Icon of the Mother of God “HANDMAN OF SINNERS”

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The icon of the Helper of Sinners received its name from the content of one of the scrolls located in the four corners of the icon: “I am the Helper of Sinners to My Son.” Sporuchnitsa - means the Surety before Jesus Christ for sinning people, the vigilant Intercessor and Prayermaker for them.

In 1844, the merchant wife Pochepin came to the monastery where the icon of the Helper of Sinners was located (Nikolo-Odrinsky Monastery near the city of Karachev, Oryol province) with her two-year-old son, who was suffering from severe seizures, and asked to serve a prayer service before the icon of the Helper of Sinners. A prayer service was served, and the sick child recovered. Soon other miraculous signs followed from the icon. Since then, the image of the Mother of God in the Nikolo-Odrinsky Monastery began to be considered miraculous. The icon became especially famous for its healings during the cholera epidemic in 1847/48.

In 1846, the hieromonk of the Odrina monastery was sent to Moscow to build a chasuble for the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, Helper of Sinners, where he was sheltered by Lieutenant Colonel D.N. Boncheskul. In gratitude for his hospitality, an exact list (copy) of the miraculous icon, made on a linden board, was sent from the Odrina monastery.

D. Boncheskul reverently placed the resulting icon of the Helper of Sinners with other icons in the home iconostasis. Soon everyone began to notice that an extraordinary shine flashed across the icon of the Helper of Sinners, and drops of oily moisture began to flow from the icon itself. They anointed several sick people with this moisture, and they were healed. Sick people began to come to the icon from all sides, prayed in front of it and received healing.

In 1848, Lieutenant Colonel Boncheskul donated his icon “Supportress of Sinners” to the parish St. Nicholas Church in Khamovniki. The flow of oily liquid from the icon continued, and the deacon standing by the icon wiped off the moisture with paper and distributed it to the people. Soon the myrrh-streaming stopped, but phenomena of unusual light began in the altar of the church in the form of stars appearing and disappearing. The icon became famous for its many officially recorded healings.

Currently, the miraculous icons of the Mother of God, the Helper of Sinners, are located in the Nikolo-Odrinskaya hermitage in the village of Odrino, Karachevsky district, Bryansk region, and in Moscow in the Church of St. Nicholas in Khamovniki (Lva Tolstoy St., 2, metro station "Park Kultury" (Koltsevaya)).

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Prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Support of Sinners”

First prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

To whom shall I cry, O Lady, to whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, the Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing and quickly obediently heed our prayers, if not You, All-Blessed Helper, the Joy of all our joys? Hear the present hymns and prayers offered to You for me, a sinner. And be my Mother and Patroness and Giver of Your joy to all of us. Arrange my life as you want and as you wish. I commend myself to Your protection and providence, so that I may always joyfully sing to You with everyone: Rejoice, O full of grace; Rejoice, Delighted One. Rejoice, Most Holy One; Rejoice, Glorified One forever. Amen.

Second prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

My Most Blessed Queen, My Most Holy Hope, Helper of Sinners! Behold, a poor sinner stands before You! Don’t leave me, abandoned by everyone, don’t forget me, forgotten by everyone, give me joy, who knows no joy. Oh, my troubles and sorrows are severe! Oh, my sins are immeasurable! Like the darkness of the night is my life. And there is not a single strong help in the sons of men. You are my only Hope. You are my only Cover, Refuge and Affirmation. I boldly stretch out my weak hands to You and pray: have mercy on me, O All-Good One, have mercy on Your Son, redeemed by the Blood, quench the sickness of my much-sighing soul, tame the rage of those who hate and offend me, restore my fading strength, renew my youth, like eaglets, let us weaken in keeping the commandments of God. Touch my confused soul with heavenly fire and fill me with unashamed faith, unfeigned love and known hope. May I always sing and praise You, the Most Blessed Intercessor of the world, our Protection and Helper of all of us sinners, and I worship Your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, with His Beginning Father and the Life-Giving Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

The third prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

O Most Blessed Lady, protector of the Christian race, refuge and salvation of those who flow to You! We know, truly we know, how greatly we have sinned and are angry, Having mercy on the Lady, the Son of God born in the flesh of You: but I have seen many images of those who angered His mercy before me: tax collectors, harlots and other sinners, and to them was given forgiveness of their sins, for the sake of repentance and confession. Thou art imagining the images of those who were pardoned by the eyes of my sinful soul, and looking at the great mercy of God that they received, I dared, even a sinner, to resort with repentance to Thy compassion. O all-merciful Lady, give me a helping hand and ask Your Son and God with Your motherly and most holy prayers for forgiveness of my grave sins. I believe and confess that the One You gave birth to, Your Son, is truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Judge of the living and the dead, rewarding everyone according to his deeds. I again believe and confess that You are the true Mother of God, the Source of mercy, the Consolation of those who mourn, the Seeker of the lost, a strong and unceasing Intercessor to God, who dearly loves the Christian race, and the Helper of repentance. Truly, there is no other help and protection for man except You, Most Merciful Lady, and no one was ashamed of trusting in You, and by You begging God, no one was quickly abandoned. For this sake, I pray to Your innumerable goodness: open the doors of Your mercy to me, who have gone astray and fallen into the darkness of the depths, do not disdain the foul me, do not despise my sinful prayer, do not leave me the accursed, as an evil enemy seeks to kidnap me into destruction, but beg for me who was born from You, Your merciful Son and God, may He forgive my great sins and deliver me from my destruction: for I, too, with all those who have received forgiveness, will sing and glorify the immeasurable mercy of God and Your unashamed intercession for me in this life and in the endless eternity. Amen.

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Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Supportress of Sinners”

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Almighty, sinners, bowing down to the mercy of His Son, that he who created with His hand will save, we offer thanksgiving singing to Thee, the Virgin Mother and Lady, about the appearance of Thy wondrous and miraculous icons, but You, as an intercessor to the Lord, strive to deliver us from diverse circumstances and eternal salvation for us do, yes, chantingly, crying out to Ti: Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Ikos 1

The faces of angels reverently serve You and all the saints with silent voices please You, Virgin Mother of God, as she gave birth to the Angels of the King, Christ, our God, but we, sinners, dare to imitate them and praise You in bewilderment, humbly, the archangel’s voice cries out to You, Pure One: Rejoice, Full of Grace , The Lord is with You; Rejoice, Most Blessed among Women, All-Immaculate Virgin. Rejoice, Daughter of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, Mother of the Eternal Son. Rejoice, village of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, constant wonder of angels and man. Rejoice, Most Honest Cherub; Rejoice, Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 2

Having seen our earthly sorrowful life, infirmities and illnesses, the Most Merciful Mother of God, deigned to give us His holy icon as a blessing and consolation, joy and salvation and from all troubles and misfortunes, calling upon Her the help of sinners, and bringing joy before this icon to Her, They always sing joyfully to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Opening the heavenly mind, O Virgin Mother of God, You have deigned to glorify Your holy icon with many miracles, called the “Helper of Sinners,” and all who know Your good will towards her, singly call You: Rejoice, Mother of us all merciful in Christ; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of Divine grace. Rejoice, for through You God's favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You the imams have increased boldness towards God. Rejoice, you who accept the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners. Rejoice, for through Your intercession we hope to be saved; Rejoice, for through Your prayers we will receive the Kingdom of Heaven with tea. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 3

The power of grace overshadows everyone, Most Blessed Mother of God, with faith in You, as the Helper of sinners who flow in and holy icon Those who worship You: You alone have been given the gift to quickly fulfill every good request and to have mercy and save sinners, and You are the only One who can truly help everyone who wants to sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the most maternal providence for all, You, All-Blessed Mother of God, call even the most desperate sinners to salvation, saying: “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son and God, who promised Me to always hear Me, so that those who bring joy to Me will forever rejoice through Mene." For this reason, we, sinners, joyfully call to You, as our Helper: Rejoice, zealous Intercessor, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Blessed Guide to the Heavenly Fatherland. Rejoice, you who consume from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who receive the helpless into your omnipotent hands. Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency; Rejoice, you who restore those who have fallen to grace. Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, making the foolish wise. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 4

Tempted by a storm of doubts, a certain woman did not want to believe in the miracles that came from Thy icon, the Helper, but suddenly struck by a deadly ulcer, she recognized Thy omnipotent power, Lady, and the miraculous icons of Thy grace, and, repenting, tearfully praying to Thee for the forgiveness of her unbelief, with mercy Healed by You, always crying out with gratitude to God for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Your Lord hears your intercession for us in Heaven, Queen of Heaven, and fulfills your petitions, but we, sinners, like our good Quick-to-Hear and Helper, ask and pray to You: Lady, soon hear our prayers and turn all our sorrows into joy and petitions Quickly fulfill all those who pray here, so that we may always joyfully sing to You: Rejoice, who brings the prayers of the faithful to Your Son and God; Rejoice, and always praying for us at the Throne of Your Son. Rejoice, Helper of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost. Rejoice, unexpected joy giver to the faithful; Rejoice, who will soon fulfill our petition. Rejoice, Merciful One, always merciful to us; Rejoice, you who arrange our good life. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 5

As a radiant star, illuminating the whole world, You gave to us, the Lady of the World, Your honorable icon, called the “Support of sinners”, as we look upon us, we worship You, the true Mother of God and the Virgin, saying: Lady, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver We are from all need and sorrow, praising You and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

A certain reverent man was filled with great fear when on the night of Svetlago Christ's Resurrection seeing Your icon, the All-Blessed Helper, shining with the light of Heaven and, like raindrops, oozing myrrh and emitting lightning-like sparks, having recognized in this sign of Your mercy to people, with tears of tenderness and gratitude joyfully sang to You, the Most Blessed Mother of God: Rejoice, Divine fire unburnt holding, through whom our sins are burned; Rejoice, you who bore the inviolable Light, through which our souls are enlightened. Rejoice, you who offer your hand to God in charge of us; Rejoice, you who open the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven to us sinners. Rejoice, for lightning cuts through the darkness of our sins; Rejoice, as fragrant myrrh, softening our hearts. Rejoice, you who flow forth springs of miracles everywhere; Rejoice, making all people glad with Your icon. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 6

The whole Christian world preaches Thy mercy and miracles, O Glorified Mother of the Lord, and is brightly adorned with many of Thy miraculous icons, among which Thy icon, “Helper of Sinners,” called, like the full moon, the rays of Thy mercy and miracles shines unwaveringly, enlightening and illuminating our souls by the light of God's grace, urging us to cry out in praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

On one of the nights the heavenly light appeared in the Nikolo-Khamovnichesky temple, when Your miraculous image, the Help of sinners, was received, then the lamps and lamps were kindled in this temple by an invisible power, a burning light like someone carried invisibly around the throne in service. The people, standing outside the temple and seeing all this, marveled, glorifying Thee, the Mother of God, and Thy Son, but we, remembering this wondrous vision, say with tenderness to Thee: Rejoice, turning our sorrows into joy; Rejoice, you who rejoice those who do not hope with undoubted hope. Rejoice, O Light, ever-burning at the throne of God; Rejoice, lamp, shining with Divine oil. Rejoice, radiant light, showing us the paths of life; Rejoice, animated temple, illuminating us all. Rejoice, you who give shameless life to those who trust in You; Rejoice, even after death you continually intercede for them before God. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 7

Although the Long-suffering Lord revealed the Abyss of His love for mankind and generosity, He chose You, Most Holy Virgin, as His Mother and revealed You as an inexhaustible source of His mercies, so that whoever is worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, by Your intercession, like a sinner, will be preserved, calling with a loud voice: Alleluia .

Ikos 7

You showed us Your wondrous deeds, O Lord, in Your Most Pure Mother, and You gave us a wondrous icon of Her, enlightening people more than the rays of the sun, like those who behold the Mother of God Herself and with heartfelt love from the soul, like the Mother of God and the Virgin, crying out to Her: Rejoice, font , in which all our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup, through which we all receive joy and salvation. Rejoice, Life-Giving Source, who revives us all; Rejoice, unfading flower, fragrant to us all. Rejoice, delight in our sorrows; Rejoice, our sorrows have been quenched. Rejoice, healing of our illnesses; Rejoice, our deliverance from troubles is imminent. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 8

We are strangers and strangers on earth and, according to the words of the Apostle, are not the imams of the city that resides here. But to whom shall we resort, O Lady, in the sorrows of our life, if not to You, All-merciful Helper for us sinners! Do not reject us, Mother of God, and do not say to us: “We do not bear your sins for your sake,” but have mercy on us, the orphaned and helpless, and accept us into the eternal shelter of our Patroness, so that we joyfully cry out in the glory of Heaven to the King of glory Christ: Alleluia .

Ikos 8

It is a comfort to all the faithful to look at Thy holy icon, Lady, Helper of sinners, in which we see Thee, in Thy hand holding the Eternal Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who we worship Godfully, as our Creator and God, to You, the true Mother of God, we tenderly say: Lady, help us, having had mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away Your vain servants, who cry to You: Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher; Rejoice, robe of the naked. Rejoice, Protectress of widows; Rejoice, Patroness of orphans. Rejoice, O intercessor of the persecuted and offended; Rejoice, speedy Liberator of the suffering and captives. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 9

All angelic nature brings hymns of praise to You, the Mother of God and Helper of all who fall to You, asking for Your help and Your consolation, as through Your firm and strong intercession you cheer the righteous, intercede for sinners and deliver them from troubles and satisfy sorrows and pray for everyone who calls for You in faith To God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Every soaring tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to His inheritance, but the mind and the most peaceful sing to Thee, Mother of God, are amazed: O you who are Good, accept faith, for our Divine love weighs: For You are the Representative of Christians who call to 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, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; Rejoice, always showing Your motherly love for us. Rejoice, O all-powerful Giver of all spiritual and physical gifts; Rejoice, zealous intercessor for us, temporal and eternal blessings. Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, filling our hearts with joy and gladness on earth. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 10

To save the human race from eternal torment and unceasing sorrow, the Lover of Mankind has granted You, His Mother, the gift of help to the earthly, saying: sons of humanity, behold My Mother will be your protection and refuge, the sad - a consolation, the grieving - joy, the offended - an Intercessor, to the needy - help, to the sick - to the healer, to the sinners - to the helper, so that he may raise all from the depths of sin, crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

“O Heavenly King, My Son and God,” the Heavenly Queen always prays for us, “receive every person who glorifies Thee and calls on the Name Your Sacred, and those who glorify Me for Thy Name’s sake, and do not cast them away from Thy presence, but be pleased with them and accept from them every good prayer and deliver them all from troubles.” We, sinners, who rely on Your motherly prayers, call to You: Rejoice, for You are our warm Prayer Book to God; Rejoice, for Your prayer is always powerful before God. Rejoice, through Your prayers you also make our wretched prayers pleasing to God; Rejoice, and filling our unworthiness with Your intercession. Rejoice, unashamed Assist of repentant sinners; Rejoice, Intercessor of all Orthodox Christians. Rejoice, you who heal all our illnesses; Rejoice, you who disperse the cloud of passions and temptations. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 11

Receive all-contrite singing from us, our Heavenly Helper, and the prayer offered to You, Virgin Mother of God, will you soon hear: for in adversity, sorrow and sorrow we run to You and before You in our troubles we shed tears and pray: Lady, quench your sorrows and accept prayers Your servant, who sings about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With the bright rays of signs and wonders, Your holy icon, the Virgin Mary, shines unwaveringly, and gracefully illuminates everyone who prays to You with faith before it, driving away every enemy action by the power of God emanating from it. In the same way, we, sinners, rejoice in having such a wonderful icon of Yours in our temple, as a guarantee of Your favor towards us and our temple, and to You, our Helper and Quick to Hear our prayers, we cry out with gratitude: Rejoice, you who pour out grace-filled joy upon us; Rejoice, you who soon give us spiritual consolation. Rejoice, fulfiller of God's desires; Rejoice, you who hasten to help us in all sorrowful circumstances. Rejoice, you who dearly love those who live in faith and piety; Rejoice, thou who inflame their hearts with love for God and people. Rejoice, in the hour of bewilderment you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, you who teach us to have trust in God in everything. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 12

The grace of God inherent in Your holy icon, called the “Helper of Sinners”, the Lady of God, draws to her all those who mourn and are burdened with many sins and misfortunes, and they do not depart in vain from this source of Your manifold mercies and bounties, but in sorrow there is joy, in in times of adversity - protection, in illnesses - healing, and everything that is beneficial for the soul and body is abundantly received from Thy miraculous image, O All-Good One, even if, according to God, they place all their trust in Thee, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards us sinners, we praise You, as our Almighty Helper, we bless You, as the All-merciful Quick-to-hear our prayers, and with tenderness we worship You in Your most honest icon, we believe and trust, as even now You have asked us from Your Son and God, that in this life and after our death His mercy will be unfailing for all who sing with love to Ti: Rejoice, saving the whole world with Your prayers; Rejoice, intercession of the entire Universe through Your intercessions. Rejoice, for you quickly help everyone who comes with faith; Rejoice, you who ask for the Kingdom of Heaven for them. Rejoice, for as we look at Your icon, we worship You, the true Mother of God; Rejoice, through Your intercession all our good desires will soon be fulfilled. Rejoice, even in the hour of death you do not abandon your faithful; Rejoice, even after death interceding for their eternally blessed repose. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 13

Oh, All-Singing Mother, All-Blessed Helper of the salvation of sinners, Virgin Mary! Mercifully accept our present prayer, which we have offered in thanksgiving to You, and ask us from the All-Merciful God for steadfastness in the Orthodox faith, for prosperity in Christian love and for forgiveness of our sins, so that through Your intercession we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and be honored with all the saints to sing To God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

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Translated into modern language“Sporuchnitsa” means “mediator, guarantor.” Thus, the icon “Helper of Sinners” is an image of the Mother of God, who acts not so much as a mediator, but as a guarantor, interceding for sinful people before the Lord God, counting on His mercy, and the name of the icon itself arose from the inscription on it, which goes over the head of the Mother of God “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son...”

History of the icon

From the iconography one can judge that this image is ancient, but neither the time nor the place where it was written is unknown. The only thing that can be assumed is its origin from Little Russia or Belarus, since their iconography is characterized by the presence of crowns on the heads of the Mother of God and the Child Christ.

In Russia, the icon of the Mother of God “Support of Sinners” was found in 1843 in the Oryol province. She was in the chapel at the gates of the Odrino-Nicholas Monastery, and her power was revealed by the Mother of God herself to several local residents at the same time, after which a series of miraculous healings immediately occurred: one little boy was healed of epilepsy, another of paralysis, a blind three-year-old girl received her sight.

The glory of the miraculous icon instantly spread throughout the surrounding area, and it was transferred to the cathedral church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, where a stream of believers poured in to find healing or forgiveness of sins by praying to the “Helper of Sinners” icon.

After the revolution, the icons from the church were distributed among the parishioners, and as a result, by the end of the 20th century, the icon of the Mother of God “Support of Sinners” ended up in Ukraine, which by that time had become an independent state, and even in a private collection. It was necessary to raise a substantial sum to buy back the “Sporuchnitsa” icon and return it to the walls of its native Nikolo-Odrinskaya monastery, which happened in 1996.

No less interesting is the history of the copy from the miraculous icon “Support of Sinners”. In 1846, the hieromonk of the monastery was sent to Moscow so that a suitable robe could be made for the icon. He stayed in the house of a pious parishioner, who was then sent from the monastery a list (an exact copy) of the icon in gratitude. Miraculously, this list began to flow myrrh, and the sick, anointed with this myrrh, were healed.

The miraculous list was donated in 1848 to the Moscow Church of St. Nicholas in Khamovniki; through prayer before him, many healings occurred, which were officially recorded

Currently in Moscow, the icon “Support of Sinners” is located in the Church of St. Nicholas in Khamovniki; there is also a list of it in the Church of the Deposition of the Robe in Leonov.

The miraculous icon “Support of Sinners” Koretskaya

As legend has it, this image was brought from Rome in 1622 by Prince Koretsky (Korets is a city in the Rivne region in Ukraine), and it became a family shrine of the princely family. Then the relic was transferred to the Koretsky Convent, where it showed many miracles and miraculous healings. Currently she is in the same monastery.

Description of the icon

By the nature of the image, the icon “Helper of Sinners” can be attributed to the iconographic type “Hodegetria” (“Guide”).

The Mother of God is depicted in scarlet robes, which symbolizes her image as the Queen of Heaven; often on Her head and the head of the Child Jesus crown

A characteristic feature of this icon is that right hand The Mother of God holds the Child with both hands; This gesture is not found in other images of the Mother of God. On most lists of the icon there is an inscription that gives it its name.

How does the icon “Help of Sinners” help?

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of the icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners.” It gives everyone hope for forgiveness and redemption if a person sincerely repents and prays for remission of sins. She truly is a Guide for all believers, for whom She vouched before the Lord and whom She directs on the true path.

Prayer in front of this icon helps strengthen faith and achieve spiritual insight, overcome despondency and bad thoughts, and get rid of sinful passions

They pray to her for the healing of physical and mental ailments, for support in difficult times. life situations. But no matter what difficult hour of your life you pray to the Helper of Sinners, do not forget to praise her for her guidance on the true path and intercession before the Lord.

Prayer to the icon

My Most Blessed Queen, My Most Holy Hope, Helper of Sinners! Behold, poor sinner, this is before You! Don’t leave me, abandoned by everyone, don’t forget me, forgotten by everyone, give me joy, who knows no joy. Oh, my troubles and sorrows are severe! Oh, my sins are immeasurable! Like the darkness of the night is my life. And there is not a single strong help in the sons of men. You are my only Hope. You are my only Cover, Refuge and Affirmation. I boldly stretch out my weak hand to You and pray: have mercy on me, O All-Good One, have mercy, have mercy with the purchased Blood of Your Son, quench the sickness of my much-sighing soul, tame the rage of those who hate and offend me, restore my fading strength, renew my youth like eaglets. , do not allow yourself to become weak in keeping God’s commandments. Touch my troubled souls with heavenly fire and fill me with unashamed faith, unfeigned love and known hopes. May I always sing and praise You, the Most Blessed Intercessor of the world, our Protector and Helper of all of us sinners, and I adore Your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, with His Beginning Father and the Life-Giving Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 1

Oh, Most Blessed Lady, Protector of the Christian race, refuge and salvation of those who flow to You! We know, truly we know how greatly we have sinned and are angry, O Merciful Lady, the Son of God born in the flesh of You, but I have many images of those who angered His compassion before me: tax collectors, harlots and other sinners, to whom was given forgiveness of their sins, for the sake of repentance and confession . Thou, therefore, imagining the images of those who have been pardoned by the eyes of my sinful soul, and looking at so much of God’s mercy, which I have received, I boldly, and I, a sinner, will resort with repentance to Your compassion. Oh, All-Merciful Lady, give me a helping hand and ask Your Son and God with Your motherly and most holy prayers for forgiveness of my grave sin. I believe and confess that He Whom You gave birth to, Your Son, is truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Judge of the living and the dead, reward each according to his deeds. I again believe and confess that You are the true Mother of God, the source of mercy, the consolation of those who mourn, the recovery of the lost, a strong and unceasing Intercessor to God, who dearly loves the Christian race, and the Helper of repentance. Truly, there is no other help and protection for man except You, the Most Merciful Lady, and no one else, trusting in You, was ashamed when, by You begging God, no one was quickly abandoned. For this sake, I pray to Your innumerable goodness: open the doors of Your mercy to me, lost and fallen into the darkness of the depths, do not disdain me, the foul one, do not despise my sinful prayer, do not abandon me, the accursed one, as an evil enemy seeks to kidnap me into destruction, but beg for may Thy merciful Son and God be born to me from Thee, may He forgive my great sins and deliver me from my destruction; as if I, together with all who have received forgiveness, will sing and glorify God’s immeasurable mercy and Your shameless intercession for me in this life and in the endless eternity. Amen.

Prayer 2

To whom shall I cry, O Lady, to whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, the Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing and quickly obediently heed our prayers, if not You, All-Blessed Helper, the Joy of all our joys? Hear the present hymns and prayers offered to You for me, a sinner. And be my Mother and Patroness and Giver of Your joy to all of us. Arrange my life as you want and as you wish. I commend myself to Your protection and providence, so that I may always joyfully sing to You with everyone: Rejoice, O full of grace; Rejoice, Delighted One. Rejoice, Most Blessed One; Rejoice, Glorified One forever. Amen.

Another prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

My Most Blessed Queen, My Most Holy Hope, Helper of Sinners! Behold, a poor sinner stands before You! Don’t leave me, abandoned by everyone, don’t forget me, forgotten by everyone, give me joy, who knows no joy. Oh, my troubles and sorrows are severe! Oh, my sins are immeasurable! Like the darkness of the night is my life. And there is not a single strong help in the sons of men. You are my only Hope. You are my only Cover, Refuge and Affirmation. I boldly stretch out my weak hands to You and pray: have mercy on me, O All-Good One, have mercy on Your Son, redeemed by the Blood, quench the sickness of my much-sighing soul, tame the rage of those who hate and offend me, restore my fading strength, renew my youth, like eaglets, let us weaken in keeping the commandments of God. Touch my confused soul with heavenly fire and fill me with unashamed faith, unfeigned love and known hope. May I always sing and praise You, the Most Blessed Intercessor of the world, our Protection and Helper of all of us sinners, and I worship Your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, with His Beginning Father and the Life-Giving Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Mother of God "Helper of Sinners".

Troparion, tone 4:

Now all despondency falls silent/and the fear of despair disappears,/sinners in the sorrow of their hearts find consolation/and are illuminated brightly by Heavenly love:/today the Mother of God extends to us a saving hand/and from Her Most Pure Image she speaks with the verb:/I am the Helper of sinners to My Son, Seidal, for their sakes they hear Me take it out./Meanwhile, people, burdened with many sins, fall at the foot of Her icon, crying out with tears: Intercessor of the world, Helper of sinners, implore with Your maternal prayers the Savior of all,/that Divine forgiveness may cover our sins/and open the bright doors of heaven to us,/You You represent the shadow of the Christian groves.

Troparion of the Mother of God before the icon of Her Helper of Sinners

voice 3

To You, the ever-flowing source of mercy/ and the Helper of sinners, Your unworthy servant, Theotokos,/ falling, mourning, we cry out to You:/ save us from troubles, Lady,/ and through Your maternal intercession ask for eternal salvation for all of us.

Kontakion, voice 1:

Honest Dwelling of the ineffable nature of the Divine, above the word and above the mind and sinners, you are the Helper, giving grace and healing, as the Mother of all the Reigning, pray to Your Son to receive mercy for us on the day of judgment.

Icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”.

The Icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners” is named after the inscription preserved on the icon: “I am the Helper of Sinners to My Son...”.

For the first time this image became famous for miracles in Nikolaev Odrina monastery Oryol province in the middle of the last century. Ancient icon Due to its dilapidation, the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners” did not receive due veneration and stood in the old chapel at the monastery gates. But in 1843, it was revealed to many residents in their dreams that this icon was endowed, by God’s Providence, with miraculous power. The icon was solemnly transferred to the church. Believers began to flock to her and ask for healing of their sorrows and illnesses. The first to receive healing was a relaxed boy, whose mother fervently prayed in front of this shrine. The icon became especially famous during the cholera epidemic, when it brought back to life many terminally ill people who flocked to it with faith.

The history of this image goes back a little less than two hundred years, but during this time the icon “Support of Sinners” managed to win the love and trust of many believers, especially in Russia. After all, it was here, in one of the monasteries, that the first - but far from the only - miracle of healing took place.

History of the Holy Image

For a long time, this icon, unusual in its writing, did not receive due attention. It stood in an old chapel and was in such an abandoned state that the inscriptions, which later became the basis for naming the image of the Queen of Heaven, were not visible.

The inhabitants of the Nicholas Monastery in the Bryansk region (the village of Odrina) knew nothing about the miraculous image until an amazing incident occurred. In the summer, a merchant's wife came to the monastery with her little son. The boy was very sick - severe seizures gave no rest, nothing helped. The mother placed her hopes only on God and often spent time in prayer. After the end of the service, she decided to defend the prayer service in front of the image of the Virgin Mary, relying on her support.

The mother’s faith and the intercession of the Mother of God did their job: the baby became healthy immediately after finishing the prayer. They talk about two more cases of healing that occurred almost simultaneously: a blind baby regained his sight, and the landowner’s son was left paralyzed. This served as a source of enormous fame, which the image of the “Helper of Sinners” instantly gained.

The monks cleaned the icon and moved it to its rightful place in the temple. Today it is the most revered local shrine. It is believed that the same one has survived to this day. ancient image. Unfortunately, the authorship remains a mystery - however, like many others famous icons. It is believed that the Mother of God herself sends them, wanting to show mercy and protection to the world.

History of the Temple of the Icon Sporuchnitsa Sinners

The Odrino-Nikolaevsky Monastery, where the icon “Supportress of Sinners” was revealed, has a long history - the monastery was founded at the end of the 14th century.

The place was not chosen by chance - there was a revelation miraculous icon St. Nicholas, in whose honor the monastery was named.

The daughter of one prince donated a plot of land to the monks. Having endured Troubled times, the monastery began to grow - instead of the old wooden church a cathedral with a bell tower and other necessary buildings were rebuilt.

Pilgrims began to flock to Odrina Hermitage; its patron was Peter I himself, who did not particularly respect monasteries. In 1720, the monastery was destroyed by bandits, the abbot suffered martyrdom - years of disasters began. Only Abbot Serapion (1836-1856) managed to achieve stability. It was under him that the glorification of the “Helper of Sinners” took place. Having grown to 90 buildings, the monastery had to go through trials again during socialism.

In 1922, the monastery was closed; on its territory there was a colony, then a training ground. Some of the monks were arrested. The buildings fell into disrepair and were subject to vandalism; only two of them have survived to this day. During the war, on the territory of the former monastery there was a German headquarters, then an orphanage, then just a landfill. In 1995, Patriarch Aleksky II blessed the revival of the monastery, only now it became female.

Thanks to local residents, the miraculous icon was preserved. The image of “Sure Helper of Sinners” ended up in the village. Old, where he replaced several houses. In the 90s, the icon was taken to Odessa, where it remained. There was hope in the monastery to see the shrine again. Through the efforts of Elder Macarius, who helped the abbess in everything, it was possible to achieve the return of the icon to Russia.

How does the icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners” help?

The Mother of God shows her mercy to everyone who offers prayers with faith, even short and simple ones. You can ask the Mother of God:

• heal from hopeless diseases;
• drive away despondency of spirit;
• help in difficult life situations;
• about the successful outcome of the operation.

Theological meaning

The meaning of the icon “Helper of Sinners” can be understood if you read the words that are located above the holy faces. This inscription on four canvases can be translated from Church Slavonic as follows: “I will be a petitioner for sinners before my Son, as a sign of agreement to always accept my prayers, He gave me his hand, sinners will find eternal joy through my prayers.” The Mother of God here acts as a constant intercessor for all sinners walking the earth.

When a person has lost all hope of his own strength, there is no longer any possibility of coping with illness or other problems - one should pray about this to the “Helper of Sinners.” You can take any prayer written to address the Mother of God, read it in front of this icon, then tell about what is on your heart, what it hurts about. There is no problem that the Queen of Heaven cannot understand.

Moscow image

After the first known appearance of the miraculous image, it so happened that a copy was made. It was presented as a gift to Dmitry Boncheskul, who lived in Moscow (Khamovniki). He was distinguished by his love for pilgrims, with whom he prayed together in front of the image. After Easter, abundant myrrh streaming began, which prompted the owner to give the image to the St. Nicholas Church, which was located nearby.

The fragrant myrrh appeared in the form of a small drop, which gradually increased and spread throughout the icon. The moisture was collected on cloth and distributed to parishioners. Those who suffered received abundant blessings, and evidence of them has survived to this day.

1. One woman was healed of a leg disease that had left her bedridden. The oil from the icon lamp completely restored mobility.
2. A peasant from a village near Moscow suddenly fell into a motionless state, although his eyes remained open. Anticipating a quick end, his relatives took him to St. Nicholas Church, where they placed him next to the icon “Helper of Sinners.” He immediately woke up and rose to his feet.
3. During the cholera epidemic in the 19th century. many sick people were healed.
4. Already in our time, a storm broke out in the Ryazan region. Hailstones the size of egg, breaking windows and punching through slate. The boy who served as an altar boy was caught in bad weather, but returned home completely unharmed. He said that he prayed to the “Help of Sinners,” which helped him.

The temple where the “Sure Lady of Sinners” is still located today is very famous in the capital. After the image was transferred there, an unusual phenomenon was noticed in the altar. Late at night there was a glow in the form of stars and fire of varying brightness. This continued for several days, with many witnesses gathering.

The miracle caused an extraordinary stir - at night people watched the divine light, during the day they prayed near the icon. Over the first few years, more than a hundred miraculous healings were recorded through prayers at the “Helper of Sinners” icon. At first there were skeptics, but over time the image became one of the most revered in Moscow. The temple is located near the Park Kultury metro station, its doors are open to believers.

What does the image look like?

The word “guarantor” is translated as “guarantor” - this is the role the Mother of God plays before Christ, interceding for sinners. Her boundless faith, hope, love for all people should serve as an example to everyone. It doesn’t matter how a person lived, if he repented, she will accept his prayers. This is an expression of the essence of the ministry that Saint Mary carries out after her departure to heaven.

The Mother of God extends her hand to her Son, and He, as a sign of support and agreement to always answer her requests, squeezes his mother’s fingers with both hands. The Divine Infant sits on the half-bent left arm of Saint Mary, as if on a throne. This reminds us that the Virgin became a container for the Lord.

The Child and the Virgin Mary have richly decorated crowns on their heads, thin and elongated facial features, almond-shaped eyes made in the Byzantine tradition. Experts believe that the image was painted in Little Russia.

Despite widespread veneration among the people, the Moscow list was not decorated with a chasuble. This happened not because there were no people willing to do it. The fact is that the Mother of God appeared to the previous owner of the list in a dream; she asked that the icon remain the same as it arrived at the temple.

How to pray to the Mother of God correctly

For prayers addressed to the Queen of Heaven, the same rules apply as for others. You need to choose a quiet place in the house. First read the Trisagion and the following prayers, then special prayer"Helper of sinners." In any prayer request, it would not be amiss to first thank higher power for the good that is in life, even if a person thinks that everything is bad, one should remember that many do not even have a roof over their head.

You can make requests not only for yourself, but also for loved ones - children, parents, friends; it is especially worth praying for those who cause any offense, insult the Church, Christian faith. The Lord commanded to pray for enemies, therefore it is unacceptable to wish harm on someone, especially when standing in front of holy images.

A particularly popular form of addressing the saints is the akathist. He has poetic form, alternating short and longer stanzas. The akathist “Support of Sinners” well reveals the theological meaning of the icon, and also explains the role of Saint Mary, which she took on in heaven - to intercede for all the weak. Weakness (weakness) can be both physical and spiritual - unbelief, reluctance to pray, to go to church. You should pray for help in both cases.

Pious custom prescribes reading any akathist for 40 days, but if a person is not ready, it is better not to take such a promise. You should start small, over time the Lord will bless you with more. You can order the reading of an akathist in a church, for which you should agree with the priest on duty or the rector.

Today on the Internet you can see videos with akathists - but it is still preferable to read them yourself. A video cannot replace your own prayer, for which the soul has to make some effort. Through them spiritual growth is achieved. And this is the main meaning of any prayer. There is no need to consider them as a “magic wand” to achieve your desires, the goal Christian life- salvation of the soul.

Prayer to the icon of the Helper of Sinners

Troparion, tone 4

Now all despondency falls silent and the fear of despair disappears, sinners in the sorrow of their hearts find consolation and are illuminated with Heavenly love: today the Mother of God stretches out her saving hand to us and speaks from Her Most Pure Image, saying: I am the Helper of sinners to My Son, this One gave to Me for them Your hand will hear me and take me out. In the same way, people, burdened with many sins, fall at the foot of Her icon, crying out with tears: Intercessor of the world, Helper of sinners, implore with Your Mother’s prayers the Savior of all, that Divine forgiveness may cover our sins and open the bright doors of heaven to us, for You are the intercessor and salvation of the Christian race.

Kontakion, tone 1

Honest Dwelling of the ineffable nature of the Divine, above the word and above the mind and sinners, Thou art the Helper, bestowing grace and healing, as the Mother of all the Reigning Ones, pray to Thy Son to receive mercy for us on the day of judgment. Magnification We magnify Thee, Most Holy Virgin, God’s chosen Youth, and honor Thy image Holy One, grant healing to all who come with faith.

Oh, Most Blessed Lady, Protector of the Christian race, refuge and salvation of those who flow to You! We know, truly we know how greatly we have sinned and are angry, O Merciful Lady, the Son of God born in the flesh of You, but I have many images of those who angered His compassion before me: tax collectors, harlots and other sinners, to whom was given forgiveness of their sins, for the sake of repentance and confession. Thou, therefore, imagining the images of those who have been pardoned by the eyes of my sinful soul, and looking at the great mercy of God, which I have received, I, boldly, and I, a sinner, will resort with repentance to Your mercy. Oh, All-Merciful Lady, give me a helping hand and ask Your Son and God with Your motherly and most holy prayers for forgiveness of my grave sin. I believe and confess that He Whom You gave birth to, Your Son, is truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Judge of the living and the dead, reward each according to his deeds. I again believe and confess that You are the true Mother of God, the source of mercy, the consolation of those who mourn, the recovery of the lost, a strong and unceasing Intercessor to God, who dearly loves the Christian race, and the Helper of repentance. Truly, there is no other help and protection for man except You, the Most Merciful Lady, and no one else, trusting in You, was ashamed when, by You begging God, no one was quickly abandoned. For this sake, I pray to Your innumerable goodness: open the doors of Your mercy to me, lost and fallen into the darkness of the depths, do not disdain me, the foul one, do not despise my sinful prayer, do not abandon me, the accursed one, as an evil enemy seeks to kidnap me into destruction, but beg for may Thy merciful Son and God be born to me from Thee, may He forgive my great sins and deliver me from my destruction; as if I, together with all who have received forgiveness, will sing and glorify God’s immeasurable mercy and Your shameless intercession for me in this life and in the endless eternity. Amen.

" is named after the inscription preserved on the icon: " I am the Helper of sinners to My Son…».

“Help of Sinners” means Surety, or Mediator for sinners before the Lord Jesus Christ. The name of the icon serves as an expression of boundless love Holy Mother of God to the sinful human race, which She showed at all times.

For the first time this image became famous for miracles in the Nikolaev Odrina monastery of the former Oryol province. The ancient icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”, due to its dilapidation, did not enjoy proper veneration and stood in the old chapel at the monastery gates.

But in 1843, many residents discovered in dreams that this icon was endowed with miraculous power by God’s Providence. Then many healings began through the prayers of believers to the Mother of God at this image, then the icon was solemnly transferred from the chapel to the church. Believers began to flock to her, both from the city of Orel and surrounding villages, and from all over Russia, people flocked there to ask the Queen of Heaven for God's mercy, to pray for the healing of their sorrows and illnesses.

The first to receive healing was a relaxed boy, whose mother fervently prayed in front of this shrine. The icon became especially famous during the cholera epidemic, when the Mother of God brought many terminally ill people back to life.

A large three-altar church was built in the monastery in honor of the miraculous image. On the icon “Helper of Sinners,” the Mother of God is depicted with the Child on her left hand, who holds Her right hand with both His hands. The heads of the Mother of God and the Child are crowned.

In 1848, two years after the start of nationwide veneration of the image, through the diligence of Muscovite Dimitry Boncheskul, a copy of this miraculous image was made and placed in his house. He soon became famous for exuding healing peace, which gave many people recovery from serious illnesses. This miraculous list was transferred to the Church of St. Nicholas in Khamovniki, in which a chapel was built at the same time in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners.”

What a wonderful name - that is, She Who vouches for sinners. The concept of guarantee is a very complex concept. It also exists in human society. They guarantee for the person who owes it, and it is unknown whether he will repay the debt or not - someone takes on the guarantee. They vouch for people who invest huge amounts of money into the economy. It is unknown whether the project will succeed or fail, but money must be borrowed. And then there is someone, an individual or an organization, who vouches for the one who takes the money.

There are other examples of sureties. When a person who has broken the law is taken on bail, it is guaranteed that he will no longer commit acts dangerous to society. Sometimes we vouch for a person, petitioning for him to be hired or appointed to some position. We commit ourselves to whoever is responsible for the appointment that the person will be worthy of his selection.

There is a huge risk associated with a surety bond. By various reasons people vouch for others. Sometimes it is a movement of the heart, human kindness, condescension towards someone who has stumbled. Sometimes there is some kind of calculation here: they say, the person for whom I vouch for will become rich and will return everything to me with interest.

But in any case, there is a risk here, because your authority, your good name people give as collateral for the person for whom they guarantee. This always requires some kind of courage, firmness, determination; even in this very risk there is a certain disregard for one’s own well-being. Thus, by vouching for someone, we seem to be giving away part of our own well-being.

Most often, people vouch for others at the request of those for whom they need to vouch. Often these requests are very persistent; they sometimes come not from one person, but from entire teams. People ask: help, guarantee that he won’t let you down. And most often, guarantees are the answer to this request.

In what sense can we talk about the guarantee of the Mother of God? In the most literal sense of the word. She vouches for us, sinful people, before the face of God, in the hope that we will improve, that Her guarantee will not be put to shame, that we will be worthy of Her mercy. And She becomes our guarantor before God, an intercessor for the forgiveness of our sins, because we ask Her for it.

Unlike earthly guarantors, who may or may not perform this mercy, the guarantee of the Mother of God is something permanent and unchangeable, it is part of Her life. The Mother of God is pleased to be the Guarantor for us. She is just waiting for our request, our prayer.

It is probably no coincidence that such abundant miracles flow from Her icon, which resides in this holy temple - from the image ““.

These miracles are like an invitation for us to turn to Her and ask Her for the most important thing - not only for the healing of our ailments, but also for the forgiveness of our sins. And testifying to Her power and strength, She reveals great miracles through this icon, strengthening us in our desire to ask Her to be our Helper in the face of God.

Icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”

ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “HANDLE OF SINNERS”
Troparion, tone 4

Now all despondency falls silent / and the fear of despair disappears, / sinners’ grieving hearts find consolation / and are illuminated brightly with heavenly love. / Today, the Mother of God stretches out her saving hand to us / and from Her Most Pure Image she speaks, saying: / I am the Helper of sinners to My Son, / This One gave Me the hand to hear Me for them. / Also, people, burdened with many sins and sorrows, / fall at the foot of Her icon with tears, crying out: / Intercessor of the world, Helper of sinners! / Pray with Your Mother’s prayers to the Savior of all, / that Divine forgiveness may cover our sins, / and open the bright doors of heaven to us, / For You are the intercession and salvation of the Christian race.

Another troparion, tone 3

To You, the ever-flowing source of mercy / and the Helper of sinners, Your unworthy servants, Theotokos, / falling, sorrowing, we cry out to You: / save us from troubles, Lady, / and through Your maternal intercession ask us all for eternal salvation.

Kontakion, tone 1

The Honest Dwelling of the former / ineffable nature of the Divine / above words and above the mind, / and you are the Helper of sinners, / giving grace and healing, / like the Mother of all who reign, / pray to Your Son, / to receive mercy for us on the day of judgment.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of her icon “Helper of Sinners”

My Most Blessed Queen, My Most Holy Hope, Helper of Sinners! Behold, poor sinner, this is before You! Don’t leave me, abandoned by everyone, don’t forget me, forgotten by everyone, give me joy, who knows no joy. Oh, my troubles and sorrows are severe! Oh, my sins are immeasurable! Like the darkness of the night is my life. And there is not a single strong help in the sons of men. You are my only Hope. You are my only Cover, Refuge and Affirmation. I boldly stretch out my weak hand to You and pray: have mercy on me, O All-Good One, have mercy, have mercy with the purchased Blood of Your Son, quench the sickness of my much-sighing soul, tame the rage of those who hate and offend me, restore my fading strength, renew my youth like eaglets. , do not allow yourself to become weak in keeping God’s commandments. Touch my troubled souls with heavenly fire and fill me with unashamed faith, unfeigned love and known hopes. May I always sing and praise You, the Most Blessed Intercessor of the world, our Protection and Helper of all of us sinners, and I adore Your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, with His Beginning Father and the Life-Giving Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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