There are several different images of the Virgin Mary, among which one can distinguish one of the most revered - the icon of the Virgin "Joy of All Who Sorrow". Represent the Mother of God on this icon in full growth with a right hand and with a raised scepter. There are some variants of this image: with or without a baby. Above the Theotokos is the Savior, who has the Gospel in his left hand, and the other one sends a blessing gesture. Around her, sick, hungry and stripped people fall, as well as angels who do good deeds on her behalf. On different lists of icons, the clothes of the Virgin can be different, for example, there is a variant in expensive apparel and a crown on the head, as well as in ordinary clothes and a white shawl.
What helps the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow"?
A person appeals to the Higher Powers in most cases, when he needs support and assistance in difficult situations. The icon of the Theotokos was always considered to be the intercessor and helper of all people on earth.
Understanding the meaning of the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow", it is worth noting that when exactly this image appeared is unknown, but according to one common legend, it happened in the Transfiguration Church in Moscow. The fact that the icon is miraculous became known after the severely ill patriarch's sister, after praying before this image, completely recovered. The sick woman turned to the Higher Powers, asking for help, and then she heard the voice of the Virgin, who told her that she could be healed thanks to the miraculous image that is in the church of the Transfiguration. There was it on November, 6th, and in memory of it the celebration in honor of this icon has been established .
Since then, the prayer before the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" is read in order to be saved from mental problems and various physical diseases. In difficult periods of life, the sufferers ask the Virgin for help in order to cope with various problems and improve their lives. There are many lists that are in different temples in Russia, Ukraine and other countries. It is believed that the lists are also miraculous.
To get help from the Higher Powers, it is necessary to read the prayer before the icon when it's quiet in the soul, so it is important to get rid of all the negative emotions and experiences. It is in this case that the Mother of God will be able to hear all the sent words. About what they pray before the icon of "Joy of All Who Sorrow" have figured out, now we will go directly to the very prayer, which reads:
"The hope of the suffering, the power of the helpless, the intercessor of the offended, the Most Blessed Mother of the Blessed God, the Holy and Immaculate Virgin! To you alone in sorrows I resort, trusting in your infinite mercy. My unworthiness for sins terrifies me, but I give my destiny to your bright image, which the blind man gave sight, suffering healing, lost hope - comfort. Enlighten and correct me, deliver me from all tribulation and trouble,
Queen of prelending, the Most Holy Mother of God, the refuge of the saint, grieving joy, insulted protection! See my misfortune and my grief, help me, the weak. Solve my difficulty, for I have no other protection and help than You, the Good Comforter. Accept my prayer, help me cleanse my sins and show me the right way. Protect from the slander of enemy and unkind people, be an assistant persevering all the days of my life. May thy holy intercession and prayer for thy Son and God our Savior guard me. Amen".