Queen of heaven and earth, Consolation to those who grieve, Listen to the prayer of sinners: In You is hope and salvation.
We are mired in the evil of passions, Wandering in the darkness of vice, But ... our Motherland ... Oh, tilt the all-seeing eye to it.
Holy Rus' - your bright house Almost dies, To you, Intercessor, we call: No one else knows about us.
Oh, do not leave Your children, Grieving Hope, Do not turn Your eyes away From our sorrow and suffering.
One of the poems transcribed by the Royal Martyrs in Tobolsk
Undoubtedly, the very name of this image, “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” was the reason for its widest distribution on Russian soil. In addition to the first Moscow image, there were at least two and a half dozen miraculous and locally venerated copies from this icon: in the Mother See itself and in its environs, on the banks of the Neva and in Abkhazia, in Siberian Tobolsk and in Kyiv, in Vologda and in Nizhny Novgorod, in other cities, villages and monasteries. The soul of a Russian person is especially close and understandable to the meaning hidden in the name of the icon - hope for the Most Pure One, who invariably rushes to console, alleviate human sorrow and suffering, to give “naked clothes, healing to the sick” ...
The Mother of God is written on this icon in full growth, usually with a scepter in her right hand and with the Child on a shuitz, but sometimes without Him, with outstretched arms, as on the famous “Joy of All Who Sorrow” (with pennies), surrounded by distressed Christians falling to Her and Angels sent to assuage their sorrows, pointing to the Ever-Virgin - a source of inexhaustible and all-conquering joy. The attire of the Most Pure on the lists varies: She appears either in glory, with a crown on her head and in the robes of a queen, or in a cloak and a white dress that is usual for Her earthly days.
As the old church chronicle tells, in the summer of 7196 from the creation of the world (1648 from the Nativity of Christ), tormented by a huge unhealed ulcer in the side, the widow Evfimiya Akinfieva, the sister of Patriarch Joachim, desperate to receive healing from the doctors, appealed to the Most Pure and suddenly heard a voice: “Evfimiya Why, in your grief, do you not resort to the common Healer of all? - "Where can you find such a Healer?" the patient asked humbly. And then the voice commanded to turn to the priest of the “Temple of the Divine Transfiguration of the Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ and the Reverend Father Varlaam Khutynsky, the Novgorod miracle worker”, on Bolshaya Ordynka in Moscow, so that he would take there “on the left side in the meal, where usually become women, ”the image of the Most Pure and served a prayer service before him with the blessing of water. Having immediately done all this, Euphemia received healing. So the first miracle happened from the “icon of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, which is called Joy to all who mourn”, and the temple itself received and still retains the name of Sorrowful (although its main throne was consecrated in the name of the Transfiguration). The temple on Bolshaya Ordynka is also famous for the fact that the Vespers by S.V. Rachmaninov (on the closest to the day of his death, March 28, Saturday) and the Liturgy by P.I. Tchaikovsky (the day of his death fell on 25 October, according to the old style, is the miraculous day following the celebration). Every Saturday, a prayer service is performed here at the miraculous, who in recent years has shown a new grace-filled gift of healing those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction. Each century has its own sorrows - only the joy of healing granted by the Intercessor does not pass.
Church on Bolshaya Ordynka
In addition to the church on Bolshaya Ordynka, four more parish churches in the name of the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon now operate in the capital (on the 3rd Meshchanskaya at the Staro-Ekaterininsky hospital, at the Kalitnikovsky cemetery (with a locally venerated list), on Zatsep (better known for the chapel as the temple of Frol and Laurus) and at the psychiatric hospital at Kanatchik's Dacha); the throne of the hospital church of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery has the same dedication. Previously, Moscow also had the Sorrowful Convent on Novoslobodskaya Street and almost a dozen Churches of Sorrow, including those at several hospitals, shelters, and the Matrosskaya Tishina prison.
Unlike Muscovites, the Orthodox cities on the Neva were sure that the miraculous icon was transported to the new capital in 1711 by the sister of Peter I, Tsarevna Natalia Alekseevna, and eventually ended up in the Sorrowful Church on Shpalernaya Street. It was from this image that the miracle of the smallpox epidemic that raged during the time of Catherine II was attributed to a miracle.
By the beginning of the 20th century, church historians found it difficult to answer which of the icons - on Bolshaya Ordynka in Moscow or on Shpalernaya in St. Petersburg - was the first image. But judging by the fact that the St. Petersburg icon is painted on a cypress board on a primed canvas, it is younger than the Moscow one.
However, over time, St. Petersburg also acquired its own icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in its special version - the so-called "Virgin with pennies." In ancient times, the merchants Kurakins, who lived in the suburban village of Klochki (now this is the area of the Glass Factory, which has long been part of the boundaries of St. Petersburg), found the image of the Virgin nailed to the shore by the waves of the Neva; generations later, their heirs donated the family shrine to the chapel at the Glassworks.
On July 23, 1888, a terrible thunderstorm broke out over the banks of the Neva. A lightning strike burned out the inner walls of the chapel, along with all the icons, and scattered the coins from the alms mug. Only one icon survived, and later records fell off the face of the Most Pure One, and twelve copper coins from the mug were hammered into the icon board with superhuman strength. Since then, the new miraculous has received the popular name "Our Lady (with pennies)". The next day, streams of pilgrims flowed to the chapel, miraculous healings began and did not stop. In 1898, a new temple was consecrated here, and the miraculous remained in the chapel and was transferred to the temple only during divine services. It is this place that is mentioned in the lines of A. A. Akhmatova “The steamboat goes to the Sorrowful ...” - this is how the pilgrims usually got here. In Soviet times, the temple was destroyed, the chapel by the Providence of God has survived to this day, the miraculous image itself (with pennies) is located nearby, in the Trinity Church "Kulich and Easter".
On the St. Petersburg recension, the Most Pure is written with outstretched arms, with her face bowed to the left, her lower clothes are crimson, her upper ones are dark blue, her head is clothed in a white veil, without a royal crown. Above in the clouds - the blessing Savior, around - Angels, suffering, green branches and indispensable twelve coins.
The celebration of the icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow" takes place on October 24 according to the old style (some of the lists from it have their own special days of celebration). And within the current borders of Russia, and within its historical boundaries, and throughout the world, wherever the foot of a Russian person has set foot, the words of hymns in honor of this holy icon sounded, sound and will sound until the end of this world.
Stichira, tone 2, sung at a prayer service instead of a troparion
All the grieving Joy and the offended Intercessor, and the hungry Nurse, the strange Consolation, the overwhelmed Shelter, the sick Visitation, the weak Veil and Intercessor, the Wand of old age, the Mother of the Most High God, Thou art the Most Pure, pand, pray, be saved by Your servant.
Prayer
O Most Holy and Blessed Virgin, Lady Mother of God! Look with Your merciful eye on us, standing before Your holy icon and praying to You with tenderness: raise us up from the depths of sin, enlighten our mind, darkened by passions, and heal the ulcers of our souls and bodies. Not imams of other help, not imams of other hope, except for You, the Lady. You weigh all our infirmities and sins, we resort to You and cry out: do not leave us with Your heavenly help, but appear before us and with Your inexpressible mercy and bounty, save and have mercy on us who are perishing. Grant us the correction of our sinful lives and deliver us from sorrows, troubles and illnesses, from sudden death, hell and eternal torment. You are more, Queen and Mistress, an ambulance and Intercessor to all who flow to You and a strong Refuge of penitent sinners. Grant us, Blessing and Immaculate Virgin, the Christian end of our life is peaceful and shameless, and vouchsafe us with Your intercession to settle in the abodes of heaven, where the unceasing voice of those celebrating with joy glorifies the Most Holy Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
Nadezhda Dmitrieva
From the book “Rejoices in You!”
It is believed that bringing joy to people who have been visited by grief is the highest service. This is exactly what the Mother of God does, and the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow” captures such a quality of the Mother of God. In the old days, the word "sorrow" was given a broader meaning than in the modern world. This word meant both sad events, and physical tangible pains from diseases, as well as experiences in the event of everyday troubles.
History and image variants
In order to somehow console those who need help from all worldly sorrows, there is an icon called "Joy of All Who Sorrow." This wonderful icon appeared in Rus' in the 17th century. According to art historians, the Western European school is of great importance in its iconography. In fact, until that time it is difficult to trace where the icon came from, although, one way or another, the image of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” is very old. One way or another, it is interesting to look at modern history, which is combined with many miracles.
A large number of variants (expressions) of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" has a different compositional scheme. In other words, some details of the icon differ significantly.
If we consider the faces of the saints depicted on the canvases, it should be noted that initially these figures were not here, in contrast to the icons created since 1688. This phenomenon has an explanation. It turns out that the year of the image of the saints on the icon was preceded by some significant event.
Miraculous healing of Euphemia
The miraculous icon healed the sister of the Patriarch Euphemia from illness. It was from that moment that people began to glorify the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow", and in order to emphasize the power of healing, they began to apply images of the afflicted to the canvas. Euphemia had a dream about the icon, which must be sought in the Church of the Transfiguration, and then glorified the image. After the icon performed a miracle, they learned about it throughout the city. Then they began to make various lists.
Of these, one of the most famous is the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon with pennies in St. Petersburg, which suffered a powerful thunderstorm. The temple was practically destroyed, and the coins from the tribute container scattered and imprinted on the image, which itself remained unharmed. Now the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies enjoys special reverence.
What helps the icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow"
Over the years, the tradition has taken root that the Virgin should be depicted in all her beauty and radiance. Such a radiance is called a mandorla, this is a general detail of what the icon of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” looks like, and the details of the description and content may differ.
Iconography knows cases when Jesus Christ is also depicted in such a radiance. These are the canvases "The Second Coming", "The Transfiguration of the Lord". The famous painting "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin" also has a mandorla around the image of the Virgin.
Since the meaning of the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow” often indicates healing, in addition to the Mother of God, figures of angels began to appear on the icon, which bring good from the Queen of Heaven and the Lord.
Many variants of paintings are presented with the image of saints near the Virgin. This icon is very well known to the Old Believers, even though it saw the light after the church schism.
If we conditionally compile a rating of the popularity of holy images (we emphasize that such a rating is conditional and comparative and one should not take such a rating seriously, that is, put one icon above the other), then the icons of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” and the Kazan Mother of God are among the most popular for prayer. It is they who are most often associated with various miracles that are bestowed both for individual believers and for different cities and countries.
In order to understand what the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon helps with, you need to look at the name itself. The Virgin here appears as a hope for anyone, especially for those who have various difficulties. The Blessed Virgin prays for the whole world and she is helped by an army of Heavenly angels who bring good to people. In addition, you need to understand the name and as Joy in a global sense, because it is not in vain that the word with a capital letter is used here. We are talking about the possibility of Salvation, which was granted through the Mother of God, who revealed the Savior to the world.
Prayer of the Mother of God before the icon of Her "Joy of All Who Sorrow"
Oh, Most Holy Lady Theotokos, the highest Cherubim and the most honest Seraphim, the God-chosen Maiden, Joy to all who mourn! Grant consolation to us, who are in sorrow: unless there are other imams for you and help. You alone are the joy of our Intercessor, and as the Mother of God and the Mother of Mercy, standing at the Throne of the Most Holy Trinity, you can help us: no one who flows to You is put to shame. Hear us, now, on the day of sorrow before Your icon, falling down and praying to You with tears: take away from us the sorrows and sorrows that are upon us in this temporary life, do not be deprived of our wife, create with Your all-powerful intercession and eternal, endless joy in the Kingdom of Your Son and our God. Amen.
There is no higher service than bringing joy to those who mourn. The word "sorrow" had a broader meaning in ancient times than it does today. It meant not only sorrowful experiences, but also physical suffering from illnesses, and failures of the everyday plan, and in general everything that we now call the word “negative”. It is through these troubles and hardships of life, with which the world is full, that the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” brings the joy of consolation.
Grace given through icons
Before starting a conversation about it, one very important fact should be emphasized - it is not the icon itself that works miracles and brings Divine grace to people, but the Mother of God depicted on it. She does this through her images, before which we offer prayers to her. There are great icons among them, which are commonly called miraculous. This means that the Queen of Heaven chose them, and it is her pleasure to send down grace through these icons. For this we honor them, but we pray not to them, not to the boards covered with a picturesque layer, but to the One whose holy image is imprinted on them.
For the name of the icon in question, the words of one of the Theotokos stichera (a special liturgical text) are used - “Joy to All Who Sorrow.” The icon of the Mother of God with this name appeared in Rus' in the 17th century. Art critics note in its iconography the tangible influence of the Western European school. In addition, it should be noted that many of its versions (variants) lack a single compositional scheme. As a result, significant differences can be found in icons with this name.
An example is the saints depicted on it. In the earliest versions, these figures were absent and appeared only on icons painted after 1688. The explanation for this is as follows: this year the icon of the Theotokos “Joy of All Who Sorrow” brought miraculous healing from an illness to the sister of Patriarch Joachim, Euphemia. Since then, her glorification began, and figures of the afflicted began to be introduced into the picturesque plot, thereby focusing on the healing power of the image.
Features of the generally accepted iconographic tradition
Over the years, a tradition has developed to depict the Virgin in full growth, standing in the so-called mandorla - a vertical oval radiance. An interesting fact: a similar image is typical for Christian and Buddhist art. In such a halo, it is customary to depict the figures of Christ, the Virgin and Buddha. In Christian iconography, the image of Christ in a mandorla is often found on the icons "Transfiguration of the Lord" and "Second Coming", and in the iconography of the Theotokos - on the icon "Assumption of the Most Holy Theotokos".
In addition to the Mother of God and figures suffering from ailments, it has become a tradition to depict angels on the icon performing acts of mercy on behalf of the Queen of Heaven. In addition, one can find numerous renditions with images of saints standing on the right and on the left side of the Virgin. Despite the fact that the icon "Our Lady of All Who Sorrow" appeared after the church schism, which was caused by the well-known reform of Patriarch Nikon, it is very common among the Old Believers. Especially many of her lists appeared, made in the Belarusian village of Vetka.
The history of the glorification of the icon
It is necessary to dwell in more detail on the history of the icon. As mentioned above, her glorification began in 1688 with the healing of the ailments of the patriarchal sister Euphemia Papina. Legend has it that she suffered from a non-healing wound in her side. And then one day, during a prayer, Euphemia heard a wondrous voice announcing that the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” would bring her healing.
On Ordynka there is the Church of the Transfiguration, where you should look for this icon. After a prayer, a miracle will happen before her, and the illness will leave the patient. The voice also added that Euphemia would have to confess this miracle, glorifying the name of the Most Holy Theotokos. Soon the icon was delivered to the suffering woman, and after praying in front of her, the wound began to heal quickly. It happened on October 24th. Fulfilling the order of the Blessed Virgin (it was She who belonged to that voice), the brother of Euphemia - Patriarch Joachim - ordered to compose a prayer service to the image of "Joy to All Who Sorrow." The icon of the Mother of God has been glorified since then, along with other miraculous icons.
Among the inhabitants of Moscow and all of Russia, this story became widely known, which is not surprising - its main character was the sister of the Patriarch. An akathist "Joy to All Who Sorrow" was written. In addition to the already mentioned service, they compiled a "Tale of the Icon", which set out in detail all the circumstances of what happened, and the royal icon painters began to make lists from it. Unfortunately, it was not possible to establish where the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow” came from to the Church of the Transfiguration. Its significance for Russian Orthodoxy is great, and the lack of information about its early history is a big gap.
Creation of a list from the icon and departure to St. Petersburg
Further events related to the miraculous icon date back to 1711. During this period, the capital of Russia was moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The royal family also moved there. From historical documents it is clear that the sister of Tsar Peter I, Princess Natalya Alekseevna, leaving for the new capital, ordered a copy from the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow”. The icon of the Mother of God was taken to Petersburg. But here a disagreement appears in the documents - according to some sources, a copy went to the banks of the Neva, and the original remained in Moscow, other sources claim the opposite.
It should be noted that after the glorification of the icon, the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, where the boundary consecrated in her honor was located, began to be called among the people “Grieving” or “Joy of All Who Sorrow” on Ordynka. It can be said with full confidence that the icon that Tsarevna Natalya left for the Muscovites was in the temple until the revolution. Then the riddles begin.
After the revolution, the church was closed, its building was used for state needs. There is a version that the icon kept there disappeared without a trace during the church hard times, and the image now in the restored church is a list of the 18th century presented to it by Patriarch Alexy I. But there is another version, according to which the original icon miraculously survived the years of theomachism and is now in its original place.
Petersburg icon of the Mother of God
However, let's fast forward to St. Petersburg and follow the icon that the tsar's sister brought here from Moscow. It remains unclear whether this is an original or a copy, but, in spite of everything, both the Moscow icon and its St. Petersburg sister were revered equally as miraculous. This is confirmed by the fact that, going on the Prut campaign in 1711, the tsar ordered to take her with him as a pledge of heavenly patronage of the army.
Princess Natalya Alekseevna placed the icon brought to her in the house church of her own palace, which was located on Shpalernaya Street. In those years, the famous brainchild of her brother, the Foundry Yard, was also located there, where guns for the army and anchors for the navy were cast. The military and economic power of Russia was created there.
Natalya Alekseevna spared no expense for the shrine. The frame of the icon, made of silver and covered with gold, was richly decorated with family jewels. According to the established tradition, particles of the relics of saints and other relics were placed in it. Over time, the pious princess set up an almshouse at her palace, to which the church moved after her death in 1716.
The veneration of the icon by the kings
Half a century later, Empress Catherine II treated the miraculous image of “Joy to All Who Sorrow” with special reverence. The icon of the Mother of God gave her strength during the period of the smallpox epidemic that broke out in 1768. It is known that the Empress was one of the first to be vaccinated against this terrible disease for herself and the heir to the throne, thereby setting an example for the rest.
It was very important, since vaccinations in those years were an innovation and were met in society with fear and misunderstanding. Before deciding to take such a step, Catherine II came to the house church of Princess Natalya. Prayer to the icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow" instilled confidence in her. As a result, vaccinations following her example have saved the lives of hundreds of people. As a token of gratitude, a new, even richer setting for the icon was soon made.
During the reign of her grandson Alexander I, the house church on Shpalernaya was completely rebuilt according to the project of the architect L. Ruska, a special niche was created for the icon on the right side of the iconostasis. This period includes the creation of a new, third salary for the icon.
It was done with extraordinary generosity. Almost seven kilograms of gold went into its manufacture. In addition, precious stones were used in large quantities for decoration. A photo from the lithograph of the icon, made in 1862, can be seen in this article. Particles of the relics of many saints were also placed in the salary. After the solemn consecration, which was performed by Metropolitan Gregory (Postnikov), the salary took its place.
Three lists with icons
It should also be noted that in the temple on Shpalernaya, in addition to the icon in question, there were three more lists made from it, but they are considered lost. It is only known that one of them practically did not differ in its iconographic features from the one brought by Natalya Alekseevna. Decorated with his precious salary. In 1847, the icon was transferred to the ownership of the Spaso-Efrosinevsky Monastery in Polotsk, and its place was taken by a copy made by the painter P.M. Shamshin.
It is known about the other two lists that they had their own iconographic features. The figures of the suffering were included in their composition, which indicates their later writing. The pictorial manner in which they were executed is more characteristic of the Western school. One of the icons was at the top of the room in the choir stalls. Its authorship is attributed to the then-famous artist F.A. Bronnikov. The other was created specifically in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the rebuilding of the temple. It is written on a copper board by the artist I.A. Tyurin.
Somewhat later, the church was rebuilt, and since then it has been called Skorbyashchinsky. It was also known as the Church of the icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow". It existed until 1932, when it was closed together with many Russian churches. After that, the miraculous icon stored in it, a family heirloom of Princess Natalia, also disappeared without a trace.
In St. Petersburg, in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior, there is an icon that many consider to be the one that was lost when the church on Shpalernaya was closed. But this, unfortunately, is an erroneous opinion. An old lithograph made from an icon that belonged to the princess proves their non-identity. It is more likely that in the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior there is that revered list, which, as you know, was kept in a precious salary next to the icon of Natalia Alekseevna and was transferred to the cathedral after the closure of the house church.
Icon with pennies
Among the St. Petersburg icons of the Mother of God there is one unique in its own way. It is called the icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies. There is a legend that once, in the middle of the 19th century, it was washed ashore by the Neva waves near the estate of the merchant Kurakin. From them, the icon passed to the merchant Matveev, who presented it as a gift to the chapel built in honor of the icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God in the Village of Klochki near St. Petersburg. The chapel was located next to the famous St. Petersburg glass factory.
This icon gained fame after a terrible thunderstorm that raged over the city on July 23, 1888. From the documents left from that time, it is known that a lightning strike that hit the chapel scorched the inner walls and the icons located there. The mug for collecting donations suffered the most - it was completely broken. Only the icon that was in the chapel remained unharmed - a gift from the merchant Matveyev. Moreover, the coins that scattered during a lightning strike in an incomprehensible way firmly stuck to the surface of the icon.
When, after a thunderstorm, the damaged chapel was opened, they found that the image of the Virgin, previously attached to the corner on a cord, fell down from a strong blow. But the most striking thing was that the face of the Mother of God, darkened by time, brightened and renewed itself. There were many witnesses to this miracle, the rumor about it quickly spread throughout St. Petersburg.
Her glorification began with the fact that, at the command of the ruling bishop, Metropolitan Isidor (Nikolsky), regular prayer services began in front of the icon. By this time, there are also reports of the first miraculous healings that took place through prayers before this newly acquired image. From the records it is clear that after the prayer to the icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow” was performed on December 6, 1890, the lad Nikolai Grachev, 14 years old, was healed of epilepsy. The next case was recorded in February 1891, when 26-year-old Vera Belonogova, who had completely lost the ability to speak due to a sore throat, suddenly gained the gift of speech.
Ruined Temple "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (St. Petersburg)
The pious Emperor Alexander III in 1893 served a prayer service in front of this icon. Five years later, thanks to the financial resources donated by him, a stone temple “Joy of All Who Sorrow” was erected for her on a specially designated area. He towered on the embankment of the Neva. However, in the thirties it suffered the same fate as many churches in our country - it was demolished. Now only a miraculously preserved chapel reminds of it.
Fortunately, the miraculous icon itself was saved, and now it is also located on the Nevsky Bank, in the Church of the Holy Trinity, which is popularly called "Kulich and Easter" for its architectural features. In honor of this icon, a special day of celebration is set - August 5th. By the way, the St. Petersburg Icon of Joy of All Who Sorrow with pennies received its official name on the personal instructions of Patriarch Alexy II in 1998. On all subsequent copies made from it, the coins were depicted with paint.
Lists famous for miracles
It is known that not only the icons already mentioned in this article, but also the lists made from them became famous for many miracles. In terms of their iconographic type, these icons often repeat both Moscow and St. Petersburg icons. They are located in different parts of the country, but the legends about the miracles they manifested become public property.
We should dwell on this in more detail. The most famous of these icons is Reshnevskaya. Its name comes from the village of Reshnev, where the temple "Joy of All Who Sorrow" was specially built for it. According to legend, a pious and wealthy landowner, M. Savich, received this icon from a wandering monk. With her funds, the temple was built.
Tradition says that on the day of his consecration, a miracle happened - through the prayers of his mother, the boy who suffered from paralysis was healed. This icon itself is somewhat different from other icons of this type. She almost completely copies the "Iberian Mother of God", however, among the locals and among her admirers in general, she is referred to as the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow." Its significance for believers lies in the feeling of the reality of intercession and help sent down by the Most Holy Theotokos.
Lists of icons famous in hospitals and prisons
For several centuries now, the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon has been helping the sick who have lost all hope of recovery. An example of this is the image located in the hospital belonging to the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. Tradition says that the founder of the hospital, Prince Nikolai Svyatosha, later glorified as a saint, donated the icon there. Further, the legend tells that the hospital watchman more than once witnessed how an unknown woman visited the hospital, and those patients to whom she approached soon recovered. There was also one monk who suffered from an incurable disease and was ready to finish his earthly journey. And then one day a distinct image of the Virgin Mary appeared above his headboard in the moonlight. The patient saw her and was soon healed.
Since ancient times in Vologda in the prison hospital there was a miraculous icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow". Its value was also appreciated there. People who have been imprisoned through their own fault or due to circumstances, like no one else, need the help and intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. The inhabitants of the city, who venerated the icon, made for it a silver and gilded salary and carried it out for every religious procession. Unfortunately, this miraculous image has not survived to this day, having disappeared without a trace during the years of the revolution.
Icon from Voronezh
The Voronezh Theological Church is also known for its miraculous icon. There is a legend that one of the associates of Peter I, sailing in a boat along the Voronezh River, refused to moor to the shore near the temple and bow to the icon located in it. He even allowed himself to be very bold about this. However, a storm that soon broke out, threatening the life of both the nobleman himself and his retinue, forced him to repent of his rash words and, having moored to the shore, hasten to the temple. After he kissed the icon, the storm miraculously stopped. This icon is revered as miraculous. There are many testimonies of healings that took place through prayers before her.
It is difficult to enumerate all the miraculous lists from this blessed icon. They were always revered, temples and chapels were built for them. Such a chapel "Joy of All Who Sorrow" was built in St. Petersburg in 1915. It was intended to help mentally ill children and was built under the patronage of Empress Maria Feodorovna. After the revolution, it was closed and re-consecrated only in 1990.
It is impossible not to recall the list of the icon located in Tobolsk. There is little information about its creation, but art historians believe that its writing can be attributed to the end of the 16th century. In the temple, this icon was exhibited in a precious setting and decorated with numerous rings, crosses and pendants donated by parishioners on the occasion of the granting of help through prayers. It is characteristic that it was held in special esteem by city merchants, among them it was considered the key to successful commerce to carry it through the shopping malls. Unfortunately, this icon has not survived to this day. Like many others, she disappeared during the revolution.
Many believers in their home meetings have this wonderful image. Icons in the apartment always create a special atmosphere. Even people who do not identify themselves with religion feel the fertile energy emanating from them. It operates independently of our perception. But if a person's heart is warmed by faith in God, then the icons become truly miraculous.
The famous street in the capital - Bolshaya Ordynka - is rightfully called the place of golden domes. Among believers, the church "Joy of All Who Sorrow" is especially revered. This place of worship was first mentioned in chronicles in 1571. At that time, the temple was known under a different name, as the Church of Varlaam Khutynsky. According to the assumptions of historians, it was erected in 1523 during the time of Metropolitan Varlaam, in the name of his heavenly intercessor and patron. In 1625, the clergy conducted the consecration of the throne here in the name of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is currently the main altar of the Sorrowful Church.
Temple on Ordynka "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in 1683/85 was built in stone. A few years later, a miracle happened within its walls: one of the parishioners received complete healing from the image of the Mother of God. As the legends say, the sister of Patriarch Joachim experienced severe suffering from a painful wound in her side. She called out in prayers for help. One day, a mysterious voice reached Euphemia, indicating that she should serve a water-blessed prayer service at the icon of the Queen of Heaven in the Transfiguration Church. The woman realized that she had heard the call of the All-Defender herself. She followed all instructions and was healed. Since then, the icon has been famous as miraculous, and to this day the image is revered by all Orthodox believers in the country.
The temple on Ordynka "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in 1922 was destroyed during the seizure of church valuables. All jewelry and utensils were expropriated (more than 65 kg of silver and gold). In 1933 it was closed, the Bolsheviks removed the bells, but the interior decoration remained practically untouched.
During the Great Patriotic War, the temple on Ordynka "Joy of All Who Sorrow" was the storeroom of the Tretyakov Gallery. In 1948 it was reopened for worship.
The Joy of All Who Sorrow Church is of particular interest due to its architectural solutions. Its bell tower has a rare shape. The building was built in the form of a cylindrical rotunda, with semicircular arched windows and Ionic two-columned porticos. Inside there are 12 columns serving as a support for a small drum with a dome in the form of a hemisphere and a spherical dome. A characteristic feature of the interior decoration is the placement of candlesticks. They are upstairs, ministers climbing a portable wooden ladder to light a candle.
Image
The Joy of All Who Sorrow icon is an amazing phenomenon in the history of icon painting. There is a lot of documentary evidence of the miraculous deeds of this image. The list of such documents is perhaps the longest in the history of Orthodoxy.
Icons and lists of "Joy of All Who Sorrow": Meaning in the Orthodox Faith
“Joy to all who mourn” is the first line of one of their verses. Even the name of this image served to make it so widespread in our country. In addition to the first icon located in the Moscow church, there are about two dozen locally venerated and miraculous lists.
The soul of a Russian person is very close and understandable to the meaning hidden in the name of the icon. In the images of “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” the meaning is revealed as follows: this is the reckless hope of the believer in the Most Pure Mother of God, hurrying everywhere to alleviate sorrow, console, save people from sorrow and suffering, give healing to the sick and clothing to the naked ...
Iconography
The icon depicts the Mother of God in full growth, with or without a baby on her arm. The all-protector is surrounded by the radiance of the mandrola. This is a halo of a special oval shape, elongated in the vertical direction. The Mother of God is surrounded by angels, the New Testament Trinity and the Lord of hosts are depicted in the clouds.
This principle of iconography developed in Rus' in the seventeenth century under the influence of Western European traditions. The iconography of the image could not get a single complete composition and is presented in churches in a variety of options. The most famous are two types of icon painting - with a baby in her arms, as in the temple on Ordynka, and without it.
The peculiarity of the icon is that, together with the Mother of God, it depicts people tormented by sorrows and illnesses, and angels who perform good deeds on behalf of the All-Saviour.
Icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies
The image became famous in St. Petersburg in 1888, when lightning struck the chapel where it was located. The icon remained intact, only copper pennies (penny) stuck to it. Subsequently, a temple was built on this site. The famous icon "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies is in it to this day.
How to pray to the Queen of Heaven
To the miraculous icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” prayer should be offered with a pure heart and thoughts. All needy, sick people, mothers expecting children from the war, entire families where trouble has happened can ask the intercessor for help.
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin
“The Tsarina, my Hope, the Mother of God, Intercessor to the orphans and the strange Patroness! Grieving Joy, offended Representative! Behold my trouble, behold my sorrow: help me the weak servant of God (name). Resolve my offense at your will. I rely on your help. Only you, Mother of God, I ask for help! Amen".
The clergy advise to turn to the image of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” as often as possible, the prayer can be said in your own words, the main thing is the sincerity and true faith of the parishioner.
Lists from the icon of the Queen of Heaven
When in 1711 Tsar Peter the Great, together with his entourage, moved to St. Petersburg, his sister put a copy of the icon of the All-Intercessor in the new palace church. Later, in the name of the Mother of God, a whole temple was rebuilt in the Northern capital, which took place during the reign of Elizabeth the First.
How and when to visit the temple
The church is located in Moscow, B. Ordynka street, 20. You can get to the place by metro, to the Tretyakovskaya and Novokuznetskaya stations. The temple on Ordynka "Joy of All Who Sorrow" is available for visiting daily, from 7.30 to 20.00 pm.
Instead of completing
One of the oldest and most famous churches in the capital is always ready to receive parishioners. Access to the miraculous icon is always open, but you may have to stand in a short queue.
Among the miraculous images of the Queen of Heaven, the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” is especially close to the heart of an Orthodox person. This is not surprising, because many throughout their lives go through hardships and difficulties, sorrows and sorrows, illnesses and infirmities. Already in the name of this icon there is consolation. We turn to the Mother of God, who hastens to call for help, supporting us in trials, wiping away the tears of those who cry and giving us hope.
blessed intercessor
According to custom, the Mother of God is depicted in accordance with the words of the prayer addressed to her. “Helper of the offended, hopeless hope, wretched intercessor, sad consolation, hungry nurse, naked robes, healing of the sick, salvation of sinners, help and intercession for all Christians” - this is how we call the image embodied on the icons “Joy of All Who Sorrow”.
The Mother of God is shown here surrounded by needy people - undressed, sick, hungry, as well as angels doing good deeds on her behalf. The Intercessor herself is written on the icon in full growth, in royal attire and with a crown on her head. Above her in the clouds sits the Savior, who holds the Gospel in his left hand, and blesses with his right. Various iconographic types of the image are known.
The Moscow icon of the All Church on Bolshaya Ordynka depicts the Mother of God with the baby Jesus, angels soar above them. A feature of this icon is the image of a number of saints headed by Sergius of Radonezh, on the ribbons there are texts with prayer names of grace-filled help from the Mother of God. There are many lists (copies) of the miraculous image, where the Blessed Virgin is depicted without the Child. Especially widely known is the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies.
According to legend, the first miracle from this icon happened in 1688: thanks to a prayer service at the image of the Mother of God in the Church of the Transfiguration on Ordynka, the servant of God Euphemia, the sister of the Moscow Patriarch Joachim, was cured of a serious illness. A miraculous healing took place on November 6, and in memory of this, a celebration was established in honor of the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon, and the temple received the name of a miraculous icon. Soon he became famous throughout the capital under the name of "Grieving". Since then, as church books testify, many sick and grieving, praying to the Mother of God, began to receive healing and deliverance from troubles: the blind received their sight, the dumb got the opportunity to speak, and the deaf - to hear, childless women gave birth to healthy babies, the suffering got rid of adversity .
The icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" fell in love not only with ordinary believers, but also with members of crowned families. In 1711, when the royal residence moved to St. Petersburg, the sister of Peter I, Grand Duchess Natalia Alekseevna, took with her a copy of the Sorrowful Icon, which became one of the main shrines of the new capital.
Later, at the direction of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, who also deeply revered the Joy of All Who Sorrow icon, a temple was erected in St. Petersburg in honor of the marvelous image. Subsequently, the Sorrowful Icon of the Mother of God was generously and richly decorated by Empress Catherine II, Countess Golovkina, Count Sheremetev and other noble persons. Now this miraculous image is in the Trinity Church of St. Petersburg, which is popularly called "Kulich and Easter".
Miracle with pennies
In the summer of 1888, in the city on the Neva, a miraculous list from the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies became famous. This happened after a fire caused by a lightning strike in the chapel of the village of Klochki near the Glass Factory on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. After the fire was extinguished, they were surprised to find that the icon of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” not only did not burn out, but the face of the Mother of God, darkened with time and soot, brightened and was renewed. A mug for donations standing nearby was shattered, money scattered on the floor, and 12 copper coins stuck to the image in different places.
The news of the transformation of the icon spread throughout the capital, and crowds of people rushed to the miraculous icon with pennies. Soon a new type of “Joy of All Who Sorrow” icon appeared, on which pennies began to be painted with paint. Another celebration was also established in honor of this image - August 5, the day of its miraculous transformation.
The icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" with pennies has become a source of countless miracles, many incurable patients have been healed. So, in 1890, the parishioners of the chapel witnessed the amazing recovery of the youth Nikolai Grachev, who suffered from epileptic seizures.
One night, the patient saw the Most Holy Theotokos in front of him with St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and heard a voice: “Go to the chapel where the coins fell, and you will receive healing, but don’t tell anyone beforehand.” Arriving at the chapel the next morning, the patient kissed the icon, and the epileptic illness left him forever.
In the same amazing way, Vera Belonogina, the 26-year-old wife of a clerk from the Thornton cloth factory, was soon healed. The unfortunate woman lost her voice due to throat consumption, before which the doctors were powerless. The woman could only hope for prayers and God's help. Once, in a dream, Vera clearly heard a mysterious voice commanding her to go to the chapel. After serving a moleben to the holy icon “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” she returned home and loudly said to her husband: “I am completely healthy!”
On the site of the burnt chapel, a temple was built in honor of the glorified icon. After the revolution, the Sorrowful Church was blown up, but the miraculous icon was preserved in the family of parishioners. During the Great Patriotic War, the holy image was placed in the Holy Trinity Church. A great many people, praying before this icon, received consolation from the Mother of God in the inhuman trials and sorrows that befell the people of Leningrad during the terrible years of the blockade.
After the Sorrowing Chapel was revived in St. Petersburg, which became the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Zelenetsky Monastery, the miraculous image of the Virgin “Joy of All Who Sorrow” with pennies returned to its historical place.
