December 2 is the Day of the icon "In sorrow and sorrow Consolation": what is the image known for, who does it help
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- December 2 is the Day of the icon "In sorrow and sorrow Consolation": what is the image known for, who does it help
On December 2, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "In Sorrow and Sorrow Consolation." For centuries, this image has served as a symbol of hope and peace of mind for believers in the most difficult circumstances of life. In 2025, the date falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history of finding the shrine, its amazing iconography, and what they pray for before the holy image.
The history of the church holiday on December 2
The exact origin of the icon is unknown. According to legend, it belonged to Patriarch Athanasius III of Constantinople, who brought it to Russia in 1653. After his death, the shrine was moved to the Holy Mount Athos and was kept for almost two centuries in the famous monastery monastery of Vatopedi.
A new stage in the history of the image began in 1849, when it was transferred to the newly formed Russian St. Andrew's Skete on Mount Athos. Hieroschemonk Vissarion, the founder of the skete, blessed the brethren with the icon of the Mother of God.: "May this icon be a joy and comfort to you in your sorrows and sorrows." Subsequently, they were reflected in the name of the image.
The icon traveled a lot in Russia. In 1863, she was brought to Vyatka province, and then taken to St. Petersburg for permanent residence. Wherever she was, there were cases of miraculous help and healing. One of them is related to the healing of a mute youth, which marked the beginning of a mass pilgrimage to the shrine.
At the same time, the Russian Orthodox Church established a day of veneration of the icon of the Mother of God "In Sorrow and Sorrow Consolation." The celebrations are held annually on December 2 (November 19, Old style). In worship, the clergy use the troparion, kontakion and akathist to the icon of the Mother of God "Assuage My Sorrows."
Iconography of the icon "In sorrow and sorrow Consolation"
In its execution, the image does not fit into the classical types of iconography, such as "Odigitria" or "Tenderness". The icon is unique in its own way, which distinguishes it from many canonical images of the Virgin.
The shrine consists of a fold (triptych), the central part of which is occupied by a belt image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Christ Child in her arms. Jesus blesses the worshippers with his right hand, and holds a scepter in his left, a symbol of royal power.
The key feature of the icon is the multitude of saints surrounding the central figures, which emphasizes its collective prayerful character. On the doors and in the lower part of the image there are figures of the greatest saints, to whose intercession believers resort in various needs.
Among them are Saint John the Baptist, the Apostle John the Theologian, Saints Nicholas the Wonderworker and Spyridon of Trimifunt, the Great Martyrs George the Victorious, Demetrius of Thessalonica, and several venerable saints.
Such a complex composition symbolizes comprehensive spiritual support. Everyone who prays before this icon turns not only to the Mother of God, but also to the entire host of saints, finding solace and intercession in every tribulation.
What do they pray for in front of the icon of "In sorrow and sorrow Consolation"
The very name of the icon is a direct indication of its gracious help. They resort to it for solace and strength, in illnesses and infirmities, in search of a way of life. Historically, cases of miraculous help have been recorded when the icon helped to heal from severe ailments, in particular, from paralysis, headaches and dumbness.
What else do they pray for before the image?:
- relief of grief, despondency, despair, anxiety and longing;
- finding peace in the heart;
- the gift of healing or patience in enduring a serious illness;
- getting rid of enemies and all kinds of sudden disasters;
- consolation after the death of loved ones;
- help in making important decisions and guidance on the path of salvation.
Where is the icon "In sorrow and sorrow Consolation"?
The original icon, which belonged to the St. Andrew's Skete, is considered lost after 1929. However, the help of the Mother of God continues to operate through his most revered lists, which are located in different parts of Russia.
One of the most famous and revered lists is kept in St. Petersburg, in the St. Nicholas Theophany Naval Cathedral, where traditionally once a year this image is solemnly brought out for the worship of believers.
A special veneration of the icon is preserved in the Vyatka land, in the Monastery of the Nativity of Christ in the city of Slobodsky. It was here in 1863 that the list, famous for the first miracle of healing from dumbness, was brought. Another miraculous list resides in Voronezh, in the Alexievo-Akatov Convent.
On the day of the feast, solemn divine services are held in all churches where the icon's lists are kept, as well as in many other churches, emphasizing the enduring importance of this image as a spiritual support for Orthodox Christians in times of trial.
Prayer in front of the icon of the Mother of God "In sorrow and sorrow Consolation"
"To whom shall I cry, O Lady? To whom will I turn in my sorrow, if not to You, O Queen of Heaven? Who will receive my weeping and my sighing, if not You, O Immaculate One, the hope of Christians and the Refuge of us sinners? Who's going to protect You the most? Hear my groaning and incline Your ear to me, O Lady Mother of my God, and do not despise me who require Your help, and do not reject me, a sinner. understand and teach me, O Queen of Heaven; do not depart from me, your servant, O Lady, for my murmurings, but be my Mother and Intercessor. < ...> Lead me, a sinner, to a quiet and serene life, that I may weep for my sins < ...> cover my transgressions with Your intercession, protect me from enemies visible and invisible; soften the hearts of evil men who rise up against me. < ...> You grant me help to those who are weak with carnal passions and sick with heart, for Your intercession and that of Your Son and our God, Imam, is one; and through Your most precious intercession, may I be delivered from all troubles and misfortunes, O Most Immaculate and Most Glorious Mother of God. All the same, I say and cry out with hope: Hail, Full of grace, hail, Overjoyed, hail, Most Blessed, the Lord is with You! Amen to that."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and significance of the icon of the Mother of God "Skoroposlushnitsa."
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
