Commemorating The Icon of the Mother of God, the “Multiplier of Wheat” Oct. 28/15

 

This icon was made with the blessing of St. Ambrose of Optina for the women's monastery Shamordinsk. The Mother of God is depicted sitting upon the clouds, and Her hands are extended in blessing. Beneathe – is a compressed field, and on it amidst the grass and flowers stand and lay sheaves of rye. St. Ambrose called the icon "Multiplier of Wheat" indicating by this, that the Most Holy Mother of God "is an Helper for people in their labours for the acquiring of their daily bread".

“Rejoice, Blessed One! The Lord is with you! Grant us unworthy the Dew of Thy grace and show Thy mercy."

Prayer:

O Holy Virgin Mother of God, most merciful Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth, every house and family of Christendom, the provider of blessing to those who toil, the inexhaustible wealth of the needy, the orphans and the widows, and the provider of all people! Nourisher of ours, born the Sustainer of the universe, and spoiler of our bounty, you, O Mother of God, send your motherly blessing to our cities, villages and fields, and to every house that has their trust in You. Therefore, with awe and contrite heart, we pray humbly that You may be with us, Your sinful and unworthy servants, the wise Builder of our lives, and that You may do good in our lives. And all those who come under Your protection, every house and family in godliness and Orthodoxy, in single-mindedness, obedience and contentment. Nourish the poor and needy, support the elderly, educate the young, and teach everyone to call upon the Lord with sincerity: give us this day our daily bread. The Holy Mother of God, preserve Your people from every need, sickness, famine, and fire, from every evil circumstance and every kind of disorder. Grant unto our dwellings, our households and our families, and every Christian soul, and our whole country, peace and great mercy, that we may glorify you, our merciful Provider and Conquor of our fields and bread, now and ever. Amen.