The Icon
Orthodox Christians from all over America are coming together to support the new Monastery of the Mother of God, Joy of All Who Sorrow located “on the mountain” in southeastern Tennessee. Services are conducted in English. Please call before visiting.
History of the Joy of All Who Sorrow Icon
The wonderworking “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Icon of the Mother of God was glorified in the year 1688. Euphymia, the sister of Patriarch Joachim (1674-1690), lived in Moscow and suffered from an incurable illness for a long time. One morning during a time of prayer she heard a voice say, “Euphymia! Go to the temple of the Transfiguration of My Son; there you will find an icon called the ‘Joy of All Who Sorrow.’ Have the priest celebrate a Molieben with the blessing of water, and you will receive healing from sickness.” Euphymia did as she was directed by the Most Holy Theotokos, and she was healed. This occurred on October 24, 1688.
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Meaning of the Icon
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This icon depicts the Mother of God standing among the flowers of paradise with Christ - her Son and the King of Heaven and earth - visible above her in the clouds. Along both sides of the icon, 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.
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To the right is the first English language version of the icon, The Joy of All Who Sorrow, by the hand of Fr. Theodore Jurewicz of Erie, PA (1978).
Apolytikia and Kontakion to the Most Holy Theotokos: The Joy of All that Sorrow
Apolytikion. Fourth Mode.
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To the Theotokos let us run now most earnestly, we sinners all and wretched ones, and fall prostrate in repentance, calling from the depths of our souls: Lady, come unto our aid; have compassion on us; hasten thou for we are lost in a throng of transgressions; turn not thy servants away with empty hands, for thee alone do we have as our only hope.
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Another Apolytikion. Second Mode: When from the Tree...
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Joy of all that sorrow art thou and of the oppressed a protectress and nurture of all the poor, comfort unto the estranged, a staff art thou of the blind, visitation of all the sick, a shelter and succour unto those brought down by pain, helper of orphaned ones; Mother of God in the highest art thou, O immaculate maiden; hasten to redeem thy servants, we entreat.
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Another Apolytikion. Fourth Mode.
O Theotokos, we shall not cease from speaking of all thy mighty acts, all we the unworthy ones, for if thou hadst not stood to intercede for us, who would have delivered us from such numerous dangers? Who would have preserved us all until now, in true freedom? O Lady, we shall not turn away from thee, for thou dost always save thy servants from all manner of grief.
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Kontakion. Plagal Second Mode.
We have no other help, we have no other hope, but thee, O pure Theotokos; come unto our aid. In thee do we hope, and of thee do we boast, for we are thy servants. Let us not be put to shame.
Megalynarion.
Joy of all that sorrow art thou, O Maid, and a staff and comfort and a shelter for all in need. Hence, O Theotokos, the faithful call thee blessed, and every generation chants in praise of thee.