Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” Seraphim-Diveevskaya

Story

Iko-na Bo-zhi-ey Ma-te-ri "Umi-le-nie" Se-ra-fi-mo-Di-ve-ev-skaya at-above-le-zha-la pre-po-do- but to Se-ra-fi-mu Sa-rov-sky, there was his k-lei-noy icon. I barely eat from the lamp-pa-dy, who roared in front of this holy icon; -lu-cha-li-after-ma-za-niy-tse-le-nie. The mover called the icon “Umi-le-nie” - “Joy of all,” and in front of it he died in prayer January 2, 1833. After the death of Pre-po-do-no-go Se-ra-fi-ma Sa-rov-sky na-sto-ya-tel o. Ni-font gave the holy icon “The Joy of All” to the sisters.

Prayers

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Icon of Her “Tenderness” of Seraphim-Diveevskaya

Let us fall to the Mother of God with tenderness, / all who are burdened with sin, / kissing Her miraculous icon of Tenderness / and crying out with tears: / Lady, accept the prayer of your unworthy servants x/ and grant us, who ask,// Your great mercy.

Translation: Let us all, burdened with sins, turn to the Mother of God with our hearts, kissing Her miraculous icon of Tenderness and crying with tears: “Mistress, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants and grant us, who ask, Your great mercy.”

Kontakion of the Most Holy Theotokos before the Icon of Her “Tenderness” of Seraphim-Diveevskaya

Even as I imitate the barren fig tree,/ I, the accursed one, bear no fruit of tenderness and am afraid of being whipped,/ but, looking at the miraculous icon of Your Tenderness, Lady,/ I groan from my heart and cry out ́:/ was touched, O kindhearted one,/ and to me, with a petrified heart, // deign to give spiritual and heartfelt tenderness.

Translation: Imitating the barren fig tree (), I, the accursed one, do not bear fruit at all and am afraid of beheading, but, looking at the miraculous icon of Your Tenderness, Lady, I heartily sigh and cry: “Have mercy, O Merciful One, and me, who have become petrified in heart, do good and give spiritual and heartfelt humility."

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Tenderness” of Seraphim-Diveevskaya

Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady, Mother of God the Virgin! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, grant us repentance before the end, be merciful to our prayers and give joy in sorrow a place. And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all misfortune, misfortune, sorrow, illness and all evil, and grant us, Your sinful servants, to be at your right hand at the second coming of the Son. him, Christ our God, and our heirs will be blessed with the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for ever and ever. Amen.

Second prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Tenderness” of Seraphim-Diveevskaya

Receive, O all-merciful, Most Pure Lady, Lady Theotokos, these honorable gifts, most useful to You, from us, Your unworthy servants: chosen from all generations, all creatures of heaven and earth the highest appearing, for for Your sake the Lord of Hosts be with us, and with You I know the Son of God and have become like His holy Body and His most pure Blood; Moreover, blessed art thou in the lineages of generations, O blessed one, the brightest of the Cherubim and the most honest of the Seraphim. And now, all-singing Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease to pray for us, your unworthy servants, so that we may be delivered from all evil advice and every situation and may remain unharmed from all poison. tago of the devil; but even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, for by Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the One God and to the Creator of all, now forever and ever. Amen.

Third prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Tenderness” of Seraphim-Diveevskaya

Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mary, Christ the King and our Mother God, the Treasure of tenderness and the Source of mercy, the good Giver of soul-saving gifts and the gracious Comforter of grieving souls! We fall to You with love and before Your holy icon we humbly pray: beseech, O Lady, Your beloved Son, Christ our God, to have mercy and save us who are perishing in sins; breathe into our souls sincere repentance and godly tenderness, grant our prayers cleansing tears; beneficial life, temporary and eternal salvation, graciously, Lady, grant us; May the world die, this holy temple [ or: preserve this holy monastery well, the serenity and abundance of the fruits of the earth have been sent down to us, and at the end of our lives, do not deprive us of your maternal intercession and help, and through your intercession we will safely Let us go to the tollhouses of the air and let us be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. To her, the All-Blessed Queen, all the joys and consolation of the whole Christian world! Help us now, and always more than ever, we will require Your holy help, and save us with Your Motherly prayers to Christ God, to Him, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is due all glory, honor and worship food now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Canons and Akathists

First Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Tenderness Icon Seraphimo-Diveevskaya

[from handwritten akathists of the Seraphim-Diveevsky Monastery]

The text was approved by the Holy Synod
Russian Orthodox Church
October 21, 2016 (magazine no. 96)

Kontakion 1

Chosen from all generations to the Mother of God and the Queen, who tenderly prays for us to the Lord and who has graciously bestowed upon us the image of His Tenderness, we offer praiseful singing and prayer to Ti, the Mother of God. You, as our All-Merciful Intercessor and All-Good Helper, deliver us from all troubles, so we call You:

Ikos 1

The earthly angel and the heavenly man, the reverend elder Seraphim, Thy holy icon, Mother of God the Virgin, like a precious treasure in his cell of the acquisitive and before it fervently prays You offer to You, O All-Singing One, all the days of your ascetic life with compunction, Calling You the Joy of all joys, calling upon You :

Rejoice, you who brought joy to fallen humanity with Your all-holy Christmas;

Rejoice, thou who incorruptibly gave birth to the Savior of the world and admirably preserved virginity.

Rejoice, Mother and Most Blessed Virgin;

Rejoice, most glorified Mother of God.

Rejoice, beautiful chamber of God the Word;

Rejoice, luminous spoon of the King of kings.

Rejoice, you who brought the fulfillment of prophetic verbs;

Rejoice, the apostolic preaching is a strong help.

Rejoice, praise of the venerables and magnification of virgins;

Rejoice, exaltation of the human race.

Rejoice, consolation to those who mourn;

Rejoice, healing of the sick.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 2

Seeing that he was overcome by a green disease, Blessed Seraphim earnestly prayed to Thee, Virgin Mary, for help and healing, and behold, You appeared to him in the light of Heaven from the Apostle Petro by John the Theologian and, reksha: “This is of Our generation,” healing is coming Thou hast granted him, that he may continually sing a song of praise to Thy Son and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Understanding his healing, which was accomplished by your gracious visit, blessed Seraphim glorified, O Theotokos, the greatness of your mercy to him, and the holy icon was reverently revered and this grace is due I call your name, and we also now worship you and call you:

Rejoice, you who have made the chosen one of God gladdened by your visit;

Rejoice, you who quickly brought healing to his illness.

Rejoice, having graciously called it one of your kind;

Rejoice, you who enlightened him with Divine revelations.

Rejoice, who appeared to him many times during his life;

Rejoice, you who invisibly strengthened him for the feats of fasting and prayer.

Rejoice, his sweet interlocutor in desert life and seclusion;

Rejoice, from enemies visible and invisible, the sovereign to his Intercessor.

Rejoice, you who also show to us sinners from Your icon much mercy and generosity;

Rejoice, and do not deprive us unworthy of Your gracious deeds.

Rejoice, you who heal our ailments free of charge;

Rejoice, joyfully quenching our sorrows.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 3

The power of God acted through Your holy icon, called the Most Pure Mother of God of Tenderness, when it abided in the cell of the Venerable Seraphim and flowed forth healing to the faithful, and from all sides I come to him and from You there are many gifts of grace for the improvement, gratefully singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having faith and love for You, Mother of God, the Venerable Seraphim according to God placed all his hope in You, and reverently venerated Your holy icon, lighting candles and oil before it and praying for warmth. May You be His Helper for salvation. For this we also pray to You, O Most Blessed One, and sing with zeal:

Rejoice, O universal luminary, who enlightened the darkness of the pagans with the Light of Christ;

Rejoice, O All-Gold One, in which the Bread of Heaven has been prepared.

Rejoice, star of the Sun of righteousness;

Rejoice, dawn of immortal immortal life.

Rejoice, renewal of fallen human nature;

Rejoice, destruction of ancient enmity.

Rejoice, joyful contemplation of the saints;

Rejoice, sweetness, who has sweetened the bitterness of sin.

Rejoice, cloud, flowing saving dew;

Rejoice, Alavaster, full of Divine peace.

Rejoice, softening of hardened hearts;

Rejoice, return of faith and piety.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 4

Avoid the storm of sin and come to the quiet haven of repentance to help us, O Most Pure Virgin, Who gave birth to the Redeemer and Savior of our souls and has the most maternal boldness towards Him; Extend Your God-bearing hand to Him and implore His goodness to have mercy on us and save us, and let us sing the praises of You to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard about your many miracles, Virgin Mary, from your holy icon, revealed and ever revealed to the faithful, we rejoice, sinners, for you have granted us such a pledge of grace Your favor towards us, O All-Blessed One, and from joyful and grateful lips we bring the chant:

Rejoice, thou who graciously received the abode of virgins under Thy Mother's protection;

Rejoice, you who have expanded a small and poor monastery and spiritually enriched it.

Rejoice, Thy promise, which was spoken about her to the righteous Seraphim, has been faithfully fulfilled;

Rejoice, you who deigned to dwell in it with Your icon.

Rejoice, our most holy hope;

Rejoice, our most blessed Mother.

Rejoice, good Nurse of the Virgins;

Rejoice, merciful Trustee of widows and orphans.

Rejoice, our intercession from invisible enemies;

Rejoice, our Helper in unexpected troubles.

Rejoice, wall that protects us from the sinful temptations of the world;

Rejoice, cover, protect all those who flow to You.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 5

The God-bearing star, your holy icon, Virgin Mary, invisibly emits the rays of God’s grace and illuminates the souls of the faithful. This we, too, with faith and reverence, kissingly, in sorrows consolation, in illnesses free medicine from You, Lady, we accept, and glorifying Your much sung and blessed name, joyfully I eat to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen Thee, the Mother of God, the Venerable Seraphim on the glorious day of the Annunciation, who came to him in his humble cell with the Angels, the Forerunner, the Theologian and the face of the holy virgins, he was filled with supreme joy behold, and his old face is radiant with heavenly beauty. But You, illuminating him with the glory of God, mercifully spoke with him, as with a friend, with good promises gladdening his soul and thereby urging us to cry out to You:

Rejoice, joyful Ever-Virgin;

Rejoice, non-bridal Bride.

Rejoice, Queen of those above and below;

Rejoice, Leader of the virgin faces.

Rejoice, you who visit earth-born from the heavenly heights;

Rejoice, who shows Your most pure face as the chosen one of God.

Rejoice, faces of the saints who have traveled with You;

Rejoice, thou who brought the congregation of holy virgins with You.

Rejoice, who showed the glory of Your appearance to the humble and trembling virgin;

Rejoice, thou who didst honor thee with Thy Divine conversation.

Rejoice, you who blessed Elder Seraphim with Your visit;

Rejoice, you who made all of us spiritually joyful with him.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 6

Your visit, O Mother of God, is preached and praised everywhere by the faithful, even to the Venerable Seraphim. This visitation of Yours is all-good and today we reverently remember, we offer songs of thanksgiving to You, Most Pure One, and we exclaim in praise to Your Son and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The radiance of the glory of Heaven appeared in the humble cell of the Venerable Seraphim, when you came from the Mountain heights, O Mother of God, with the face of the saints to visit him. This, the virgin of the secret place, who could not bear to see the Divine vision, fell prostrate to the earth, but You mercifully raised it up, O Lady, and You prophesied Your gracious words to her. Marveling at such Thy condescension, we cry out to You with love and reverence:

Rejoice, all-good Virgin, who praised the virginity of the earthly virgin;

Rejoice, crown of the Kingdom of Heaven, who promised her for her faithfulness to the Bridegroom Christ.

Rejoice, angels honored and sung by the Cherubim;

Rejoice, Archangels, surrounded and glorified by the Seraphim.

Rejoice, Forerunner, who miraculously showed the Theologian and the face of the holy virgins with You in appearance;

Rejoice, who in Thy revelation gave good promises to God’s chosen one.

Rejoice, thou who hast testified to the truth of Thy appearance by the fulfillment of Thy promises;

Rejoice, our praise and affirmation.

Rejoice, merciful care and charity for the monastic abodes;

Rejoice, Divine beauty to the Church of Christ.

Rejoice, secret consolation for fasters and saints;

Rejoice, shameless hope of the Christian race.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 7

Those who want us, O Lady, to kiss your holy and all-honorable icon, do not forbid us these sins for our sake, and as the most gracious Mother of the merciful God, do not disdain our unclean lips , but accept us with mercy, falling to You with love, gifts of grace generously given to us from Your many-wonderful image, let us call with tenderness to the Triune God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

It was wondrous and holy that You, O Lady, pleased Your chosen one, the blessed Seraphim, to die: for he, kneeling in prayer before Your holy icon, betrayed his righteous soul in his hand God, and depart from earthly things on High, contemplate Your Heavenly glory and behold You, Queen of Angels , We now unceasingly please the earth and sing to You joyfully:

Rejoice, the first decoration of the Mountain;

Rejoice, all-strong protection of the world.

Rejoice, thou who art nearest to earthly beings from Thy all-holy dwelling in Heaven;

Rejoice, you who descend from the abodes of the Mountains into our much-sorrowful and many-sinful vale.

Rejoice, you who wipe away tears from the eyes of those who cry and are sad;

Rejoice, you who pour joy and consolation into the hearts of the distressed.

Rejoice, unstolen wealth for widows of the poor;

Rejoice, care and protection for motherless orphans.

Rejoice, all-round Helper of monks;

Rejoice, nun, All-Holy Representative.

Rejoice, Christian chastity is the beginning and foundation;

Rejoice, wonderful beauty of virginity.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 8

It is strange to see how Your holy icon, Mother of God the Virgin, is filled with the power of God’s grace and exudes wondrous miracles with Your favor, O All-Good One. Having acquired this for consolation and healing, we gratefully glorify Thee, Most Pure Lady, and sing to the Word of the Angels, born of Thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You grant us all that is good and useful, O Mother of God, from Your all-honorable and many-wonderful image: You touch our souls and heal our illnesses, as truly the most gracious Mother of Your children, O Christ ́ Bose. Moreover, according to the heritage of the blessed, you receive from us the following blessings:

Rejoice, glorified and exalted from the east to the west;

Rejoice, sung and blessed from all Christian generations.

Rejoice, unenvious Giver of soul-beneficial gifts;

Rejoice, gracious healer of mental and physical ailments.

Rejoice, hopeless hope;

Rejoice, consolation to the distressed.

Rejoice, refuge for the persecuted;

Rejoice, strong intercession of the faithful.

Rejoice, conversion of the infidels;

Rejoice, you who amaze everyone with your miracles.

Rejoice, you who visit us with Your mercy;

Rejoice, you who sincerely desire to be saved by everyone.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 9

All the families of Christianity have Thee, the Lady, a great Helper: just as You promised in Your all-honorable Dormition not to leave us orphaned and helpless, so to this day this all-good promise fulfilling in the Church of Christ on earth, Mother of God the Virgin, merciful and saving people, faithfully You praising and singing Orthodoxy to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The human faith cannot express the abundance of Thy bounty and mercies, Mother of God, but to glorify Thee according to our inheritance is perplexed by the minds of incorporeality, both Good Beings, do not disdain even our lacks many praises, in which we offer You love and dare to sing praises to You:

Rejoice, full moon, enlightening night of our sins;

Rejoice, dispelling the darkness of our passions with Your strong radiance.

Rejoice, Guide of the lost;

Rejoice, O understander of them.

Rejoice, young Teacher of chastity;

Rejoice, protection and protection of virginity.

Rejoice, you who have wonderfully arranged the abode of virgins;

Rejoice, having shown her Your favor in Your all-honorable way.

Rejoice, you who give a good end to those who trust in You;

Rejoice, you who love and honor You, who do not put you to shame.

Rejoice, one who is good and blessed among women;

Rejoice, one pure and immaculate Ever-Virgin,

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 10

Interacting flesh with the Savior God, incorruptible and most pure Mother of God, cleanse us, defiled by many sins, with the hyssop prayers of Your saints, establish us in chastity and purity and make us pleasing to God and carry on this earthly life righteously, so that, having pleased Christ God, we will inherit His Kingdom of Heaven and with the saints Let us sing a song of victory to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins, Mother of God the Virgin, and to all Christian souls who have lost faith in the Heavenly Bridegroom, even in the agitation of passions they always find Thy strong help. We pray to You, O All-Good One, do not allow us sinners to perish in the power of passions, but extend Your mighty right hand to us and raise us up to repentance and a chaste life, so that we gratefully call to You:

Rejoice, quiet haven for the swimmer of the sea of ​​life;

Rejoice, kind refuge for those weary of the storm of passions.

Rejoice, Helper of the repentance of sinners;

Rejoice, reconciliation of those who repent with God.

Rejoice, Judge of the righteous, well-known supplication;

Rejoice, all-desirable and all-sweet consolation of the saints.

Rejoice, wonder of the angelic hosts on high;

Rejoice, unceasing greatness of the martyr's light regiments.

Rejoice, all-enjoying joy of righteous women;

Rejoice, crown of the holy virgins.

Rejoice, much sung glory of the saints.

Rejoice, strengthening of the saints in the right faith.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 11

We offer songs of praise to Thee, Most Pure Mother of God, with Thy holy and many-wonderful icon, overshadowed and strengthened by the prayers of Elder Seraphim. Rejoicing in Your sovereign intercession, we cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With the bright rays of Your miracles, Our Lady, Lady, you illuminate our gloomy souls among the superstition and unbelief of our days. Seeing Your mercy and generosity flowing from Your icon to us, O All-Good One, and falling towards it, we cry out to You:

Rejoice, confirmation of Orthodoxy;

Rejoice, spreading the faith of Christ.

Rejoice, disgrace of heresies and schisms;

Rejoice, eradication of unbelief.

Rejoice, consoling the faithful with your miracles;

Rejoice, Thy mercy does not forsake sinners.

Rejoice, at the hour of death you help those who trust in You;

Rejoice, repaying those who love You with holy love.

Rejoice, hastening help in sorrows and troubles;

Rejoice, healer of incurable diseases.

Rejoice, quick to listen to humble prayers;

Rejoice, good requests preceded by fulfillment.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 12

The grace of God from Your icon, the Virgin Mother of God, emanating, overshadows the abode of virgins, gathered and arranged for good by Your chosen one, Seraphim. This icon of Thy, as a guarantee of Thy favor, having wondrously acquired, we glorify and magnify Thee, the most merciful Lady, and slavishly cry out to the Creator of all: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Thy innumerable mercy and Thy many miracles, O All-Singing Virgin, we rejoice as sinners, seeing on the icon Thy holy face, filled with tenderness, likewise in our souls laziness infuses us and draws us to fervent prayers, so that we cry to You:

Rejoice, unornamented Niva, who grew the saving class into man;

Rejoice, Heavenly Ladder, from which God descends.

Rejoice, Insectless Mountain, imbued with the Holy Spirit;

Rejoice, Tabernacle of the village of the Most High.

Rejoice, Holy of Holies, surpassing all;

Rejoice, mystical mite, who received the coal of the Divine without burning.

Rejoice, our cold hearts inflaming with love for the Lord;

Rejoice, you who cleanse the impurity of our souls with grace.

Rejoice, invisibly strengthening us for spiritual exploits;

Rejoice, you who help us to fulfill the commands of Christ.

Rejoice, you who eradicate harmful habits in us.

Rejoice, burning passion of the soul.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy, Tenderness and Salvation of our souls.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother! O all-merciful Queen! All-Good Mother of God! Pray to Thy Son, Christ our God, to deliver us from hellfire and make the saved part of us, so that together with the elect we may sing to Him forever: Alleluia.

This kontakion is said three times.

And again the 1st Ikos and the 1st Kontakion are read.

Prayer

Oh, Most Holy Virgin Mary, Christ the King and our Mother God, treasure of tenderness and source of mercy, soul-saving gifts to the good Giver and gracious Comforter of grieving souls! We fall to You with love and before Your holy icon we humbly pray: beseech, O Lady, Your beloved Son, Christ our God, to have mercy and save us who are perishing in sins; breathe into our souls sincere repentance and godly tenderness, give cleansing tears to our prayers; beneficial life, temporary and eternal salvation, graciously, Lady, grant us; peace, this holy temple [or: this holy monastery] preserve well, the serenity and abundance of the fruits of the earth have been sent down to us, and at the end of our life, do not deprive us of your maternal intercession and help, yes Through Your intercession we will safely pass through the ordeal of the air and we will be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven . To her, the All-Blessed Queen, all the joys and consolation of the whole Christian world! Help us now, and always more than ever, we will require Your holy help, and save us with Your Motherly prayers to Christ God, to Him, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is due all glory, honor and worship meaning, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Akathist to the Second Most Holy Theotokos before the Tenderness Icon Seraphimo-Diveevskaya

Permitted by the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church for private reading

Kontakion 1

Chosen from all generations to the Intercessor of the universe, receiving the praiseworthy voice of Your servants, O All-Blessed One, deliver us from all troubles, so that before Your icon we too sing the Archangel’s greetings with our zealous souls:

Ikos 1

The Archangel of God Gabriel, the chief leader of the Heavenly Forces, appears to You, the Young Lady, opening the Eternal Council and saying “Rejoice”: “You will be the Mother of the Lady.” Therefore, what follows is true, we all dare to unfeignedly sing this joyful voice to You, who prays for us:

Rejoice, who gave birth to Life in the womb of all; Rejoice, salvation of the sinful world.

Rejoice, Your Son has risen from the grave; Rejoice, deliverance of Eve's tears.

Rejoice, thou who hast trampled the ancient serpent; Rejoice, you who have torn apart the bonds of sin.

Rejoice, unspeakable joy to wives; Rejoice, door of God's mercy.

Rejoice, unceasing song of angels; Rejoice, chosen Daughter of God.

Rejoice, all creatures awaiting; Rejoice, hope for all sinners.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 2

Seeing this image of Your “Tenderness”, flowing healing currents to everyone, we flow warmly to it in humility, in need and sorrow, we long for salvation. You begged Christ, like Mother, to grant us every request, so that we may ever sing a song of gratitude before this image: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

The mind of the heavenly acquisitive Seraphim, lying possessed by a serious illness; I pray for you to heal the disease. But you, Good One, came in a dream and meekly appeared to him in silence, promising to prolong the youth’s life. Moreover, saved from death by You, the tender Seraphim sweetly sang:

Rejoice, highest heaven of heavens; Rejoice, Holy Mother of the Lord.

Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Abyss of miracles; Rejoice, thou who art full of bounty, all-gold.

Rejoice, You show us mercy; Rejoice, you heal every disease.

Rejoice, healing for soul and body; Rejoice, good rising of the fallen.

Rejoice, triumph of heavenly minds; Rejoice, sinners' appeal to Heaven.

Rejoice, you beseech God for us; Rejoice, you destroy the enemy’s network.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 3

By the power of the Most High we wonderfully preserve, because of the power in the soul, Saint Seraphim excelled in his youth. We diligently went to the temple of the Most Holy One and, tenderly praying, singing praises in psalms with our hearts, thanking the All-Bountiful God, always adoring Alleluia to Him.

Ikos 3

Having You as a faithful Companion in life, Your chosen one leaves Your young homeland, directing the path to the Sarov monastery. Composing your words in your heart, your fatherland imagines heaven, pleasing the deserted belly on earth. And hearing: “This is from our family,” you sang to your hope:

Rejoice, guiding star of faith; Rejoice, Helmsman of my life.

Rejoice, Companion, profitable to God; Rejoice, shelter from the storm of passions.

Rejoice, for you guide us towards God; Rejoice, you admonish me to save my soul.

Rejoice, unforgettable path of truth; Rejoice, bridge, build up the mountain.

Rejoice, wonderful Helper to the poor; Rejoice, crown, gladden hearts.

Rejoice, you call us to the Kingdom; Rejoice, you open the doors of heaven.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 4

The Mother of God will soon save the blessed widow from the storms of life; she promises to hand over His lot to her, to cultivate the blessed land. Moreover, the widow is obedient to the Most Pure Will, the widow sets off on an unknown path, enduring everything complacently, until she is settled in the holy lot, the Virgins are patiently waiting for the word, diligently singing to God the Son: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

The widow heard the long-awaited verb, spoken to her in a subtle doze: “Here is My place in Diveyevo, here is My fourth chosen lot, here you will lay your bones, having first created a refuge for the virgins.” Moreover, the widow, having risen from her bed, brightly sings the following praise to the Mother of Light for her holy joy:

Rejoice, blessed abode of Light; Rejoice, God's chosen destiny.

Rejoice, holy tabernacle of God; Rejoice, treasure of good deeds.

Rejoice, boundless sea of ​​mercy; Rejoice, the shower is quiet and serene.

Rejoice, caring for widows to purity; Rejoice, precious vessel of virginity.

Rejoice, strength strengthened in old age; Rejoice, good rod in youth.

Rejoice, Virgin Mary, incorruptible; Rejoice, blessed by the Lord.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 5

Listening to the voice of the Mother of God, the widow builds a temple in Her name; Gathering a small flock of orphans, he grows them in piety. Thus, in Diveevo, God’s seed was planted in the good soil in time, and the fruit was brought forth in patience, as if we partake of the fruit today, we thank the Good Mother of the Creator in heaven, singing a song about Her: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the first mother, as if the monastery had begun to grow, the Virgin Mary’s words were fulfilled, she entrusted her small flock to the elder of Sarov and wisely entrusted all spiritual care to the flock. And, having succeeded in his life, thanking the source of miracles, the Virgin Mary, for help from Heaven, he composes songs of praise to Her:

Rejoice, our quiet joy; Rejoice, Your name is Tenderness.

Rejoice, Mother of the verbal flock; Rejoice, glorification of this place.

Rejoice, for you have extended your protection to us; Rejoice, you are gathering us to Christ.

Rejoice, virgins, You are a bright palace; Rejoice, you protect the orphans from troubles.

Rejoice, for God will listen to you; Rejoice, comfort to all who cry.

Rejoice, you who endure our infirmities; Rejoice, you who enrich us in good things.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 6

Honest Alexandra was a preacher of the mercy of all in her life. God's Name is always in our mouths, in our hearts and thoughts, holy prayer. We bring tears to You, O Life-Giving Source, honoring You, and tirelessly doing your daily work, burning in spirit and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Shining the light of grace in wondrous Diveyevo, the Mother of God extends Her omophorion over him, the machinations of the enemy and the slander of men, the infirmities of the spirit and the passions of the flesh, the needs common to earthly people - the good Queen satisfies everything, and quickly helps Her orphans. Moreover, singing Her miracles, She joyfully recites these words:

Rejoice, blessed light of salvation; Rejoice, beauty of pure hearts.

Rejoice, conscience of the world, sweet to all; Rejoice, the spirit of love is wide.

Rejoice, fragrant flower bed; Rejoice, rod, terrifying enemies.

Rejoice, all-powerful help in weakness; Rejoice, joy from Heaven in sorrow.

Rejoice, abundant food in times of poverty; Rejoice, who is above all words.

Rejoice, for you satisfy God’s wrath; Rejoice, you call upon us mercy.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 7

Wanting to leave this corrupt world, the blessed one gathers together the orphans and the Mother of God the inheritance entrusted to her, Pachomius begs the elder to take care of it; The most pure image is accepted on the Persian and in the hand of the Lady the spirit betrays. Filled with grief, Pachomius listens to her and sings her funeral song: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new guardian angel for Diveyevo, the organizer of the lot of the Virgin and virgins, was sent by the Most Pure One, Seraphim. Together with the most praised Peter, with John, in the cell the Virgin appeared indescribably, bright, with the holy face of the martyrs, fragrant with the heavenly world. “You shall not forsake My virgins,” he proclaims, promising help to him all day long, and he brings Her his gift of words:

Rejoice, beautiful glory of the prophets; Rejoice, full of paradise.

Rejoice, great song of martyrs; Rejoice, you who wiped away my tears.

Rejoice, sinful prayers not forgotten; Rejoice, you who visited your orphans.

Rejoice, our Helper before the Son; Rejoice, you who brought peace with God.

Rejoice, souls of the Bridegrooms; Rejoice, you who have been invited to the feast by the Door.

Rejoice, mysteries revealed from the ages; Rejoice, Virgin, to You is my song.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 8

Participant in strange visions, the blessed, gracious old man Father Seraphim takes to his heart the unforgettable covenant of the Virgin Mary and, guided by Her, builds a special monastery for virgins; He gives the measure to the cathedral church, he outlines the holy place with a ditch, he faithfully shepherds the flock of the Most Pure One, he lays down the rule of life and the order, he inspires God to sing without laziness: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

With your whole mind on your back to Christ, anticipating the bliss of paradise on earth, with a holy girdle, like the blessings of those guilty, Mary, who gave birth to us, the Savior of us, the archangel “Rejoice”, the voice is always diligent with filial simplicity. Imitating this, Mary’s inheritance to this day bypasses its ancient border, singing praises to the Virgin Mary, so that Toya’s communicant will be joyful:

Rejoice, O Virgin Mary; Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the Savior Christ.

Rejoice, thou who didst contain God in the womb; Rejoice, Thy fruit is the path of life for us.

Rejoice, guilty one of eternal joys; Rejoice, glory and joy of the church.

Rejoice, wedding of pure virgins; Rejoice, generous Mother of monks.

Rejoice, magnification of all mothers; Rejoice, home, fill with grace.

Rejoice, you who extinguish arrows in days; Rejoice, you drive away fears at night.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 9

All the powers of the angels, the Virgin, the highest, our hearts silently praise You, the lordships of the sun, truly pure, all creation magnifies You without end. You are the Intercessor for us, awaken to the Son and God on the terrible day of Judgment; Then do not forget sinful prayers; always vouchsafe us to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

The crown of many-voiced tongues cannot adequately sing Your sweet face, O Virgin and Mother of the Lord of Heaven. The increase of Your wonderful gifts and strength fills the heart with dew of tenderness, and gives us to comb the sources of tears. Your holy image with a burning lamp always cheers the gaze of the praying old man, always bowing to his knees before him, earnestly praising You with this song:

Rejoice, hope for all who are hopeless; Rejoice, thou art filled with tenderness to the heart.

Rejoice, you who are stripped of righteousness; Rejoice, source of salvation for all of us.

Rejoice, you have cast down the demonic face; Rejoice, you threateningly forbid the demon.

Rejoice, rise of the discouraged in spirit; Rejoice, club to those sleeping in evil.

Rejoice, punishment for obstinate souls; Rejoice, everything is possible for You.

Rejoice, there is sweetness in bitter works for everyone; Rejoice, Mother, joy to all who mourn.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 10

Having sowed with tears of salvation during the fast, the elder reaps in joy the broadcast from the Virgin: “You will soon, beloved, be with us.” And he is calm in spirit, in living hope, preparing his departure from the world. He teaches his prayer charter and instructions to protect his orphans: “From today on, the Good is yours alone; You have many nurturers, children, but your father will not be me, look for joy on my grave, and in needs and sorrows, come to me; and I believe that the Lord will give you consolation, so that the song of Alleluia may ever rise from you to Him.”

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins, O Most Pure Virgin, from the machinations of the enemy, from need and anger; for unto Thee do Saint Seraphim entrust us. And in the hour of testing, our troubled spirit we lift up to You in a humble prayer: O, be the Helper of Your orphans, may we joyfully praise You, the Ever-Blessed One, worldwide fame, unchanging praise:

Rejoice, confirmation of Your faithful; Rejoice, strong orphan wall.

Rejoice, praise to the Holy Church; Rejoice, depth of the heavenly mind.

Rejoice, our unfading blossom; Rejoice, glorified city of the King.

Rejoice, ladder that led to God; Rejoice, light cloud of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who has produced dew from the fleece; Rejoice, You are a ready covering for everyone.

Rejoice, our known hope; Rejoice, unbrided virgin of praise.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 11

Every singing today is overcome by the multitude of Thy good deeds; Your mercy extends to the whole world, the glory of heaven and the joy of earth. Your Son, O Virgin, will always listen to the voice of the God-pleased Mother. Joy with all joy You, Blessed One, we will never be silent in calling. Thus do you call Thee, venerable one, singing to God, our representative from beyond the grave: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

The palace longed for by the old man was revealed to the light, in admiration to You in prayer, O Virgin, before this image of “Tenderness.” In the hand of the Most Pure One you received the holy soul into another endless life in the villages of paradise. The weeping child, deprived of their father, but touched by the new knowledge of mercy towards Thy elder, dissolving the tears of the gravestone with a red song, the greatness of praise agreeing with Thee, the only Mother looking at You:

Rejoice, lamentation of the dark powers; Rejoice, triumph of righteous souls.

Rejoice, gatekeepers of hell lamentation; Rejoice, nature sings to you.

Rejoice, you who have overthrown the prince of ordeals; Rejoice, thou who has humbled the pride of demons.

Rejoice, name desired by the saints; Rejoice, in the hour of death of the Helper.

Rejoice, our joy is inexpressible; Rejoice, at that hour hear our voice.

Rejoice, tenderness of our hearts; Rejoice, God's propitiation.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 12

A gracious guarantee for protection, the elder of Diveyevo left this image of the Most Pure One “Tenderness” to the children of Diveyevo. Rejoicing brightly in glory, the Heavenly Mother earnestly prays for the orphans to mercifully observe it, so that despondency will not sleep, but let them drink with the oil of light, and enter into the palace with their Bridegroom, singing the eternal song of the Angels: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Today we sing Your glory and mercy, O Mother of God, to sinners, to the power of demons; We all celebrate Your miracles with light. Having immeasurably sanctified You all, Immaculate, God has placed You among the people in an omnipotent fortress: For they will listen to You for Your ear. By You we save everything every hour, we bring You this song according to:

Rejoice, eternal treasure of life; Rejoice, holy ark of righteousness.

Rejoice, endless praise for people; Rejoice, golden candlestick of faith.

Rejoice, God's favor; Rejoice, salvation of all people.

Rejoice, martyr of all boldness; Rejoice, song of your saints.

Rejoice, ornament of righteous women; Rejoice, land of good desires.

Rejoice, most honorable banner of the church; Rejoice, good Mother to us sinners.

Rejoice, You are the joy of all joy, O All-Blessed One.

Kontakion 13

O Mother of All, grant to all for salvation, O All-Good One, tenderness of hearts, so that we may always be protected by the fear of God, we will escape the destructive snares of the fighter, and thus saved by Your prayers, we will forever praise the good Creator: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Archangel of God...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen from all generations...”.

Prayer

O Most Holy Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, grant us repentance before the end, have mercy on our prayers and grant joy instead of sorrow. And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all misfortune, misfortune, sorrow, illness and all evil, and make us, Thy sinful servants, worthy to be at the right hand at the second coming of Thy Son, Christ our God, and we will be made worthy to be heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for ever and ever. Amen.

Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos before the Tenderness Icon of Seraphim-Diveevskaya (“Joy of All Joys”)

Song 1

Irmos: I will open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit, and I will vomit the word to the Queen Mother, and I will appear, bright, triumphant, and I will sing, rejoicing, Those miracles.
Chorus:
Have mercy, have mercy, have mercy, O Lady, on me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant, who dares to sing Thy miracles.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Most Pure Mother of God, do not reject me, accursed and unclean, who dares to sing Your miracles, Tenderness.
Glory: I have no other refuge and warm intercession to Thy Son and our God, O All-Singing One, so grant me, a great sinner, to praise Thy miracles.
And now: Obsessed with laziness and overwhelmed by passions, I am, Thy inexorable servant, O Lady, and I am at a loss to praise and glorify Thy miracles.

Song 3

Irmos: Thy hymns, O Theotokos, Living and Unenvious Source, spiritually establish the face of thyself, and grant crowns of glory in Thy Divine glory.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I am the only one, accursed, who has sinned more than all others through his life, Most Pure One, but trusting in Your bounty, I call: grant me spiritual tenderness.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
No one, come running with faith under Your Divine Cover, O Lady, the melancholy comes from You, and I, a great sinner, boldly call: grant me Divine tenderness.
Glory: Jacob, having seen the Divine ladder, said: This is the degree of God, Even as Thou art, Moving; I also pray to Thee: grant me the blessing of ascent to virtue and grant me, the unworthy fierceness.
And now: Just as the Lord, the Good Mother of God, has revealed You to all who are obedient in sorrows and situations of soul and body, so grant me, fiercely overwhelmed by placeless passions, tears of tenderness and grant Your, O Virgin, Motherly intercession.

Lord, have mercy (three times).
Sedalen, voice 5th
Having exceeded my head, my sins, O Lady, I am defiled by them, and there is no healing in my flesh, but You, Most Compassionate One, grant to my soul tears of repentance to cleanse the defilements of sin and heal bodily ailments, Who gave birth to all kinds of Physicians and the Lord.
Glory, even now: I have attracted spiritual wounds and bodily illnesses, O Lady, but You, as the Most Merciful, heal both, giving me the inexhaustible gift of spiritual tenderness, and may I continually glorify Your all-powerful intercession.

Song 4

Irmos: Seated in Glory on the Throne of the Divine in a light cloud, the Divine Jesus came with an Imperishable Hand and called to salvation: glory, O Christ, to Thy power.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Where Thy grace overshadows, O Lady, there all sorrow is consumed, but joy is established, even to me, unworthy, vouchsafed, crying out: Rejoice, Mother of God, all the joys of Joy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Tears are not the imam, the accursed one, below spiritual tenderness, but Herself, as the Merciful One, favors these gifts, and I cry: Rejoice, Most Pure Virgin, all joys to the Joy.
Glory: I am weak and cursed with the scabs of sin, heal, O Most Pure One, pouring out the oil of Thy mercy, and raise songs to Thee: Rejoice, O Lady, O Joy of all joys.
And now: Having darkened my mind in worldly sweets, but You, Lady, the light of my darkened soul, disperse the darkness of my passions, so that I may be enlightened by You, I cry out: Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.

Song 5

Irmos: Everyone was terrified of Your Divine glory, for You, the Unmade Virgin, had God in your womb above all and gave birth to the Flightless Son, giving peace to all who sing Your praises.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As long as the enemy reviles and overthrows me, weak and weakened by cruelty in soul and body: be touched, O Lady, and bring down the enemies who fight me, O All-Singing One, who give peace to my soul.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Above all, the Angel and Archangel appeared, O Pure Mother of God, I also pray to You, the arrows of the enemy, sophisticated against me, to crush, giving peace to my soul.
Glory: How long, my soul, do you remain in sin, having no end to sinful customs, arise from the depths of evil, looking to the sovereign intercession of the Most Pure One, always quick to help you and with Her grace giving peace to your soul and body.
And now: Joy, and gladness, and Divine rejoicing, O Virgin Inexperienced, God has multiplied for us: behold, we who weep sorely, we rejoice in Thy prayers.

Song 6

Irmos: This divine and all-honorable celebration, O God of Wisdom, Mother of God, come, let us clasp our hands, glorifying the God who was born from Her.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The joys of Divine greatness, as from the beginning we bring joy and thanksgiving voices, diligently honoring Yu, as our Representative.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
It is worthy of You that we sing a song of joy, O Pure Virgin, rejoicing, having been delivered from troubles by Your prayers.
Glory: The pagan angels cannot sing Thy praise worthily, O Pure One, but now we, slavishly mounted, bring Gabriel’s joy to Thee.
And now: As a Divine refuge, we, having acquired all of Your protection to God, in adversity, and in persecution, and in sins, we resort to You and accept change through You, Most Pure One.

Lord, have mercy (three times). Glory, and now:
Kontakion, tone 3
Even as I imitate the barren fig tree, I, the accursed one, do not at all bring tenderness to the fruit and am afraid of being flogged, but, looking at the miraculous icon of Your Tenderness, Lady, I groan from my heart and cry out: You are touched, O Compassionate One, and to me, who am petrified at heart, deign to give gifts of soul and heart tenderness.
Ikos
I have surpassed my sins, the harlot, and the prodigal, and the publican, and the thief, and the Ninevites, I am the only damned man above all, and, having lost grace and boldness towards the Lord, I groan from my heart and cry out: Bless Thee, the Intercessor and Helper of the salvation of my many-sinful soul, giving me spiritual and heartfelt tenderness.

Song 7

Irmos: Having not served the creation of God’s wisdom more than the Creator, but having overcome the fiery rebuke manfully, I rejoice, singing: O Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The river of Thy inexhaustible mercy to all sinners, O Lady, pour out, and I also pray: give water to my thirsty soul and irrigate my sin-dried heart, so that, blessing, I will sing: honored Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Even though you are obedient to all in sorrows and situations of soul and body, Lady, do not reject me, unworthy, but grant me the song: Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.
Glory: Do not reject me, Mother of God, wounded by the serpent’s advice, do not disdain me, stinking of many sins, but grant me always to sing: Blessed are you, Lord and God of the fathers.
And now: When the thrones are set up for the Judgment and all earthly beings appear before the Judgment Court of Christ, show me, O Lady, Your Motherly intercession and abundant help, I cry: Lord and God of the fathers, blessed art thou.

Song 8

Irmos: The pious youths in the cave saved the Nativity of the Theotokos; Then what is formed, now in action, raises up the whole universe to sing to You: Sing to the Lord, do your works and exalt Him to all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver me from fear, O Lady, from anger and airy ordeals. Show me, unworthy, Your great mercy, singing: Sing to the Lord, O works, and exalt Him to all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver me, Most Immaculate, from bitterness evil people and crafty demons, tremble for Your great name, like smoke disappear; Vouchsafe me, in the tenderness of my heart, to sing: Sing to the Lord, O works, and exalt Him unto all ages.
Glory: The dark power of the prince, who always fights me, weak and despondent, extinguish the kindled arrows, O All-Singing One, and make me worthy to sing with gratitude: Sing to the Lord, O deeds, and exalt him forever.
And now: Accept my poor song, O All-Merciful Lady Virgin, Lady Theotokos, covering those who sing with Your Mother’s mercy: Sing to the Lord, O deeds, and exalt Him unto all ages.

Song 9

Irmos: Let every earth-born leap, we are enlightened by the Spirit, let the nature of the bodiless minds triumph, honoring the sacred triumph of the Mother of God, and let it cry out: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
When my strength is exhausted in the exodus of my sinful soul from this accursed and foul body, then especially manifest it on me, unworthy, strong muscle Allow Yours, O All-Blessed One, at the hour of my death to joyfully cry out to You: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I am poor and wretched because of good deeds, without spiritual tenderness, Most merciful, You Yourself grant to me, so that I cry out in gratitude: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.
Glory: Sprinkle me with the hyssop of Thy mercy, O Most Pure One, that I may be cleansed from my grave and cruel iniquities, and in the tenderness of my soul, let me cry from my heart: Rejoice, O All-Blessed, Pure Ever-Virgin.
And now: Even though I thought in my soul, with the strength of my strength I brought singing to You, Lady, do not reject me with Your usual mercy and do not disgust me, many sinners and unclean, but always vouchsafe to sing to You in tenderness: Rejoice, All-Blessed Mother of God, Pure Ever-Virgin.

In icon painting, there are several styles of depicting the Mother of God, one of them is “Tenderness”. The icon of the Mother of God in this genre depicts the Mother of God in the form of a waist-length portrait, bowing her gaze to the newborn, looking at him with love and tenderness.

This genre of depiction of the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest. It came to Rus' from Byzantium, like Orthodoxy itself. This iconographic type is called “Eleousa” in Greek. Over the centuries of Christianity, the icons painted in it have become one of the most revered in Orthodoxy.

Are there many such icons?

The “Tenderness” icon is not any separate image of the Mother of God, located in a specific church and having an author. This is a type, genre of icon painting, and there are a lot of similar images. The icon of “Tenderness” can be found in almost every church, an old rural house, the inhabitants of which did not throw away the image during the period of Soviet power, in ethnographic museums, both in the halls and in storerooms, and in other places.

The image of the Mother of God in this iconographic type is extremely revered. Of course, there is also the “Tenderness” icon, known among Orthodox Christians, a prayer in front of which has miraculous power. There are also several such images.

The most famous are the Seraphim-Diveevskaya and Pskov-Pecherskaya icons, which are copies of the ancient Vladimir icon. Prayer in front of other images of this type of iconography will have no less power. There is an icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” in almost every church in any Russian city. The most famous, after Diveevskaya and Pecherskaya, are Yaroslavskaya, Vladimirskaya, Zhirovitskaya, Donskaya. However, in each of the localities that store famous images, there are many more icons in this genre that have not become popular.

For example, in Yaroslavl the “Tenderness” icon was in every home before the revolution. Now in every operating temple of this city you can see several images in this type of iconography. Both old ones, preserved during the years of Soviet power, and new ones, written more recently, but this has not lost either their content or the power of their emotional impact on believers.

Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon

This image is acquired. The meaning of the word “found” in the Orthodox tradition in relation to iconographic images includes the following concepts:

• given from above;
• having no author;
• missing and found.

That is, everything that can be said has been acquired. According to legend, which official representatives of the clergy do not argue with, the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon “Tenderness” was found in the forest thickets located near modern Saratov. The icon was given into the hands of the ascetic Seraphim, who did not part with the image throughout his life. That is why the name of the image is associated with its name.

Where is the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon located?

This question does not concern many believers, but only those who are prone to meticulousness and have curiosity. The location of the miraculous image is shrouded in mystery, just like the story of its discovery centuries ago.

However, in addition to curiosity and the desire for inquiry, actual originality is sometimes important, for example, if we are talking about the need for healing from diseases, for which the real Seraphim’s image “Tenderness” became famous. Icon Mother of God, according to numerous testimonies preserved in church records, had such power. Seraphim personally placed an oil pan in front of the image for the duration of the service, and after the end he anointed the sick. After his death, other clergy continued to do this.

The Diveyevo Monastery, where the miraculous image was kept, was closed and, most likely, plundered back in 1927. For decades, the icon began to be considered lost by the church. However, in 1991 it was regained. The image was handed over to Patriarch Alexy II by people whose names are either unknown to the church or kept secret.

Since then, that is, since 1991, the original face has been kept in the residence of the Patriarch. The Diveyevo Icon of “Tenderness” is available, the significance of which is not only great for believers, the history of the Orthodox Russian Church, but also deeply symbolic for the entire country, only once a year, on the day of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos. On this holiday the image is exhibited in the Epiphany Hall Patriarchal Cathedral and is available for prayer and worship.

The Tretyakov Gallery exhibits a copy of the icon, its analogues, that is, copies of the icon are presented in other places. However, such lists do not possess miraculous power, confirmed by evidence. Although the question of the impact of an image on a believer is an open topic for discussion in church philosophy. Many clergy believe that miraculous power does not depend on the specific icon itself, but on the faith of the one who prays.

What is the name of the Seraphim-Diveyevo icon?

The question of the name of the miraculous image is also quite interesting. The now accepted name of this icon is Seraphim-Diveevskaya. However, along with this, other names for this image are also common. Among them is simply “Tenderness”. “Tenderness of the Mother of God” is also one of the options for the name of this image.

Often the icon is called “female”, the names of monasteries are attached to it, for example, Trinity, where before the revolution the image had its own separate limit, it is often simply called Seraphim or Sarov. The ascetic Seraphim himself called the image “The Joy of All Joys.”

How can the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon help?

The veneration of the image was begun by Seraphim himself, who found the icon. The saint had more than one image of the Mother of God in his cell, but only this one had a meaning, the “Tenderness” icon. How this image helps cannot be answered unequivocally by any clergyman, since it influences everything with which the believer approaches the image.

• heals the sick;
• helps women find personal happiness;
• promotes conception and birth of healthy babies;
• relieves sorrows and misfortunes;
• prevents destruction and disaster.

Every believer can verify this on the day of the Praise of the Mother of God.

When is the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon revered?

This image has special days on which it is customary to venerate it. These dates were allocated before the onset of the Soviet era. Special services were held in the Trinity Cathedral of the monastery twice a year - on July 28 and December 9. The numbers were chosen according to the following reasons:

• July 28 is the day of the acquisition of the image;
• December 9 is the date of foundation of the monastery.

July 28 and December 9 are old style dates, now these are different calendar days. In modern realities, the celebration of the Praise of the Virgin Mary can be considered the day of veneration of the icon.

An interesting fact is that at the icon-painting courtyard of the Diveyevo monastery, a large number of copies of the image, simply its copies, were made. In the days of veneration of the icon, before the advent of Soviet power, separate services were held in front of its copies in every church where these analogues were located.

Is the Seraphim-Diveevskaya icon different from others?

The Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is unique not only in the history of its acquisition, but also in the manner of artistic execution and the materials used.

The original icon was painted not on a board, but on canvas stretched over a cut of cypress wood. This moment is of little interest to believers, but is extremely interesting for historians. Questions about how it was possible to find a canvas stretched on a cypress board in the wilderness of Saratov icons haunt many students of the history of Orthodoxy.

The image itself is also interesting. It is incorrect to say that the Mother of God is depicted without a baby, although Jesus is absent from the icon. The Virgin Mary is not alone in this image, she is simply depicted before the birth of the baby, that is, pregnant with him. This is a unique image of the Mother of God, not typical of Orthodox iconography.

How to pray in front of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon?

Many believers today are concerned with the question of how to pray so that the “Tenderness” icon gives meaning to what is said. What does a spiritual mentor or collections of prayers that are available for sale in shops at every church help parishioners figure out?

However, with regard to prayer before the miraculous image, the canons are important only for clergy conducting services dedicated to the icon. A simple parishioner should only remember the main commandment of any prayer - sincerity. There is no need to memorize the words of prayers from collections, both ancient and modern; they are given only to help true believers who find it difficult to choose the right words that can reflect their feelings.

If in front of a parishioner there is an icon of the “Tenderness” of the Mother of God, it is not the order of words that matters, but the person’s faith and the purity of his thoughts.

What do they pray for in front of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon?

People come to the miraculous image with various troubles. Of course, there are no statistics on how the “Tenderness” icon influences, what it helps with, what ailments it heals from.

• about health, not only your own, but also that of your loved ones;
• about the welfare of children;
• about the granting of family and heirs;
• about everything “feminine” and maternal.

There is also a belief that the image can prevent destruction, war and related misfortunes. However, skeptics, whom modern world Quite a few, even among believers, question these qualities of the icon, citing the example of the war under Nicholas II, who worshiped the original image and even gave the icon one of its vestments. They remember the revolution, the Chechen military conflict, and terrorist attacks.

The question of what the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” helps with and why it is useless has no answer. The help of an image depends on the faith and sincerity of a person, on his need for participation, on the depth of despair and misfortune. An equally important role is played by such qualities of the soul as humility, patience, gratitude, which most modern parishioners forget about.

What kind of prayer can there be before the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon?

You can pray for your “feminine” in front of the image in different ways. There are no rules limiting the appeal to the Mother of God, except for the purity of one’s own heart.

A prayer before the image could be like this:

“Accept, All-Blessed Most Pure Blessed Mother of God, my prayer (proper name). I trust in you, the One Most Holy Intercessor, in my adversities and weaknesses. I pray that you grant me (proper name) the blessings of the Son of God, but spare me from his sorrows.

I pray to you, Most Pure Virgin, about (listing of what is asked for). I trust in your endless mercy in hope and humility. I pray for the preservation of what has been given. I pray for the gift of what I can keep. I pray for strengthening (listing personal, important things). I pray for protection and the granting of all kinds of blessings (listing the names of loved ones). I pray to you, Most Holy Mother of God, with gratitude and humility, with patience and faith, with pure thoughts and hope. Amen".

When praying in this way, it is important to actually have all the qualities that are stated in the text. Although the icon of “Tenderness” is of great importance for believers, the very fact of standing in front of it already bestows a special state of mind; only a truthful request will find a response; the image is not a robot fulfilling momentary desires.

What could a mother’s prayer be like before the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon?

Mothers who are worried about their children can pray like this:

“God's chosen Most Pure Mother, our intercessor before the Son of God and the Throne of Heaven. I beg you to accept my worries and resolve them. I pray to you for the health and well-being of my children (names). I pray for their protection from misfortunes and sorrows, unclean thoughts, lying ways, and demonic temptations. I pray to you, Most Holy Theotokos, for the granting of peace to my soul, for the guidance of my foolish children, for their protection and for giving them the necessary thoughts pleasing to the Lord. Amen".

A mother’s prayer always comes from a pure heart and has great power. However, even a mother praying for her children must not only rely on the help of a miraculous image, but also have sincere and deep faith in the Lord.

Religious reading: prayer before the icon of tenderness of Seraphim Diveyevo to help our readers.

The article will talk about the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness, what believers pray for in front of it, and what unique significance it has for the whole world. It depicts the Virgin immediately after the Good News, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and announced that she would become the Mother of God. This moment captured the beginning of the Incarnation of God, and from here the fulfillment of the promise of the salvation of all mankind begins. The Lord has already come to earth to show his love and atone for the sins of the world.

“Tenderness” is not just an icon, it is a testimony. About eternal life, about forgiveness. The image foreshadows death on the cross in the name of endless love.

Description of the Tenderness icon: types

In this article you will learn about the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of Tenderness. But besides the most famous “Joy of All Joys,” there is a whole iconographic type of icons under the general name “Tenderness.” Let's get to know them briefly.

Icons of “Tenderness” (Eleusa) are one of the main types of images of the Mother of God. There are many traditional icons, the main distinguishing feature of which is the letter of the Virgin Mary with Christ in her arms, where they press their cheeks to each other. What is the iconographic type of Tenderness in traditional version. This symbol means the absence of distance between God the Son and His Mother and the endless love between them. The famous icons of the Mother of God of this type are as follows:

• some others.

There are also lesser-known iconographic varieties of Tenderness, such as the “Leaping of the Child,” which also belongs to the type of Eleusa.

But the greatest fame and veneration belongs to the Diveyevo Icon “Tenderness”, in front of which the Rev. prayed. Seraphim of Sarov. He called her “The Joy of All Joys” and healed the sick in front of her. The Mother of God herself repeatedly appeared to the saint, healed him from a fatal illness, “this Family of ours” - she spoke about him. Father Seraphim left this icon behind him as a Guardian Diveevsky Monastery. The icon became famous for many miracles.

Its original has miraculously survived to this day. The shrine is kept in the Patriarchal Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, the working Patriarchal residence in Chisty Lane. There is a tradition one day a year - on the Feast of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos - to bring the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God for veneration by all believers. The service with the image takes place in the Moscow Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov. Traditionally, on this day an akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary is read. The holiday is celebrated on Saturday of the fifth week of Lent.

Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God Tenderness: meaning

Seraphim's Tenderness is one of the most touching images of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here she is depicted as if alone, but remembering what the event is dedicated to, we know that this is not so. The son is invisibly present and reflected in her face with divine features - meekness, chastity, quiet light.

It is difficult to even guess what the Mother of God felt at that moment: in the icon we see her downcast gaze. Cross-folded hands on the chest symbolize the inexpressible Mystery and foreshadow the sacrifice of the cross. The head is in a tender half-tilt. Image of the words around the crown: “Hail, Unbrideless Bride.”

An unknown icon painter depicted several most expressive strokes on the canvas. And these strokes perfectly conveyed the essence: before us is the Mother of God at her most exciting moment, immediately after the Annunciation. Soon she will go to Elizabeth, and her cousin will tell her words that will become a hymn to the Mother of God: “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice. " And the Virgin will answer: “My soul magnifies the Lord...” - we sing this Song to her to this day. The culmination of the event. Humanity has matured to accept the Son of God, and behold, He is with us.

Miracles Icons of the Mother of God Tenderness

Taking its beginning from the hands of Rev. Seraphim, this image has been pleasing us with its help for several centuries. Miracles continue today. The modern icon of the Mother of God “Seraphim Tenderness” is known, called Lokotskaya, after the place of its discovery in the village of Lokot, Bryansk region. This is the only two-way miraculous device in the world myrrh-streaming icon. There is numerous evidence that physical and mental illnesses are healed before the image. She also appeared wonderfully. One woman saw a paper calendar of the Virgin Mary lying neglected on a store counter. It turned out that the calendar was expired and could not be sold. Fearing for the fate that the Holy Face might suffer, the woman took the image home. Over time, it began to flow myrrh, then miracles and healings occurred. Next, in the woman’s house, all the icons were filled with myrrh. On the paper icon “Tenderness” another Face was formed, on the other side. The icon can still be found today. Its keeper, Natalya Shishkova, has been hosting pilgrims for more than 10 years.

According to her, prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness helps to heal serious illnesses and cope with life's difficulties.

Icon of the Mother of God Tenderness: what does it help with and what do believers pray for?

Seraphim's Tenderness is the embodiment of purity and restrained joy. One of the most sublime images of the Virgin Mary. Among the people, the icon is revered as a faithful assistant in choosing a worthy groom and a teacher of chastity for girls. It is believed that the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness helps young girls in choosing their path, what they pray for in front of it, as well as for a good marriage, conception, and successful childbirth. You can ask for the gift of noble character and pure life for fragile girlish hearts.

The icon is not simple. Seraphim of Sarov had the prototype: how, when, where this icon came from - we don’t know anything. It is only known that the monk always fervently prayed before it, blessed his spiritual children with it, and miracles and healings took place before this icon. And as a culmination, after standing in prayer on a stone in front of her for 300 days, Father Seraphim gave up his soul to God.

Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness: prayer and troparion

Receive, O All-merciful, Most Pure Lady, Lady Theotokos, the only one applied to You, from us, Your unworthy servants: chosen from all generations, the highest of all creatures of heaven and earth, who appeared, because for Your sake the Lord of hosts was with us, and by You the Son of God was known and We have been made worthy of the communion of His holy Body and His most pure Blood; Blessed are you, too, in the birth of generations, O God-blessed One, the brightest of the Cherubim and the most honest of the Seraphim. And now, all-sung Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil council and every situation and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil; but even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if through Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship in the Trinity to the One God and the Creator of all, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, tone 4

Let us fall to the Mother of God with tenderness, all burdened with sins, kissing Her miraculous icon of Tenderness and crying out with tears: Lady, accept the prayer of Your unworthy servants and grant us, who ask, Your great mercy.

We see that the icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God has not lost its meaning to this day. And, probably, it is unlikely to lose it. What do they pray for before her? Who will help us so much, who will console us so much, if not the Queen of Heaven? With maternal tenderness, until our last day, she will take care of everyone who does not reject her help. Let us pray to her for prudence and high morality. May She not leave us in trials and may we not forget about Her in prosperity.

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SERAPHIM-DIVEEVSKAYA ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “TOUCHING”

In the Orthodox Church, several types of icons of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (in the Greek tradition - “Eleusa”) are accepted for veneration. Eleusa (Greek Ελεούσα - merciful from έλεος - compassion, sympathy) is one of the main types of depiction of the Mother of God in Russian icon painting. On them, the Most Holy Theotokos is usually depicted from the waist up and holding the baby - the Savior - in her arms and bowing with tenderness to her Divine Son.

The Seraphim-Diveyevo icon “Tenderness” is different from the others - the Mother of God is depicted alone on it. An interesting fact is that the iconographic type of this icon is characteristic of Western Christianity rather than the Eastern tradition of writing. According to iconography, it goes back to the one revered in Lithuania and western Russia Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God, from which it differs in the absence of Western attributes - the crescent moon below and the stars around the halo. The Most Holy Theotokos is depicted here at a young age, at that moment in Her life when Archangel Gabriel announced the Good News about the incarnation of the Son of God. The face of the Holy Virgin Mary is thoughtful, her hands are folded crosswise on her chest, her gaze is turned down, her eyes are half-closed, and her whole appearance conveys a state of deep humility and love. Above the head there is an inscription of words from the akathist: “Rejoice, Unbrideless Bride!” This image does not belong to the “Eleusa” type of icon painting, however, it has an identical name.

The Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” belonged to the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov and was his cell icon. The history of writing and the author of this icon are unknown; its origin dates back to the end of the 18th century.

With oil from the lamp that burned in front of this holy icon, the Reverend anointed the sick, who received healing after the anointing.

The ascetic called the icon “Tenderness” - “Joy of All Joys”, and in front of it he died in prayer on January 2, 1833. After the death of St. Seraphim, the Sarov rector, Fr. Nifont gave the holy icon “Joy of All Joys” to the sisters of the Diveyevo Seraphim Monastery. They transferred it to the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Diveyevo monastery, where the icon was located until Soviet period. For this purpose, a special chapel was built, and the icon was placed in a special elegant icon case. Since those times, there has been a tradition: all nuns of the monastery stand behind the icon case of the Mother of God during the service.

In 1902, Saint Emperor Nicholas II presented the monastery with a precious gilded robe for the Tenderness icon and a decorated silver lamp. In the year when Seraphim of Sarov was glorified, several accurate copies were made from the icon of the Mother of God, which were sent to various Russian monasteries.

In 1927 The Diveyevo Monastery, where the original “Joy of All Joys” icon was located, was closed, but the holy image was secretly taken to the Diveyevo Abbess Alexandra in Murom. For decades it was kept by pious people.

In 1991 the miraculous image was handed over to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Alexy II, who placed the icon in the Patriarchal Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God of the working Patriarchal residence in Chisty Lane, where she is currently located.

According to tradition, once a year - on the Feast of the Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary (5th Sunday of Great Lent (Saturday of the Akathist)) - the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church brings the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” to the service in Moscow Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhov to read the Akathist before her. On this day, the miraculous image is brought out for veneration - all Orthodox Christians who wish can venerate it.

The Diveyesky Monastery now houses an exact copy of the miraculous image., which is considered one of the main shrines of the Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery. The nuns and nuns of the convent consider her their Heavenly Mother Superior.

Material prepared by Sergey SHULYAK

for the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Sparrow Hills in Moscow

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” Pskov-Pecherskaya

O Most Holy Lady Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, grant us repentance before the end, have mercy on our prayers and grant joy in sorrow a place. And deliver us, O Lady Lady Theotokos, from every misfortune, adversity, sorrow, illness and all evil, and vouchsafe us, Thy sinful servants, to the right hand at the second coming of Thy Son, Christ our God, and make us heirs vouchsafed the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God Tenderness

By reading the prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Tenderness of Seraphim-Diveyevo, Orthodox Christians pay respect to the Mother of God, the eternal Intercessor of all those who suffer. This miraculous image became famous not only for the miracles that took place near it, but also for the fact that for many years it was the favorite icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov. The elder’s biography says that with consecrated oil from the lamp of Tenderness burning in front of the icon, St. Seraphim prayerfully anointed the sick, after which they received relief from their suffering or complete healing. In this regard, it is customary to read the prayer of Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary for various mental and physical illnesses.

The text of the akathist to the Mother of God Seraphimo-Diveevskaya saves from sorrows

The Orthodox akathist Tenderness was written after the death of St. Seraphim, and describes the degree of the highest veneration shown by the saints to the miraculous image of the Most Pure Virgin. This icon depicts the Mother of God without the Child. Her hands are folded on her chest in humble prayer, her head is covered with a freely hanging omophorion, and her eyes are lowered down.

The origin of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God, whose prayer glorifies not only the Mother of God, but also the great saint of the Russian land, is unknown - it was probably brought to the monastery by the monk himself. Throughout his life, this was his cell icon, and everyone who came to him was sure to be baptized and bow to the Lady before starting a conversation with the priest.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos Tenderness helps women dreaming of a child

However, the image of the tenderness of the Most Holy Theotokos truly became famous after the death of St. Seraphim.

The Orthodox akathist to the Seraphim-Diveyevo Mother of God tells how one morning the great ascetic was found dead on his knees in front of this icon - until his last breath the priest prayed to the Most Pure Virgin, asking Her for forgiveness of sins and salvation for his spiritual children. The Icon of Tenderness is considered feminine - before it they pray both for the preservation of purity and chastity, and for happy marriage, it is also known that prayer in front of the beloved icon of Seraphim of Sarov helps to recover from infertility. You can read the akathist Tenderness at any time, and its celebration takes place on August 10.

Read the text of the Orthodox prayer to the Mother of God before the icon of Seraphim-Diveyevo Tenderness

O Most Holy Virgin Theotokos, Mother of Christ the King and our God, source of tenderness and mercy, giver of soul-saving gifts and gracious consoler of grieving souls! We fall to You with love and before Your holy icon we pray: pray, Lady, Your beloved Son Christ our God to have mercy and save us who are perishing in sins, breathe into our souls sincere repentance and God-pleasing tenderness. With cleansing tears, wash us from the filth of sin and reveal the servants of Christ pure and blameless. Mercifully, O Lady, grant us all that is beneficial to our temporary and eternal life. Peace the world, kindly preserve this holy monastery, send down serenity and abundance of earthly fruits upon us, and at the end of our lives do not deprive us of Your Motherly intercession and help, so that through Your intercession we will safely pass through the ordeals of the air and be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. To her, the all-merciful Queen, all the joys of Joy and the whole Christian world, consolation, help us now and then, when we most especially require Your holy help, and save us with Your Mother’s prayers to Christ God, to Him with the Father and the Holy Spirit belongs all glory, honor and worship now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Christian text of the akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of her icon of Tenderness

Chosen from all generations to the Mother of God and Queen, who tenderly prays for us to the Lord and graciously bestowed upon us the image of His Tenderness, we offer praiseful singing and prayer to Ty, the Mother of God; You, as our all-merciful intercessor and all-good helper, deliver us from all troubles, so we call You:

An earthly angel and a heavenly man, the righteous elder Seraphim, Thy holy icon, Virgin Mother of God, like a precious treasure of wealth in his cell, before her offering earnest prayers to Thee, All-Singing, all the days of his ascetic life, with compassionate “Joy of all joys” calling Thee Calling to you:

Rejoice, thou who hast rejoiced fallen humanity with Thy all-holy Nativity; Rejoice, you who incorruptibly gave birth to the Savior of the world and wonderfully preserved your virginity.

Rejoice, most blessed Mother of God; Rejoice, most glorified Mother of God.

Rejoice, beautiful chamber of God the Word; Rejoice, luminous spoon of the King of kings.

Rejoice, you who brought the fulfillment of prophetic verbs; Rejoice, unshakable foundation of the apostolic preaching.

Rejoice, praise to the saints and magnification of the virgins; Rejoice, exaltation of the human race.

Rejoice, consolation to those who mourn; Rejoice, healing for the sick.

Seeing that Blessed Seraphim was possessed by a green disease, he earnestly prayed to Thee, the Virgin Mother of God, for help and healing, and Thou didst appear to him in the light of heaven from the apostles Peter and John the Theologian and, reciting: “This is of our generation,” healing will soon come to him you gave.

Realizing his healing, which was accomplished by Your grace-filled visit, blessed Seraphim silently preached, O Mother of God, Your great mercy towards him, and Your holy icon, depicted by unearthly hands and marvelously given to him from above, reverently revered and named this grace of yours, which we now worship, We call you:

Rejoice, you who have gladdened the chosen one of God with Your visit; Rejoice, you who quickly granted healing to his illness.

Rejoice, having mercifully named him one of Your kind; Rejoice, you who enlightened him with divine revelations.

Rejoice, the saint who appeared to him many times during his life; Rejoice, having invisibly strengthened him for the feats of fasting and prayer.

Rejoice, sweet companion to his companion in desert life and seclusion; Rejoice, sovereign protector from enemies visible and invisible.

Rejoice, you who show from Your icon to us sinners many mercy and generosity; Rejoice, and do not deprive us unworthy of Your gracious deeds.

Rejoice, for you heal our ailments free of charge; Rejoice, for you joyfully satisfy our sorrows.

Rejoice, Lady, Joy of all joys, Tenderness and salvation of our souls.

The power of God acted through Your holy icon, called Tenderness, Most Pure Mother of God, when this in the cell of the Venerable Seraphim flowed healing to the faithful, who came from everywhere to the righteous man of God and according to their faith, through his holy prayers, I received from You many gifts of grace, singing gratefully to God: Alleluia.

Having faith and love for You, Mother of God, the Venerable Seraphim, according to God, placed all his hope in You, and reverently venerated Your holy icon, lighting candles and oil before it and warmly praying to You, that You would be his helper for salvation. For this we pray to Thee, Offering, and sing with zeal:

Rejoice, universal light, who enlightened pagan darkness with the light of Christ; Rejoice, ever-golden one, in whom the heavenly Bread has been prepared, from which those who eat will not die.

Rejoice, star of the Sun of righteousness; Rejoice, dawn of immortal immortal Life.

Rejoice, renewal of fallen human nature; Rejoice, destruction of ancient enmity.

Rejoice, joy, contemplation of the saints; Rejoice, sweetness, who has sweetened spiritual sweetness.

Rejoice, cloud that sheds saving dew; Rejoice, Alavaster, full of divine peace.

Rejoice, softening of hardened hearts; Rejoice, return of faith and piety.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

To avoid the storms of sin and to come to the quiet haven of repentance, help us, O Most Pure Virgin, Who gave birth to the Redeemer and Savior of our souls and has Motherly boldness towards Him, stretch out Your God-bearing hands to Him and implore His goodness to have mercy on us all and save us, and let us sing to Him about You with gratitude. hymn of praise: Alleluia.

Hearing about Your many miracles, O Virgin Mother of God, revealed to the faithful from Your holy icon, we, sinners, rejoice, for You have granted us such a gracious guarantee of Your favor to us, O All-Good One, and from joyful and grateful lips we will offer the Typical singing:

Rejoice, the abode of virgins in the Maternity, mercifully receiving Your protection; Rejoice, you who have expanded a small and poor monastery and spiritually enriched it.

Rejoice, Thy promise spoken to St. Seraphim about her, faithfully fulfilled; Rejoice, who deigned to dwell in her with Your icon.

Rejoice, our most holy hope; Rejoice, our blessed Mother.

Rejoice, good nurse of young virgins; Rejoice, gracious guardian of widows and orphans.

Rejoice, our intercession from invisible enemies; Rejoice, our helper in unexpected troubles.

Rejoice, wall that protects us from the sinful temptations of the world; Rejoice, cover that is not hidden from our influx.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

The God-bearing star, Thy holy icon, Virgin Mary, invisibly emits the rays of God’s grace and illuminates the souls of the faithful; We too, with faith and reverence, kiss, consolation in sorrows, free healing in illnesses from You, Lady, accept and, glorifying Your many-sung and most blessed name, joyfully sing to God: Alleluia.

Seeing the righteous elder Seraphim on the glorious day of Your Annunciation, the Mother of God, You who came to him in his humble cell with the angels, the Forerunner, the Theologian and the face of the holy virgins, he was filled with worldly joy, and his face shone with the senile beauty of heaven, but You, with Your divine glory, illuminating, you mercifully spoke with him, as with a close friend, with good promises gladdening his soul and with these motivating us to cry out to You:

Rejoice, joyful Ever-Virgin; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

Rejoice, Queen of those above and below; Rejoice, leader of the virgin ceremonies.

Rejoice, you who visit earth-born from the heavenly heights; Rejoice, who reveals Your most pure face as the chosen one of God.

Rejoice, you who had the faces of the saints traveling with You; Rejoice, you who brought with You the congregation of holy virgins.

Rejoice, who showed Your glory to the humble and trembling virgin of Your appearance; Rejoice, you who honored her with divine conversations.

Rejoice, you who blessed the Venerable Seraphim with Your visit; Rejoice, for with him you have made us all spiritually happy.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

Your visit, O Mother of God, is preached and praised everywhere by the faithful, which You vouchsafed to the Venerable Seraphim on the day of Your glorious Annunciation; This visitation of Yours is all-good, and today we reverently remember, we offer songs of gratitude to You, Most Pure One, and we exclaim in praise to Your Son and God: Alleluia.

The radiance of heavenly glory arose in the humble cell of the righteous elder, when you came from the heights, O Mother of God, with the face of the saints, to visit him, which the virgin, the sojourner of the divine vision, could not bear to see, fell prostrate to the ground, but you mercifully raised it, O Lady, and the most merciful You prophesied your verbs to her. Marveling at such Thy condescension, we cry out to You with love and reverence:

Rejoice, all-good Virgin, who praised the virginity of the earthly virgin; Rejoice, you who promised the crown of the Kingdom of Heaven to her and the virgins for their fidelity to the Bridegroom Christ.

Rejoice, angels honored and sung by the Cherubim; Rejoice, Archangels, surrounded and glorified by the Seraphim.

Rejoice, Forerunner, the Theologian and the face of the holy virgins with You in the appearance, who miraculously showed him; Rejoice, having made this appearance of Yours a good promise to the chosen one of God.

Rejoice, having witnessed the truth of Your appearance by the fulfillment of Your promises; Rejoice, our praise and affirmation.

Rejoice, merciful care and charity to the monastic monasteries; Rejoice, divine grace to the Church of Christ.

Rejoice, secret consolation for fasters and monks; Rejoice, shameless hope of the Christian race.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

Those who want us, Lady, to kiss your holy, all-honorable, miraculous icon, do not forbid us for this sins for our sake, but, like the many-compassionate Mother of the merciful God, do not disdain our unclean lips, but receive us graciously, falling to You with love, generously giving us gifts of grace from Your many-wonderful image, let us call with tenderness to the Triune God: Alleluia.

Thou didst delight in a wondrous and holy death, O Lady, Thy chosen one, blessed Seraphim; for he, kneeling in prayer before Thy holy icon, gave up his righteous soul in the hand of God and departed from the earth to the heavenly places to contemplate Thy heavenly glory and to behold Thee, the Queen of angels, Whom we on earth silently please and sing to Thee joyfully:

Rejoice, first adornment of the heavenly world; Rejoice, all-strong protection of the world.

Rejoice, thou who from Thy heavenly all-bright dwelling approaches the earthly ones; Rejoice, you who descend from the abodes above into our much-sorrowful and many-sinful vale.

Rejoice, wiping away tears from the eyes of those who cry and are sad; Rejoice, you who pour joy and consolation into distressed hearts.

Rejoice, unstolen wealth for widows of the poor; Rejoice, care and protection for motherless orphans.

Rejoice, full helper of monks; Rejoice, all-holy nun, intercessor.

Rejoice, Christian chastity is the beginning and foundation; Rejoice, wonderful beauty of virginity.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

It is strange to see a holy icon of the Virgin Mary, written on a plate with unearthly hands, for it is filled with the power of God’s grace and performs wondrous miracles with Your favor, O All-Good One; Having acquired this for consolation and healing, we gratefully glorify You, Most Pure Lady, and sing to the Word of God born of You the angelic song: Alleluia.

You grant us all that is good and useful, O Mother of God, from your all-honorable and many-wonderful image, you touch our souls and heal our illnesses, as truly the many-hearted Mother of your children in Christ God, and therefore, out of duty, you are blessed by such blessings from us:

Rejoice, glorified and exalted from the east and west; Rejoice, sung and blessed from all Christian generations.

Rejoice, unenvious giver of soulful gifts; Rejoice, blessed healer of mental and physical ailments.

Rejoice, hopeless hope; Rejoice, consolation to the sorrowful.

Rejoice, refuge for the persecuted; Rejoice, strong intercession of the faithful.

Rejoice, conversion of the unfaithful; Rejoice, surprising everyone with Your miracles.

Rejoice, you who visit the faithful and the unfaithful; Rejoice, you who sincerely desire the salvation of everyone.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

All the generations of Christianity call Thee, Lady, a great helper: just as You promised, at Your all-honorable Dormition, not to leave us orphaned and helpless, so even to this day You have fulfilled this all-good promise in the Church of Christ on earth, Virgin Mother of God, sapping and saving people who truly glorify You and Orthodox singing: Alleluia.

Human spirit is exhausted from uttering the abundance of Thy bounty and mercies, Mother of God, but to glorify Thee according to the merits of the bodiless minds themselves amaze, otherwise, Good Being, do not disdain our insufficient praises, in the image, love for You, we strive to sing to You:

Rejoice, full moon, enlightening the night of our sins; Rejoice, dispelling the darkness of our passions with Your gentle radiance.

Rejoice, guide of the lost; Rejoice, understander of them.

Rejoice, teacher of chastity to young people; Rejoice, protection and protection of virginity.

Rejoice, you who have arranged the monastery of virgins wonderfully; Rejoice, having shown her favor in Your all-honorable image.

Rejoice, you who bestow a good end on those who trust in You; Rejoice, you who love and honor You, who do not put You to shame.

Rejoice, one who is good and blessed among women; Rejoice, one pure and immaculate Ever-Virgin.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

Who gave flesh to the Savior God, true and Most Pure Mother of God, cleanse us, defiled by many sins, with the hyssop of the prayers of Your saints, establish us in purity and chastity and grant us the grace and righteousness to carry on this earthly life, so that, having pleased Christ God, we will inherit His Kingdom of Heaven and with Let us sing to Him the song of victory with the saints: Alleluia.

Thou art a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mother of God, and to all Christian souls who are ignorant of Christ our God, even in the troubles of the passions they always find Thy strong help. We pray to Thee, O All-Blessed One, do not allow us sinners to perish in the power of passions, but extend to us Thy sovereign right hand and raise us up to repentance and a chaste life, so we call with gratitude:

Rejoice, quiet haven for swimmers of the sea of ​​life; Rejoice, kindly refuge of those weary of the storm of passions.

Rejoice, helper of repentance for sinners; Rejoice, reconciliation of those who repent with God.

Rejoice, supplication of the Righteous Judge; Rejoice, all-desirable and all-sweet consolation to the saints.

Rejoice, wonder of the angelic armies on high; Rejoice, unceasing magnification of the martyr's light regiments.

Rejoice, omnipresent joy of righteous women; Rejoice, crowned virgins of saints.

Rejoice, much-sung glory of the venerables; Rejoice, known hope of the faithful.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

Singing of praise is brought to Thee, the Mother of God, by the virgin faces, overshadowed by Thy holy and many-wonderful icon, as if by invisible hands, wonderfully brought to them at the table according to the promise and prayers of the venerable elder Seraphim, who died before this icon of Thy, Most Pure One, and who entrusted this monastery to Thy sovereign intercession, Rejoicing about him, they sing to God: Alleluia.

With the bright rays of Your miracles, O Lady of God, you illuminate our dark souls in the midst of the superstition and unbelief of our days and bring us all to confess Your omnipotence and power, for we see Your icon, O All-Good One, exuding to us Your mercy and generosity, and, falling to it, to Your face we cry out:

Rejoice, confirmation of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, spreading the faith of Christ.

Rejoice, disgrace of heresies and schisms; Rejoice, eradication of unbelief.

Rejoice, consoling the faithful with Your miracles; Rejoice, by Your mercy you do not forsake sinners.

Rejoice, you who help those who trust in You at the hour of death; Rejoice to those who love You, repaying holy love.

Rejoice, hastening help in sorrows and troubles; Rejoice, healer of incurable diseases.

Rejoice, quick to listen to humble prayers; Rejoice, good petition preceding fulfillment.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

Grace of God, Thy spiritual treasure, O Virgin Mother of God, grace the monastery of virgins, gathered and nourished with goodness by Thy chosen one, the Venerable Seraphim; This icon of Thy, as a guarantee of Thy favor, having wondrously acquired, we glorify and magnify Thee, the all-merciful Lady, and we slavishly cry out to the Creator of all: Alleluia.

Singing Thy innumerable mercy and Thy many miracles, O all-sung Virgin, we rejoice as sinners, seeing on the icon Thy holy face, filled with tenderness, which pours tenderness into our souls and draws us to fervent prayers, so we cry out to You:

Rejoice, unornamented Nivo, who grew the saving class into man; Rejoice, heavenly ladder, from which God descended.

Rejoice, insect-free mountain, imbued with the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, tabernacle, village of the Most High.

Rejoice, great holy of holies; Rejoice, even more mysterious, who unfathomably received the Coal of the Divine.

Rejoice, our cold hearts inflaming with love for the Lord; Rejoice, you who cleanse the impurity of our souls.

Rejoice, invisibly strengthening us for spiritual exploits; Rejoice, you who drive away laziness and despondency from us.

Rejoice, you who help us to fulfill the commands of Christ; Rejoice, you who eradicate harmful habits in us.

Rejoice, Lady, joy of all joys, tenderness and salvation of our souls.

O all-sung Mother! O all-merciful Queen, all-merciful Mother of God, beseech Thy Son, Christ our God, to deliver us from the fire of hell and to make those who are saved part worthy, so that together with the elect we may sing to Him forever: Alleluia.

/This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and 1st kontakion /

Troparion of the Mother of God before the Icon of Seraphim-Diveyevo Tenderness

Let us all fall, burdened with sins, to the Mother of God with tenderness, kissing Her miraculous icon of Tenderness and crying out with tears: Lady, accept the prayer of Thy unworthy servants and grant to us who ask for Thy great mercy.

Even though I imitate the barren fig tree, I, the accursed one, do not bring tenderness to the fruit and am afraid of being flogged, but, looking at the miraculous icon of Your Tenderness, Lady, I groan from my heart and cry out: You are touched, O Blessed One, and to me, who am petrified at heart, deign to give gifts of soul and heart tenderness.

Greatness to the Icon of Seraphim-Diveevskaya Tenderness

We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your holy image, through which you bring healing to all who come with faith.

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Icon of Tenderness meaning, what it helps with

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On this shrine, the Most Holy Theotokos is depicted at her happiest moment, even before the birth of her child, Jesus, but after the Annunciation. Against the background of the divine image, the Protectress stands out with her enthusiastic facial features and bright image. The Virgin Mary is depicted with her arms crossed in a prayer gesture, her head slightly bowed and her eyes slightly lowered, which in turn is the personification of kindness, chastity and restraint. The Mother of God is sealed precisely when the angel Gabriel talks about what she is about to give birth to the Son of God.

Initially, the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness was made on canvas, which was attached to a cypress board. The image of the Saint was presented to St. Seraphim of Sarov by Nicholas II. Who was able to see not only the purity of hearts, but also the soul of every person, and therefore he could ask for healing for Orthodox people.

The oil from the lamp burning near the shrine had healing properties, thanks to which, by anointing the sick, Saint Seraphim could heal from various ailments. The Reverend himself died right in front of the miraculous image while kneeling.

Then, in 1991, the face was transferred to Patriarch Alexei II in Moscow to be placed in the patriarchal church, but for veneration the shrine is annually transferred to the Epiphany Cathedral. Gradually, many copies began to be made from the divine image, and some of them had no less healing properties than the original.

In this article you will learn the meaning of the Tenderness icon, how the miraculous image helps, the prayer to the Mother of God, in which temples and churches the shrine can be located and much more.

When is a celebration held in honor of the Holy Image?

The Diveyevo Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness is revered in many churches and temples, and celebrations are held in her honor:

• December 22/9 (old style) - the day of the Venerable Seraphim of the Maiden Mill Community;
• August 1/July 19 (old style);
• August 10/July 28 (old style).

How does the icon of the Tenderness of the Virgin Mary help and its meaning?

The miraculous face can essentially be considered female, which is why it is mainly aimed at protecting and helping the beautiful female half of humanity. The meaning of the Tenderness icon is very important for many, and therefore, by turning to the Holy Face, young girls can thus preserve their good character, purity, and chastity.

It is also believed that if you ask the Mother of God for support, she will definitely help, the main thing is to believe, and the stronger she is, the sooner you will get what you want.

What do people pray for to the Icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness?

• The miraculous image of the Most Pure One first of all helps to free oneself from various ailments;
• The shrine will also relieve you from mental burdens, and will also help you overcome adolescence;
• A prayer service to the Divine image can help in conceiving a child, and can also facilitate the birth process;
• It can also be noted that what the Tenderness icon helps with is the tenderness of evil hearts, getting rid of immoral thoughts and giving harmony;
• The image will help girls find a worthy person and bring happiness to life.

The meaning of the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness is very important for many Orthodox Christians, because the image itself is distinguished by amazing touchingness, tenderness and the ability to protect from the most painful despondencies. It flows in the heart when severe trials befall a person and protects against significant shocks, and until a depressed state of mind sets in, from a series of monotonous, gray everyday life.

Where is the icon of the Tenderness of the Blessed Virgin Mary located?

The shrine of the Mother of God can be found in Golitsyno in the Cathedral of Seraphim of Sarov. In the last century, somewhere in the 60s, from the Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery, one of the nuns handed over the miraculous copy of the cell image of the Most Holy Theotokos Seraphim of Sarov for safekeeping to the icon painter Alexei Artsybushev.

This miraculous icon of Tenderness, which was painted in the 19th century, was in the artist’s house for over 40 years, but after that he donated the shrine to the Cathedral of St. Seraphim of Sarov (Golitsyno) that was under construction.

One of the most revered copies of the divine image is in the Trinity Cathedral of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Church, in whose honor the border was even consecrated. The face was painted somewhere in the late 19th - early 20th centuries by the nuns of the monastery. Although the image exists relatively recently, during this time it has become widely known due to its miraculous properties.

In honor of this face, special days of veneration were even determined, which fell on December 9 and July 28, and before the start of the service, every week on Sunday the Paraklis church chant is held in front of the divine image.

The most revered shrine among the Orthodox people is located in the capital in the Patriarchal Epiphany Cathedral.

Miracles performed by the image of the Virgin Mary

• According to the chronicle, in 1337 a frightening pestilence reigned in Novgorod, which took more and more human lives every day, and there was no salvation from the deadly disease. And then, despairing, he all gathered Orthodox people and walked to the Trinity Cathedral, where he tearfully began to appeal to the image of the Most Holy Theotokos, reading a prayer for salvation from the cruel embrace of the epidemic. After which the attack soon receded, and in memory of this divine help, people began to make an annual crusade to the Trinity Monastery from St. Sophia Cathedral.
• There were also cases when the image could stream myrrh, one of which occurred on July 8, 1337, but not only did tears flow from the face, but the entire image hovered in the air, held by some unknown force. After which the clergy were convened, and a religious procession was made to the Trinity Cathedral for the service;
• In the settlement of Lokot (Bryansk region) there is a unique divine shrine of the Seraphim-Diveyevo Heavenly Queen in the family of Natalia and Viktor Remezov. One day a sufferer came to their house with cancer, and in the near future she had to undergo a complex operation. The woman earnestly and with all her heart prayed to the Mother of God for a successful outcome of her illness, and then she went to the hospital to prepare for the operation. However, after the ultrasound examination, the doctors were seriously surprised, because the ultrasound showed that there were no more cancer cells, and the patient turned out to be completely healthy.

Prayer to the icon of the Mother of God Tenderness

“Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, give us first and give us a place of joy in sorrow. And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all evil, and grant us, your sinful servants, to be at the right hand at the second coming of Your Son, Christ our God, and to be our heirs, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for endless ages. Amen".

“Receive, O all-powerful, Most Pure Lady, Lady Theotokos, this honorable gift, the only one applied to You, from us, Your unworthy servants: chosen from all generations, the highest of all creatures of heaven and earth, who appeared, because for Your sake the Lord Almighty was with us, and By You we have known the Son of God and become worthy of His holy Body and His most pure Blood; Blessed are you, too, in the birth of generations, O God-blessed One, the brightest of the cherubim and the most honest of the seraphim. And now, all-sung Most Holy Theotokos, do not cease praying for us, Thy unworthy servants, that we may be delivered from every evil council and every situation and that we may be preserved unharmed from every poisonous pretext of the devil; but even to the end, through Your prayers, keep us uncondemned, as if through Your intercession and help we are saved, we send glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for everything in the Trinity to the one God and the Creator of all, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen".

God bless you!

You will also be interested in watching a video about the miraculous icon of the Tenderness of the Mother of God:

Icon “Tenderness” – meaning, what does it help with?

On the icon “Tenderness” the Mother of God is depicted in a happy moment before the birth of the baby, but after the Annunciation. She stands out with her bright face and enthusiastic expression. Mary has half-lowered eyes, prayerfully crossed hands and a slightly bowed head, all this symbolizes meekness, humility and chastity. The Virgin Mary is depicted at the moment when the angel Gabriel informs her that she is destined to give birth to the Son of God. Icon Day is celebrated on August 1 and 10.

Initially, the face was depicted on canvas, which was attached to a cypress board. Nicholas II presented it to St. Seraphim of Sarov. He had the ability to see the hearts and souls of people, which is why he prayed for their healing. The oil from the lamp that burned near the image had healing properties. The monk anointed the sick with it, which contributed to their recovery. Seraphim called this icon “The Joy of All Joys.” The monk died kneeling right in front of the icon. In 1991, the image was transferred to Moscow Patriarch Alexy II, who placed it in the patriarchal church. Every year the icon is transferred to the Epiphany Cathedral, where worship takes place. Over time, a huge number of copies were made and some of them also have miraculous powers.

What does the “Tenderness” icon help with and its meaning

In general, the image is considered feminine, so its power is aimed at protecting the fair sex. Thanks to the use of the icon, a girl can maintain purity, good character and chastity. It is believed that the image helps everyone and, most importantly, faith, and the stronger it is, the faster the desired will come true.

What do they pray for to the “Tenderness” icon:

1. Prayer to this icon helps to get through puberty easier, promotes conception and easy childbirth.
2. The image helps to get rid of various diseases.
3. Mothers turn to the Mother of God with a request for a happy life for their daughters, so that they find a worthy life partner and are happy.
4. If you turn to the image, you can get rid of bad thoughts, emotional experiences and achieve harmony.

Today, many girls prefer to embroider the “Tenderness” icon. During the process itself, it is recommended to pray and turn to the Mother of God. You need to work with a feeling of repentance in a good mood and without bad thoughts. Many women who could not get pregnant found out immediately after finishing work that they were pregnant. Embroidered paintings play the role of an ordinary icon that you can pray to.

The prayer to the Tenderness icon sounds like this:

“Oh, Most Holy Lady Lady, Virgin Mary! Accept our unworthy prayers, save us from the slander of evil people and from vain death, give us first and give us a place of joy in sorrow. And deliver us, O Lady and Lady Theotokos, from all evil, and grant us, your sinful servants, to be at the right hand at the second coming of Your Son, Christ our God, and to be our heirs, to be made worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life with all the saints for endless ages. Amen".

Other icons of the Mother of God “Tenderness” and their meaning

One of the famous icons of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is Pskov-Pecherskaya. It is a list of the “Vladimir Mother of God”. It was written in 1521 by the monk Arseny Khitrosh. This icon belongs to the “Eleus” type. It depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her arms. The baby presses its cheek to its mother, which symbolizes the enormous power of children’s love for their parents.

The image became famous throughout the world thanks to its miraculous power. She defended Christians in the most difficult periods of life. In 1581, the Polish king decided to conquer Pskov and began dropping red-hot cannonballs on the city. One shell hit the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” directly, but it was not damaged in any way. It is believed that it was the face of the Mother of God that helped withstand the pressure of the Polish army. According to existing legends, the image of the Mother of God helped take Polotsk from the French. There are also many stories where a miraculous icon helped people cope with various ailments.

Of great importance Novgorod icon"Tenderness." Residents of Novgorod have been worshiping this image for more than 700 years. It protects the city from various misfortunes, for example, fires, wars, etc. The celebration of this icon takes place on July 8th.

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“Tenderness” is an icon of the Mother of God. Prayer, meaning

IN Orthodox Church Several types of icons of the Mother of God are accepted for veneration, one of them is “Tenderness”. On the icons of “Tenderness” (in the Greek tradition - “Eleusa”) the Most Holy Theotokos is usually depicted from the waist up. She holds the baby - the Savior - in her arms and bows with tenderness to her Divine Son.

The Seraphim-Diveyevo icon “Tenderness” is different from the others; the Mother of God is depicted alone on it. Her hands are folded crosswise on her chest, and her whole appearance conveys a state of deep humility and love. This image does not belong to the “Eleus” type of icon painting, however, it has an identical name.

“Tenderness” – icon of the Mother of God of Pskov-Pecherskaya

The Pskov-Pechersk Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” (photo below) is a copy of the “Vladimir Mother of God”. It was written by the monk Arseny Khitrosh in 1521. IN Pskov-Pechersky Monastery The icon was brought by pious merchants in the years 1529-1570, when the Monk Cornelius was the abbot of the monastery. This holy icon became famous throughout the world for its miraculous help, supporting and protecting Orthodox Christians in difficult moments of life.

“Tenderness” - the icon of the Mother of God of Pskov-Pechersk - belongs to the “Eleus” icon painting type, which is the most common in Russian icon painting. Here the Virgin Mary is depicted holding her Son Jesus Christ in her arms. The baby presses his cheek to the Mother of God, showing the highest degree of filial love.

This type includes such icons of the Mother of God as Donskaya, Vladimirskaya, Yaroslavlskaya, Feodorovskaya, Zhirovitskaya, Grebnevskaya, Pochaevskaya, Seek the Dead, Akhrenskaya, Degtyarevskaya, etc. One of the images of this type is the Pechersk icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”.

The history of the glorification of the miraculous icon

In 1581, the Polish ruler King Stefan Batory attempted to besiege Pskov. From the bell tower of the Mirozhsky Monastery, soldiers of the opposing side dropped red-hot cannonballs, one of which hit the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness,” hanging on the top of the city wall. But the image was miraculously preserved, and the core fell near it without causing any damage. Having lost in this war, the Lithuanian principality was forced to once again conclude a truce with Russia.

Thanks to the help of the Mother of God, the city of Polotsk was taken from the French. The event took place on October 7, 1812 during the Patriotic War during the invasion of Napoleon Bonaparte's troops. The commander of the I Corps attributes his victory precisely to the help of the Mother of God and her holy image “Tenderness”. The icon of the Mother of God with its miraculous power helped to win another victory.

There are numerous known cases of this icon helping in the miraculous healing of blind people. The widow, who prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary, received recovery after fervent prayer in front of the Tenderness icon. The icon of the Mother of God became famous by a great miracle. The woman was blind for almost three years, and after fervent prayer before the miraculous image she regained her sight. A peasant who had not seen for six years was also healed of blindness. In addition, various cases of recovery from serious illnesses were noted, which occurred with the help of the Mother of God after prayer in front of this holy image.

“Tenderness” – Seraphim-Diveyevo Icon

The Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is considered one of the main shrines of the Seraphim-Diveevo Monastery. The nuns and nuns of the convent consider her their Heavenly Mother Superior. This icon was in the cell of Seraphim of Sarov. He revered this icon very deeply, calling it “The Joy of All Joys.” Standing in prayer before the image of the Mother of God, the monk peacefully departed to the Lord. Even during the life of the saint, a lamp burned in front of the icon, with the oil from which he anointed all people who came to him, healing them from mental and physical ailments.

An interesting fact is that the iconographic type of this icon is characteristic of Western Christianity rather than the Eastern tradition of writing. The Most Holy Theotokos is depicted here at a young age, at that moment in Her life when Archangel Gabriel announced the Good News about the incarnation of the Son of God. The face of the Holy Virgin Mary is thoughtful, her hands are folded crosswise on her chest, her gaze is turned down. Above the head there is an inscription of words from the akathist: “Rejoice, Unbrideless Bride!”

History of the icon

The history of writing and the author of this icon are unknown; its origin dates back to the end of the 18th century. After the death of Seraphim of Sarov, the image was transferred to the Holy Trinity Cathedral of the Diveyevo monastery. For this purpose, a special chapel was built, and the icon was placed in a special elegant icon case. Since those times, there has been a tradition: all nuns of the monastery stand behind the icon case of the Mother of God during the service.

In 1902, Saint Emperor Nicholas II presented the monastery with a precious gilded robe for the Tenderness icon and a decorated silver lamp. In the year when Seraphim of Sarov was glorified, several accurate copies were made from the icon of the Mother of God, which were sent to various Russian monasteries.

In the post-revolutionary period, when the Diveyevo monastery was closed, the icon of the Mother of God was taken to Murom by the Diveyevo Abbess Alexandra. In 1991, the miraculous image was handed over to Alexy II, the Patriarch of Moscow, who placed the icon in the patriarchal church, where it is currently located. Once a year, the miraculous image is taken to the Epiphany Cathedral for veneration. All Orthodox Christians who wish can venerate it. The Diveyesky Monastery now houses an exact copy of the miraculous image.

Novgorod Icon “Tenderness”

Residents of Novgorod have been venerating another icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” for almost 700 years. She is known for numerous miracles that occurred from prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness”

On the Smolensk Mother of God icon “Tenderness” the Holy Virgin is depicted with her hands folded crosswise on her chest. She admires her Divine Son playing in the folds of Her robe. The face of the Blessed Virgin is filled with deep love and simultaneous sadness for Her Son.

The image has been known to the world since 1103. And he became famous thanks to the miraculous intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, who protected Smolensk from the attack of Polish soldiers at the beginning of the 17th century.

Miraculous Icon of the “Tenderness” of the Mother of God, meaning for believers

When praying to the Most Holy Theotokos “Tenderness,” many Christians ask for the strengthening of faith, for the reconciliation of warring parties, for deliverance from the invasion of enemies and the preservation Russian state. But most often young girls and women come to her, pouring out numerous requests for a successful marriage, healing from infertility and the birth of healthy children. Any “Tenderness” icon depicts the state of the holy soul of the Mother of God: her endless love for people, great purity and holiness.

Many Christian women, after performing a sincere prayer in front of the holy image, note deep peace, faith and hope in miraculous power Holy Virgin. The icon of the “Tenderness” of the Mother of God helps in this. The meaning of this holy image lies in the help of the Mother of God to all people who ask her.

Many Orthodox Christian women embroider icons of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Recently, beads have become more often used for this purpose. There is a pious tradition to dedicate this work to the Blessed Virgin. While embroidering, believing women pray and work with a feeling of repentance. In their request to give birth to healthy children, some mothers take on the labor of embroidering icons. When the beaded icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” is ready, it is enclosed in a glass frame and consecrated in an Orthodox church. After this, they pray in front of the image in the hope of receiving what they ask for.

Hymnography

Many prayers dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos are known. In front of the Tenderness icon, believers read an akathist. The prayer to the icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” contains a deep meaning: Orthodox Christians praise the Blessed Virgin, calling Her the Intercessor and Defender of our Country, the Beauty and Glory of the monastery, and also ask to save people from evil, save Russian cities and protect the Orthodox people from the invasion of enemies, earthquakes, flood, from evil people and other misfortunes. It is customary to say this prayer when turning to the Blessed Virgin Mary for help, in the hope of Her heavenly help and support.

The Akathist to the Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” contains predominantly laudatory texts. It contains 13 ikos and kontakia, which highlight some of the historical events associated with the appearance and glorification of the holy icon. The akathist also sets out various requests to the Most Holy Theotokos for help, protection and prayer for the sinful human race. At the end, a final kneeling prayer is always read, filled with requests to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the salvation and protection of all people.

Conclusion

There are several various types Orthodox icons of the Mother of God, called “Tenderness”: there are miraculous, locally revered and revered images.

Despite the fact that all these images are different, they have one thing in common - they always convey the boundless love of the Most Holy Theotokos for Orthodox Christians and all people.

The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” in Moscow is located at the Center for Social Forensic Psychiatry named after. V. P. Serbsky. This is a brownie active temple, located at the address: Khamovniki, Kropotkinsky Lane, 23. Believers who want to pray and find peace of mind are always welcome here.

Icon of the Mother of God “Tenderness” Pskov-Pecherskaya