The icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" (commemorated Aug. 5/July 23)(with pennies) became famous in 1888 in St. Petersburg, when, during a terrible thunderstorm, lightning struck the chapel, but the holy icon of the Heavenly Queen, which was in it, is a copy of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" Princess Natalia Alekseevna (sister of Peter the Great) brought from Moscow, remained intact. The image, until that time with a face darkened with soot, was renewed and brightened. Only the cord on which the holy icon hung in the corner of the chapel was burned, and several small copper coins (pennies) from a broken begging mug were stuck to the surface. Since then, many sick and suffering those who resorted to the Most Bright Lady with sincere faith and fervent prayer received healing before Her holy image. In 1898, a church was built on the site of the chapel.
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The icon depicts the Theotokos, a most beautiful blossom of heaven, standing among the flowers of paradise. Her Son is visible above her in the clouds, the King of heaven and earth. Along both sides of the icon, framing the Mother of God, are suppliants (us), asking for her intercession. She stands with her arms spread open and her head tilted as if listening. The tenderness and kindness of a loving mother are evident in her face. She stands in paradise and yet among us.
The theology in this icon depicts the Theotokos as also being our mother, who feels our pain. It is believed, by Orthodox Christians, that she intercedes for us, bringing our pain into her Son’s presence. She is praying our prayers with love, bringing our needs into the unique relationship that a mother shares with her children.
She is our joy, because in her love she hears us. Her unceasing intercession and her limitless love help heal our sorrow.
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