Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow

I was heartened to realize that today
is one of the days of the beloved icon
to the Mother of God
Joy of All Who Sorrow



"This name is given to one of the wonderworking icons of the Most-holy Theotokos. On this day the icon is celebrated for the miraculous healing in Moscow, of Euphemia, the sister of Patriarch Joachim, in the year 1688. Euphemia had a serious wound in the side and as the doctors failed in their treatments, she prayed with tears to the Most-holy Theotokos. Then, she heard a voice: ``Euphemia, go to the Church of the Transfiguration of my Son; there you will find the icon, `Joy of All Who Sorrow.' Have the priest pray for you before this icon and you will be healed.'' Euphemia did so, and was immediately made well."
~Prolog of Ohrid, October 24

 

"Icon's Design:

The design of this icon depicts the Theotokos, a most beautiful blossom of heaven, standing among the flowers of paradise. Her Son is visible above her in the clouds, the King of heaven and earth. Along both sides of the icon, framing the Mother of God, are suppliants (us), asking for her intercession. She stands with her arms spread open and her head tilted as if listening. The tenderness and kindness of a loving mother are evident in her face. She stands in paradise and yet among us."
*
Akathist here.
*
HYMN OF PRAISE
to the Icon of the Most-holy Theotokos, ``Joy of All Who Sorrow''

O Most-holy Mother of God, ``Joy of All Who Sorrow,''
Grant thy mercy to us sinners.
Thy Son now sits on the throne of the Eternal Kingdom,
And all our troubles thou seest; thou knowest them as they occur.
Thou hast always prayed to Christ God for the faithful,
And hast relieved much pain and misery of the sorrowful.
O Holy Virgin, never cease, to the end of time,
To pray for the salvation of our race.
God hast made thee even more glorious than the Seraphim:
O hasten to us, O Joy of all who sorrow!

~Prolog of Ohrid, October 24