Akathist to the Mother of God of Kykkos. Akathist to the merciful Mother of God

Kontakion 1

Chosen by God from the human race to serve the incarnation of the Eternal Word, the Most Blessed Virgin Mother of God, worthily sung by the angels in heaven, we are sinners on earth, we dare to bring songs of praise that you have graciously received from us, the All-Blessed Lady, free us from all troubles, temporary and eternal, and call Ti: Rejoice, Merciful Helper of Christians.

Ikos 1

Archangel Gabriel was sent from heaven from You, Mother of God, to the humble novice of Mount Athos in a desert cell, who sang Ti songs of praise before Your holy icon, so that he might teach him to sing the heavenly song. with it the angels in heavenly Zion praise you. In the same way, we too, remembering Your good providence for people, cry out to Tisitsa with thanksgiving: Rejoice, worthily praised by the archangel and angel; Rejoice, blessed one from all heavenly powers. Rejoice, ever-blessed and most immaculate; Rejoice, Mother of our God. Rejoice, most honorable Cherub; Rejoice, most glorious without comparison Seraphim. Rejoice, you who gave birth to God the Word without corruption; Rejoice, truly present Mother of God. Rejoice, magnified in heaven and on earth; Rejoice, sung by those above and below. Rejoice, one blessed among women; Rejoice, thou who hast brought forth the fruit of life for us. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the desert novice of the wondrous stranger who came to his cell and sang a sweet song to You, the Lady, without understanding there was an angel in him, but greatly enjoyed his heavenly singing, and ask him to write to him the words of the song he sang: when he saw that under his finger there was stone So softened, and the words written on it deepened like on an arctic fox, recognizing in this wonderful action, and cry out to the Word God who was born from You: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Opening the mind to the Divine songs, the Archangel spoke to the novice, as if the faces of the angels in the abodes of the heavens sing Thee to the Mother of God, and commanded him, let him proclaim to man the words of the songs of heaven, and teach the earthly ones to cry out to Thee in an angelic manner: Hail, Most Blessed Mary; Rejoice, for the Lord is with You. Rejoice, Blessed Daughter of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, Unartificed Mother of God the Word. Rejoice, immaculate village of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, you who revealed the unspeakable conception. Rejoice, you who showed an imperishable Christmas; Rejoice, thou who wast both Matter and the Virgin. Rejoice, you who have preserved both yourselves immaculate and holy; Rejoice, having surpassed the angels in Your purity. Rejoice, unceasing wonder of the heavenly minds; Rejoice, exaltation of the human race. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 3

By the power of God, Gabriel the Archangel turned a hard stone into soft wax, and on it with his finger wrote words of praise to You, Mother of God, so that everyone would know the great miracle, and undoubtedly believe, as the mountains of heaven truly sing of You, and in imitation of them, we sing of Your greatness, Virgin, and in spiritual joy we cry out to God who glorified You: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having simplicity of soul and an immaculate heart, the humble novice has been granted angelic conversation and the sight of the ruler of the mountains, but we, darkened by wickedness and malice, do not dare to look at Your holy icon, Lady, and we pray to You diligently: turn us away from evil. ours by Your right hand and teach us in humility and meekness of spirit to say to You: Rejoice, you who sanctified Mount Athos with Your favor; Rejoice, you who filled its hills and wilds with the glory of Your miracles. Rejoice, thou who hast made the desert worthy of the angelic appearance; Rejoice, monastic monastery, in which you multiplied human souls for the salvation. Rejoice, having promised Your intercession to those who strive in it in fasting and prayer; Rejoice, saving Thy chosen ones from the troubles of the sea of life. Rejoice, thou who sought the mercy of Thy Son and God to this place until the end of the age; Rejoice, mental paradise who showed this mountain to the desert-loving monk. Rejoice, you who have made it a calm haven for all those seeking salvation; Rejoice, you always lovingly supplying them with what they need for the fasting life. Rejoice, you who live here are a God-pleasing giver of temporal and eternal blessings; Rejoice, intercessor for them of the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 4

A storm of bewilderment troubled the elder monk, when he heard a new and wonderful song in the mouth of his disciple, and saw a stone tablet, miraculously inscribed with an unearthly finger: when he learned of the visit of a wondrous visitor, who was called Gabriel, he knew, as if he were the one who told You the gospel of old. , Virgin, seedless conception of God the Word. In the same way, magnifying Your majesty, Queen of those above and below, you joyfully sing angels and men to the Creator: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Having heard about the visit of the Archangel to the monks of Mount Athos, I flocked to see the tablet, miraculously inscribed with the letters of the heavenly song, and I sang this reverently before Thy holy icon, Lady, before the Heavenly One the Archangel was sung. Accept, O All-Blessed One, and our prayers earnestly offered to You before her, with the following singing: Rejoice, as the council of angels rejoices in You; Rejoice, for in You the human race triumphs. Rejoice, who bore the Eternal Word in Your hand; Rejoice, Thou who comfortably contained in Thy womb the Creator of heaven and earth. Rejoice, thou who lent flesh to Thy Creator; Rejoice, thou who hast incarnated the reddest above the sons of men. Rejoice, you have set forth the red one, who has worn out the garment of the flesh of Christ; Rejoice, from the blood of Your virgins the purple of the King of kings was made. Rejoice, praise of virginity; Rejoice, glory to mothers.
Rejoice, you who preserved your virginity at Christmas; Rejoice, Christmas with virginity. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 5

God-seer Moses sometimes received the Law of God inscribed on Mount Sinai on stone tablets, but the monks of Mount Athos received a heavenly song to the glory of the Mother of God on the stone tablet inscribed from the Archangel, and with this teaching, angelic praise to You, Most Pure One, hastening, calling upon the Triune God who was so well-willed for them : Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the ruler of Mount Athos, a great miracle in the appearance of the Archangel and a new song, revealed to the entire Church of Christ, the decal miraculously inscribed in the letters of the song, forwarded to the Tsar and Patriarch of Byzantium, to assure the truth of this glorious miracle: I joyfully accepted it, as a guarantee of heavenly favor , and throughout the entire Orthodox Church we have legalized the singing of the angelic song in praise of You, Mother of God, calling to You in deep tenderness: Rejoice, adorned with the graces of all virtues, Virgin; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride, shining with virginity. Rejoice, thou who hast increased the unfading color of Christ; Rejoice, verbal paradise, having the tree of life in the midst, the Most Sweet Jesus. Rejoice, heavenly hay, who preserves us from the heat of our efforts; Rejoice, cover of the world, broadening the clouds. Rejoice, blessed-leaved tree, giving saving coolness to everyone. Rejoice, source of living water, from which those who drink do not die. Rejoice, supplication of the Righteous Judge; Rejoice, forgiveness of our sins. Rejoice, abiding in heavenly glory at the right hand of God; Rejoice, you who do not forsake the earth-born through Your mercy. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 6

The Holy Church preaches the greatness of Thy miracles, Mary Theotokos, and brightly sings Thy angelic song, miraculously brought from heaven to earth by the commander of the heavenly powers and Thy noble servant Gabriel: pray with him, Most Pure Lady, to Thy Son and God, unshakable in piety and He will preserve His Church in Orthodoxy, and will put to shame all heretical uprisings, but He will vouchsafe us, Her faithful children, to sing to Him without condemnation: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You have shone with many rays of miracles from Your Gracious Icon, O Lady, and with these you have graciously blessed the entire Mount Athos: for Your streams of mercy flow freely to all who demand from it, O Virgin, and you strive to call everyone to You: Rejoice, our holy Joy, through Your icon we ever-comforting; Rejoice, our good intercessor, always hastening to help us. Rejoice, you who have given us the guarantee of salvation in Your icon; Rejoice, you who greatly glorified Mount Athos with it. Rejoice, our known hope; Rejoice, our unshameable hope. Rejoice, consolation for our sorrows; Rejoice, our sorrows have been quenched. Rejoice, confirmation of the Orthodox faith; Rejoice, disgrace of unbelief. Rejoice, Divine manifestation of love; Rejoice, glorious miracles have been performed. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 7

To those who want to reap salvation in the deserts of Mount Athos, the Merciful Patroness and Helper of the Mother of God appears, and you ever intercede for them to Your Son and God: if anyone there falls into some sin, we are troubled by the weakness of the flesh, through You he receives rising for salvation, as you desire for all those who live in Your lot will be saved and come into the mind of truth, and those who silently sing to Christ, the King and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

A new heaven and a new earth have been prepared by Your Son and by God, who loves Him, the All-Blessed Lady, to whom You are a Guide and Mentor, if only we listen to Your Divine inspiration. We pray to You, the All-Merciful Queen, do not let us perish in the wilds of sin, but lead us along the right path to the land of light and eternal joy, and let us cry out in praise to You: Rejoice, the first adornment of Zion on high; Rejoice, ever-ready intercession of the abodes of the valleys. Rejoice, good earth, who brought forth the saving grace of the world; Rejoice, unearthed, fertilized by the Spirit. Rejoice, thou who received the fire of the Divine into Thy womb; Rejoice, you who have satisfied the hunger of fallen humanity with the Bread of Life. Rejoice, O thou of the Cherubic King on the throne; Rejoice, chamber of the Seraphim Lord, adorned with purity. Rejoice, temple animated by the Trinitarian God; Rejoice, receptacle of the Divine. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 8

The strange and glorious appearance of the Archangel, which sometimes happened on Mount Athos, was a Divine sight, through which Thy venerated name, Mary Theotokos, was glorified, and all the faithful learned to sing angelically about Thee, the most honorable Cherubim and the most glorious Mother of the Seraphim of our God, in whom every creature and race rejoices. man gratefully cries out to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

We place all our hope in You, Mother of God, and in our sorrows we zealously flow to Your holy icon, hoping to receive gracious consolation from it, through Your merciful participation towards us, O All-Blessed One. Help us, Lady, to endure all sorrows with patience and gratitude, and instead of faint-hearted murmurs, to cry out to You with compassion: Rejoice, Joy to all who mourn; Rejoice, consolation to all the sad. Rejoice, you who labor and are burdened with sweet peace; Rejoice, life-giving joy for those who are sick and distressed. Rejoice, in the hour of sorrowful bewilderment you put a good thought on your heart; Rejoice, inspiring in days of despondency with the hope of eternal blessings. Rejoice, Thy helping hand is extended to those who are tempted; Rejoice, you who take away the wrath of God from our heads. Rejoice, you who give peace to those overwhelmed by misfortunes; Rejoice, you who wonderfully fulfill our good desires. Rejoice, you who crown patient sufferers with gifts of grace; Rejoice, thou who grantest the bliss of paradise to the monks who strive hard. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 9

All the angels of heaven with silent praises please Thee, the Queen and Lady of all creation, but we on earth and rings will bring such praise worthy to Thee, the All-Singing One; Moreover, those who trust in Your innumerable mercy are compelled by love for You, we sing Your miracles, we preach Your good deeds, we glorify Your name, and diligently fall to Your multi-healing icon, slavishly crying out to the Divine Infant Christ depicted on it together with You: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Old rhetorical verbs, dissatisfied with the singing of Your miracles, Mother of God, both the Good Being, our faith, instead of the rhetorician’s blessing, mercifully accept, weigh our love, with which our hearts are filled with You. In the same way, kindly hear our simple songs, in which we dare to praise Thee: Rejoice, thou who didst contain the Word of the Father in Thy wombs; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the never-ending Light. Rejoice, you who gave eternal life to the world through Your birth; Rejoice, Thou angelic King, who carried a child in Thy hand; Rejoice, animated city of the ever-king; Rejoice, consecrated tabernacle of the Living God. Rejoice, you who united the lower one with the higher ones; Rejoice, Mother of the World, filled with Divine peace. Rejoice, guilty one of good things; Rejoice, change of evil. Rejoice, all-strong weapon against enemies; Rejoice, indestructible shield of the faithful. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 10

A saving refuge from the vanities of the charming world, Thy earthly lot has appeared, the truly holy Mount Athos, the Virgin Mary, sanctified by Thy many miracles, filled with Thy icons associated with grace, and inhabited by monks who faithfully serve in honor of Thy Son and God, Who do not cease to beseech, O All-Blessed One , His grace does not depart from this place, by You and beloved, in which from ancient years a song of praise has been sung to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Thou art a wall of intercession for virgin faces, O Most Blessed Virgin, and a pillar strong from the face of the enemy to all ascetics of purity: For You have been given great power, to defeat the dark forces of hell, and to deliver people from their soul-destroying temptations, especially those who dwell chastely and holy on earth. For this reason, for the sake of virginity, the stewards, according to You, call: Rejoice, shining with purity more than the sun; Rejoice, beginning of virginity and sanctification. Rejoice, O Krin, who has fragrant fallen humanity; Rejoice, in Thy humility overshadowed by the favor of the Almighty. Rejoice, faithful servant of the Lord; Rejoice, for you are blessed by all. Rejoice, pillar of affirmation of purity for all; Rejoice, crown of kindness, woven by the right hand of the Almighty. Rejoice, sign of God's goodwill towards people; Rejoice, sinners have boldness towards God. Rejoice, clothed in the bright robe of mercies and generosity; Rejoice, filled with compassion and love for the Christian race. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 11

Our singing, even if it were numerous, is not sufficient for the worthy glorification of Your many mercies and bounties, Most Blessed Mother of our Lord, in whose image You constantly benefit our family: otherwise, let us not appear ungratefully before You, our Benefactor, according to our strength we offer songs of gratitude to You with with faith and love, and glorifying Your countless miracles, we cry out to the Supreme Creator of miracles, God: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With the light-giving rays of miracles, your “Merciful” icon, Lady, shines unwaveringly on the holy Mount Athos, and gracefully enlightens the entire Orthodox world. For this reason, Orthodox cathedrals have been coming to her since ancient times for the worship of the Orthodox, compassionately singing before her the following praises: Rejoice, thou who hast revealed the King Christ to the world; Rejoice, depicted on Your icon together with Him. Rejoice, mystical tick, foreseen by Isaiah; Rejoice, unburnt Kupino, foreseen by the visionary Moses. Rejoice, watered fleece of Gideon; Rejoice, often-shrouded Habakkuk. Rejoice, closed door of Ezekiel; Rejoice, invincible mountain of Daniel. Rejoice, many times foretold by the prophet; Rejoice, you who brought the prophetic utterances to fruition. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 12

Thy icon, partaker of grace, the Virgin Mother of God, like a utensil treasured by the Church of Christ, was given from Thy bounties, O All-Good One, in which Thou promised to be with us until the end of the age, saying about your first-written icon: “with it is My grace and power!” We believe, O All-Sung, that this word of Yours will not fail even now, in Your holy icon in every place, where the song of praise is faithfully sung to Your Son and God: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your miracles, Mother of God, we fall diligently to Your merciful and miraculous icon, we kiss You with heartfelt love, and as the ever-present You with us, we diligently pray to You: look upon us with Your mercy, Mother of God, and as we now see You depicted in the icon , so grant us to behold You in the terrible hour of death, who snatches us away from the hand of the devil and brings us into the Kingdom of Christ, by Your sovereign right hand, and we cry out to You with gratitude: Rejoice, for through God we have a strong refuge and protection; Rejoice, you who embrace the whole Christian world with your maternal bounties. Rejoice, you who affirm the faithful in all virtues; Rejoice, you who give a good Christian death to those who please You. Rejoice, thou who deliverest thee from the power of the cruel ruler of the world, who trusteth in Thee; Rejoice, you who intercede in the ordeals of the air, glorifying Thee. Rejoice, Divine goalkeeper, who mercifully opens the gates of heaven to us; Rejoice, you who intercede for the Kingdom of Heaven to those who love You. Rejoice, thou who art seated in heavenly glory before Thy Son and God; Rejoice, contemplating His Divine glory, honoring You. Rejoice, health of our bodies; Rejoice, salvation of our souls. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion 13

O All-Singing Mother, who gave birth to the saints, the Most Holy Word, sung by angels in Heaven, and glorified by men on earth! Mercifully accept this little prayer of ours, and grant bodily health and spiritual salvation to all who faithfully praise Thee and sing about Thee to the Triune God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Icon of the Mother of God the Merciful (Kykkos) depicts the Virgin Mary begging the Lord for the salvation of Christians.

It is known that the holy image was first transferred by the apostle to Egypt, where it was kept until the 10th century. But in 980, after the persecution of Christians, the icon was transferred to Constantinople, where it remained in the royal palace until the 12th century.

How does prayer before the icon of the Mother of God of Kykkos help?

Through the prayer of the Gracious Icon of the Mother of God, the daughter of Emperor Alexius Komnenos, suffering from an incurable illness, was cured. The ruler of Cyprus, Manuel Vutomit, then arrived in Constantinople, intending to ask the emperor for an icon for the monastery on Mount Kykkos. Emperor Alexy agreed, and his daughter miraculously received healing. Then the emperor regretted giving the icon to the monastery and he himself turned out to be ill.

The Mother of God appeared to him in a dream, commanding him to immediately send the icon to Cyprus. The emperor, leaving himself the exact copy of the icon, equipped the ship. On the island there is not only a monastery, but also an Imperial temple, built with the money of a wise ruler. Prayer to the Gracious Icon of the Mother of God continues to help people.

The monastic chronicle speaks of numerous miracles. It is known that the icon helps even non-believers who turn to the Mother of God and read the akathist to the Gracious Icon of the Mother of God.

Akathist to the Gracious Icon of the Mother of God is also read in Moscow, in the Conception Monastery. The image survived the revolution and was kept in the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Obydensky Lane, and in November 1999 it was moved to the Conception Monastery.

Prayer in front of the miraculous icon helps in every way! Believers also ask for deliverance from drought, for healing from bleeding, infertility and the gift of childbearing, for strengthening in needs and sorrows, for help in bearing the monastic cross, for healing from headaches, for healing of the paralytic and in family sorrows.

Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” (Kykkos)

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her “Merciful” Icon

O Most Holy and Most Blessed Mother of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Merciful Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary! Falling before Your holy and miraculous icon, we humbly pray to You, our Good and Merciful Intercessor: listen to the voice of our sinful prayers, do not despise the sighs from the soul, seeing the sorrows and misfortunes that have befallen us, and like a truly loving Mother, striving to help us helpless, sad, Those who have fallen into many and grave sins and continually anger our Lord and Creator, pray to Him, our Representative, not to destroy us with our iniquities, but to show us His philanthropic mercy. Ask us, O Lady, from His goodness, bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, well-timed rains and a blessing from above for all our good deeds and undertakings, and as of old you mercifully looked upon the humble praise of the novice of Athonite. , who sang a song of praise to You before Your most pure icon, and You sent Archangel Gabriel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the angels of the mountain glorify You, graciously accept our prayer now fervently offered to You, and bring it to Your Son and God, may He be merciful He will be a sinner for us, and He will add His mercy to all who honor Thee and worship Thy holy image with faith. O All-Merciful Queen, All-merciful Mother of God, stretch out Your God-bearing hands to Him, in His image, as if You were carrying a baby, and beg Him to save us all and deliver us from eternal destruction. Show us, O Lady, Your generosity: heal the sick, comfort the afflicted, help the needy, make us all prosperous to bear the yoke of Christ in patience and humility, grant us a pious end to this earthly life, receive a Christian shameless death, and inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, through Your maternal intercession to To Christ our God, who was born of You, and to Him with His Originless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, befits all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Troparion, tone 1

Let us pray, people, with boldness to the Merciful Queen Theotokos, and tenderly call upon Her: send down, O Lady, Thy rich mercies, preserving Thy sinful servants in health and prosperity. Heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing and help the needy. And grant us, O Most Merciful One, to end this earthly life piously, to receive a Christian shameless death and to inherit the Heavenly Kingdom. Deliver our city from every evil situation, protecting it with Your merciful intercession. Grant peace and seek salvation for our souls.

Greatness

We magnify Thee, Most Holy Virgin, and honor Thy holy image, through which we heal our illnesses and raise souls to God.

Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” (Kykkos)

This article contains: the Kykkos icon of the Mother of God, the akathist prayer - information taken from all corners of the world, the electronic network and spiritual people.

Since ancient times, the image of the Most Holy Theotokos has been considered miraculous. On the day of veneration, the Akathist to the Merciful Icon of the Mother of God is solemnly sung in all churches.

Not only Christians, but also Gentiles who resorted to the intercession of the Queen of Heaven believed in the great power of the Mother of God.

What to ask the Mother of God

In the Russian capital, the icon resting in the Conception Monastery is revered. It was miraculously saved during the revolutionary unrest. For many decades it remained in the Church of Elijah the Prophet, and only in 1999 was it moved to the Conception Monastery.

The Virgin Mary is prayed for:

relief from drought;
the birth of a long-awaited child;
healing from marital infertility;
comforting those who mourn;
assistance in carrying out the monastic feat;
helping the poor and needy.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the “Merciful” Icon

Chosen from all generations, the Virgin Mother of the Lord God Most High, in the radiant glory of Heaven, above the Cherubim and Seraphim, to the Lady Queen, incline Your mercy to us sinners, quench the sadness of our hearts; spread Your honorable cover over us, visit our sorrowful life, there is no other help for the Imams, there is no other hope for the Imams except You, the Mother of our race. In fear and trembling before the greatness of Thy mercy, on bended knee, we ask Thy intercession before Thy immortal Son, calling with tenderness:

The archangel evangelist from Heaven was sent to the righteous Joachim to announce the joy of your birth, and the holy elder rejoiced, seeing your greatness in the world of God, and so we, the Mother of God, joyfully cry out to you with him:

Rejoice, Lady of the whole world; Rejoice, Queen of Angels.

Rejoice, Most Pure One; Rejoice, most fragrant of all flowers.

Rejoice, loving one; Rejoice, teaching meekness and mercy.

Rejoice, you who spread Your holy protection over us all; Rejoice, radiant Virgin.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Seeing You on the clouds, spreading Your honest cover, and thus protecting us, we cry out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.

Our mind, overwhelmed by carnal thoughts, strives to break the earthly shackles. We are weak and lazy in our sins, but we cry tearfully to Your mercy: raise us up from the abyss of sin, guide us on the path of salvation, and with the angels we glorify You, Most Pure Mother:

Rejoice, our protection and salvation; Rejoice, you instruct us in piety.

Rejoice, sinners' prayer book; Rejoice, you who do not reject our sighs;

Rejoice, you who wipe away our tears; Rejoice, Mother of Mercy.

Rejoice, Life-Receiving Source; Rejoice, you who heal many of our infirmities.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

The power of the Most High guarded Thee, when with infant feet Thou didst ascend the stairs of the temple of the Lord, and we, sinners, trusting in Thy Motherly mercy, sadly pray: lead us up the ladder of salvation; Let us draw near to the Throne of God's glory, calling in gratitude: Alleluia.

Having the purest heart of all virgins and a mind directed to the Heavenly, the Virgin Mary, abiding in the temple of God, not thinking about earthly things, you have prepared your whole being for the perception of the King of kings. The heavenly powers bow before Your purity, and the entire human race sends forth a joyful song to You:

Rejoice, Most Pure Virgin, purest of all virgins; Rejoice, you have not damaged your mind by carnal sin.

Rejoice, meek lamp shining throughout the world; Rejoice, Thy heart is the purest of all hearts.

Rejoice, God-chosen maiden; Rejoice, ineffable and indescribable beauty.

Rejoice, decoration of all Heaven and earth; Rejoice, joy to all saints.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Enduring desperate storms in our hearts, having depended on our lives in sins, we resort to You, Mother of God, and humbly pray: give us strength of spirit, give us meekness and humility, patience and wisdom to endure all our sorrows, so that we may sing to God: Alleluia.

You humbly accepted the good news brought by the Archangel Gabriel and, realizing this holy hour, you proclaimed: “Behold the servant of the Lord, be unto me according to Thy word,” - O Most Holy Virgin, teach us to maintain obedience to the will of God and to endure without complaint the trials God sends to us. may our souls be purified by the fire of suffering; may all the filth of our sins be swept away from our hearts; let us rise up cheerful and pure in heart, sending forth grateful praises to God: we thank Thee, O God, King of Heaven and earth, with Thy wisdom we build all the hidden things of men, who are foreknowledgeable, and all that is worthy is acceptable according to our deeds. May Your holy will be done over us. To you, Most Blessed Virgin, who gave birth to God of all, we tenderly glorify:

Rejoice, humble servant of the Lord; Rejoice, you who encourage us with Your example.

Rejoice, Most Holy Virgin; Rejoice, you who dedicated your youth to God.

Rejoice, unspeakable meekness; Rejoice, unshakable pillar of faith.

Rejoice, hope of all the ends of the earth; Rejoice, immeasurable sea of love.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

The God-bearing star appeared to the Magi in heaven, and illuminated the den with a wondrous display, showing the King of glory lying in a manger; and with him His Mother, a pure and holy Virgin, composing songs in Her heart like an angel. O Virgin of meekness and humility, offer up our praise to the Lord: Alleluia.

Seeing the glory of the eternal child Christ, who was born in the flesh for our sake, the Magi rendered Divine worship to Him. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Elder Joseph, commanding the immortal Child and His Mother to Egypt to save them from Herod’s wrath. Thinking with tenderness, Mother of God, about Your many difficult path, we, sinners, humbly resort to You: make our earthly path, filled with sorrows, lift up those who are discouraged, support the weak and sick, extend the hand of salvation to the discouraged, strengthen Orthodoxy in our country, which is bleeding . Oh, Most Holy, All-Sung Virgin Mary, be merciful now to us sinners who weep for our sins; pray to Thy Son to pour out His mercy on us sinners and weaklings: let us joyfully cry out to Thee in the tenderness of our hearts:

Rejoice, Mother of God, quenching maternal sorrows; Rejoice, covering for widows and the orphans.

Rejoice, salvation of Your people; Rejoice, prayer books are praised.

Rejoice, consolation of the elders; Rejoice, encouragement of youth.

Rejoice, charity of the poor; Rejoice, joy to the whole world.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

The sermon of love, meekness and forgiveness of the world, proclaiming with Christ, Your Son, having endured all the sorrows of earth. She adopted the Apostle John and with him the entire Christian race to her mother's heart. Oh, Ever-Virgin Most Immaculate, give us our Heavenly Mother, consolation and maternal warmth to those in need, and with thanksgiving we call to the Lord: Alleluia.

Having risen throughout the entire universe, like a wondrous, fragrant temple of God, filled with Divine glory and grace, O Most Pure Virgin Mother, Queen of Heaven, Queen of men and angels, apostles and martyrs; Be a guiding star for us in the darkness of our sorrowful days, make our hearts gladdened by the darkness of passions; restore our strength in exhausted passions; increase our faith, strengthen our hope and warm our bitter and embittered souls with the fire of fiery love, let us call to You with tenderness:

Rejoice, Mother of the Christian race; Rejoice, protector of our country.

Rejoice, you who call upon You as an ambulance; Rejoice, hope of sinners.

Rejoice, joy of the righteous; Rejoice, shining light above all others.

Rejoice, O blessed one.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Wanting to be inseparable with your only begotten Son until death on the cross, you followed the innocent Sufferer to Golgotha and at the foot of the Cross heard the cries of an enraged host, and you suffered in silence. And fill Your very soul with this great sorrow. We, marveling at Your indescribable maternal courage, call: Alleluia.

The Archangel of the Lord will bring new news to You, Mother of God, about the Resurrection of Your Son; with him, all the armies of Heaven loudly glorify the immortal Christ. Grant us also, O Christ God, to rejoice now in Thy Mother, exclaiming tenderly:

Rejoice, O Gracious One, for the Lord is with You; Rejoice, pure Virgin.

Rejoice, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon You; Rejoice, O the rise of Thy Nativity.

Rejoice, never-setting dawn of Truth; Rejoice, guiding star.

Rejoice, you who lead us to the truth of God; Rejoice, pacifier of our souls.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

The great and glorious mystery of Your ascension, O Christ God, revealed to the world and seated at the right hand of God the Father, and to us who live on earth, for the villages of paradise who mourn, send down the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth and indwell us, the Giver of Life, through the prayers of Your Mother, let us call: Alleluia.

Our entire earthly path is filled with trials and sorrows, but we cry to You, Virgin Mother of God, have mercy on us, our Divine patroness, and shelter us under Your honorable protection, strengthen the weak elders, heal the sick, satisfy the hungry, give us drink to the thirsty, inspire the young those who strive for bright deeds, admonish parents to raise their children, save babies from all troubles, cover our spiritual shepherds with Thy grace, lift up our prayers to the Throne of the Most High, so that we praise Thee Mother of God calling:

Rejoice, our joy and consolation; Rejoice, bright joy for those who mourn.

Rejoice, Mother of all who seek salvation; Rejoice, guardian of virginity.

Rejoice, champion of Heavenly truth; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of holiness.

Rejoice, you who nourish us with grace; Rejoice, constant intercessor for our souls.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh,” said the Lord. On You, Mother of God, the grace of the Holy Spirit was poured out beyond all measure. You have contained our Creator and Founder. Pour out the mercy of Your Son onto our suffering souls, and cry out with a lightened heart: Alleluia.

The holy apostles, not thinking about anything earthly, glorify Your glorious Dormition with reverence and awe. The King of kings and Lord of lords, having descended to earth, received Your holy soul, and in great glory He ascended It to Heaven, where an abode has been prepared for You at the right hand of His Throne. We cry to Your mercy, Mother of God: give us shelter for the homeless, gather us all together, send us peace and blessing, and let us sing to You:

Rejoice, you who save us who are perishing; Rejoice, you who pray for us.

Rejoice, Divine protection for Your servant; Rejoice, salvation of your people.

Rejoice, prayer books are praised; Rejoice, Thy bright face does not turn away from us.

Rejoice, who did not leave the world after Your Dormition; Rejoice, for in You the Christian race boasts.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

To save the world, the Good Shepherd calls everyone to salvation and draws everyone to himself; love the righteous and have mercy on sinners, save us sinners through the prayers of the Mother of God, let us sing: Alleluia.

Protection and intercession of all repentant sinners, accept our repentance, O All-Blessed Virgin Mary, soften our hearts, heal the painful wandering of our minds, cast down our pride into the abyss of humility, lift up our grief-bound eyes; open our lips, let us sing this praise:

Rejoice, Life-Giving Source; Rejoice, you sprinkle us with life-giving dew.

Rejoice, hearing the voice of those praying; Rejoice, you who extend the hand of salvation to those who are perishing.

Rejoice, suffering human sorrow; Rejoice, for You give us Your consolation.

Rejoice, beautiful flower of heaven; Rejoice, door of our salvation.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Angelic singing accompanies the righteous departing after death. How will we, sinners, find salvation, how will we appear before the righteous Judge; but in Thee, Mother of God, we tenderly ask those who hope: save our singing souls by Your maternal intercession: Alleluia.

Singing of Thy mercy, O One of grace among women, the only blessed one, who bestowed the Savior of the world, and thereby gained eternal glory and worship, be an intercessor and intercessor for us sinners, and say to Thy Son: Lord, cover them with Thy merciful providence and fill their hearts with joy. and consolation, we are grateful to You, Lady, and exclaim:

Rejoice, unquenchable Heavenly Light; Rejoice, for from You has arisen the Sun of righteousness, Christ our God.

Rejoice, incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation; Rejoice, thou who didst contain the inconceivable God.

Rejoice, thou who sittest at the right hand of God Thy Son; Rejoice, greater than the Powers of Heaven.

Rejoice, consolation of simple minds; Rejoice, you who raise sinners to Heaven.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

You have revealed the grace of Your Son to the world, Ever-Virgin, Most Immaculate, save us sinners who cry for Your mercy: Alleluia.

Oh, All-Merciful Mother of God, You pour out Your maternal love on everyone who flows to You, and fill our hearts with Your love. How we, sinners, will thank You for Your ineffable mercies towards us, Your unworthy children; let us sing to You with reverence and humility:

Rejoice, you who unite our hearts with love; Rejoice, thou who teachest us to sing with one mouth and one heart to sing Thy Son.

Rejoice, you who pour tenderness and joy into our souls; Rejoice, and teach us to love those who hate us.

Rejoice, love that cleanses our souls from sins and illnesses; Rejoice, our hope is in You.

Rejoice, and on earth you give heavenly bliss to those who love You; Rejoice, you place gracious sweetness in the hearts of those who pray to You.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

O all-sung Mati, O Mati filled with grace. Accept our tearful prayers to You, and at this time, boldly at Your mercy, from the depths of our souls we offer You a song: Alleluia.

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

Oh, Mother of the World, the all-sung Mother. With fear, faith and love, we fall before Your honorable icon and fervently pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who come running to You. Pray, merciful Mother, Your Son and our God, the sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, may he preserve our country in peace, may he establish our state in prosperity and may he deliver us from internecine warfare, may he strengthen our Orthodox Church and preserve it unshakably from unbelief and schism , and heresies. For we are not imams of any other help than to You, Most Pure Virgin. For you are the all-powerful Christian intercessor before God, softening His righteous anger. Deliver all those who pray to You from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from hunger, from sorrow. Grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of our sins, so that we may all gratefully sing of Your greatness, let us be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom, and there with all the saints we will glorify the most honorable and magnificent name in the Trinity of the One God - the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Excursion into history

Tradition says that the Face belongs to the brush of the Evangelist Luke. Its second name, Our Lady of Kykkos, comes from the name of Mount Kykkos, located in Cyprus. She is called merciful because the Mother of God begs Jesus for the salvation of the Christian race.

Until the 10th century, the icon remained in Egypt, where the Apostle Luke himself transferred it. During the time of persecution of Orthodoxy, the holy image was taken to Constantinople, where it rested until the 12th century.

Once, during the reign of Emperor Alexius Komnenos, his daughter fell ill with a serious illness. But at the same time, the city was visited by the ruler of the Cyprus island, who was ordered from Above to take the icon and transfer it to the monastic parish on the Cypriot Mount Kykkos.

After a positive response from the Emperor of Constantinople, his daughter, who had previously been dying, suddenly recovered. But suddenly Alexy felt sorry for giving away the image, and he delayed fulfilling the promise as much as he could.

Suddenly, anger from Heaven descended on Alexy in the form of an unexpected and serious illness. In a sleepy vision, the Mother of God herself appeared to him and strictly ordered him to give what he had promised. Court artists urgently made a copy of the miraculous image, and the original itself was delivered by ship to the monastery located at the temple on Mount Kykkos.

The chronicle of the monastic monastery over the centuries has recorded many miracles that occurred from the Face of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His power guides, admonishes and heals every person who turns.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, in front of the icon called “Merciful” (Kykkos).

They pray to the Most Holy Theotokos for deliverance from drought, for healing from bleeding, infertility and the gift of childbearing, for strengthening in needs and sorrows, for help in bearing the monastic cross, for healing from headaches, for healing the paralytic and in family sorrows.

Rejoice, you who preserved your virginity at Christmas; Rejoice, Christmas with virginity. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Thy icon, partaker of grace, the Virgin Mary, like a utensil dear to the Church of Christ, was given from Thy bounties, O All-Good One, in which Thou promised to be with us until the end of the age, saying about your first-written icon: “with it is My grace and power!” We believe, O All-Sung, that this word of Yours will not fail even now, in Your holy icon in every place, where the song of praise is faithfully sung to Your Son and God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her “Merciful” icon.

Popular akathists:

Akathist to Maron the Hermit of Syria Akathist to Euphrosyne of Moscow Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary Sovereign Akathist to Artemy Verkolsky the Wonderworker Akathist to the Guardian Angel Akathist to Ambrose of Optina

An ancient legend claims that the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” was painted by the Evangelist Luke. It received its second name - “Kikkotis” - thanks to Mount Kykkos, which is located on the island of Cyprus. Here she is kept in the temple, in the imperial monastery built in her honor.

Where did this wonderful image of the Heavenly Queen travel before it ended up on the island of Cyprus? At first it was owned by one of the first Christian Egyptian communities. Afterwards it was transported to Constantinople, where it was kept until the reign of Alexius Komnenos (early 12th century). It was then that the hermit Isaiah was told in a miraculous sign that through his efforts the miraculous image, which was painted by the Evangelist Luke, would be kept on the island of Cyprus.

The elder spent a lot of effort before fulfilling the Divine revelation. When the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” arrived on the island, it began to work miracles. And to this day, those obsessed with all kinds of diseases come to the monastery of the extraordinary image from all over the world: they receive healing by their faith.

It is interesting that not only Christians believe in the miraculous power of this icon, but also foreigners, who also ask her for help in troubles and illnesses. The mercy of the Blessed Virgin, the patroness of all those who suffer, is endless: it is not without reason that her image bears the name “Merciful.” The wonderful “Kykkos” icon of the Queen of Heaven has a stunning quality: it is unknown from when, covered with a veil to the middle - from the lower right corner to the upper left. Because of this veil, no one can see the faces of the Virgin Mary and the baby Christ, and they don’t even try.

The image of the Blessed Virgin on the icon is similar to the image of Hodegetria, as is the face of the Smolensk image of the Queen of Heaven: her head is crowned. It should be noted that today the list from this image is especially revered in the St. Nicholas Convent in the city of Mukachevo.

Kykkos Monastery

Let's explore the Kykkos Monastery? This is a stauropegic monastery of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, one of the richest and most famous monasteries in Cyprus. It is called the Holy Royal Monastery of the Kykkos Icon of the Mother of God.

This monastery was founded at the end of the eleventh century by the Byzantine ruler Alexios I Komnenos. It is located near the Troodos mountain range at an altitude of 1140 meters above sea level.

History of the monastery

Legend has it that an ancient hermit, whose name was Isaiah, lived in a cave on Mount Kykkos. One day, the Byzantine satrap of Cyprus, Manuel Voutomitis, came to the village of Marathasa. It should be noted that this person came to this place to relax every summer. And so the governor went hunting in the forest and unexpectedly lost his way. He looked for a long time for the road leading to the house, and accidentally met Isaiah. The satrap asked him to help find his way, but the hermit, who had retired from worldly life, remained silent. Manuel became very angry and struck Isaiah.

A little time passed, and the governor returned to Nicosia, where he was suddenly struck down by the incurable disease “shatika”: it was considered a kind of paralysis. He suffered terribly, every cell of his body suffered from pain, and suddenly he remembered what he had done to the hermit. And at that same hour, the unfortunate man began to pray to the Lord for recovery, because only then could he meet with Isaiah and ask him for forgiveness.

God heard the satrap’s prayers, and he was healed. Soon the Lord appeared to the hermit and told him that he had met the governor by God's will. Among other things, the Almighty ordered Isaiah to ask Manuel Vutomitis to bring him the painting he painted in Cyprus. It is known that this relic was kept in the Imperial Palace of Constantinople.

Hearing the hermit’s request, Manuel Vutomitis was very upset, as he considered it impossible to fulfill this request. Then Isaiah told him about the will of the Almighty and invited Manuel to go to Constantinople together. They arrived in the capital and walked around it for a long time, but the governor could not muster the courage to appear before the emperor. Not wanting to exhaust Isaiah, he ordered him to go to Cyprus, providing him with various ceremonial decorations and icons. He also reassured him by promising that he would definitely meet with the emperor.

A little later, the ruler’s daughter fell ill with the same illness as Manuel Vutomitis had earlier. The governor, taking advantage of this opportunity, immediately went to the ruler Alexei I Komnenos. He told him about the monk Isaiah and what happened to him. Manuel assured the ruler that if he allowed the icon to be transported to Cyprus, the child would instantly recover. The emperor was very sad, so he listened to Manuel, and soon his daughter

It should be noted that the emperor really liked the “Merciful” icon of the Mother of God, and he did not want to part with it. Alexei ordered the best artists of the empire to draw an exact copy of it, which he planned to send to Cyprus. At night, the Queen of Heaven appeared to the ruler in a dream: she said that she wanted to see the original of her image on the island, and let him keep copies for himself.

The next day, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” went by ship to Cyprus, where Isaiah was waiting for her. The image was carried to the Troodos Mountains from the coast on foot: the trees bowed their branches and trunks, welcoming him, nodding their tops, greeting him. So, the icon was delivered to the island, and the emperor ordered a monastery and chapel to be built in the mountains from wood to store such a precious relic.

In 1365 there was a fire and the monastery had to be rebuilt. The second time it was built from stone and wood. Unfortunately, in 1541 the monastery was burned again, and it was rebuilt again, but now from stone. Previously, the building was one-nave, but in 1745 it was enlarged and it became three-nave. It should be noted that the middle nave was intended for the Virgin Mary: that is why the monastery celebrates the church holiday of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on September 8 and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15. The left nave is dedicated to the archangels Michael and Gabriel, and the right one is dedicated to All Saints.

By the way, the bell tower was built in 1882, much later than the monastery. This is due to the fact that during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, Christians were prohibited from ringing bells. The bell tower has six bells: one of them was smelted in Russia, its weight is 1280 kg.

Current state

The buildings of the Kykkos Monastery date back to different eras. The temple is located in the center. A cathedral room, a rector's house, a library, monks' cells, a museum, reception halls and other buildings were built around it. There is also a well dug in the center of a large paved courtyard. As noted above, initially both the monastery and all its buildings were made of wood: the top of Mount Kykkos is located near the Paphos forest, so the area does not lack lumber.

The monastery is decorated with frescoes and mosaics created in 1991-1993 by icon painters the Kipola brothers and other masters from Romania and Greece.

Image of the Virgin Mary

For many centuries, the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” was revered by local residents, who explained the miracles that happened on the island only by its presence. For example, it is believed that the ridding of the area from locusts in 1760 was due to the influence of this image.

In general, the Kykkos “Merciful” icon of the Mother of God served as a model for a huge number of images of the Queen of Heaven in Orthodox society. In 1975, the image was decorated with a silver frame that completely covered her face, which no one has seen since then. The icon of the Virgin Mary is still kept in the monastery; its magical properties attract a huge number of pilgrims there.

Monastery courtyard

The compound of the Kykkos Monastery is located in a suburb of Nicosia called Metochion Kykkos. Previously, it was the outskirts of the city, but over time the lands of Nicosia expanded, and the courtyard was located near city buildings. In this monastery in 1974, Archbishop Macarius III of Cyprus hid from the military junta that was pursuing him: it was for this reason that the buildings were attacked by tanks and some of them were destroyed.

Museum

The Kykkos Monastery Museum is a unique repository of the history and culture of Cyprus. Since 1992, this establishment has been open daily to numerous pilgrims and travelers: from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November to April and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May to October. The museum owns several halls containing works of Christian art. Amazing exhibits: icons, embroideries, shrines, wood carvings, manuscripts, vestments and other relics - express part of the living veneration of the Lord and the history of the monastery. In general, an impressive collection of antiques introduces visitors to the history of Cyprus. An overview of the treasures of the museum exhibition is accompanied by Byzantine music.

The miraculous icon “Merciful”

So, we found out that the Kykkos “Merciful” icon of the Mother of God has many duplicates. Let's get acquainted with one of them, located in the Cathedral of the Conception Monastery. The image is kept in an ancient icon case in a white-stone tent and exudes currents of miracles to those who come running with faith under the blessed cover of the Mother of God.

It is interesting that the monastic legend connects this image with the ancient icon of the Virgin Mary “Merciful-Kykkos”. In general, it is called Eleusa, which means “spring of mercy.” This image is one of the basic types of image of the Queen of Heaven in Russian icon painting.

For the first time, the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful-Kikskaya” was mentioned in monastery catalogs of the 18th century. Before the monastery was closed, this image was in its cathedral church, erected in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin.

In 1909, the abbess of the monastery, Abbess Maria (Korobka), compiled an inventory in which the icon of the “Merciful Mother of God” was noted as one of the especially revered shrines of the Conception Skete. It is written that on Wednesdays a prayer chant with an akathist was sung before her.

The sisters looked after the icon. For example, nun Magdalena from a noble family, before the closure of the monastery, served as obedience to the head of the monastery’s passport office. Until the end of her life, she kept the icon case and icon clean and straightened the lamps. During services, the sisters always stood in a special place in the church.

Among the monastics, the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” was highly revered. Its significance in their lives cannot be measured. The day of celebration of the image is set for November 25th. Every year on this day, the inhabitants of the Conception Skete gathered for services at the Elias Church. According to monastic custom, the day before an all-night solemn vigil was held, accompanied by the singing of an akathist.

After the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and Conception sisters went to a solemn meal with one of the nuns. They preserved the monastic custom, constantly reading the akathist to the “Merciful” icon of the Mother of God. The shrine of the monastery and the parishioners of the Elias Church reverently revered: in the fifties they made for it a gilded silver chasuble with precious stones and embossing.

In honor of this icon, a sisterhood was created in 1991, and a little later preparations began for the revival of the Conception Monastery. Next, the sisters began to think about returning the shrines of the monastery, and first of all they wanted the main relic - the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” - to be returned. How does she help, does she hear all the prayers and lamentations brought to her - every nun could tell about her miracles. And after a long wait, on November 25, 1999, the image appeared in the monastery.

"Hearer"

The prayer of the Mother of God “Merciful” is very often read by believers who flock to the Convent of Conception under her blessed protection. This icon is sometimes popularly called the “Hearer” because the Virgin Mary’s ear is slightly open in the image. The Mother of God hears all the prayers offered to her and shows her maternal love and mercy.

The akathist to the “Merciful” icon is read when they want to get rid of drought or be healed of infertility or bleeding. Saying prayer lines, many ask her for strength in sorrows and needs, for the gift of childbearing, for healing from headaches, and for the recovery of the paralytic. And this image can also help to carry the Ionic cross and relieve family grief.

By the way, the “Merciful” icon can also be seen in the All Saints Church, which is located in Kulishki. His exact address: no. 2. A distinctive feature of this image is the bee depicted on the frame.

And in the state Rybinsk Architectural, Historical and Art Museum-Reserve (Rybinsk, Volzhskaya embankment, 2) there is an icon of “Our Lady of Kykkos”. This image was painted by icon painter Leonty Yakovlevich Tyumenev at the beginning of the eighteenth century. In those days, Leonty served in the Church of the Renewal of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (the village of Borzovo, Rybinsk region). It is noteworthy that the “Merciful One” always listens attentively to the prayers offered to her and fulfills them by faith.

The prayer of the Mother of God “Merciful” is offered by all those who suffer with faith and hope for her all-powerful intercession. For some, help comes immediately, while for others, changes in life occur only after months or years. Sometimes the Blessed Virgin does something amazing, completely unrelated to what is asked or expected. But her love for her sinful children is visible to everyone without exception.

The Mother of God instructs and heals, helps in the most hopeless everyday situations. Many people, visiting the monastery, talk about the gracious help they received from the Queen of Heaven through her image of the “Merciful”.

Among the variety of beautiful ancient icons, the ancient icon of the Mother of God the Merciful, painted according to legend by the holy evangelist Luke, received its name from the city of Kykkos. The history of this dates back to 980, when this shrine was sent to Constantinople and remained there for a long time. Later, the icon was returned to Cyprus by the ruler Manuel, who, due to his cruelty, was punished with the disease of relaxation. According to the instructions of the elder whom he had offended, it was necessary to return the holy icon of the Merciful to Constantinople.

Ancient icon of the Mother of God Merciful, akathist which is read on the day of its celebration in all Orthodox churches, to this day it performs miracles through the prayers of Orthodox Christians addressed to the Mother of God. The peculiarity of this miraculous icon is that part of it from the upper left corner to the lower right corner is covered with a veil. Not only Christians, but also people of other faiths believe in the miraculous power of this shrine, who in their troubles resort to the help of the Merciful Mother of God.

In the Christian akathist, the Merciful Mother of God is asked to heal the sick, console the mourning and help the needy, calling Her the “All-merciful and most blessed” Mother of the Lord.

Help from the Akathist to the Most Merciful Mother of God

On November 12, on the day of the celebration of the ancient icon of the Mother of God of Mercy, at solemn services the culmination of the celebration is singing in honor of the icon Gracious akathist with words of petition for Her inexhaustible mercy and intercession before the Lord. Through prayers before this miraculous icon, during a drought, blessed rain is sent down, and everyone who suffers from headaches and relaxation receives healing. There are known miracles that happened to the sick. suffering from severe bleeding.

After reading the akathist to the Gracious Icon of the Mother of God, the wounds stopped bleeding. Many Christian women, sentenced to childlessness by doctors, are given the opportunity to give birth to a healthy child. In village churches in Rus', even in pre-revolutionary times, special services were held in front of this holy icon with the singing of an akathist to the Merciful Mother of God about the granting of good weather for the future harvest. This icon also has the names Kykkos and Merciful.

Watch the video about the Orthodox icon of the Mother of God Merciful

Text of the akathist before the icon of the Mother of God the Merciful

Kontakion No. 1

Chosen by God from the human race to serve the incarnation of the Eternal Word, the Most Blessed Virgin Mother of God, worthily sung by the angels in heaven, we sinners on earth, we dare to bring songs of praise that we have graciously received from us, free us from all troubles, temporary and eternal, so we call You: Rejoice , Gracious Christian Helper.

Kontakion No. 2

Kontakion No. 3

By the power of God, Gabriel the Archangel transformed the hard stone into soft wax, and on it with his finger wrote the words of a song of praise, so that everyone would know the great miracle, and undoubtedly believe, as truly the mount of the heavenly powers sing Thee, imitating them, we sing of Thy greatness, O Virgin, and in spiritual joy we cry out to God who glorified You: Alleluia.

Kontakion No. 4

Rejoice, you who preserved your virginity at Christmas; Rejoice, Christmas with virginity. Rejoice, Merciful Helper to Christians.

Kontakion No. 5

God-seer Moses sometimes received the Law of God inscribed on Mount Sinai on stone tablets, but the monks of Mount Athos received the heavenly song inscribed on the stone tablets from the Archangel, and with this teaching, the angelic praise of You, Most Pure One, hastened, calling upon the Triune God who was so well-willed for them: Alleluia .

Kontakion No. 6

Kontakion No. 7

Kontakion No. 8

Kontakion No. 9

Kontakion No. 10

Kontakion No. 11

Kontakion No. 12

Kontakion No. 13

/This kontakion is read 3 times, then ikos No. 1 and kontakion No. 1/

Orthodox prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the Icon of the Merciful

O Most Holy and Blessed Mother of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, Merciful Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary! Falling before Your holy and miraculous icon, we humbly pray to You, our Good and Merciful Intercessor: listen to the voice of our sinful prayers, do not despise the sighs from the soul, seeing the sorrows and misfortunes that have befallen us, and like a truly loving Mother, striving to help us helpless, sad, Those who have fallen into many and grave sins and continually anger our Lord and Creator, pray to Him, our Representative, not to destroy us with our iniquities, but to show us His philanthropic mercy. Ask us, O Lady, from His goodness, bodily health and spiritual salvation, a pious and peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, well-timed rains and a blessing from above for all our good deeds and undertakings, and as of old you mercifully looked upon the humble praise of the novice of Athonite. , who sang a song of praise to You before Your Most Pure Icon, and You sent Archangel Gabriel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the angels of the mountain glorify You, graciously accept our prayer now fervently offered to You, and bring it to Your Son and God, may He be merciful He will be a sinner for us, and He will add His mercy to all who honor Thee and worship Thy Holy Image with faith. ABOUT