Our sins and iniquities grew... The saints hid miraculous icons Queen of Heaven, and until there is a sign from the holy miraculous icon Mother of God, I don’t believe that we are forgiven. But I believe that there will be such a time and we will live to see it.
Hieromartyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov)

There are not many churches in Moscow whose fate one can only envy. They were spared fires, they were not captured by renovationists, they were not closed, they were not rebuilt beyond recognition and they were not demolished. Like lonely candles, they stood in the midst of rampant atheism, gathering wonderful priests and wonderful laity within their walls, helping them survive and maintain their faith...

One of these temples is the church in the name of the prophet Elijah Obydensky in a quiet Moscow lane, Vtoroy Obydensky, not far from the revived Cathedral of Christ the Savior. All around are the lovely noble mansions of old Moscow, which have absorbed the comfort of the former patriarchal life of the city, when all the parishioners knew each other, visited each other, and socialized at a hospitable table. But the center of spiritual life was the temple.

The exact date of completion of the current building is known. stone temple- June 14, 1702. Previously, in its place stood a wooden one, erected in one day. Hence the name "Ordinary". Such temples were erected in Rus', either asking the Lord for something very important, or as a vow, in gratitude. The location was well chosen. The Kremlin is nearby, and the timber needed for construction was brought along the river. Neither the date nor the circumstances of this are known; but by 1589 the wooden Elias Church already existed. Even then, she was loved by both kings and patriarchs, and ordinary Muscovites: “On the 11th day of June, the sovereign [Alexey Mikhailovich] went behind the crosses [in the procession] to the prophet Ilya to the Ordinary, which is behind the Chertol Gate, and in 7191 on May 14 day..." Processions of the cross to Ilya the Obydenny were held not only on holidays; they often prayed for rain or a bucket.

In 1612, the zemstvo militia of Prince Pozharsky stood near this temple. And by the very beginning of the 18th century, the current stone building appeared. On the northern outer wall there is an inscription: “In the summer of the incarnation of God the Word of 1702, indictment 1, June 14 in memory of St. Prophet Elisha, this temple of the holy and glorious prophet Elijah the Ordinary was created under the power of ... Tsar Peter Alekseevich with the blessing of the Holy Governing Synod, member of the Most Reverend Stephen, Metropolitan of Ryazan and Murom, Duma clerk Gabriel Fedorovich, his brother commissar Vasily Fedorovich Derevnin"; Inside, on the wall of the refectory there are two tombstones with the names of the brothers.

The old Moscow intelligentsia, the descendants of ancient noble families, those who survived and survived without betraying either their faith or their Fatherland, have been flocking here to “Ilya the Ordinary” for decades.

And the most remarkable thing is that “Ilya the Ordinary” became a refuge for many icons from closed and destroyed Moscow churches.

This is how the miraculous “Unexpected Joy” came here. Its origin is not known for certain. Most likely, this particular icon was in the Church of Constantine and Helena in the Taininsky Garden of the Kremlin, destroyed in 1928. From there, along with many other shrines of the Mother See, in a roundabout way it came to the Church of the Resurrection in Sokolniki, then one of the centers of the Renovationist heresy. When the godless government stopped supporting the renovationists, their movement disintegrated and the icons from Sokolniki began to return to the surviving Orthodox churches in Moscow.

The then rector of “Ilya the Ordinary,” Father Alexander Tolgsky, asked Patriarch Sergius for a blessing, and in 1944 the icon was solemnly moved to its current location. This happened on Friday, and since then the solemn cathedral akathist “Unexpected Joy” has been served here on Fridays.

Hundreds of people prayed to this miraculous image, turning to the Most Pure One with faith and in the hope of receiving the unexpected joy of forgiveness and gracious consolation, help in their affairs and especially praying for their children.

The first known mentions of the icon itself date back to the 1830s, but the event that gave rise to its writing occurred at least a century earlier and is described in the book “The Irrigated Fleece,” compiled by St. Demetrius of Rostov. A certain dashing man led a sinful life, but was nevertheless reverently attached to the Most Pure One, daily praying unforgivingly to Her icon. One day, getting ready to “go out for a sinful deed,” he prayed and suddenly saw how the Baby’s ulcers on his arms, legs and sides began to bleed, and the voice of the Most Pure One said: “You and other sinners are again crucifying My Son with your sins, like the Jews. You call Me Merciful, but why do you insult Me with your lawless deeds?” The shocked sinner begged the Most Pure One for intercession, kissed the Savior’s sores as a sign of forgiveness, and from that time returned to an honest and pious life.

According to this legend, on the icon “Unexpected Joy” it is written “a certain lawless man”, praying on his knees before the image of “Hodegetria”, under which the first words of the story itself or a special prayer are usually inscribed.

On the miraculous robe from the temple in the name of Elijah the Ordinary there is an inscription: “With the blessing His Holiness Patriarch Moscow and all Rus' Alexy on the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”, the chasuble was restored in the summer of 1959 under the rector of the Church of the Holy Prophet of God Elijah the Ordinary, Archpriest A.V. Tolgsky.”

The deceased especially loved this icon and therefore considered himself a parishioner of the Church of Elijah the Ordinary, often coming here for evening services. They say that one day he saw this image in a subtle dream, and when he found himself for the first time in the temple of Elijah the Prophet, he immediately recognized exactly this list of “Unexpected Joy.”

Let's talk here about other shrines of this temple. A beautiful image of the Kazan Mother of God written by Simon Ushakov. The icon of the Assumption, which came here from the closed Church of the Assumption on Mogiltsy. When the nearby Conception Convent was closed in 1924, its last abbess brought here the icons of the “Three-Handed Lady” and the Mother of God “Merciful” (exactly seventy years later this monastery was restored, and its icons were returned to their original place, in the monastery). Icon of the Sovereign Mother of God, painted by the artist Nikolai Chernyshev, who was arrested and died for his faith in December 1924.

Hieromartyr Metropolitan Seraphim (Chichagov), one of the first hagiographers St. Seraphim Sarovsky, at one time images of the Savior and the venerable were painted, and the icon of the Savior was confiscated during the arrest of the bishop in 1937 and, unknown how, ended up in the temple after the execution of St. Seraphim.

The temple gathered within its walls amazing people. Recently graduated from earthly path Father Alexander Egorov: how many people did this truly Russian shepherd care for, how much wise advice did he give, how much love and consolation did the parishioners see from him... Peace be upon his ashes...

Another locally revered image, “Unexpected Joy,” has long been in the Moscow church in the name of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha.

There were also venerable lists in demolished churches Burning Bush near Smolensky Boulevard, the Annunciation at the Zhitny Dvor in the Kremlin, as well as in the church in the name of Fyodor Stratilates that has survived to this day at the Myasnitsky Gate; outside the capital - also in the village of Selgi, Simbirsk province.

Let us trust in the mercy of the Mother of God, give thanks for those unexpected joys that She sends us and believe that She will not leave us on the difficult and thorny path, whose name is life.

Troparion, tone 4

Today, faithful people, we spiritually triumph, glorifying the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race and flowing to Her most pure image, we cry out: O Most Merciful Lady Theotokos, grant us unexpected joy, burdened with many sins and sorrows, and deliver us from all evil, praying to Thy Son, Christ our God, save our souls.

Prayer

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

“Unexpected joy” is the name of the miraculous face, the icon of the intercessor, the helper. People who pray to this image know about its miraculous power.

She brings back lost hopes and gives joy to everyone who flows to her with sincere prayer. A believer receives an unexpected, unexpected gift.

Days to celebrate the image “Unexpected Joy”

The place and date of appearance of the icon are unknown. But for about three centuries it has been decorating Orthodox churches.

The image “Unexpected joy, according to church canons, has the purpose of Hodegetria, which means: Guide to Christ. She is, in fact, a double icon.

What does this holy face look like?

Photos of this face can be found on Orthodox Internet sites. It depicts a sinner stretching out his hands to the image of the Mother of God, who is holding Her Son, the Youth Christ. The body of the Divine Infant is covered with bleeding wounds

The face of the Mother of God is fixed on the sinner, from whose lips prayer flies. He is wearing a green robe, like the Old Testament righteous who did not know Divine grace.

A praying sinner awaits forgiveness and a grace-filled change in life.

A red curtain is thrown back, which symbolizes the entrance to heaven, the royal gates. Red is the color of resurrection.

The meaning of this image is that every sincerely repentant sinner will deserve the joy of forgiveness and, cleansed of sins, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The story behind the appearance of this image is amazing.

The plot of the image “Unexpected Joy” was inspired by icon painters at the turn of 1683 by the saint, church writer and educator Dmitry of Rostov, who wrote a large number of books about the lives of saints, about faith and repentance, about the Miracles of God and many gospel stories. This amazing book in patristic culture it is called "Irrigated fleece".

It is based on impressions of divine miracles that miraculously took place thanks to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the 17th century in the monastery called St. Elias.

Twenty-four cases of unusual miraculous healing are described in the book. One story served as the plot for the painting of the icon “Unexpected Joy” in the 18th century..

The story is about a lawless, sinful man who often came to the image of the Queen of Heaven to pray before committing his crimes, but one day he saw the wounded bleeding body of the Holy Child. He fell to his knees in horror.

To his question who did this, the Mother of God replied that it was done by sinners who pray for forgiveness and again continue to commit terrible iniquities. The sinful man begged, begging not to punish him, and promised not to do evil deeds. Then he pressed his lips to the Baby’s wounds and they stopped bleeding. He believed, from which he received an unexpected gift - the joy of Divine forgiveness and became a righteous man.

This event became the basis for writing the image. The story told by Saint Dmitry of Rostov found a response in the souls and hearts of believers. At the end of the 18th century, the miraculous face was in almost every church.

You can venerate the “Unexpected Joy” icon today in numerous churches in Russia. In Moscow there is Temple of Elijah the Prophet, it is located in Obydensky Lane, there is a miraculous ancient icon from the Kremlin Cathedral, which in the second half of the 20th century was transported to Sokolniki, and since 1944 it has taken pride of place in the Ilyinsky Church.

Founded in 1592 in Moscow, it became a repository of shrines from churches destroyed by the Bolsheviks. The Lord saved the church of Elijah the Prophet from ruin.

In 2015, a church in honor of the image of the Queen of Heaven “Unexpected Joy” was opened in the city of St. Petersburg, at the memorial cemetery where eight hundred and seventy-four defenders of the hero city of Leningrad found their peace.

Seven wonderful facets of the icon

In the 18th century, icon painters, inspired by the plot, painted the first icons. Church parishioners began to celebrate the miraculous features of the face. The “Unexpected Joy” icon helps in what way, they knew well, because by turning to her, sick people were healed and protected from misfortunes who turned to the image in prayer.

The miracles of spiritual renewal are borne by this holy face:

A weak person receives an unexpected gift - strength and confidence to overcome obstacles.

Granted to strong people humility and patience.

The spiritual significance of this icon is great

The meaning and essence of the image consists in trusting in the will coming from the Lord. Repentance for bad deeds and unworthy thoughts and getting rid of them, gratitude for the joy of every day - the essence of the icon.

Patience and humility before the will of God is secret meaning face From the face of “Unexpected Joy” comes spiritual and physical rebirth, faith in a prayerful appeal to the Most Holy Theotokos, which will be rewarded with a bright, joyful event. “Unexpected joy” calls for prayerful feats and spiritual work. She gives joy at that moment when there is only hope for a miracle. And it is given to the praying person as an unexpected blessed gift.

How to pray to the image “Unexpected Joy”

The Mother of God, who constantly remains in prayer for the human race, does not leave people without forgiveness for serious sins and gives an unexpected path of love and faith.

With their grief and misfortune, which the human soul cannot bear, people flock to the icon. Prayer to the “Unexpected Joy” icon helps in getting rid of illnesses; people bring requests for forgiveness to the holy image of the Mother of God. She helps in family, earthly and spiritual matters. But not only with grief, but with joy and gratitude one must turn to the face.

You need to address prayer words to the Lord correctly:

1. The appeal to the icon “Unexpected Joy” must be read with all your soul and requests must be given with all your heart. At this moment, the sounds of prayer should go up, loud and clear.
2. You need to ask to be relieved of the mental grief that prevents you from living and breathing. When there is almost no faith left, “Unexpected Joy” will restore hope.
3. The most short prayer- Glory to you, Lord! - spoken by a repentant heart will be heard faster than an insensitive rule rattled out of a prayer book.
4. Before turning to the image, you need to ask the priest for a blessing.
5. It is allowed to say a prayer in your own words, which must come from the heart.
6. It is important to tell the congregation about troubles and sorrows, without thinking about matters of another kind during the hour of prayer.

It is necessary to remember that people are sent more than just joy. Suffering is also necessary for spiritual development. Therefore, hope in God’s help is an inexhaustible source of spiritual work, an unexpected gift.

Even clergy, making requests in prayers, impose a fast, read the psalter and Akathist.

Laymen should humbly accept the lessons of fate and limit themselves from excessive fun. Sincerity and pure thoughts give soul-saving joy.

There are prayers and canons, Akathist to the face of “Unexpected Joy”, useful for spiritual reading.

Description of the icon “Unexpected joy”

Rules for reading the akathist

Akathist is a hymn, laudatory and joyful words of gratitude.

He represents a special poetic creativity, the strongest prayer appeal.

• It includes several prayers that need to be read while standing.
• Akathists do not serve during Lent.
• You can read it on Sundays in front of the icon.
• Sometimes it is said for several days in a row.
• Before reading it, you need the obligatory blessing of the priest. He will give recommendations on the number of days and reading times.
• There is a special, unexpected moment when the joy given to us fills the soul with a wonderful light, so much so that the lips want to speak from the excess of heartfelt feelings. At this moment, you need to stand in front of the face and read the laudatory akathist.

The image of “Unexpected Joy” teaches each of us to thank life for its manifestations. Before the face of the Mother of God, everyone is restless, sinful and pitiful. Recognize it, accidentally rejoice at this spiritual gift, and say words of gratitude in prayer.

Our life is woven from small joys, most of which happen accidentally; the ability to notice them and tirelessly thank them for them is important.

If God were fair, say the holy fathers, we could not hope for forgiveness. On the pages of the Old Testament Scripture, the Lord appears as a formidable Judge and Accuser, punishing the slightest crime against the Law, and today the earth does not open up even under inveterate sinners. Why this happens is explained by an instructive story shown in a pictorial image known as the “Unexpected Joy” icon.

Miracles resulting from miraculous icons are carefully studied and recorded. They did the same at the Holy Trinity Elias Monastery near Chernigov. In 1662, the first miracle was recorded from the icon of the Mother of God, painted by the monk Gennady. Tears flowed from the eyes of the Most Pure Virgin, holding the Divine Infant in her arms, for 10 days. All of Chernigov “looked with great horror” at the weeping Virgin.

The miracle of the Ilinsk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God became famous and has come down to the present day thanks to St. Dmitry of Rostov.

Interesting. St. Dmitry Rostovsky - church writer and an educator who wrote many books, including the lives of saints, sermons on faith and repentance, discussions on gospel stories and God's miracles.

Resurrection of the Youth

Traveling through the monasteries of Little Russia, St. Demetrius wrote the book “Irrigated Fleece,” based on stories about miracles from Our Lady of Chernigov. The stories were accompanied by teachings. One of the chapters, “The Dew of Resurrection,” talks about a youth who suddenly died. There was no illness or other reasons indicating the approach of death. The hieromonk of the Elias Monastery, who was then nearby, advised the parents to pray before the miraculous icon of Chernigov.

Saint Dmitry of Rostov

The parents went to the monastery and fell to the Intercessor. And a miracle happened: the child came to life. No one expected such happiness, although they believed in the mercy of the Mother of God. To the story of the resurrection of the youth, which occurred in April 1679, St. Demetrius attached a parable, on the basis of which the icon “Unexpected Joy” was written.

About other icons:

Parable of St. Dimitri and writing a new image

A certain sinner had the custom of praying to the Blessed Virgin with the words of the angelic greeting “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice”, setting off to his iniquity. One day, kneeling in front of the icon and about to say the usual prayer, he saw a terrible vision: blood flowed in streams from the feet and hands of the Infant God, and the Mother of God Herself appeared to him as if alive.

“Who did this, Lady?” - the sinner shouted in horror. “You and those like you constantly wound My Son, like the Jews on the Cross, with your iniquities,” answered the Mother of God. Instantly repenting, the man began to beg for forgiveness, but the Lord did not look in his direction. Then he appealed to the Mother of God: “Let my sins not overcome Your mercy, Lady, ask the Lord for me!”

Icon “Unexpected Joy”, Pokrovsk

The Mother of God turned to her Son with a prayer for forgiveness for the sinner. The Lord answered Her, like a Son, with respect: “I cannot forgive, for I endured his iniquity for a long time.” The petitioner, who watched this with fear, completely despaired of his salvation. Then the Most Pure One stood up and wanted to fall on her knees before Christ: “I will lie at Your feet until this man receives forgiveness!” The Lord did not allow this to happen, saying that although He is God, He honors His Mother and is ready to fulfill Her prayers. The forgiven sinner rushed to kiss the wounds of the Lord, which immediately healed and the vision ended.

After reading “The Irrigated Fleece”, Unknown artist painted an icon based on a parable where a man prays to the Mother of God, calling it “Unexpected (unexpected) joy.”

The connection between the miracle and the parable is obvious: just as the parents of the dead boy did not expect to see him alive, so the sinner from the parable did not expect forgiveness from the Lord. But through the prayers of the Intercessor of the Mother of God, everyone received what they asked for, which became an “unexpected joy” for them.

Meaning of images

The Lord, depicted as a Youth, does not hold a scroll in his hand, but shows his hands with traces of sores to a kneeling sinner. The tunic has been thrown off, wounds on the rib and legs are visible. According to the Gospel, Christ received four wounds when He was crucified on the cross, and the fifth, in the rib, when the guards wanted to make sure of the death of the condemned man.

Icon “Unexpected Joy” in the temple dedicated to her in Maryina Roshcha

On old copies of the icon there is always a drawn-back curtain in the background - a symbol of the church's royal doors, the entrance to heaven, slightly opened for the sinner. The red color of the veil is a symbol of resurrection.

The sinner himself is dressed in a green chiton. Green is the color of the earth, human world. In such clothes they depicted the Old Testament prophets, who were righteous, but did not know Divine grace, only foreseeing the coming of Christ. The praying sinner is not yet forgiven, but expects forgiveness and renewal of life.

Inscriptions on the icon

In the field under the image of the Virgin Mary there is the text of the parable, written in illegible Church Slavonic script. Usually the initial words are placed: “A certain lawless man has a daily rule of praying to the Most Holy Theotokos...”, sometimes the title “The Unexpected Joy of the Most Holy Theotokos” is written.

Radonitsa in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in Maryina Roshcha

It is believed that the word sanctifies the image; it must be included in the composition. Due to lack of space for text, it is placed in a greatly abbreviated form, symbolizing the entire inscription. On large images the words of the sinner are sometimes written: “Oh, Lady, who did this?” and the response of the Mother of God “You and other sinners with your sins...”, in lines directed from the sinner to the Mother of God.

Location of the “Unexpected Joy” icons and miracles

• Vladimir's Cathedral in Kyiv. Miraculous image XIX V. has been in the cathedral since the Great Patriotic War. The Mother of God and the Lord are depicted wearing royal crowns. Unfortunately, now the Vladimir Cathedral is in the hands of schismatics.
• “The Burning Bush” in Khamovniki (before the revolution). The oldest of the famous lists. In 1838, on Easter week came from him miraculous healing a woman who suffered from complete deafness. Anisya Stepanova could not even hear the bell ringing. After serving the prayer service to the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy,” Anisya heard the singing of the Easter troparion and the deafness disappeared. In 1930, the temple was destroyed and the miraculous image was lost.
• IN Tretyakov Gallery a unique icon “Unexpected Joy” (1st half of the 19th century) is kept, where the main picture is surrounded by 120 small images of other miraculous icons of the Mother of God. Central image carries the main meaning: the Lord forgives sins through the prayer of the Mother of God - the Prayer Book and Intercessor for the human race.

Icon “Unexpected Joy”, private collection

• Moscow, Church of Ilya the Ordinary. Here is an ancient icon in a beautiful metal frame, restored in 1959. Before the revolution, it was in one of the Kremlin churches, then the image was hidden from the renovationists. After the Great Patriotic War, “Unexpected Joy” was moved to the Church of Ilya the Ordinary. The icon's robe is completely hung with rings and crosses brought by people who received healing from prayer in front of the icon.
• Maryina Roshcha, Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”. This temple was built in 1904 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The image itself (painted in the 19th century) appeared there later; numerous decorations on it spoke of former miracles, unfortunately, not recorded. A symbolic event took place in the temple in 2003. A 90-year-old naval officer approached the priest with a request for baptism. In a dream he was commanded to be baptized and wait for death. The old man stood it Lent, preparing for Baptism. His death followed immediately after the completion of the Sacrament, in the temple itself.
• Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, Ryazan. In the Transfiguration Cathedral of the monastery there is “Unexpected Joy”, which recently became famous for its miracles. The mutilated icon was found and bought at the market by Moscow resident Georgy. After some time, misfortune befell him: he was seriously injured, leading to partial paralysis. Sincere prayers before the found image bore fruit, George rose to his feet. For a long time he did not want to part with his beloved icon, but finally decided to donate it to the Transfiguration Monastery. The board and paint layer were restored, and a carved icon case was made. During the stay of “Unexpected Joy” in the monastery, several cases of healing from eye disease, cancer and drunkenness were recorded.
• Holy Trinity Cathedral in Odessa. During the Great Patriotic War, the cathedral, closed by the Bolsheviks, was reopened by the occupation authorities. At this time, from nowhere, the icon “Unexpected Joy” appeared in it. It is interesting that in her name back in 1840 one of the chapels of the cathedral was consecrated. The parishioners of the temple were mainly women and children. In front of the new image of the Mother of God, they prayed for the return of their husbands and fathers from the front. Although no high-profile miracles were recorded, the icon is highly revered by Odessa residents; they pray in front of it for the military in “hot spots.”
• Holy spring in the village. Zhaisk, Nizhny Novgorod region. According to legend, at this source in the 18th century. The icon “Unexpected Joy” was found. The Murom noble princes Peter and Fevronia were hiding here. At this place the saints granted forgiveness to the inhabitants of Murom who expelled them, just as they Holy Mother of God forgave the repentant sinner. The source is located in a picturesque place, with a chapel built above it.

About others Orthodox churches Russia:

This is far from full list temples under the protection of the Queen of Heaven. In the 2000s, many churches were built in honor of “Unexpected Joy”; charitable institutions are named after her, and springs are consecrated. This image of the Mother of God can be found as a revered icon in other churches.

Important. Before the image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” they pray in heavy life situations when hope has run out. During the war, mothers prayed for their sons, for whom “funerals” were received; later it turned out that the letters were sent erroneously and the soldiers returned alive.

Nothing is impossible for the mercy of the Mother of God, but first of all, before prayer, you need to remember and realize your sins, from which the wounds of the Lord bleed.

“Our sins and iniquities grew... The holy wonder-working icons of the Queen of Heaven have disappeared, and until there is a sign from the holy wonder-working icon of the Mother of God, I will not believe that we are forgiven. But I believe that such a time will come and we will live to see it.”

GREATNESS:

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

HISTORY OF THE IMAGE

The first mention of the icon itself dates back to the 1830s, but the event that gave rise to its writing occurred at least a century earlier and is described in the book “Irrigated Fleece,” compiled by St. Dmitry of Rostov.

A certain dashing man led a sinful life, but nevertheless reverently revered the Most Pure One, praying daily before Her image. One day, getting ready to “go out for a criminal deed,” he prayed and suddenly saw how the wounds on the Infant God’s arms, legs and side began to bleed; and he heard the voice of the Most Pure One: “You and other sinners are again crucifying My Son with your sins, like the Jews. You call Me Merciful, but why do you insult Me with your lawless deeds?” The shocked sinner begged the Most Pure One for intercession, and from that time on he returned to an honest and pious life.

According to the legend about the repentant sinner, on the icon “Unexpected Joy” it is written “a certain lawless man”, praying on his knees in front of the image of “Hodegetria”, under which are usually inscribed the first words of the story itself or a special prayer.

“UNEXPECTED JOY” IN OUR TEMPLE

The history of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” before it came to our church is not known for certain. Most likely, this particular icon was in the Church of Constantine and Helena in the Taininsky Garden of the Moscow Kremlin, destroyed in 1928. From there, along with other numerous shrines of Moscow, it ended up in the Resurrection Church in Sokolniki. Over time, when the authorities stopped supporting the renovationists, their movement disintegrated, and many icons from Sokolniki began to return to the surviving Moscow churches.

The then rector of “Ilya the Ordinary,” Archpriest Alexander Tolgsky, received the blessing of Patriarch Sergius, and in 1944 the icon was solemnly transferred to our church. This event occurred on Friday, and since then on Fridays it has been served in front of the “Unexpected Joy” icon of the Mother of God.

On the robe of the miraculous icon is the inscription: “With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Rus', the robe was restored on the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in the summer of 1959 under the rector of the Church of the Prophet Elijah the Ordinary, Archpriest A.V. Tolgsky.”

The late Patriarch Pimen especially loved this icon and, considering himself a parishioner of the Church of Elijah the Ordinary, often attended evening services.

WHAT DO YOU PRAY FOR BEFORE THE IMAGE OF THE MOTHER OF GOD “UNEXPECTED JOY”

Many hundreds of people over the centuries have prayed to this miraculous image, turning to the Most Pure Virgin with faith and in the hope of receiving the unexpected joy of forgiveness and gracious consolation, help in business. They ask her for the conversion of the lost, for confirmation in the faith, especially praying for their children.

The image of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” reminds Orthodox Christians of repentance and the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. “God will not destroy a broken and humble heart” (Ps. 50:19), sings the prophet David. “There is no sin, no matter how great it is, that conquers God’s love for mankind, if at the appropriate time we repent and ask for forgiveness,” says St. John Chrysostom.

TROPARION, tone 4

Today, faithful people, / we spiritually triumph, / glorifying the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, / and, flowing to Her most pure image, we cry out: / Oh, Merciful Lady Theotokos, / grant us unexpected joy, / burdened with many sins and sorrows, / and deliver us from all evil, // beseeching Thy Son, Christ our God, to save our souls.

KONDAK, tone 6

There are no imams of other help, / no imams of other hope, / except for You, the Lady. / Help us, / we rely on You, / and we boast in You, / For we are Your servants, // Let us not be ashamed.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in Honor of Her Icon “UNEXPECTED JOY”

Kontakion 1

Chosen from all generations of the Mother of God and the Queen, who sometimes appeared to the lawless man, in order to turn him away from the path of wickedness, we offer thanksgiving singing to Thee, the Mother of God; But You, who have unspeakable mercy, free us from all troubles and sins, let us call to You:

Ikos 1

The angels and righteous souls were amazed when you appeared before your Son and God and interceded with many prayers for man, who is always in sin; But we, with the eyes of faith seeing Your great compassion, with tenderness we cry out to You:
Rejoice, you who accept the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, and you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners.
Rejoice, you who intercede for your Son for them; Rejoice, you who give them the unexpected joy of salvation.
Rejoice, saving the whole world through Your intercession; Rejoice, quenching all our sorrows.
Rejoice, Mother of God of all, comforting embittered souls; Rejoice, you who arrange our life well.
Rejoice, having brought deliverance from sins to all people; Rejoice, you who have given birth to joy to the whole world.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Most Holy One, even if he is lawless, but every day with faith and hope before Her venerable icon he casts himself down and brings the Archangel’s greeting to Her, and he hears the praise of such a sinner, and all who see Her Motherly mercy, in Heaven and on earth cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Human reason truly surpasses Your love for the Christian race, for even then You did not cease from Your intercession for the lawless man, when Your Son showed You the wounds of the nails, the sins of men committed by Him. Seeing You as the persistent Intercessor for us sinners, we cry out to You with tears:
Rejoice, zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Guide, who leads us to the Heavenly Fatherland.
Rejoice, guardianship and refuge of the faithful; Rejoice, help of all who call on Your holy name.
Rejoice, thou who hast snatched away all those despised and rejected from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who turn those to the right path.
Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency and spiritual darkness; Rejoice, for those who have been waiting for a new mind from illness and better meaning serving.
Rejoice, you who have been left by doctors in Your all-powerful hand.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 3

The power of grace abounded there, where sin abounded; May all the Angels in Heaven rejoice over the one sinner who has repented, singing before the Throne of God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having Motherly mercy for the Christian race, give a helping hand to all who come to You with faith and hope, O Lady, so that with one heart and one mouth we all bring the praise of Tisitsa:
Rejoice, for through You God's favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You we also imams have increased boldness towards God.
Rejoice, for in all our troubles and circumstances you offer your Son earnest prayers for us; Rejoice, for you make our prayers pleasing to God.
Rejoice, for you drive away invisible enemies from us; Rejoice, for you deliver us from visible enemies.
Rejoice, for you soften the hearts of evil people; Rejoice, for you have taken us away from slander, harassment and reproach.
Rejoice, for through You all our good desires are fulfilled; Rejoice, for Your prayer can accomplish much before Your Son and God.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 4

Having a storm of sinful thoughts inside, a lawless person prayed before Thy honest icon and, seeing the Blood from the wounds of Thy Eternal Son flowing in streams, like on the Cross, fell from fear and cried out to Thee with sobs: “Have mercy on me, O Mother of mercy, My malice will overcome Your ineffable goodness and mercy, for You are the only hope and refuge for all sinners; bow down to mercy, O Good Mother, and beg Thy Son and my Creator for me, so that I may continually call to Him: Alleluia.”

Ikos 4

Hearing the inhabitants of heaven about the miraculous salvation of their dying earthly brother through Your prayers, they glorified You, the compassionate Queen of Heaven and earth; And we, sinners, having experienced such intercession of a sinner similar to us, even if our tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to our heritage, from the depths of our tender heart we sing to Thee:
Rejoice, Helper of the salvation of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost.
Rejoice, Unexpected Joy of Sinners; Rejoice, rise of the fallen.
Rejoice, Representative to God, saving the world from troubles; Rejoice, for the voices of Your prayers tremble.
Rejoice, as the Angels rejoice at this; Rejoice, for the power of Your prayers fills us, earthly creatures, with joy.
Rejoice, for with these you remove us from the mire of sins; Rejoice, for you have extinguished the flame of our passions.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 5

You showed us the God-bearing star, the miraculous icon of Your Mother, O Lord, for, looking at the image of Her bodily eyes, we rise with our minds and hearts to the Primordial Image and through Her we flow to You, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the Guardian Angels of Christians, as the Mother of God assists them in their instruction, intercession and salvation, they tried to cry out to the Most Honest Cherub and the Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison:
Rejoice, reigning forever with Your Son and God; Rejoice, you who always bring prayers to Him for the Christian race.
Rejoice, Teacher of Christian faith and piety; Rejoice, Eradicator of heresies and pernicious schisms.
Rejoice, preserving temptations that corrupt the soul and body; Rejoice, you who deliver us from dangerous circumstances and sudden death without repentance and Holy Communion.
Rejoice, you who give a shameless end to those who trust in You; Rejoice, even after death for the soul that has gone to the judgment of the Lord before Your Son, unceasingly interceding.
Rejoice, by Your Mother's intercession you deliver this from eternal torment.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 6

The preacher of Your wondrous mercy, bestowed on a certain lawless man, appeared Saint Demetrius of Rostov, who, writing off the great and glorious, and fair works of God, revealed in You, committed to writing and this work of Your mercy for the teaching and consolation of all the faithful, and even these, in sins, troubles, sorrows and embitterments of their beings, many times every day with faith in prayer before Your image they bow their knees and, having left those, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Your miraculous icon, O Mother of God, appears to us like a bright dawn, driving away the darkness of troubles and sorrows from all who cry out to You with love:
Rejoice, our Healer in bodily illnesses; Rejoice, Good Comforter in our spiritual sorrows.
Rejoice, you who transform our sorrow into joy; Rejoice, you who rejoice those who do not hope with undoubted hope.
Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher; Rejoice, robe of the naked.
Rejoice, Comforter of widows; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans.
Rejoice, O unjustly persecuted and offended Intercessor; Rejoice, just avenger of those who persecute and offend.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 7

Although the Lawgiver, the Righteous Lord Himself is the Executor of the law and shows the abyss of His mercy, bow down to Your fervent prayer, Blessed Mother of the Virgin, for the lawless man, saying: “The law commands, that the son honor the mother. I am Your Son, You are My Mother: I must honor You, listening to Your prayer; Be it as you wish: now his sins are forgiven for Your sake.” We, seeing such the power of our Intercessor’s prayer for the forgiveness of our sins, will glorify Her mercy and ineffable compassion, calling: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new wondrous and glorious sign appeared to all the faithful, as if not only Your Mother, but also Her most pure face, depicted on the tablet, You have granted the power of miracles, Lord; Marveling at this mystery, with tenderness of heart we cry out to Her like this:
Rejoice, revelation of the wisdom and goodness of God; Rejoice, affirmation of faith.
Rejoice, manifestation of grace; Rejoice, gift of useful knowledge.
Rejoice, overthrow of harmful teachings; Rejoice, it is not difficult to overcome lawless habits.
Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, you foolish, intelligent worker.
Rejoice, children, inconvenience to students, giver of reason; Rejoice, good Guardian and Mentor of youth.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 8

A strange and terrible vision of a certain lawless man, showing him the goodness of the Lord, forgiving his sins through the intercession of the Mother of God; For this reason, therefore, correct your life, live in a manner pleasing to God. Sitsa and we, seeing the glorious deeds and manifold wisdom of God in the world and our life, let us move away from earthly vanities and unnecessary cares of life, and raise our mind and heart to Heaven, singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You are all abiding in the highest, and you have not retreated from the lower ones, Most Merciful Queen of Heaven and earth; Even though, after Your Dormition, You ascended into Heaven with Your Most Pure Flesh, yet You did not leave the sinful earth, being a Participant of the Providence of Your Son for the Christian race. For this sake, we dutifully please Thee:
Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Your most pure soul; Rejoice, who made all Heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body.
Rejoice, Providence of Your Son for the generation of Christians, Holy Servant; Rejoice, zealous Representative for the whole world.
Rejoice, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; Rejoice, always showing motherly love for us.
Rejoice, O unenvious Giver of all gifts, spiritual and physical; Rejoice, blessings of the temporary Intercessor.
Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, and filling their hearts with pure joy in the land.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 9

Every angelic nature was amazed at the work of Your mercy, Lord, for You have granted such a strong and warm Intercessor and Helper to the Christian race, I am present to us invisibly, but I hear You singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

They talk vainly, but not enlightened by God, as if worshiping a holy image is like worshiping an idol; They do not understand that the honor given to the holy image ascends to the Archetype. We are not only this good leader, but also from faithful man Hearing about many miracles from the face of the Mother of God, and themselves worshiping him is necessary for the time and eternal life Acceptingly, with joy we cry to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, for miracles work from Your holy face; Rejoice, for this wisdom and grace have been hidden from the wise and prudent of this age.
Rejoice, for she was revealed as a child in faith; Rejoice, for you glorify those who glorify You.
Rejoice, for you put to shame those who reject You before everyone; Rejoice, for you have delivered those who come to You from drowning, fire and sword, from deadly plagues and from all evil.
Rejoice, for you mercifully heal all the illnesses of mankind, mental and physical; Rejoice, for through Your prayer you will soon satisfy the righteous wrath of God against us.
Rejoice, for You are a quiet refuge from storms for those floating on the sea of ​​life; Rejoice, for at the end of our everyday voyage you will reliably lead us to the storm-free country of the Kingdom of Christ.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 10

Although you saved a certain lawless man from the error of his life’s path, You showed him a wondrous vision from Your most honorable icon, O Most Blessed One, yes, seeing the miracle, he will repent and, raised from the depths of sin by Your merciful providence, cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall to the virgins, the Virgin Mother of God, and to all who flow to Thee, for the Creator of Heaven and earth, who dwells in Thy womb and is born of Thee, reveal Thee, the Ever-Virgin, the guardian of virginity, purity and chastity and the vessel of all virtue, and teach Thee to proclaim to all:
Rejoice, pillar and fence of virginity; Rejoice, invisible Guardian of purity and chastity.
Rejoice, kind Teacher of the virgins; Rejoice, good bride, Decorator and Supporter.
Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages; Rejoice, speedy resolution for mothers giving birth.
Rejoice, upbringing of infants and grace-filled protection; Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and the Spirit.
Rejoice, consolation to mourning mothers; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 11

Bringing all-congratulating singing to You, the unworthy, we ask You, Virgin Mother of God: do not despise the voice of Your servants, for we run to You in adversity and sorrow and before You in our troubles we shed tears, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

I give light to those who exist in the darkness of sin and the vale of weeping; we see the Holy Virgin; For the spiritual fire of His prayers, kindling instructions and consolation, leads everyone to the Unevening Light, the appeal of those who honor You with these:
Rejoice, Ray from the Sun of Truth, Christ our God; Rejoice, enlightening bad conscience.
Rejoice, foreseen secret and inconvenience that guides all good and tells it as it should; Rejoice, you who disgrace false seers and vain fortune-telling.
Rejoice, in the hour of perplexity you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, abiding ever in fasting, prayer and contemplation of God.
Rejoice, you who encourage and admonish the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, everlasting consolation for God-fearing monks and nuns.
Rejoice, unashamed Intercessor of sinners who repent before God; Rejoice, warm Intercessor of all Christians.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 12

Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away every enemy and adversary from us, pacify our lives, so that we may not perish violently, without repentance, but accept us into eternal shelter, Mother of God, so that we may rejoice in God, through You. to him who saves us: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards lawless man, we all praise You, as a firm Intercessor for us sinners, and we worship You, who prays for us; For we believe and trust, as if You have asked Your Son and God for good, temporal and eternal, for all, crying out to You with love:
Rejoice, all slander and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil are trampled underfoot; Rejoice, unforeseen reconciliation of bitterly warring people.
Rejoice, unknown correction of unrepentant sinners; Rejoice, speedy Comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sadness.
Rejoice, you who provide us with the grace of humility and patience; Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions.
Rejoice, thou who protectest the blood of the same blood from domestic strife and enmity through peace and love; Rejoice, thou who invisibly turns us away from disastrous undertakings and senseless wishes.
Rejoice, in our good intentions you have been a companion to the Helper; Rejoice, at the hour of death for all of us, Helper.
Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, Who contained the Inconceivable God in her womb and gave birth to Joy to the whole world! Accept this present singing, turn all our sorrows into joy and deliver us from all misfortunes and remove future torments from those who cry out for You: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos: “Angels and righteous souls...” and the 1st kontakion: “The chosen one from all generations...”.

PRAYER

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

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

What does one pray to the holy image for?

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

You can also pray:

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

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

How the “Unexpected Joy” icon will help

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

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

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

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

Why read an akathist to an icon?

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

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

The meaning of the icon “Unexpected joy”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where is the holy image located today?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The unexpected joy of salvation

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

Prayer to the icon Unexpected joy

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

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

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

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