The modern pragmatic world is often devoid of such qualities as kindness, love, compassion, mercy and sincerity. It is these divine feelings that are united in the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Tenderness". In prayer in front of this icon, a person is able to find peace and quiet, forgetting about the indifferent vanity of life.
History
The history of the "Tenderness" icon is inextricably linked with the life of the Monk Hieromonk Seraphim of Sarov. The Monk Seraphim, in his youth, became famous for his numerous monastic exploits. The monk spent most of his monastic life in solitude: either living in a forest five kilometers from the monastery, or a thousand days and a thousand nights in the ascetic deed of columnism (a special type of monastic deed - continuous prayer on a “pillar”) on a large stone boulder in the forest.
In 1815, Seraphim came out of the shutter and settled in a cell. From that moment on, the monk is ready to accept all those seeking wisdom, healing, teaching or conversation and to give people his love. The story of the Mother of God "Tenderness" begins in this cell where the elder lived. When receiving various visitors, the Monk Seraphim had the custom of anointing them with oil from the lamp that hung near the icon. Further, after many wonderful miracles of healing, the elder understood the extraordinary power of this image. Seraphim of Sarov called the image “Joy of All Joys”. After a long ascetic wandering, the icon helped the elder to show love for his neighbors and perform many wondrous miracles. After the death of the elder, the icon went to the monastery of the Diveyevo sisters in Sarov.
Iconography
The canonical icon "Tenderness" depicts the Virgin Mary, who heard and in grateful humility accepted the joyous news that she was destined to give birth to the Son of God. The whole image is imbued with humility, love and meekness: the spiritualized and bright face of the Blessed Mary, eyes lowered in prayer, a soft tilt of the head and crossed hands, symbolizing prayer and acceptance of Jesus as Christ.
In other versions of the "Tenderness" icon, in addition to the Mother of God, God the Son is also depicted. The Divine Infant in such an icon reaches for the mother, embracing her and pressing her cheek to her, the Mother of God, in turn, responds with love and hugs the Son to her. There is no distance between Mary and Jesus, their love is limitless. However, Mary's gaze is fixed on the back of the Infant God, which symbolizes acceptance and humility before the future Son, who will become the Savior.
What to pray for?
The icon of the Theotokos "Tenderness" is an image of all lofty feelings and aspirations, a conscious and humble acceptance of God's will for one's own life. Mary's feat is unusually great. The glory of her act is that she accepted the fate of the Mother of God and raised Jesus in the fullness of human love. Therefore, the popularity of prayer for this icon among women or expectant mothers is obvious and acceptable.
They also turn to this icon for help in finding a godly partner, for family happiness, in a request for the healing of physical illnesses and mental suffering, they also pray for easy and safe childbirth.
Where can you buy a list (copy) of the icon?
The image of the Mother of God "Tenderness" can be found very popular among both clergy and laity, especially among women.
In our online store of Orthodox goods "Axios" you can buy the icon of the Mother of God "Eleusa" in Ukraine. This look will undoubtedly become more than just a decoration for your prayer corner, home decoration or office.
