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 Man, even if he is lawless, but every day with faith and hope before Her honorable icon he casts himself down and brings the Archangel’s greeting to Her, and he hears such a sinner’s praise, and all who see Her Motherly mercy, in Heaven and on earth cry out to God : Allelua.
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, 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, you who have given new and better meaning to those who have been suffering from illness. Rejoice, left by the doctors in Your all-powerful accepting 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: Allelua.
Ikos 3
Having Motherly mercy for 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 You: Rejoice, for through You God’s favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You we also imams have increased boldness towards God. Rejoice, for in all our troubles and circumstances you offer your Son earnest prayers for us; Rejoice, for you have made our prayers pleasing to God. Rejoice, for not visible enemies you drive us away; Rejoice, for you deliver us from visible enemies. Rejoice, for you soften the hearts of evil people; 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 pray for me to Your Son and my Creator, so that I may continually call to Him: Allelua.
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 You according to our heritage, from the depths of our tender heart we sing to You: 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 take us away 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
You showed us the God-bearing star - the miraculous icon of Your Mother, O 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: Allelua.
Ikos 5
Having seen the Guardian Angels of Christians, as if the Mother of God was assisting them in instructing them, interceding and saving them, they tried to cry out to the Most Honest Cherub and the Most Glorious without comparison Seraphim: 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, deliverer from dangerous circumstances and sudden death, without repentance and Holy Communion. Rejoice, who grants a shameless end to those who trust in Thee; Rejoice, even after death for the soul that has gone to the judgment of the Lord before Your Son, you never cease to intercede. 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, writing off the great and glorious and fair works of God, revealed in You, committed to writing and this work of Your mercy for the teaching and consolation of all the faithful, and even these, in sins , troubles, sorrows and embitterments of those who exist, many times every day with faith in prayer before Your image they bow their knees and, having forgotten those things, cry out to God: Allelua.
Ikos 6
Arose to us, like a bright dawn, your miraculous icon, Mother of God, 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, O 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 power in the prayer of our Intercessor for the forgiveness of our sins, will glorify Her mercy and ineffable compassion, calling: Allelua.
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 board, 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 lift our mind and heart to Heaven, singing to God: Allelua.
Ikos 8
You are 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, who are a Participant of the Providence of Your Son for the Christian race. For this sake, we dutifully please You: 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 maternal 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: Allelua.
Ikos 9
The Vetians speak a lot, but do not talk vainly about God's enlightenment, 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 We accept and joyfully cry out to the Mother of God: Rejoice, for miracles are wrought from Thy sacred 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-proof country of the Kingdom of Christ. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.
Kontakion 10
Although you saved a certain lawless person 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: Alleluah.
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-congratulating 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: Allelua.
Ikos 11
I give a light-giving candle, we dry 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 the one who saves us: Allilua.
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; We believe and trust that You have asked from Your Son and God good things that are temporal and eternal to all who cry out to You 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 the present singing, turn all our sorrows into joy and deliver us from all misfortunes, and remove the future torments of those who cry out for You: Allelua.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “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 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 lost 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 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 Thy all-honorable Name and show to all Thy all-powerful protection and intercession: in piety, purity and honest living, keep them in goodness until the end; 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, temptations 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; slanderers and slanderers are clothed 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 them to each other and give quick permission to those who bear children, raise babies, be chaste in young people, 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 all vice and defilement and teach everything that is good and pleasing to God, and bring those seduced into sin and impurity, having revealed the defilement 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 death in our lives, painless, shameless, peaceful and a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, create with the Angels and all the saints the lives; those who have fallen into 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 Book and Intercessor: so that everyone in Heaven and on earth may lead You as a firm and unashamed Representative of the race Christian and, leading, glorify You and Your Son, with His Originless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Unexpected Joy” is one of the many miraculous images of the Virgin Mary revered by the entirety of the Russian Orthodox Church. Unlike miraculous icons of the Mother of God that historically appeared in various places in Russia, the image of “Unexpected Joy” is completely man-made. Historians date the time of painting the icon to the 18th century.
The basis for the iconography of the image was the story of St. Demetrius of Rostov about a repentant sinner who took the righteous path thanks to the help of the Mother of God. In his work “The Irrigated Fleece,” dating from 1683, the saint tells the story of a sinner who was engaged in robbery and other activities that are not only sinful, but also prohibited by civil law. Before committing atrocities, a sinner had the custom of praying to the Mother of God. One day, the Virgin Mary appeared with the Child of God to a robber. The sinner saw that the baby Christ had bloody ulcers on his hands and feet, as well as in the place where the Savior’s body was pierced by a spear. The robber asked the Mother of God about the reason for the appearance of the ulcers. The Virgin Mary replied that sinners with their crimes again and again crucify Christ.
Imbued with a feeling of repentance, the sinner began to pray to the Mother of God before Christ for forgiveness of sins. After prayers to Christ the Most Pure Mother of God, the Savior commanded the sinner to kiss the bloody sores. At the same time, Christ said that it is appropriate to honor the Mother, therefore, for the sake of her prayers, a person’s sins will be forgiven.
Thus, the repentant sinner received forgiveness of sins from the Lord. This changed his life. From now on, the robber took the path of righteous life and repentance.
The iconographic plot of the image “Unexpected Joy” is based on the image of a praying sinner in front of the icon of the Mother of God.
According to pious tradition, parents pray in front of this image of the Mother of God for the admonition of their children. In addition, Christian believers turn to the Mother of God with a request for spiritual admonition, and the very remembrance of the story of St. Demetrius of Rostov encourages a person to remember the great mercy of God towards people, because according to the teaching Orthodox Church There is no unforgiven sin except unrepentant sin.
Celebrations of the icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy" take place on May 14, June 3 and December 22 according to the new style.
Some icons of the Mother of God are considered not made by hands (they appeared in certain places), other images could be painted by holy people in connection with some events or miracles. The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Three Hands is one of the man-made images that have their own history.
The history of the image of the Mother of God “Three-Handed” dates back to the 8th century. This icon is associated with the great ascetic of the Christian Church and outstanding theologian John of Damascus.
John of Damascus is known for many theological works, but treatises in defense of icon veneration are considered one of his main works. For his special zeal in defending the veneration of icons, Saint John suffered torment.
The holy ascetic was a Syrian subject and served at the palace of the Caliph of Damascus. It was from there that John wrote three treatises in defense of icon veneration, which infuriated the Byzantine emperor Leo III the Isaurian. The angry emperor could not punish the saint himself, since the latter was not a subject of Byzantium. However, Leo the Isaurian wrote a forged letter in the name of St. John and handed it over to the Caliph of Damascus. In the letter, John allegedly wanted to provide his assistance to the Byzantine emperor in capturing the Syrian capital. The prince of Damascus ordered John to be beheaded right hand, to whom Saint John allegedly wrote a treasonous letter. The hand was cut off and hung for all to see in a public place.
After punishment, the saint was sent to prison, and in the evening his severed hand was returned to him. In captivity, the Monk John of Damascus prayed before the icon of the Mother of God for healing, placing his hand on his severed hand. The saint asked the Mother of God for healing so that he could again write his treatises in defense of icon veneration. After intense prayers, the ascetic fell asleep. In a dream, the monk saw the Virgin Mary saying to him: “Behold, your hand is healed; grieve no more and fulfill what you promised Me in prayer.”