The icon of the Mother of God has a worthy meaning. Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat”

Among the variety of Mother of God icons that have been revered in Rus' since ancient times, one of the most famous and beloved among the people is the image called “It is Worthy to Eat” or “The Merciful One.” Appearing in Slavic lands with the first rays Christian faith, he became an integral part of Orthodox iconography, receiving his own special life in it.

Night guest

An ancient legend that came to us from Athos, the holy mountain located in eastern Greece, tells how the icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” acquired the grace-filled power. Once, in ancient times, an old monk, a resident of the monastery of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos located there, going to the all-night vigil in the church, ordered his young servant to stay in his cell and pray unceasingly before the image of the Queen of Heaven.

That night, the novice standing in prayer was visited by an unusual guest. He turned out to be the messenger of heaven, Archangel Gabriel. Having read together with the novice the well-known Mother of God prayer “It is worthy to eat” (it is given in the article and on Church Slavonic language, and in Russian translation), which began in those days with the words: “The most honorable cherub...”, he opened it to the young man full text, which today is pronounced daily by all Orthodox Christians.

Letters carved on stone

So that no doubt about the truth of the heavenly origin of the text would settle in anyone’s hearts, the holy envoy inscribed it with his finger on the stone slab of the table, which is why letters remained on its surface, as if carved by an invisible chisel. Having commanded from now on to read the prayer in its full form and teach it to all people, the archangel left the cell.

The image, in front of which the young man prayed together with the heavenly messenger, emitted a quiet and clear light for a long time, and the cell was filled with fragrance. Thanks to the event that happened that night, it became known as the “It Is Worthy to Eat” icon of the Mother of God. This image was solemnly transferred from the cell to the monastery church, and the stone slab with the text of the prayer was sent to Constantinople.

An icon that stepped into the world

Over time, the icon “It is Worthy to Eat” spread around the world in many lists and acquired slightly different features that distinguished its subsequent writings from the original. If initially it was only a half-length image of the Virgin Mary with the Eternal Child in her arms, then in later editions (varieties) the composition was supplemented by the image of the Creator God, surrounded by radiance, and figures of angels stretching out their hands to the Mother of God and the Child Jesus.

The introduction of these additions was aimed at enhancing the spiritual component of the image and expanding its semantic meaning. Since the icon “It is Worthy to Eat” is inextricably linked with the prayer of the same name given by the Archangel Gabriel, the outstretched wings of angels serve as a reminder of its heavenly origin. In addition, in the Middle Ages in the West it became a tradition to give the faces of the Infant Jesus and his Most Pure Mother royal grandeur and crown their heads with golden crowns.

In Rus', the icon “It is Worthy to Eat” was also widespread and had its own characteristics. For example, you can find her depictions, in which the Virgin Mary is depicted standing in full height with a Child holding in his hand a scroll with the text of a prayer written on it. Often figures of angels and saints asking from the clouds for Her blessing are included in the overall composition. It was customary to place the holy martyrs in a strictly defined order, according to their rank.

Icon “It is worthy to eat” - meaning

How does the icon, which the Archangel Gabriel once blessed with a prayer to the Blessed Virgin, help people? It is generally accepted that through her the Queen of Heaven sends down gracious help to people in their struggle against the destructive aspirations that push into the power of all seven deadly sins. Let's look very briefly at each of them.

Pride and envy

The Orthodox Church teaches its children that one of the gravest sins is pride, which forces people to exalt themselves above their neighbors and attribute imaginary virtues to themselves. It prevents humility and fear of God from taking root in the heart, without which there is no path to the Kingdom of Heaven. The “It is worthy to eat” icon gives strength to fight this sin.

The importance of the help that the icon provides in overcoming the next devilish temptation - envy - is difficult to overestimate. This destructive passion, which pushed the Old Testament Cain to kill his brother Abel, has since darkened the hearts of people, prompting them to commit the lowest acts. Hot and sincere prayer standing in front of the icon will certainly give strength to resist this evil.

Gluttony and fornication

Those who believe that gluttony has a detrimental effect only on the body, without affecting the soul, are mistaken. This is not true at all. A person who has given himself over to vice is unable to elevate himself with his aspirations towards God and is doomed to eternal destruction. This should also include intemperance in drinking, which often leads to the most disastrous consequences. The icon “It is Worthy to Eat” can also become in this case an indispensable helper - the gate through which the Mother of God will enter the soul of everyone who calls on Her for help.

Without the participation of Heavenly powers, it is not possible for a person to cope with the demons that instill in him a lustful passion. This sin, which is a perversion of the natural human need for procreation, weighs heavily on most people, and it can be extremely difficult to overcome it. Where to look for intercession against sinful temptations, if not in prayer before the image Holy Virgin, which is the color of purity and innocence?

Anger, greed and despondency

The Holy Fathers teach us that most of all we need to be afraid of our own anger, since we can be saved from the enemy, but where can we hide from ourselves? Anger is like a thorn that grows in a person’s heart and destroys all the shoots of goodness and love. It is also impossible to cope with this sin alone, and the same holy image “It is worthy to eat” will provide help.

Another mortal sin that darkens human souls and leads to destruction is greed, which gives rise to an insatiable need to increase earthly riches. It dries up the life-giving springs of generosity and generosity in the hearts of people, dooming them to eternal wandering in the labyrinths of self-interest and calculation. Everyone who embarks on the path of eradicating this evil in themselves must certainly begin with a prayer in front of the icon “It is worthy to eat.”

And finally, the last of the seven deadly sins is despondency. At first glance, it is only a natural reaction to everyday troubles. However, can a true believer give in to despondency, for, trusting in God, he sees His wise providence in everything? Of course no. Thus, we can conclude that despondency is generated by a lack of faith, and unbelief is the gravest of all sins, which the holy image “It is worthy to eat” will also help to cope with.

An icon - how does it help, and in what cases is it powerless?

It is important to remember that any icon, including the one discussed in our article, does not itself help people, but is only link between a person and By Higher Powers. When we offer a prayer in front of it, we are addressing not a board covered with a layer of painting, but the one who is depicted on it, and therefore the strength of our faith is decisive. It is she who determines whether a prayer will be heard and fulfilled or will be wasted.

There is nothing in the world that the Queen of Heaven cannot do, and therefore it is in Her power to fulfill any request. By offering prayer without sincere hope of being heard, a person falls into sin, and then the icon becomes powerless. You should always remember the words of Jesus Christ: “According to your faith, may it be done to you...”.

Among the colossal number of sacred images of the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ, specimens with Mount Athos. The Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” has an intriguing history of origin, which is carefully preserved in the annals of church traditions.

IN Orthodox tradition this holy face, together with the famous prayer (“It is worthy to eat”), is of great importance for people asking for health and well-being. This powerful image can heal a person’s mind from all mortal sins.

Iconography

That image of “It is worthy to eat,” known to the laity today, developed in a later period.

Initially, it was completely different: it was a typical half-length image of the Mother of God with the Baby Jesus in her arms and was reminiscent of the “Tenderness” style. In subsequent lists these two divine figures are retained as the basis.

Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” (“Merciful”)

The remaining elements were born and added to the image in the process of spiritual discovery and comprehension of miraculous events.

At the same level with the heads of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, on either side, two heavenly messengers are shown with outstretched arms.
At the very top of the holy image “It is worthy to eat” sits the Most High Father, who is surrounded by the Heavenly Army of Archangels. These creatures symbolize the divinity of the chant addressed to God.
The images of the main figures, the Virgin and Child, acquire new features that speak of their royal greatness.
There are crowns on their heads, and their gazes are turned towards the prayer book, which is located in the hands of the newborn Christ. This scroll contains evidence that Jesus is the true ruler of spirituality.

Other varieties of the sacred image “It is worthy to eat” are also known in church iconographies. The plot shows hosts of angels and saints reading a prayer service before the Most Pure Mother. This type of image was widely used in ancient Russian art of the 17th century.

Read about prayers to the Heavenly Powers:

In style, this shrine is close to the fresco images called “Rejoices in You,” which were usually placed on church altars.

The Mother of God is presented in full growth, she is holding the All-Good Child in her arms.
The figure of the Blessed Virgin is surrounded by a double (sometimes triple) mandala ( geometric figure complex design), symbolizing the Heavenly abode.
The Supreme Father is depicted in the clouds above the figures of Mother and Christ.
On the sides appear angels and holy saints in hierarchy order.
Text is written around the image of the Most Pure One prayer request"It's worthy to eat."

Interesting! The shrine was often written on specific vessels called panagiars. They contain a prosphora consecrated by the Mother of God. Panagiars are brought out during the offering of the rite of Panagia (a small image of the Virgin Mary, Christ or the Trinity).

Today in Russian churches the believer will find many lists of the famous “Merciful” shrine. It can be found in the Galernaya harbor of St. Petersburg or in the capital's Trinity-Sergius Lavra. The lists were brought here directly from the Holy Mountain. Russian clergy and parishioners are firmly convinced that the Most Pure Virgin provides divine mercy for our people.

Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “It is Worthy to Eat” (“Merciful”)

What can you pray to the image for?

The Holy Mountain of Athos is a great place where the darkness and sorrow of a sinful life are illuminated. Here, according to the wisest holy fathers, there is an invisible connection between worldly life and the Heavenly abode. On this land, which is under the special protection of the Most Pure Virgin, the Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” resides. A believer will never be alone life path, he is accompanied by: the Guardian Angel, the Virgin Mary and the Lord. A prayer request for help takes place in front of miraculous icons.

Note! “It is worthy to eat” is widely used Orthodox prayer in the procedure of worship. The authorship is attributed to a church poet named Cosma Mayumsky, who lived in the 8th century. The prayer is always accompanied by a special refrain, “The most honorable cherub.”

The “merciful” shrine of the Blessed Virgin helps in the following:

Allows you to successfully complete your planned endeavor.
A prayer service in front of the holy face helps to restore lost health.
The Blessed Virgin has the power to restore optimal relationships within the family.
A person who reads the prayer words in front of the shrine “It is worthy to eat” can receive forgiveness for the most serious sin.
The power of the Mother of God has the power to help in the most hopeless problems, as she is known for her divine patience and forgiving attitude even towards criminals.
The Queen of Heaven eliminates envy by teaching you to rejoice in the achievements of others.
If a believer notices in himself great inclinations towards fornication or gluttony, it is necessary to sincerely and humbly ask the Most Pure Mother for deliverance from these obsessions that hinder the liberation of the soul.
Prayers before the holy face of the “Merciful One” get rid of the demon of anger, which rests in the heart and manifests itself at the most inopportune moment.
If a Christian is trying to eradicate disgusting greed in himself, a prayer to the Virgin Mary will free a person from thoughts that material goods have any value.

It is extremely important for a believer to admit his own guilt and drown out pride, which does not allow him to adequately approach the decision. It heals the soul and body from laziness, which repels a person from visiting temples.

Interesting! After the Council of Trullo in 691 in the Byzantine capital, Athos, the birthplace of the icon of the “Merciful” Mother of God, became an exclusively monastic place. Many Christians who experienced persecution from the Mohammedans flocked to this Sacred Mountain.

How to pray in front of an icon

The Most Pure Virgin is distinguished by infinite mercy, understands every parishioner and is capable of changing fate. A large number of people flock to her: they ask for healing of their bodies and hearts. The Chronicles describe many miraculous events that took place according to the will of the Mother of God.

“Merciful” shrine of the Blessed Virgin

The petition for each believer is unique; one is allowed to approach the shrine as it turns out. You can kiss your face. The clergy claim that she understands all languages.

The best thing is to read texts compiled by authoritative clergy or sent heavenly angels. Such petitions are well structured, and every word carries a correct and deep thought.
When turning to the Most Pure Virgin, one should renounce past grievances and concentrate on the purpose of the parish.
You should ask her for forgiveness for sinful life and recognize that the Mother of God has the power to heal illnesses and deliver from sinfulness.
The thoughts of the person asking are directed towards the salvation of his soul and all others. You need to beg for salvation from torment in eternal fire.
Only after such global prayers is it recommended to move on to everyday problems.
You cannot complain about circumstances and other people, demand punishment or try to force someone to act according to at will. This will be regarded as witchcraft practice, and not Orthodox sincere prayer.

Important! “It is worthy to eat” is used independently, at any moment when you have free time. If a believer recites the rosary, it is necessary to take a blessing from the clergy. The latter encourage the aspiration that has arisen, but warn that various demons immediately begin to erect temptations before the mind of the neophyte.

You can't give up, you have to practice daily prayer in front of the images of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the saints.

A Brief History of the Acquisition of the Holy Face

IN end of VII century, the Mother of God appeared to the noble monk Peter in a dream, who told her that Athos and the Holy Mountain would be her home. The monk arrived at the place that the Virgin Mary showed him, and spent about 50 years in the local cave. The shrine itself miraculously appeared where it promised to find refuge.

Read about other Mother of God icons:

The legend about the “Merciful” Blessed Virgin says: in the 10th century, next to Athos monastery, an elderly monk and a novice settled in the cave. One day the elder was going to church, ordering his disciple to conduct evening service in the cell. When night came, the novice heard a knock and, opening the door, saw a monk, whom he invited into the monastery with great love.

The guest and the elder’s disciple began a joint night service. When the turn came to praise the Most Pure Virgin, both humbly turned to the “Merciful” shrine and began to chant the “Most Honest Cherub.” The young student noticed that the stranger addressed the shrine in a different way, putting the prayer “It is worthy to eat” in front. The monk sang in a beautiful voice, and the icon shone with a wonderful light. After this, the stranger wrote down the text prayer appeal“It is worthy to eat” on a stone slab, introduced himself as Gabriel and disappeared unnoticed.

This miraculous face was transferred to the cathedral temple of Athos, where it still stands on the divine altar today. She radiates mercy and gifts of grace, and also heals everyone.

Important! The icon “It is Worthy to Eat” has enormous authority in the Orthodox tradition and is of extreme importance. The Most Pure Virgin is so merciful and kind that she forgives the most serious sins.

A believer who sincerely asks for well-being from a shrine will undoubtedly receive what he wants. A large number of people place their hopes in her and see how the Mother of God produces a huge amount miraculous deeds.

Before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Merciful” or “It is worthy to eat” they pray during mental and physical illnesses, at the end of any business, during epidemics, for happiness in marriage, during accidents.

Miraculous icon The Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” is located in the capital of Athos, the city of Kareya, on the high place of the altar of the cathedral church. The time of her appearance is determined in 980, her glorification - in 1864. This icon is especially revered due to the following incident.

Temple of Protata, here in the altar there is an icon “It is worthy to eat.”

At the end of the 10th century, not far from the Athos Kareya Monastery, an old hermit lived in a cell with his novice. One day the elder went to all-night vigil to the temple, and the novice remained in his cell to read prayer rule. As night fell, he suddenly heard a knock on the door. Opening it, the young man saw in front of him an unfamiliar monk who asked permission to enter. The novice let him in, and together they began chanting prayers.

So they flowed night service in its own way, until the time has come to dignify Holy Mother of God. Standing in front of Her icon WORTHY IS “Merciful,” the novice began to sing the generally accepted prayer: “The most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim...”, but the guest stopped him and said: “We don’t call the Mother of God that way” - and sang a different beginning : “It is worthy, as truly, to bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate, and the Mother of our God.” And then he added to this “The most honorable Cherub...”.

The monk ordered the novice to always sing in this place of worship the song he had just heard in honor of the Mother of God. Not hoping that he would remember such wonderful words of the prayer he heard, the novice asked the guest to write them. But there was no paper or ink in the cell, and then the stranger wrote the words of the prayer with his finger on the stone, which suddenly became soft as wax. Then he suddenly disappeared, and the monk only had time to ask the stranger his name, to which he replied: “Gabriel.”

The elder returning from the temple was surprised to hear the words from the novice: new prayer. Having listened to his story about the wonderful guest and seeing the wonderfully inscribed letters of the song, the elder realized that the celestial being who had appeared was the Archangel Gabriel.

The news of the miraculous visit of the Archangel Gabriel quickly spread throughout Athos and reached Constantinople. The Athonite monks sent a stone slab with a hymn to the Mother of God inscribed on it to Constantinople as proof of the truth of the news they conveyed. Since then, the prayer “It is worthy to eat” has become an integral part of Orthodox services. And the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful”, together with its previous name, is also called “It is Worthy to Eat”.

12.09.2016

Svyatogorsk legend

In the capital of Athos - the city of Kareya, founded in 335 by Emperor Constantine the Great, in the altar of the Protat Cathedral, on a high place, today there is a miraculous icon called “It is Worthy to Eat”, or “The Merciful” (“Άξιόν έστιν”).

The history of this icon, as is clear from its name, is connected with the appearance of the church hymn “It is Worthy to Eat.” This is what the Svyatogorsk legend tells about this amazing incident.

At the end of the 10th century, an old hermit and a novice lived on the Holy Mountain not far from the Kareysky Monastery. Spending all their time in prayer and fasting, they left their cell only in exceptional cases. By the way, this cell is with small church in the name of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been preserved to this day. And then one day, on Sunday, June 11, 982, the elder priest went to the All-Night Vigil at the Kareya Church, and ordered his disciple to perform this service at home.
Night was already falling when the novice suddenly heard a knock on the door. Surprised, he opened it and saw an unfamiliar monk on the threshold, who asked for shelter. The novice let the stranger in, and soon the time for the All-Night Vigil service came...

Finishing the reading of the canon, they both stood in front of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, called “Merciful,” and began to sing the ancient majestic song of Saint Cosmas, Bishop of Maium, creator of the canons: “The most honorable Cherub and the most glorious Seraphim...”, when suddenly the stranger interrupted the singing.

But we don’t call the Mother of God that way,” he said, “we sing first: “It is worthy that You are truly blessed, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and Mother of our God,” and only then: “The most honorable Cherub and the most glorious Seraphim.”

And - lo and behold! - as if responding to this wondrous doxology and welcoming it, the icon of the Mother of God suddenly shone with an extraordinary heavenly light...

Stunned by everything he saw and heard, the novice innocently asked:

But we have never heard such a song... And not only we, but even our ancestors... I ask you, write it down for me so that I can magnify and glorify the Mother of God in the same way.

When it turned out that there was neither ink nor paper in the cell, the stranger said:

I will write this song for your memory on this stone. Sing this way yourself, and teach all Christians to glorify the Most Holy Theotokos this way.

Having inscribed the words of the song on the stone, which became soft as wax under his hand, the guest gave it to the novice and, calling himself Gabriel, at that very moment became invisible...

The old man returned and found the novice singing an unfamiliar wonderful song. And when I learned about the mysterious stranger and saw a stone slab with the words of the chant clearly imprinted, I immediately realized that Archangel Gabriel himself had visited their cell. They took the stone slab to the pret (chief of the Holy Mountain) and told in detail about everything that had happened.

Since then, the angelic song “It is worthy to eat” began to sound (it still sounds today!) on Divine Liturgy and other church services. The icon, in front of which the Archangel Gabriel sang it and received a new name - “It is Worthy to Eat”, was solemnly transferred to the Protate Cathedral in Kareas, and the slab to Constantinople.

Miracles-admonitions from above

This icon became famous for many miracles. Here are just two of them.

The holy Athos ascetics established to perform procession with the icon “It is Worthy to Eat” on the second day of Easter. For this purpose, all monks, both living in the Kareisky monastery and asceticism in hermitage cells located in its vicinity, had to gather for church service to the Church of Protata and after the liturgy perform a religious procession.

This patristic establishment was somehow violated by four monks who lived in Kareya in the courtyard of the monastery of St. Dionysius. When the procession passed by their home, they not only did not come out to meet the icon, but locked themselves in, calling the participants in the procession gluttons and wine drinkers, and the sacred rite itself was illegal.
The Mother of God did not leave these unfortunates without admonition: in the evening of the same day, heavy rain and hail suddenly began, which destroyed all the garden plants and vineyards of the farmstead. The most amazing thing was that this disaster befell only the Dionysian courtyard!

Enlightened in such a miraculous way, these monks next year They showed the shrine due respect, and asked forgiveness from those performing the religious procession.

Another time, the monks of the monastery of Kutlumush became violators of the patristic establishment: under the influence of the spirit of malice, they imagined that, since they live in a monastery, they should not make the procession of the cross together with the keliots (monks living in separate cells), but would go through the procession of the cross separately, as in other monasteries. That's what they did.
But such exaltation of them was condemned by the Mother of God - suddenly, both from land and from sea, robbers from the infidels attacked the Kutlumush monastery and set it on fire... The Kutlumush people repented of their sin and pride and subsequently began to follow the rite established by the ancient fathers, making a religious procession together with all the admirers of the shrine.

Modern miracle

Miracles revealed through prayers to the Mother of God in front of Her icon “It is Worthy to Eat” do not stop in our time. Thus, the fire that raged on Mount Athos in the summer of 1990 (several monasteries were engulfed in fire at once!) suddenly died out, as soon as the miraculous icon “It is Worthy to Eat” was brought to the site of the fire and a prayer service was served in front of it.

Lists icons

Numerous copies of the “It Is Worthy” (“Merciful”) icon are sacredly revered in the Russian land.

A five-domed temple was erected in the Galernaya harbor of St. Petersburg, in which they placed an exact copy of this blessed icon sent from Athos.

In 1858, a copy of the icon was delivered to Orenburg, to a women’s monastery.

And on June 16, 1999, a copy of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” from Holy Mount Athos was delivered to the Moscow courtyard of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra.

PRAYER

O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lady Theotokos! Falling towards holy icon Yours, we humbly pray to You: listen to the voice of our prayer, see our sorrow, see our misfortunes, and as a loving Mother, trying to help us helpless, beg Your Son and our God: may He not destroy us for our iniquities, but may He show us His humane love mercy. Ask us, Lady, from His goodness for bodily health and spiritual salvation and peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air and blessing from above for all our good deeds and undertakings. And as in ancient times you mercifully looked upon the humble praise of the novice of Athonite, who sang Thee before Thy most pure icon, and sent an Angel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song with which the Angels praise Thee, so now accept our fervent prayer offered to You.

About the All-Singing Queen! Extend your God-bearing hand to the Lord, in the image of the Infant Jesus Christ you bore, and beg Him to deliver us from all evil. Show, O Lady, Your mercy to us: heal the sick, comfort the afflicted, help the needy, and grant us the honor to complete this earthly life in a pious manner, to receive a Christian shameless death and to inherit the Heavenly Kingdom, through Your maternal intercession to Christ our God, born of You, Who is with His beginningless To the Father and the Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor and worship, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen

MIRACLES

My soul is in fear and trembling when I reflect on the glory of the Mother of God. My mind is small and my heart is poor and weak, but my soul rejoices and is drawn to write at least a few words about Her. My soul is afraid to touch, but love compels me not to hide my gratitude for Her mercy.

The Mother of God did not commit to writing either Her thoughts, or Her love for God and Her Son, or the suffering of Her soul during the crucifixion, because anyway we could not comprehend, for Her love for God is stronger and hotter than the love of the Seraphim and Cherubim, and everyone is surprised by her Heavenly powers Angels and Archangels.

And although the life of the Mother of God is, as it were, covered with holy silence, the Lord of our Orthodox Church made it known that with Her love She embraces the whole world, and in the Holy Spirit sees all the peoples on earth, and, like His Son, has pity and mercy on everyone.

Oh, if only we knew how much the Most Holy One loves all who keep the commandments of Christ, and how she regrets and grieves for those who do not correct themselves. I experienced this myself. I am not lying, I say before the face of God, Whom my soul knows: in spirit I know the Most Pure Virgin. I did not see Her, but the Holy Spirit made me know Her and Her love for us.

If it were not for Her mercy, I would have died long ago; but She wanted to visit me and admonish me so that I would not sin. She told me:

It’s not good for me to look at you, what you’re doing.

And Her words are pleasant, quiet, meek and affect the soul.

More than forty years have passed, but my soul cannot forget these sweet words, and I do not know what I, a sinner, will repay for this love for me, the unclean, and how I will thank the good, merciful Mother of the Lord.

Truly She is our Intercessor before God, and Her name alone rejoices the soul. But all Heaven and all earth rejoice over Her love.

A wonderful and incomprehensible thing. She lives in Heaven and constantly sees the glory of God, but does not forget us, the poor, and with Her mercy covers the whole earth and all nations.

And the Lord gave us this Most Pure Mother. She is our joy and hope. She is our Mother in spirit and close to us by nature, like a person. And every Christian soul is drawn to Her by love.

Venerable Silouan of Afronsky

During the German occupation, the wheat supplies at the Philotheus monastery were running low, and the fathers decided to stop receiving visitors. One pious elder - Father Savva - learned about this, became sad and began to beg the council of the elders of the monastery not to do this, because by doing this they would sadden Christ, and the monastery would lose its blessing. He gave many examples from Holy Scripture, including the story of the widow of Zarephath of Sidon and the prophet Elijah, and he was finally obeyed.

However, after a while, the elder began to be pestered with reproaches, saying:

The flour is over. What will happen now?

The elder answered them:

My fathers, we will finish the little that is left together with the people, and the Mother of God will not leave us.

There were only twenty-five okadas of wheat left in the monastery’s storerooms and nothing else, and the monks began to rather sarcastically reprimand Father Savva:

Father Savva, the wheat is over, what will happen now?

But the pious and faith-filled elder answered:

Don't lose hope for Glycophilusa ("Sweet Kiss"). Knead the remaining twenty-five okadas, bake bread from them and distribute it to the brethren and laity, and God, as the Good

Father will take care of us all.

And now they have run out of their last bread. But before they even had time to get hungry, a ship coming from Kavala (a city in northern Greece) moored at the monastery pier, and the captain offered to exchange the wheat he was carrying for firewood.

The monks, seeing the obvious providence of the Mother of God, Who, like a Good Mother, took care of Her children, glorified God. Of course, Father Savva glorified God and thanked the Mother of God most of all, always sending thanks to Her with his very holy life.

After this, he reminded the fathers:

Didn’t I tell you that the Mother of God will not leave us?

From the book of Elder Paisius of Svyatogorsk “Fathers of Svyatogorsk and Svyatogorsk Stories”

From Olga Glagoleva’s book “The Mother of God is our Intercessor”, EKSMO, 2010.

Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” or “WORTHY TO EAT”

June 11 (23) – icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” or “WORTHY TO EAT”- they pray during mental and physical illnesses, at the end of any task.

Troparion, tone 4:

Let us come, faithfully, with boldness to the merciful Queen Theotokos and tenderly cry out to her: send down upon us Thy rich mercies: preserve our Church, keep our people in prosperity, deliver our land from every situation, grant peace to the world and salvation to our souls.

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God "Merciful"

Worthyly glorified and righteously blessed from all the heavenly ranks, as if surpassing them without comparison, giving birth to God and the Creator of all things, exalted above all others, Most Wonderful Lady! Pray from You to the incarnate Christ our God, may the unrequited people look upon us, may He preserve us unharmed from all the enemy’s slander and evil slander, for Your Mother’s prayer can do much, according to the saying: ask, my Mother, I will not turn away, but I will fulfill all Your requests . For this reason, filled with joy in this, we cry out to Thee: save, O Lady, your perishing servants, enlighten those darkened by the wisdom of this age, and bring us to the sweetest Jesus, and forever rejoicing we cry: Glory to the Father, glory to the Son, glory to the Holy Spirit, glory to You, the Most Glorious. and the Most Immaculate Virgin Mary, blessed and blessed forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God "It is Worthy to Eat"

O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lady Theotokos! Falling before Your holy icon, we humbly pray to You, behold the voice of our prayer, see our sorrow, see our misfortunes and, like a loving Mother, trying to help us helpless, beg Your Son and our God: may He not destroy us for our iniquities, but he will show us his mercy philanthropically. Ask us, Lady, from His goodness for bodily health and spiritual salvation, and a peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, 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 Thee before Thy most pure icon, and You sent an Angel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the Angels praise Thee; So now accept our fervent prayer offered to You. About the All-Singing Queen! Extend your God-bearing hand to the Lord, in the image of the Infant Jesus Christ you bore, and beg Him to deliver us from all evil. Show, O Lady, Your mercy to us: heal the sick, comfort the afflicted, help the needy, and grant us the honor to complete this earthly life in a pious manner, to receive a Christian, shameless death and Heavenly Kingdom inherit through Thy maternal intercession to Christ our God, who was born of Thee, to Him, with His Originless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, belongs all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “WORTHY TO EAT”

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” is located in the capital of Athos, the city of Kareya, on the high place of the altar of the cathedral church. The time of her appearance is determined in 980, her glorification - in 1864. This icon is especially revered due to the following incident.

Temple of Protata, here in the altar there is an icon “It is worthy to eat.”

So their night service proceeded in its own order, until the time came to glorify the Most Holy Theotokos. Standing in front of Her icon WORTHILY THE “Merciful One,” the novice began to sing the generally accepted prayer: “More honorable than the Cherub and more glorious without comparison than the Seraphim. “, but the guest stopped him and said: “We don’t call the Mother of God that way” - and sang a different beginning: “It is worthy, as truly, to bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate, and the Mother of our God.” And then he added to this “The most honorable Cherub...”.

Source: Temple Life-Giving Trinity on Vorobyovy Gory

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon, called “It is Worthy to Eat” (or “Merciful”)

O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lady Theotokos! Falling before Your holy icon, we humbly pray to You, listen to the voice of our prayer, see our sorrow, see our misfortunes and, like a loving Mother, trying to help us helpless, beg Your Son and our God: may He not destroy us for our iniquities, but show to us philanthropy your mercy. Ask us, Lady, from His goodness for bodily health and spiritual salvation, and a peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, 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 Thee before Thy most pure icon, and You sent an Angel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the Angels praise Thee; So now accept our fervent prayer offered to You. About the All-Singing Queen! Extend your God-bearing hand to the Lord, in the image of the Infant Jesus Christ you bore, and beg Him to deliver us from all evil. Show, O Lady, Your mercy to us: heal the sick, comfort the afflicted, help the needy, and grant us the honor to complete this earthly life in a pious manner, to receive a Christian shameless death and to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through Your maternal intercession to Christ our God, Who was born of You, Who is with His Beginning Father and to the Most Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer of the Mother of God “It is worthy to eat” or “Merciful.”

Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” or “Merciful”

Prayer of the Mother of God “It is worthy to eat” or “Merciful”

Let us come, faithfully, with boldness/ to the merciful Queen Theotokos/ and tenderly cry out to her:/ send down upon us Thy rich mercies:/ preserve our Church,/ keep our people in prosperity,/ deliver our land from every situation,/ grant peace peace/ and salvation for our souls.

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Icon of the Mother of God “Merciful” - meaning, what it helps with

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With all the variety of icons that glorify the image of the Mother of God, there are actually miraculous ones. It is precisely these icons that Orthodox Christians try to acquire for their home as a talisman; the Merciful Icon of the Mother of God is considered to be such an amulet icon, or otherwise it is called “It is Worthy to Eat.”

People turn to the image of the Mother of God for any illness: both physical and mental, as well as for the successful completion of any business. The face exudes to those who bow before her its grace-filled gifts of healing, help and omnipresent love. What significance is attached to the icon, what it helps with and how to pray to it correctly - you can find out from this article.

The meaning of the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful”

The Icon of the Merciful, the significance of which is extremely great for all Orthodox Christians, changed its appearance. Initially, it was the half-length face of the Virgin Mary with the Son of God on right hand, but more than a thousand years ago the icon changed, and now it represents the Mother of God and little Jesus, who gently clings to her, in the hands of the Divine Son - prayer.

In prayer to the miraculous image, the Mother of God is glorified, because it was this woman who had the greatest honor - to become the mother of Jesus Christ. The story goes that the Virgin Mary was virginally pure, and the conception took place without a husband, which is why the Queen is called “immaculate” in prayer. The meaning that it carries and prayer to it gives strength to everyone who believes, heals suffering, helps to finish things started and find happiness in marriage.

How does the “Merciful” (“It is worthy to eat”) icon help?

All Orthodox Christians turn to the icon for Holy help. The Holy Face of the Mother of God helps:

She gives miraculous healing to the one who asks: be it bodily (physical) illnesses, mental suffering, spiritual hardships.
The face of the Most Holy Theotokos “It is worthy to eat” has always been an assistant in the undertakings begun. Everyone who sincerely, with faith in their soul, turns to her for help will certainly receive the blessing of the Virgin Mary and help in the work they have begun. Often, they pray in front of the icon before starting any business, so that it is crowned with success.
In case of serious illnesses, epidemics or accidents, this icon has more than once saved and healed those who believe in it.
The Mother of God gives happiness in the family; people often turn to her to find happiness in marriage and spiritual peace.
Also, in front of the image “It is worthy to eat,” people pray for the remission of all sins, including terrible, mortal sins.

Days of Honor

Orthodox Christians honor the day of the Mother of God “Merciful” and perform festive services on June 11 in the new style, and on June 24 in the old style.

How to pray to the holy face

IN Orthodox Church There is a well-known liturgical chant - “It is worthy to eat”, which is directly related to the history of the appearance of this icon. None Divine service, not a single prayer takes place without this chant.

« It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God, the Most Honest Cherub.”

They address the Most Holy One like this (prayer to the Mother of God of Mercy):

“It is truly worthy to glorify You, Mother of God, always blessed and immaculate and the Mother of our God. You are worthy of greater honor than the Cherubim, and in Your glory you are incomparably higher than the Seraphim, You gave birth to God the Word without violating the purity, and as the true Mother of God we magnify You.”

Where can you see the miraculous image of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat”

The very first image of “The Merciful” is kept in the Assumption Church, in Greece, on Holy Mount Athos. Only male representatives of any religion who have a diamonitirion (special permit) are allowed onto Mount Athos.

Lists of faces can also be found in Russian churches:

In St. Petersburg, in honor of the Mother of God of Mercy, a five-domed church was erected, in which a copy of the icon sent from Athos was placed.
Also, a list made by icon painters from the Skete of St. Nicholas, consecrated on the Holy Mountain, is located in the Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra (Moscow).

The appearance of the consecrated list in the capital of Russian cities is a sign of special grace and mercy from the Mother of God.

God bless you!

Watch the video story about the icon of the Mother of God “Merciful”:

Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” or “Merciful”.

Icon of the Mother of God “It is Worthy to Eat” (Merciful).

At the end of the 10th century, not far from the Athos Kareya Monastery, an old hermit lived in a cell with his novice. One day the elder went to the all-night vigil in the temple, and the novice remained in his cell to read the prayer rule. As night fell, he suddenly heard a knock on the door. Opening it, the young man saw in front of him an unfamiliar monk who asked permission to enter. The novice let him in, and together they began chanting prayers.

The elder who returned from the temple was surprised to hear the words of a new prayer from the novice. Having listened to his story about the wonderful guest and seeing the wonderfully inscribed letters of the song, the elder realized that the celestial being who had appeared was the Archangel Gabriel.

Prayer of the Mother of God “It is worthy to eat” or “Merciful.”

Worthyly glorified and righteously blessed from all the heavenly ranks, as if surpassing them without comparison, giving birth to God and the Creator of all things, exalted above all others, Most Wonderful Lady! Pray from You to the incarnate Christ our God, may the unrequited people look upon us, may He preserve us unharmed from all the enemy’s slander and evil slander, for Your Mother’s prayer can do much, according to the saying: ask, my Mother, I will not turn away, but all petitions I will fulfill yours. For this reason, filled with joy in this, we cry out to Thee: save, O Lady, your perishing servants, enlighten those darkened by the wisdom of this age, and bring us to the sweetest Jesus, and forever rejoicing we cry: Glory to the Father, glory to the Son, glory to the Holy Spirit, glory to You, the Most Glorious. and the Most Immaculate Virgin Mary, blessed and blessed forever and ever. Amen.

O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lady Theotokos! Falling before Your holy icon, we humbly pray to You, behold the voice of our prayer, see our sorrow, see our misfortunes and, like a loving Mother, trying to help us helpless, beg Your Son and our God: may He not destroy us for our iniquities ours, but will show us his mercy philanthropically. Ask us, Lady, from His goodness for bodily health and spiritual salvation, and a peaceful life, fruitfulness of the earth, goodness of the air, 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 Thee before Thy most pure icon, and You sent an Angel to him to teach him to sing the heavenly song, with which the Angels praise Thee; So now accept our fervent prayer offered to You. About the All-Singing Queen! Extend your God-bearing hand to the Lord, in the image of the Infant Jesus Christ you bore, and beg Him to deliver us from all evil. Show, O Lady, Your mercy to us: heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing, help the needy, and grant us the honor to complete this earthly life with goodness and honor, to receive a Christian shameless death and to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven through Your maternal intercession to Christ our God, Who was born of You, Who is with the Beginning. To His Father and the Most Holy Spirit is due all glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.