The image of the Mother of God has long been famous in Russia, and it is no coincidence that the festivities associated with it have a special sacred meaning for all Orthodox people. Therefore, one of the most beloved and revered among the people is considered the holiday of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (or the holiday of the Kazan Mother of God, in common parlance).
Parents bless the newlyweds with this icon to this day and which indicates the right path (or the right decision) to all doubters. This amazing icon also has many healing properties, but it is best known for numerous cases of healing believers from blindness and other vision problems.
The holiday is celebrated twice a year: 21 July and November 4th, because each date has its own story.
By the way, the very emergence and real fate of this miraculous icon, which gives both physical and spiritual insight, is still shrouded in mystery. But first things first!..
July 21 - summer holiday of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
This string of amazing events began after the terrible fire that occurred in Kazan in the summer of 1579, which left many Kazan residents homeless. Among the victims of the fire was the daughter of a local archer, nine (according to some sources, eleven) Matryona (or Matrona) Onuchina, to whom the Mother of God suddenly appeared in a dream, showing the girl the place where Her icon is underground.
Since none of the adults took the children's words seriously, in the third dream the Most Pure Virgin became angry with Matryona, threatening her with imminent death if she did not fulfill Her instructions. At this point, the frightened girl and her mother went with a message to the local mayor and archbishop, but they only brushed aside the annoying visitors.
What to do? .. The Onuchins themselves had to start excavations on the ashes in the place indicated in the dream, where the icon was dug out by Matryona with her own hand and looked surprisingly freshly painted.
How it got to the ground is the first secret of the Kazan Icon. Perhaps she was hidden there from the supporters of Mohammed by some Orthodox even before the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible, but these are just assumptions, nothing more ...
This time, the "city fathers" did not fail and immediately arrived at the place, after which they carried the wonderful icon (through the St. Nicholas Church located nearby) to the first Orthodox church in Kazan - the Annunciation Cathedral. And it was here (literally on the way) that the Kazan Mother of God began to manifest miracles of healing, the first of which affected the local blind men Joseph and Nikita.
On the site of the miraculous find, a female monastery was founded a little later, the first in which Matryona Onuchina was tonsured, who became Mavra (Martha), in the future - his abbess. Matryona's mother also followed.
November 4 - the autumn holiday of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
Soon a copy of the miraculous icon was sent to Ivan the Terrible in Moscow (from where he later ended up in St. Petersburg in 1737 and was placed in the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, on the site of which the Kazan Cathedral was later erected).
It is interesting that historians do not have exact facts regarding the fate of the original, for some of them argue that it was he who was sent to Moscow, and not the list. It is only known for certain that two miraculous copies were made.
One of the lists of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Moscow, liberated from the Poles, on October 22 (November 4), 1612 by Dmitry Pozharsky, who led the people's militia. This joyful event gave rise to the "autumn Kazan", which was celebrated at the state level for a long time.
In 1636, this image of the Blessed Virgin was placed in the Kazan Cathedral erected on Red Square (today the icon is in the Epiphany Cathedral). Russian rulers turned to the patronage of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on the threshold of all crucial historical events (both on the eve of the Battle of Poltava and before the defeat of the French in 1812).
The last secret of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (PHOTOS)
In 1904, terrible news suddenly spread among the Russian Orthodox world: the famous icon of the Mother of God was stolen and destroyed in Kazan. This crime was committed by a certain Stoyan-Chaikin, who later died in the Shlisselburg fortress, who committed this blasphemy in order to prove to everyone the “unholiness” of the icon.
The accusation was based on the jewelry found in the thief's apartment with a salary and the testimony of the nine-year-old (accidental?) Daughter of his partner, who allegedly saw Chaikin and his accomplice Komov chopping icons and burning them in the oven.
Several loops, pearls, studs and remnants of matter were actually found there. But it is not known for sure whether the Kazan icon of the Mother of God, which was stolen from the temple, was burned then ...
So the trail of this shrine was lost ... Some believe that the original of the icon is in Moscow (and the list died in the fire), others - that in St. Petersburg, and still others - that the real icon is kept by the Old Believers.
I really want to believe in the immortality of the relic! .. But perhaps it is no less important for all of us to keep it in our hearts? ..
The image of the Mother of God "Kazan" is considered one of the most revered in the Orthodox tradition. The icon has shown many miracles of healing and rightfully enjoys great love and respect of believers.
The history of the miraculous appearance of the icon of the Virgin
The acquisition of a wonderful image took place in the city of Kazan at the end of the 16th century. At that time, the indigenous population was mainly Muslim, and there were also pagans. The spread of Orthodoxy among people was very difficult. But one incident reversed the trend.
There was a big fire. The third part of the city was burnt to the ground. Many human lives were taken away by the fiery element. There was gloating on the part of opponents of the Christian faith. It was said that this was a sign of the wrongness of Orthodoxy. However, later even the Tatars came to believe in Christ.
The first acquisition of the icon
A nine-year-old girl named Matrona, who lived in the city, had a strange dream. A woman who looked like the Mother of God appeared to her and told her to find an icon buried on the site of a burned down house. The next morning Matrona told her parents about everything. But no one paid much attention to this. You never know what a child could dream about. Nevertheless, the dream was repeated two more times. The frightened girl asked her mother to go with her to the place indicated by the Virgin Mary, and they actually unearthed the icon with the face of the Virgin. Surprisingly, he was completely intact, the fire did not cause any harm to the image.
Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
The event took place on July 21st. This day has become a holiday in the Orthodox world. Even today, historians cannot give an exact answer where the icon came from under the ground on the site of the burnt hut. It is assumed that the confessors of Christianity could have hidden it, protecting the shrine from the oppressors of the Orthodox religion.
The news of the wonderful icon spread quickly. Representatives of the clergy, headed by Archbishop Jeremiah, arrived at the place of its acquisition. The image was solemnly placed in the parish church of St. Nicholas of Tulsky. The list of the face of the Mother of God was sent to Moscow; a letter was also attached to it with a description of the miracles that happened with the acquisition of the icon.
Tsar Ivan the Terrible ordered to build on the place where the shrine was found, a temple in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. It was into it that the image was subsequently transferred. A little later, a nunnery was erected. There, according to historical information, Matrona and her mother took monastic vows.
On a note! When the icon was in the St. Nicholas Church, Father Hermogen, who soon became patriarch, served the first prayer service in front of it. He became the author of a book in which he described with great accuracy all the miracles that happened to the holy image, of which he was an eyewitness.
The meaning of the icon in history
Many important historical events are associated with the icon of Our Lady of Kazan. She is credited with helping to drive the Polish invaders out of Moscow.
During the war with the French, the entire Russian army asked for patronage and intercession from the icon. The result is known - the Napoleonic army began to retreat and suffered heavy human losses. Therefore, of all the known images, this one is especially widespread in the temples of the country, and many lay people resort to the help of the Kazan Mother of God to this day.
Autumn Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is a holiday in honor of the liberation of Moscow from the Poles in 1612
The history of the loss of the Kazan icon
Researchers believe that the original of the icon was transferred by Peter I to St. Petersburg. A new cathedral was erected for him by order of Emperor Paul. Before the arrival of the Bolsheviks, the icon was kept in the Kazan Cathedral. Then, as you know, the persecution of the Orthodox Church began, and mass confiscations of valuables began. The abbot of the temple did not allow in 1922 that the icon was taken away. But ten years later, the cathedral was closed. The iconostasis was completely dismantled, melted down and sold. For some time the believers hid the shrine at the Smolensk cemetery.
There is another version - the icon was destroyed by the kidnappers, and the silver frame was sold.
However, modern historians have doubts about the authenticity of the icon preserved in the cemetery church. The fact is that, according to the description of Father Hermogenes, its dimensions were somewhat different. In addition, there is not a single testimony from the contemporaries of Peter I who would confirm the fact that the icon was transferred to St. Petersburg. Therefore, it is impossible to assert that the original icon of the Kazan Mother of God has survived with firm certainty.
Nevertheless, many copies of the famous icon were distributed to the Russians, which also turned out to be miraculous and continue to help believers.
The new finding of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God
In 2004, a delegation from the Vatican arrived in Russia. The priests brought a copy of the icon, which traveled a difficult path before arriving on Russian soil.
The image was bought by foreign collectors in turn, but ultimately it ended up in the residence of the Pope. The head of the Catholic Church decided to transfer the relic to the Russian Orthodox Church.
At some point, an opinion even appeared that this is the very icon that our specialists were looking for. But after careful analysis and comparison with descriptions of past centuries, the conclusion followed that this is a copy.
Patriarch Alexy II hands over the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God to believers
However, the pilgrims again reached for Kazan to bow their heads before the face of the Mother of God, which speaks of the importance of the lists of the icon.
Original and copies of the Kazan icon
There is no official information about where the real icon, revealed in Kazan in the 16th century, is located. Some argue that the list of the icon was stolen, and the original remains in its homeland to this day. Others are sure that the icon was stolen in 1904 and sold abroad.
Be that as it may, the lists of the miraculous image have the same power and have helped pilgrims more than once.
Miracles of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan
Temple books contain many records of clergymen about cases of miraculous healing of the sick.
- So, one of the stories tells that a certain man named Nikita could not see for three years. He fell down to the icon with fervent prayer and received his sight. Having stood at the prayer service, he returned home with great joy, glorifying the name of Christ and the Most Pure Virgin Mary.
- The story of a baby's epiphany is especially touching. The mother brought her child to the temple and prayed for a long time with him in her arms at the image of the Mother of God. When those present noticed how the baby began to touch the mother's face, an apple was held in front of his face. The child reached out to him and everyone realized that the baby had received his sight.
- There is a known case when, by the grace of the Mother of God, a young man who suffered from relaxation received healing. He could not move his limbs, which caused a lot of suffering. Having learned about the miraculous icon, the guy whose name was Isaac asked his mother to serve a prayer service in front of the icon. At home, he constantly asked the Mother of God to give him the opportunity to see the shrine with his own eyes. Suddenly, the guy felt relief, and even was able to stand on his own feet. Taking two clubs, he went to the monastery, where the image was, and together with his mother fell to the face, thanks for the help.
There are many more to list.
Important! The grace of the Lord and the Virgin Mary is limitless. Thousands of people who have visited the icon of Our Lady of Kazan have become convinced of this.
Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in 2019: history and traditions of the holiday
The celebration takes place twice a year: on the day the icon was acquired and on the day of the liberation of Moscow from the Poles.
Day of Our Lady of Kazan - November 4
The holiday dates back to the 17th century, when Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich issued a decree with the support of the Patriarch of Moscow Filaret on the annual celebration of the set date - October 22 (November 4 in a new style).
Petersburg copy of the Kazan Icon of the Virgin, located in the Kazan Cathedral
On November 4, a holiday was established in honor of the expulsion of the Poles from Moscow. According to legend, before the battle, Prince Dmitry Pozharsky prayed long and hard before the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. As a result, the Russian army drove away the invaders, and the image began to be revered with even greater love.
On this day, it was customary to perform religious processions after the Liturgy. Nowadays, they are performed along the main streets of cities or around the temple.
Summer holiday of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God on July 21
On this day, it is customary to celebrate the acquisition of the shrine on the Kazan land. Believers come to church for service to honor the Mother of God and ask for her protection and help in pressing matters.
Orthodox traditions of celebration
The holiday of the "autumn" icon of the Kazan Mother of God is approaching. And on the eve of it, many new converts are wondering how to properly spend this day.
- First of all, you should visit the church festive service, attend the Liturgy. At the end, you can pray for your family and ask for health for all. It is also customary to ask for peace on earth on the day of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan.
- Usually, on a holiday, a solemn divine service is performed in churches with the glorification of the name of the Mother of God. The priest gives instructions to the parishioners, reminds that the Blessed Virgin Mary is an intercessor before the Lord for the whole human race. Through her prayers, one can earn the grace of God.
- Congratulations are heard on the fact that the Orthodox people have found in the person of the Mother of the Lord a reliable protector, and the appearance of her holy images is a direct confirmation of this.
List of the Kazan Icon of the Virgin in the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square (Moscow)
There are no special instructions from the church. But the lay people are of the opinion that on this holiday it is not worth doing hard physical work.
Advice! It is better to devote the day to communication with loved ones and reflections on your life. Indeed, in the hustle and bustle of everyday affairs, people often do not have enough time for solitude, in which you can think about what is happening and look into your own soul.
Folk omens
Since ancient times, the Mother of God has been considered the patroness of women. Therefore, on the feast of the icon of Our Lady of Kazan, which falls in autumn, women traditionally set the table after the church service and invited all relatives and friends.
Also at this time it was customary to prepare winter supplies. The hostesses fumigated the cellars with juniper branches so that the food would be stored longer.
On a note! On the day of veneration of the image, there were weddings. The girls believed that getting married at this time was a good omen.
Some traditions are closely intertwined with paganism. Women believed that if on this day they look into a birch leaf covered with frost, like in a mirror, then the skin will become younger and more beautiful. There are also many popular beliefs about the weather. Rain is good, sunny weather is bad for the harvest.
The villagers walked around their fields with the image of the Virgin, sprinkled salt on the ground so that there was a good harvest. Thus, the Orthodox holiday merged with folk customs and became one of the favorites.
The shrine of Russian unity - the Kazan icon of the Mother of God
The feast of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God has been celebrated in Russia for several centuries. This is one of the most revered images in our country.
When is the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God celebrated?
The miraculous finding of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the city of Kazan took place in 1579. In memory of this event, the celebration of the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is held annually on July 21.
Also, the Feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated in the fall - November 4, in memory of the deliverance of Moscow and all of Russia from the invasion of the Poles in 1612. Then, during the Time of Troubles, the copy of the icon helped the Russian soldiers to win several battles.
History of the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
The history of the holiday of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God is as follows: after a fire broke out in Kazan, many townspeople were left homeless. Among the victims of the fire was the daughter of the Strelets Matryona (Matrona) Onuchina, to whom the Mother of God appeared in a dream and pointed out where her icon was hidden under the ground.
At first, no one believed the girl - neither the local mayor, nor the archbishop. When the girl had this dream for the third time, her family began excavations on their own, and in the indicated place, at a depth of about a meter, the girl discovered the icon.
She was sent to the first Orthodox church in Kazan - the Annunciation Cathedral. Several people took part in this procession. It is known that two blind people, touching the icon, received their sight.
On the site of the miraculous find, a nunnery was erected. Matryona was the first to take monastic vows in him and later became his abbess.
In 1649, on the occasion of the birth in 1648 on the feast of the "miraculous icon of Kazan, during the all-night singing" of the heir to the throne, Tsarevich Dmitry, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ordered to celebrate October 22 (November 4 in a new style) years ".
A copy of this icon was sent to Ivan the Terrible in Moscow. Later, in 1737, the copy of the icon was transported to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Petersburg, on the site of which the Kazan Cathedral was later erected.
In 1904, the icon was stolen to sell its precious frame and destroyed. Today, in temples around the world, copies of the miraculous image are used, which have repeatedly shown miraculous properties. This icon has become one of the independent iconographic types of the Theotokos icons in Russia.
How is the holiday of the Day of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God
The celebration of the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is widely celebrated in the Russian Orthodox Church. On this day, people turn to the Mother of God with prayers for their loved ones.
According to tradition, this icon has long been used to bless newlyweds. This is believed to help build a strong and happy family.
The Kazan icon of the Mother of God, the icon also has many healing properties. There are numerous cases of healing believers who turned to her from blindness and other eye diseases.
On November 4, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, known as the Kazan winter (autumn) one. Kazan Summer is celebrated on July 21.
The acquisition of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
Summer 1579. Part of Kazan was destroyed by a fire that started near the house of the merchant (according to other sources, archer) Daniil Onuchin. His nine-year-old daughter Matrona has a dream in which the Mother of God asks the girl to find an icon in the ashes. Shows her the place where this icon was secretly hidden by Christians. The parents do not believe the girl, but the vision is repeated three times. The latter is more demanding. The girl's mother told the Metropolitan of Kazan about this. In the presence of the people and the clergy, the girl takes out the icon exactly where it was indicated to her. The found icon is transferred to the temple. Later (in 1595) on the place where the icon of the Mother of God was found, the Church and the Virgin Mary Monastery will be built. The first nun (later abbess) in it will be Matrona, who took the name Martha. The day of the acquisition of the icon will become a church holiday dedicated to the acquisition of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the city of Kazan. The people call this day "Kazan Summer".
Since that time, the icon has always patronized the Russian people. Later, several lists (copies) will be made from the icon. In 1612, the image was transported by the people's militia to Moscow. Prince Dmitry Pozharsky leads the offensive against the Polish gentry who have settled in Moscow. The Mother of God is asked for help, and then Kitai-Gorod and the Kremlin are stormed. Victory remains with the militia. After the liberation of Moscow, the prince transfers the miraculous image to the cathedral, which was built on Red Square. Another Kazan Cathedral is located in St. Petersburg. By the 19th century, the Kazan image was the most revered icon in Russia. The Kazan Icon helped Peter the Great to win the Battle of Poltava, Kutuzov, who specially came to pray at the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Today in Moscow, on Red Square, the Kazan Cathedral rises, and not far from it there is a monument to Minin and Pozharsky.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called "Kazan"
O Most Holy Lady the Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love, giving before Thy honorable icon, we pray to Thee: do not turn away Thy face from those who come running to Thee, pray the Merciful Mother, Thy Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, may he preserve our peaceful country, may he establish His Holy Church, yes he will keep immutable from unbelief, heresies and schism. Not imams of more help, not imams of other hopes, except for You, Most Pure Virgin: You are the Almighty Christians, Helper and Intercessor. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from sinful falls, from evil libel, from all temptations, sorrows, troubles and from vain death: grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of sinful life and forgiveness of sins, but all gratefully singing greatness Yours, let us be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and tamo, together with all the saints, let us glorify the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At the Kazan winter (autumn) weddings they played
The feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was considered the borderline between autumn and winter. People used to say: "Go to Kazan on wheels, and put the runners in the cart."
Kazan winter (autumn) people have always loved: the peasants returned from work to the villages, brought money and gifts. For them, at home, tables with intoxicating beer and pies were set. We walked around the whole village.
On the Kazan winter (autumn) weddings have always been played. "Whoever marries Kazanskaya will be happy." Girls who were unlucky with their suitors also got their chance. It was necessary to approach the birch and find a leaf on the branches or on the ground, covered with frost on both sides. Then look at it like in a mirror. From that moment on, the best suitors began to look at the girl.
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on November 4. This is one of the most beloved and revered images of the Most Holy Theotokos in Russia.
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of the Russian land, which is confirmed by many historical facts. Since ancient times, Orthodox people have prayed to her, asked for help and support in the most difficult times for Russia.
The Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated twice a year: in the summer - on July 21 - in memory of the appearance of the icon in Kazan, and on November 4 - in gratitude for the deliverance of Moscow and all Russia from the Polish invaders.
Phenomenon
© SPUTNIK / MAXIM BOGODVID
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God has a very interesting history. It was found in 1579 by a nine-year-old girl in the ashes of a terrible fire that destroyed part of the city of Kazan.
The fire in Kazan began in the house of the merchant Onuchin. After the fire, the merchant's daughter Matrona appeared in a dream, the Mother of God and revealed to her that under the ruins of their house was her miraculous image, buried in the ground.
Until now, it remains a mystery how the shrine got under the ruins. It is believed that it was buried by secret confessors of Christianity even during the Tatar rule.
© SPUTNIK / YURI KAVER
At first, the girls did not pay attention to the words, but when the dream was repeated three times they began to dig and found an icon of amazing beauty on the ashes. The holy image, despite the fire, looked as if it had just been painted.
The image was solemnly transferred to the parish church of St. Nicholas of Tulsky, the rector of which was then a pious priest, the future patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Hermogenes.
The future saint, who died at the hands of the Poles for his loyalty to Orthodoxy and canonized, compiled a detailed legend about the miracles of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
The fact that the icon was miraculous became clear immediately, since already during the procession of the cross, the sight returned to the two blind Kazan. These miracles were the first in a long list of cases of gracious help.
At the place where the icon was found, a convent was later founded, where Matrona and her mother took monastic vows.
So by the time difficult times came in Russia, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God was no longer just known, but also very revered.
© SPUTNIK / SERGEY PYATAKOV
Many copies were made of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, and the icon itself became famous for its miraculousness - the sick recovered, the blind gained sight, the enemies were defeated and driven out.
The most famous miracles of the intercession of the Mother of God are associated with the events of the Time of Troubles. It is believed that it was the miraculous icon that helped the militia led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and the merchant Kuzma Minin on November 4, 1612, to defeat the enemy and liberate Moscow from the Poles.
History
At the turn of the 16-17 centuries, a string of tragic circumstances occurred in Russia and this era went down in history as the Time of Troubles. This is an era of deep crisis of the Moscow state caused by the suppression of the royal dynasty of Rurikovich.
The dynastic crisis soon developed into a national-state crisis. The united Russian state disintegrated, numerous impostors appeared. Widespread robbery, robbery, theft, indiscriminate drunkenness struck the country.
At the call of His Holiness Patriarch Hermogenes, the Russian people rose to defend their homeland. A list of the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos - Kazan was sent from Kazan to the Nizhny Novgorod people's militia, led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin.
The militiamen, having learned about the miracles performed by the icon, took it with them and constantly prayed in front of it, asking for help. They liberated Kitai-Gorod on October 22 (November 4, new style), and two days later they took the Kremlin as well. The next day, Russian soldiers with a procession of the cross went to the Kremlin with a miraculous image in their hands.
In memory of the deliverance of Moscow from the Poles at the behest of Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich, the first Russian tsar from the Romanov dynasty, and the blessing of the Metropolitan, later Patriarch Filaret, the Orthodox Church was established on October 22 to celebrate the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God with a procession in Moscow every year.
At first, this celebration took place only in Moscow, and from 1649 it became an all-Russian one. It is believed that the Most Holy Theotokos took the Russian militia under her protection. The holiday was celebrated in Russia until the Revolution of 1917.
The icon of Our Lady of Kazan has become a common shrine of Kazan, Moscow, St. Petersburg and all of Russia, where there were three main miraculous icons of Our Lady of Kazan - the acquired one and two copies.
One of the lists of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was entered in Moscow, liberated from the Poles, by Dmitry Pozharsky, who led the people's militia. Today it is kept in the Epiphany Patriarchal Cathedral in Moscow.
© SPUTNIK / ALEXEY NASYROV
Prayer
Oh, Most Pure Lady of the Theotokos, Queen of heaven and earth, the highest angel and archangel and all creatures, the most honest, pure Virgin Mary, the Good helper to the world, and affirmation to all people, and deliverance from all needs! You are our intercessor and intercessor, you are the protection of the offended, the joy of the grieving, the lonely refuge, the keeper of the widows, the glory of the virgins, the weeping joy, the sick visit, the weak healing, the sinful salvation. Have mercy on us, Mother of God, and fulfill our request, all essence is possible for Thy intercession: for Thy glory befits now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.