Shrines dear to the heart: the icon "Unexpected Joy"

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Among Christian icons there are little-known ones, there are widely popular ones. And besides, and those whose fame passes from generation to generation, from century to century. Basically, these are the miraculous images of the Savior and the Virgin Mary - the Mother of God-intercessor.

Story of the look

The Unexpected Joy icon has an absolutely amazing story. It began with the fact that there lived a certain terrible sinner. Great were his evil deeds, but not a drop of remorse in his heart. Moreover, before each crime, the sinner prayed to the Mother of God to bless his deeds. And then one day, after praying, the man noticed that Christ's wounds were bleeding on the icon. The sinner cried out in great horror, and the Mother answered him that the people were to blame, he himself, because they trample Christ, make Him suffer even after the feat on the cross. Then, having repented, the criminal begged for forgiveness, the Mother of God interceded too, but the Lord was adamant. And when the sinner had completely lost hope, the Son of God had mercy. Joy, lightness, incomparable, felt the recentblasphemer. He stopped sinning, began to lead an honest, righteous life. And in memory of the great miracle of rebirth, such a significant icon “Unexpected Joy” was painted. The date of creation is approximately the 18th century. Source - spiritual stories and parables of Dmitry Rostov, Russian saint.

Meaning of the symbol

Let's think about the name of the image. What does the icon "Unexpected joy" mean, why "unexpected"? Expect - that is, wait, expect, hope. The particle "not" gives the word a negative connotation. That is, stop “hoping”, despair, fall into sorrow, despondency, unbelief. But with the word "joy" the positive meaning of the phrase returns. Therefore, the icon “Unexpected joy” means sudden, unexpected, and therefore even more valuable forgiveness, deliverance, intercession, help. Yes, of course, we are happy when expectations are justified, when a bright streak comes in life. But we are even more grateful if this happens suddenly, as if from nowhere, like a real miracle. Isn't it amazing, isn't the mercy of God beautiful? The icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” reminds us of the power of the Almighty.

When to access an image

The image embodies the inexhaustible hope of the people for the intercession of higher powers. The fact that the Mother of God will hear, see, imbued with understanding, compassion and will not leave in trouble, need, grief. The icon "Unexpected Joy", the photo of which you see, is traditionally depicted in two versions: on one, Christ onin the hands of the Mother listens to the sinner kneeling, and below is the inscription - the beginning of this blessed story. On the other, the Infant is depicted with bloody wounds that opened as a sign of inconsolable sadness before human crimes. Everyone prays before the image, for whom the Lord is the last resort, who, except for God and the Holy Virgin, have nowhere else to go. And not to anyone! To their lamentations and the most secret words coming from the hidden depths, believers and those who suffer receive an answer - an unexpected joy! Getting rid of the turmoil, the grace of forgiveness, the successful resolution of cases. The image especially helps in the treatment of ailments - both physical, bodily, and mental.

The Lord will give you rest!