Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of her icon, called the “Three Joys”. Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before her icon of the “Three Joys” Icon of the Mother of God of the “Three Joys”
If trouble happened to you or your loved ones in a foreign land, you were slandered or illegally deprived of property, then a prayer to the icon of the “Three Joys” can help all those who are innocently guilty and bear the burden of unfair punishment.
The history of this image is unusual and contains many secrets and miracles.
It is believed that the original of the “Three Joys” icon was brought to Moscow by a talented Russian artist during the time of Peter I. The beginning of the 18th century was marked by a fashion for everything Western, the borders of the state became open, and rich noble youth gained the opportunity to receive education abroad. One aspiring artist took advantage of this. Having studied painting in Italy, he brought several paintings home, among which was the painting “The Holy Family.” On it, in a free manner, not at all according to Orthodox church canons, four figures were depicted - the Mother of God, the baby Jesus, Joseph the Betrothed and John the Baptist.
How did the creation take place?
In the manner of painting, the canvas was very reminiscent of the paintings of the great Renaissance artist Raphael Santi, in particular, his “Holy Family” and “Madonna in an Armchair”. Probably, his creations inspired the Russian painter so much that he created his own free interpretation.
The artist gave the painting to his relative, the priest of the Moscow Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Gryazekh. Unfortunately, history has not preserved the name of the author of the work. After the painter’s death, the priest placed the painting as an icon above the entrance to the temple, in front of the porch, giving it the name “Holy Family.” Alas, the original icon has not survived to this day; during the days of the Revolution it was irretrievably lost. But now in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity there is kept a list close to the original source, made back in the 19th century. So why is this icon so revered in Russia and why is the prayer of the “Three Joys” addressed to it considered very powerful?
The history of the appearance of the icon
The story goes that forty years after the “Holy Family” found itself in the temple, miracles associated with it began to occur. One day, a venerable lady appeared in front of the icon with a fervent prayer on her lips. She came to the icon for many days in a row, asking for help. The woman’s prayerful zeal and the unusual choice of the icon located outside the church attracted the attention of parishioners and clergy. As it turned out during communication, three misfortunes happened in her life: her husband was slandered and sent to prison, her son was captured on a military campaign, and all her property was confiscated. For a long time, the mother of the family prayed in tears for help to the Most Holy Theotokos, until one day in a dream she heard a voice commanding her to go to the “Holy Family” icon. Having awakened, the woman went as soon as possible to look for a temple in which there could be such an icon. The lady had to go around many Moscow churches before getting to the Trinity Church on Gryazekh at the Pokrovsky Gate, where she saw the long-awaited image above the church entrance in front of the porch.
Then the woman threw herself on her knees and began to pray tirelessly. After some time, three miracles, three joys happened: the son returned alive, the husband was released, and the property was returned. Since then, in honor of these events, the icon was renamed “Three Joys” and moved inside the temple. Over the years, many miracles associated with the icon have happened. They began to copy the painting according to Orthodox iconographic canons, but the content remained the same - the holy family in the person of the infant Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the young John the Baptist. The image was revered even in the royal house of the Romanov family.
How does the “Three Joys” prayer help?
It is believed that the icon of the “Three Joys” should be prayed in cases when people:
- got into difficult situations in a foreign country;
- ended up in captivity and on the battlefields;
- lost their shelter and property;
- suffered from slander.
In prayers to the icon, they often ask for a successful marriage, for children for infertile couples, for the admonition of people who have lost their minds, for a way out of a difficult situation.
Below are the prayer, text of the troparion and kontakion to the Most Holy Theotokos.
Prayer to the icon of the “Three Joys”
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the protection of the reigning city and the holy temple of this temple, faithful representative and intercessor of all! Do not despise the prayers of us, your unworthy servants, but beg your son and our God, so that all of us, with faith and tenderness before your miraculous image, worship, according to every need, grant joy: to the sinner all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; consolation for those who are in sorrow and sorrow; in the troubles and bitterness of those who remain there is a complete abundance of these; hope and patience for the faint-hearted and unreliable; those who live in joy and abundance give unceasing thanksgiving to God; those who exist in illness are healing and strengthening. O Madam Most Pure! Have mercy on all who honor Your honorable name, and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession: protect and preserve your people from visible and invisible enemies. Establish marriages in love and like-mindedness; educate infants, young ones to be wise, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching; Protect half-blooded people from domestic quarrels with peace and love, and give us all love for each other, peace and piety and health with long life, so that everyone in heaven and on earth will lead You, as a strong and shameless representative of the Christian race, and these leading , glorify Thee and Thy Son with Thee, with His beginningless Father and His consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of Her “Three Joys”
Voice 4
From Your holy icon/ You filled the heart of a pious woman with unspeakable joy./ O Most Pure Lady of the world,/ Almighty Queen of joy, Ever-Virgin creatures,/ always She returned her husband, her son, and her property,/ so you are merciful to all of us,/ Grant the fulfillment of good desires,/ exuding an ever-flowing source of joy to those who pray to You/ and to those who cry out with all their hearts:/ You have given birth to joy to the whole world,// Fill those who revere You with unfailing joy .
Orthodox akathists are part of religious services in honor of Orthodox holidays or the veneration of saints. On February 12, the Orthodox Church celebrates the memory of the Ecumenical Hierarchs Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. On this day, in Orthodox churches, according to tradition, a special service is performed with prayer chants. Akathist to the Three Saints. Since the time of Turkish rule in Greece, this day has been recognized as the day of Education and Enlightenment, and in theological schools of Russia they are performed in Greek. In terms of the number of laudatory “Rejoice”, this sacred work can only be compared with the akathist Three Joys of the Mother of God.
The meaning of the three joys of the Mother of God for Christianity
During the times of confrontation between pagan and Christian traditions on the territory of the Russian Empire, the three Saints preached a religion of self-sacrifice, high morality and the fight against heresy. The Church serves the Liturgy, in which the anaphoras were composed by these righteous people, the prayers that they prayed are read by Christians during the morning and evening rules.
The Akathist to the Three Saints reveals three great concepts for believers: the Theologian - divine inspiration, the Great - the greatness of a teacher, writer, Chrysostom - the gold of the lips of an ascetic and martyr. The entire life and works of the three Saints help to understand how the foundations of the unity of faith and reason, education were laid, without violating true piety. The Three Saints were the most beloved and revered hierarchs in Byzantium, and already by the 10th century, in liturgical sources that have survived to this day, including the Akathist to the 3 Saints, an idea of them as an integral unity was formed. Their teachings are called the Third Testament, and their memory is noted in the Greek liturgical books and in the Church Rules. The teachings of the Three Saints are revered as the basis of the Orthodox faith, which is sorely needed in times of disagreement and hesitation that appear in religious Christian circles in our day.
Listen to the video prayer to the icon of the Three Joys of the Virgin Mary
Text of the church akathist to the Three Saints
Kontakion No. 1
The chosen luminaries of the Church of Christ, Basil, Gregory and John, who with your teachings enlightened the world and extinguished all the vacillations of heresies and blasphemous confusions, as intercessors for the salvation of our existence, with your prayers preserve us from all troubles and eternal torment, and with joy we cry out to you in thanks:
Angels of earth and people of heaven, saints of Christ and fathers of blessedness, champions of the Life-Giving Trinity, illumined by Her with the Trisolar Light and praying unceasingly at the Throne of the Trinitarian Divinity for our souls, hear us crying to you from the heart:
Rejoice, you who have the boldness to cry out to the Lord for us.
Rejoice, great saints of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, you who have been given integrity.
Rejoice, Apostle of uniformity.
Rejoice, for through your teachings the grace of Christ has been wondrously requested.
Rejoice, having captured your mind in obedience to faith.
Rejoice, blasy worker of the grapes of Christ.
Rejoice, blessed by God from your youth.
Rejoice, having endured the sorrows of this life well and multiplying the talent given to you.
Rejoice, having preached the will of God to the mighty of this world with much boldness.
Rejoice, having driven away the darkness of wickedness.
Rejoice, having enlightened the entire sunflower with the dawns of dogmas.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 2
Seeing those who are heretical with fierce aspirations, a sharp sword against the networks of false teachings and fire, consuming the tares of superstition, Saint Basil appeared and, like a most noble shepherd, denouncing the flattery of idols with his inspired broadcast, taught us to venerate the Holy Trinity, divided by the Hypostases, but united by the Creature, and cry out to Her : Alleluia.
The mind is illuminated by the grace of Christ, as the Apostle of uniformity, the Orthodox dogmas of the teaching have been clarified and the three great lamps of the Trinitarian Divinity have appeared: for illuminated by your inspired writings, the Church of Christ shines brightly, and its faithful children ascend to the measure of the age of the fulfillment of Christ. Likewise, looking at the riches of the grace of Christ bestowed upon you, as our enlighteners we praise you, blatantly:
Rejoice, God-bearing heavenly mysteries.
Rejoice, repentance of the silent preacher.
Rejoice, vessels of election.
Rejoice, teacher of wisdom of the universe.
Rejoice, you who have taught people in the Divine teachings of Christ.
Rejoice, you who have always walked diligently in the commandments of the Lord.
Rejoice, having manifested many different virtues in your life.
Rejoice, pillars of steadfastness, who have confirmed the faith of Christ with Divine dogmas.
Rejoice, the verbal flock of Christ wiser than those who fell.
Rejoice, most distinguished theologians of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, luminaries, enlightening all the ends of the earth.
Rejoice, sweet-sounding pipe and lantern.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 3
The power of the prayers of his fathers forced Saint Gregory to leave Pontus and to Nazianz to his father, to help him, to settle down, where he taught and taught the glory of God and disgraced the Arian heresy. In the same way, great Saint Gregory, remember us, passing through the Divine incorruptible pastures of the Divine Paradise, at the Throne of the Holy Trinity, and with tenderness we cry out to Her: Alleluia.
Having in their hearts the luminous grace of the Holy, Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity, the three preachers of God, the division of the body and the union of the spirit, piously preaching the One Immutable Trinity, the Being and the Divinity, and sealed this sermon with suffering. Likewise, we, imitating their faith, cry out as follows:
Rejoice, strong and invincible supporters of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, zealous zealots of the truths of Christ.
Rejoice, warm prayer books to the Most Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, good shepherd to the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, Aria, who deposed and established the Orthodox.
Rejoice, One Unchangeable Trinity, Being and Divinity, having glorified through deeds and teachings.
Rejoice, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity Hypostasis, who have wonderfully understood.
Rejoice, for the sake of the Tri-radiant One and the One Divinity, you have endured the greatest sorrow and persecution.
Rejoice, having borne the burden of the day unabated until the end of your life.
Rejoice, having driven away the dark night of evil heresies with the rays of godly dogmas.
Rejoice, you who have nourished the souls of the faithful with grace.
Rejoice, thou who havest been worthy to be the heir of the Eternal Kingdom.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 4
A storm of rage and anger has been raised, O Chrysostom, by the madness of the people, slandering you and commandingly expelling you from the reigning city. But you, O Golden Word, abiding unshakably on the rocks of the faith of Christ and strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, you courageously endured the storm of persecution and torment and through suffering you prepared an incorruptible crown in Heaven for yourself, teaching everyone to patiently bear the Cross of Christ and cry out to God: Alleluia.
Hearing your God-inspired words, imprinted by many deeds and sufferings, thirsty for the words of Eternal Life coming to you from afar, and having received incorruptible food from you and drawn Divine drink, crying out to you:
Rejoice, you who have experienced the depths of the Word of God for good.
Rejoice, having sought God through unceasing zeal.
Rejoice, nourishment of those who hunger for righteousness.
Rejoice, comforter of the poor in spirit.
Rejoice, clouds that shed the dew of pious teachings and solder the universe.
Rejoice, ever-flowing spiritual rivers, watering the faithful children of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, guardian of the Divine Mysteries and verbal trumpets of God.
Rejoice, planters of the right Christian faith and piety.
Rejoice, you who illuminate many faithful miracles.
Rejoice, you who pour forth rivers of healing for us.
Rejoice, you who diligently come to you from temptations and misfortunes through your prayers.
Rejoice, the whole Christian family is praised.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 5
Christ showed you to the world the God-rich star, great in all hierarchs, Vasily: having acquired knowledge of the Divine Mysteries and illumination from above from the Throne of God’s grace, you wonderfully enlightened the minds and hearts of the faithful with God-inspired words, we are animated by love for God, you endured persecution and suffering for Christ kindly and For this reason, you have been honored in Heaven with prayerful boldness at the Throne of the King of Glory, being an image of the faithful word, life, spirit, love, faith and purity, so that everyone may cry out with tenderness to the Most Holy Trinity: Alleluia.
Seeing you, saints of Christ, ever abiding in heavenly countenance and always present before the Throne of God, with tenderness we glorify the Life-Giving Trinity, which glorified you by nature, by your word and life, but to you, a great prayer book, we cry out from the love of our hearts:
Rejoice, the heavenly face of the copulation and the cohabitation of the holy Angels.
Rejoice, to the Throne of the King of Glory, ever-present with all the elect.
Rejoice, adorned with the glory of heaven.
Rejoice, you who hate the flesh and the world.
Rejoice, having put into your minds all the treasures of the world and the delights of life for Christ’s sake.
Rejoice, having ascended to the luminous chariot of virtues and having reached the Heavenly Kingdom.
Rejoice, for you have shown us, sinners, the image of virtues in word and life.
Rejoice, you who through many sorrows have entered into the joy of your Lord.
Rejoice, warm intercessors for us before God.
Rejoice, Orthodox theology has been a great luminary.
Rejoice, the Christian faith is praised.
Rejoice, glory to the saints and adornment of the Church.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 6
Preaching the truth with your divinely spoken verbs, you crushed, O Theologian Gregory, the Hellenic wisdom and temptations of heresies, but to the whole universe you silently preached in the Trinity the glorified God of the One Essence, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching everyone to cry out to Him: Alleluia.
Shine with the light of a virtuous life and the Orthodox faith through confession throughout the entire universe and with all your tongue, the light of the true knowledge of God is clear, as if you were to be a shepherd and teacher of the whole Church of Christ. Likewise, even after death, do not cease to look upon us, who pray and cry warmly to you:
Rejoice, three great lights, guiding us to salvation.
Rejoice, enlightener of those who sit in the darkness of ignorance.
Rejoice, you who make clear to us the inconceivable Mysteries of the Trinitarian Deity.
Rejoice, you who water your flock with streams of wise teachings.
Rejoice, you most excellent shepherd, who have adorned your life with all sorts of virtues.
Rejoice, you have preserved your flock from ravenous wolves.
Rejoice, luminaries of the Trisolar Light, marvelously illuminating the minds and hearts of the faithful.
Rejoice, images of chastity, teaching us to be zealous for the acquisition of this virtue.
Rejoice, church helm, clearly showing the path of Orthodox knowledge of God.
Rejoice, twelve Apostles of oneness.
Rejoice, cohabitation of angelic faces.
Rejoice, together with all the saints, who continually pray for us.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 7
Although the evil serpent tempts you, like Job the Long-Suffering, raises a storm of anger of the wicked, who expelled you into captivity. Moreover, we are strengthened by the grace of Christ, you have endured all suffering and illness well, Father John Chrysostom, and you have been granted a blessed death. Now, being in the eternal days of the Kingdom of Christ, do not cease to pray for us at the Throne of the Trinitarian God, and cry out with tenderness: Alleluia.
New lamps of light and unshakable pillars have appeared to the Church, great saints: by the holiness of your life, while still in the flesh you exist on earth, as quickly as without flesh. For this reason, the Church of Christ, ever glorifying you, will sing thanksgiving songs to the Light-Giver Christ God, by His grace we are strengthened, having endured great illnesses and labors in the gospel of Christ. In the same way, glorifying Christ, who constantly benefits the Church of His Saints, we also praise you, as faithful servants of Christ and builders of the Mysteries of God, crying out loudly:
Rejoice, champion of the return of the Trinity.
Rejoice, invincible confessor of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, hierarchs and leaders.
Rejoice, having destroyed the fury of your heresies with the rays of theology.
Rejoice, image the glory of piety.
Rejoice, you who are faithful in your knowledge of God.
Rejoice, you divinely inspired interpreter of the words of God.
Rejoice, Masters of Christ, servants of Blasia and Faith.
Rejoice, you have embodied the meekness of Moses and the zeal of Elijah in your labors.
Rejoice, having imitated the ancient Job through the patience of sorrows and persecutions.
Rejoice, O Joseph, in your chastity and purity of adornment.
Rejoice, you who have demonstrated Peter’s confession and John’s theology.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 8
The miracle of grace bestowed upon you, Saint Basil, was witnessed by Ephraim the Syrian, when I wanted him to see you, father, you sent his archdeacon to bring him to you: and by your prayer Ephraim understood the Greek language and, marveling at the miracles, glorified God, singing to Him: Alleluia.
Preserve all the faith in the Holy Trinity immaculately and bring many to Christ, holy saints of Christ, having fought the good fight. For this reason, looking at your wondrous feat and your pure life, we cry out to you with tenderness:
Rejoice, thou who have adorned the Church with the divinely woven garment of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, you who have clearly exposed heretical nonsense.
Rejoice, for through your writings and words you have gathered the spiritual treasure of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, the wisdom of God and all the red of the world of Christ for the sake of those who rejected.
Rejoice, you who have sought the treasures of Heaven above all else.
Rejoice, Chief Shepherd of Christ, as a servant of the faithful who have followed the life-giving footsteps.
Rejoice, you have revealed a high image of virtues in your life.
Rejoice, thou who have cut off the passions of the soul, together with those of the body, with the spiritual sword.
Rejoice, you have made a living sacrifice to the Life-Giving Trinity, holy and pleasing to yourself.
Rejoice, intercessor of sinners.
Rejoice, intercessors of the poor.
Rejoice, teachers and images of shepherds.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 9
Having loved God with all your soul, Father Gregory, you chose God-like purity and chastity above all good things, and you were a great theologian and the mystery was revealed to you. Now standing before the Throne of the Holy Trinity, ask for peace and salvation for all of us who praise you and sing to God: Alleluia.
By the inspiration of the three ecumenical saints, the temptations of eriticity are overcome, but the Orthodox faith is more and more overcome. For this reason, out of our zeal, with tenderness and love, we appeal to them as follows:
Rejoice, having illuminated your entire life with the love of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, having taught us to honor the One God in three persons.
Rejoice, you have overthrown the wickedness of Arius and the blasphemies of other heretics.
Rejoice, you who have blocked the wicked lips of false teachers with the grace of your words.
Rejoice, heavenly trumpets, who preached the world's Gospel of Christ.
Rejoice, three great luminaries in all the hierarchs.
Rejoice, teacher of meekness, abstinence, and also repentance.
Rejoice, good teachers and mentors of the monastics.
Rejoice, protector of the Church and champion of Orthodoxy.
Rejoice, you who entered into the labors of the Apostles and reaped the class of good confession.
Rejoice, for your faith and deeds you received incorruptible crowns from the Chief Shepherd Christ.
Rejoice, great labors and exploits have risen in the improvement of the Church of Christ.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 10
Don’t stop begging our Savior Christ for those who honor your memory, O all-valid John Chrysostom: for you have been given the grace to pray for us. In the same way, we, as a vessel of the fragrant ointment that brings forth healing to all who flow in with faith, falling down with tenderness and love, cry out to God who glorified you: Alleluia.
The wall is naturally insurmountable to those who celebrate your holy memory and to all who flow to your prayer cover, shameless hope and strong intercession. Likewise, for us, holy three saints, who fall before you with tenderness, ask from the Throne of the Holy Trinity mercy and grace for timely help, so that with joy and gratitude we cry to you:
Rejoice, you who show mercy and consolation to all the faithful.
Rejoice, repentant sinners who deliver you from the snares of the devil.
Rejoice, diligent dispenser of grace-filled gifts.
Rejoice, intercession and protection of all people.
Rejoice, intercessor of orphan fathers and widows.
Rejoice, wealth for the poor and healing for the sick.
Rejoice, mercy for those suffering through the silence of the preacher and young mentor.
Rejoice, elder nourisher.
Rejoice, comforter to those in sorrow.
Rejoice, strange companions.
Rejoice, help for those who are weary.
Rejoice, you who honor your memory and send joy and salvation.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 11
The singing of the Most Holy Trinity was brought to nature more than others, the saints of God, with your mind, word, deed and theological flourishes, your rhetorical plexus destroyed nature, instructing us to honor the Trinity in Unity and sing to Her: Alleluia.
The luminous trinity of holy hierarchs, Basil of the kingdom of the same name, Gregory the Theologian named, John Chrysostom, teacher of the universe, who experienced the depths of God, praising and the bright memory of their reverently triumphant, praiseworthy singing we offer as follows:
Rejoice, blessed trumpets of Divine verbs.
Rejoice, you divinely inspired women.
Rejoice, expounder of the apostolic writings by inspiration of God.
Rejoice, zealot of the apostolic traditions.
Rejoice, you who tell the wondrous greatness of God to all earthly beings.
Rejoice, having preached the glory of God through your life and word to the whole world.
Rejoice, guides and teachers to the salvation of goodness.
Rejoice, you who eradicated corrupt customs and planted good morals.
Rejoice, renounce carnal lusts and teaching passions.
Rejoice, physician of the wisdom of mental and physical ailments.
Rejoice, church luminary, kindled by the Trisolar Light.
Rejoice, bloom the incense of heavenly vegetation.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 12
The grace of God has been poured out abundantly into your mouth, blessed: the Orthodox faith has been strengthened by you and the darkness of heretical vacillations and false teachings has been driven away by the light of God-inspired scriptures. Moreover, saints, pray to Christ God, that the spirit of your zeal for faith and piety may rest upon us, so that we may be worthy to sing together with you to the Holy Trinity: Alleluia.
Singing and brightly celebrating your sacred memory, blessed Basil, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, we humbly pray to you: do not stop praying to Christ for all who call you by faith and cry out with love like this:
Rejoice, guardian of Orthodox dogmas.
Rejoice, source of life-giving theology.
Rejoice, Divinely joyful faithful hearts.
Rejoice, for the Aryans have been brought down by your unflagging deeds.
Rejoice, for the Eunomius heresy was caught by the fire of your divinely inspired broadcasts.
Rejoice, for your God-inspired words have driven away the heresy of Sabellius.
Rejoice, for the wisdom of Nestor has been abolished by you.
Rejoice, O most generous prayer book for the world.
Rejoice, you who lead the faithful to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Rejoice, O voice of God, which resounded wonderfully for us.
Rejoice, thou art worthy of the shepherds of the Church.
Rejoice, all who have been according to the Apostle.
Rejoice, three saints, great and universal teachers.
Kontakion No. 13
O saints of Christ and blessed fathers, Basil the Great, church luminary and unshakable pillar, Gregory the Theologian, God-enlightened mind, great bishop, together with John Chrysostom, a strong preacher of repentance, with the heavenly abiding face and the angelic forces united, who has now accepted our small prayer, ask We have the highest thoughts and actions with the All-Bountiful God, so that, having escaped eternal torment, we will inherit heavenly life with you, crying out to God: Alleluia.
/This kontakion is read 3 times, then ikos No. 1 and kontakion No. 1/
Text of the Orthodox prayer to the three saints
About the blessedness of the luminaries of the Church of Christ, Basil, Gregory and John, who illuminated the entire ends of the earth with the light of Orthodox dogmas and extinguished the blasphemous confusion and vacillation of heresies with the sword of the word of God;
Falling at your mercy, with faith and love from the depths of our souls, we cry: standing before the Throne of the Most Holy, Consubstantial, Life-Giving and Indivisible Trinity, for Her word, writing and life, you have labored well and devoted your souls, always pray to Her, that she may strengthen us in Orthodoxy and like-mindedness, and unshakable even to death in the confession of the faith of Christ, and in all-soul obedience to his Church of the Saints: may our invisible and visible enemies gird us with strength from on high: may our Church keep its unshakable from unbelief, superstition, heresies and schism; May our archpastors grant health, longevity and good haste in everything: may our shepherds give spiritual sobriety and zeal for the salvation of the flock, may the ruler give justice and truth, may the soldier patience, courage and victory over enemies, may the orphans and widows be interceded, may the sick be healed, may the good be given to the young growth of faith, consolation for the elders, intercession for the offended, and all that is needed for temporal and eternal life, for in peace and repentance, with a burning desire for salvation, working for the Lord, fighting the good fight, we will end our course and be honored in the Kingdom of Heaven to sing with you always and glorify the Most Holy and Magnificent Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
In Russia, Orthodox Christians have always prayed to the Mother of God in difficult times. The icon of the “Three Joys” is especially revered, which can be addressed in different situations with any request.
Our world is imperfect and no one in it is immune from all kinds of troubles and misfortunes. Often, when sad events suddenly occur in a person’s life, he simply has no one to turn to. And then the only place where the unfortunate person can come asking for help, where they will completely unselfishly lend a helping hand, listen and give him good advice, becomes the church. Surrounded by holy faces, all troubles and bad thoughts recede, a person understands that he is not alone, his prayers will definitely be heard.
History of the appearance of the shrine
The image of the Most Holy Theotokos appeared in Russia at the end of the 18th century. He was brought to his homeland by one of the young Russian artists who studied in Italy with local painters. The master painted a copy of the image of the painting by the brilliant Italian artist Raphael “The Holy Family”. The young man gave the brought list to the Moscow Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, whose rector was his relative.
The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in Russia at the end of the 18th century
The image of the Most Holy Theotokos has always been revered by Christians, but this icon became miraculous 40 years after its appearance in Russia.
In Moscow at that time it was restless. The family of one titled noblewoman, a person close to the imperial family, suffered misfortunes as if from a cornucopia. The head of the family fell out of favor with the emperor due to a false denunciation and was exiled; the estate and property were transferred to the disposal of the state treasury. To top it all off, the only son became a military man and was captured during the next campaign.
Salvation came from the image of the Most Holy Theotokos. The unhappy wife and mother was a deeply religious person; she constantly prayed and asked for the salvation of her family. In a revelation dreamed by a desperate mother, she was ordered to find the icon of the Holy Family, patronized by the Virgin Mary. After a long search, the holy image was found in the Trinity Church. The unfortunate woman spent a long time kneeling near the face of the Queen of Heaven, offering her tearful prayers.
And the miracle happened. Soon the aristocrat received 3 good news - her husband was completely acquitted, the property was returned, and the heir to the family was released.
The news of the miraculous icon quickly spread throughout Moscow, and as a result, the image of the Most Holy Theotokos received the popular name of the “Three Joys” icon.
Video “Akathist before the icon “Three Joys” of the Blessed Virgin Mary”
This video contains an audio recording of a prayer chant.
Description and iconography of the image
In the center is the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus on her lap. On opposite sides of her are Joseph the Betrothed and young John the Baptist. Their gaze, fixed on the Mother of God and her son, is permeated with love and immeasurable respect.
It should be noted that this style of writing is characteristic only of Orthodox artists. In the original, the images are written in a more laconic manner. Catholics sometimes have a white lamb on their lists of this icon, symbolizing sacrifice, and John the Baptist is depicted at different ages. Also absent from the Catholic version is Saint Joseph; he appeared in Orthodox images after the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary.
In the center is the Blessed Virgin Mary holding the Divine Infant on her knees. Joseph the Betrothed and young John the Baptist are depicted nearby
The meaning and meaning of the icon for Orthodoxy
The Don and Kuban Cossacks attached special meaning to the prayers of the image of the “Three Joys”. It was believed that turning to him helps maintain well-being in family life, find peace of mind and unlearn bad habits for overly zealous men.
Often this image became a family saint and guardian; it was passed on from one generation to another. For example, the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, which brings joy, was especially revered by the Romanov royal dynasty. In the family of the writer Leo Tolstoy, the miraculous face was also given great importance - the novelist’s father, who participated in the Patriotic War of 1812, wore a talisman under his overcoat throughout the entire period of hostilities. To this day, the family icon is in the museum located on the Tolstoy estate in Yasnaya Polyana.
The religious meaning of the icon has two directions - divine and worldly. The Mother of God depicted in the icon feels great joy and happiness, acting as the mother and teacher of the future Savior, which she no longer hoped to experience. Having received it as a blessing from heaven, the Most Holy Theotokos thus united in herself two principles - the heavenly and the earthly.
How does the “Three Joys” image help?
Many sorrows recede when turning to the holy face. Believers are sincere in their prayers and ask the Mother of God to help them find joy in the following cases:
- Being far from home, in exile or abroad.
- Granting forgiveness of sins, deliverance from evil thoughts.
- Strengthening the military spirit and protecting the defenders of the fatherland.
- Victory over enemies - physical and moral.
- Return what was lost.
The icon of the “Three Joys” acts as a symbol of the inviolability of family ties; it is considered the keeper of the hearth, bringing well-being to the family. The Mother of God will avert evil slander, empty speculation and slander, and envious glances. She will help you gain self-confidence, and will return those who have gone astray to the true path.
Orthodox Christians who left their homeland for one reason or another often find consolation in turning to the miraculous icon of the “Three Joys.”
The icon of the “Three Joys” acts as a symbol of the inviolability of family ties Location of the icon
The original icon, brought by a young artist from Italy, to the great regret of Orthodox believers, was lost during the 1917 revolution. At the same time, the building of the Trinity Church was taken away by the Bolsheviks. Subsequently, already in the 90s, it was returned back, and the church was reopened. The Patriarchate donated several randomly selected icons to the temple - among them was the icon of the “Three Joys”, painted in the 19th century. The priest of the temple discovered among the transferred relics the typewritten text of the Akathist. When the church ministers were discussing its regular reading before the holy image, a lamp suddenly flared up.
All disputes stopped by themselves, every Wednesday an akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in Joy is now read and a prayer service is served.
Now there are several lists of the miraculous icon. One of them resides in the village of Gryazi in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity, and the rest are in churches in Moscow.
There is a miraculous list in the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in the village of Gryazi Days of veneration and general rules of prayer
Only once a year, on January 8, Orthodox Christians can officially venerate the holy icon and celebrate its appearance.
Although on ordinary days, many parishioners come to church in order to venerate the miraculous image. There is a special prayer to the image of the “Three Joys,” but you can address the Mother of God in your own words. The main thing is that they come from a pure heart, and the thoughts of the person asking are pure and do not harm other people.
The day of celebration of the shrine is January 8 Prayer and akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the icon of the “Three Joys”
Troparion, tone 4
From Your holy icon, You filled the heart of the pious wife with unspeakable joy. / Oh, Most Pure Lady of the world, / Omnipotent Queen of joy, Ever-Virgin creature, / when she returned her husband, her son, and her property, / likewise you are merciful to all of us, / grant the fulfillment of good desires, / emanating an ever-flowing source of joy , praying to You / and crying out with all our hearts: / you have given birth to joy to the whole world, // fill those who honor You with unfailing joy.
Prayer before the icon
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, the All-Blessed Son of the All-Blessed Mother, the protection of the capital city and the holy temple of this temple, faithful to the Representative and Intercessor of all who are in sins and sorrows! Do not despise the prayers of us, Thy unworthy servants, but pray to Thy Son and our God, that He may grant to all of us, who worship Thy miraculous image with faith and tenderness, according to each need: to the sinner - all-effective admonition, repentance and salvation; for those who are in sorrow and sorrow - consolation; for those who remain in troubles and embitterment - complete relief from them; for the faint-hearted and unreliable - hope and patience; to those who live in joy and abundance - unceasing thanksgiving to God; to those in illness - healing and strengthening. Oh, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on all who honor Your honorable name and show everyone Your all-powerful protection and intercession, protect and preserve people from visible and invisible enemies. Establish marriages in love and like-mindedness; raise the babies; Young chastity, open their minds to the perception of every useful teaching; Protect half-blooded people from domestic quarrels with peace and love, and give us all love, peace and piety, and health with long life, so that everyone in heaven and on earth will lead You as a strong and unashamed Representative of the Christian race and, this is true, glorify You and Your Son with His beginningless Father and His Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Joy can and should be experienced not only by receiving what you ask for. The mental satisfaction of doing a good deed is difficult to compare with anything. If a Christian is able to come to the aid of another person in difficult times, support him and even save him, the Most Holy Mother of God will always help him with this.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos called “Three Joys”
Kontakion 1
Let us never cease to speak to the chosen commander of our unworthiness, O All-Holy Virgin, who gave birth to eternal Joy for our salvation, drive away all despondency and sadness from us, and let us call to You: Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms bore the Joy of the whole world.
Ikos 1
Revealing to you the secret from time immemorial, Immaculate Virgin, Gabriel, the disembodied archangel, cried out in fear: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you! We sinners with unclean lips dare to cry out to You: Rejoice, Blessed One among women; Rejoice, O God of News. Rejoice, vine! Rejoice, at Christmas and after Christmas, Virgo.
Rejoice, unfading blossom; Rejoice, treasure of purity. Rejoice, fragrant censer; Rejoice, precious myrrh. Rejoice, animated table; Rejoice, dwelling place of unevening light. Rejoice, purification of the whole world. Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms carried the Joy of the whole world!
Kontakion 2
Fill my heart with joy, quench my sorrow, Most Holy Virgin! Enlighten my sorrowful soul with the light of imperishable joy, so I cry to my Creator: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
The human mind cannot comprehend how You, the uncreated Virgin, had God in your womb above all and gave birth to the incorruptible Son, and we cry to You with fear: Rejoice, uninhabited land; Rejoice, unburnt Kupino. Rejoice, incomprehensible depth; Rejoice, bridge leading to heaven. Rejoice, thou sawt a high ladder to the south of Jacob; Rejoice, Divine reservoir of manna. Rejoice, destruction of the oath; Rejoice, Adam's proclamation. Rejoice, for the Lord is with You; Rejoice, thou who destroyed the darkness of sin. Rejoice, thou who shattered the gates of hell.
Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 3
You, intercession and cover of my life, You, my hope and affirmation, All-Singing One, heal my soul, infected with sinful leprosy, so that I may sing to the Heavenly Bridegroom forever: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
The Most High, illuminated Divine village, rejoice, for you have given joy to the Mother of God who calls: Rejoice, highest of heavens; Rejoice, purest lordship of the sun. Rejoice, presence of the Creator of heaven and earth; Rejoice, joy of the angels. Rejoice, all-wonderful reconciliation of all to God; Rejoice, Most Honest Cherub. Rejoice, most glorious without comparison Seraphim; Rejoice, wall and our protection from enemies. Rejoice, defeat and blindness of demons; Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of heaven to us. Hail Mary, Lady of us all. Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 4
My heart is filled with despondency and many sorrows. To whom will I cry, O Lady, to whom will I resort in my sorrow, to whom will I proclaim my sorrow, who will hear my crying and sighing, if not You, Mother of God, who gave birth to the joy of Heaven and earth, the King Christ our God. To Him the Cherubim and Seraphim sing with us: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
We will never keep silent and never retreat from You, Lady, for Your servants always save you from all cruel troubles and sorrows. In the same way, we fall to You and sing with tenderness: Rejoice, Joy to all who mourn; Rejoice, recovery of the lost. Rejoice, quenching our sorrows; Rejoice, O offended Intercessor. Rejoice, you who are hungry for nourishment; Rejoice, strange consolation. Rejoice, overwhelmed Refuge; Rejoice, free settlement. Rejoice, Protector and Helper of the weak; Rejoice, Rod of old age. Rejoice, Mother of our Bora: Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 5
Intercessor of the world, bring joy to all those who resort to You, Mother of the highest joy. Cover us with Your honest omophorion from all troubles, misfortunes, sorrows and illnesses, so that we sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Strong prayer, an insurmountable wall, source of mercy, refuge of all Orthodox, the Virgin Mary! Receive from us the angelic singing: Rejoice, joy and glory of believers; Rejoice, miracle of miracles. Rejoice, immutable hope of all saints; Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles. Rejoice, consolation ready for needs; Rejoice, God-containing dwelling. Rejoice, abyss of generosity and goodness; Rejoice, animate ones in the temple. Rejoice, sweet joy for orphans and widows; Rejoice, their inexhaustible wealth. Rejoice, unbridled Bride. Rejoice, our Joy, who carried the joy of the whole world in your arms.
Kontakion 6
During my belly, do not leave me, Mother of God. Vouchsafe me to receive a good end, so I cry to God the Savior: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Deliver me from every temptation and passion, O All-Immaculate One! Compassionate, save, make me glad, deliver and protect me from fierce enemies, so that I cry out to You: Rejoice, our strong and unshakable hope; Rejoice, Queen and Lady of all. Rejoice, great treasure of the entire universe; Rejoice, affirmation of all the faithful. Rejoice, zealous intercessor of the Christian race; Rejoice, you who gave birth to all saints the Most Holy Word. Rejoice, heavenly throne; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of living water. Rejoice, protection and sacred refuge of those who trust in You; Rejoice, shameless intercession of Christians. Rejoice, thou who drawest joy from the Chalice. Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 7
At the hour of my death, O All-Good One, appear to me and give joy to my wretched soul as it departs from my damned body, so that I may sing to the Conqueror of death and hell: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Do not turn Your joyful face away from me, O Mother of God! Hear my prayer, and may my cry come to You, O Most Holy Virgin! Every day I will call on You, soon hearing me, let me cry to You: Rejoice, solemn singing of angels; Rejoice, protection and protection of people. Rejoice, praise of the Apostles; Rejoice, wedding of the sufferers. Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, deliverance of the tears of Eve. Rejoice, abstinence of fasters; Rejoice, joy of the perishable life. Rejoice, tenderness of the monks; Rejoice, fertilizer for the saints. Rejoice, beautiful presbyters. Rejoice, our Joy, who carried the joy of the whole world in your arms.
Kontakion 8
With a bright light, the Most Pure One deigned to go forth to meet the Bridegroom of our souls; grant me, with a cheerful heart and sober thought, the night of this life to pass and into the joyful palace of His glory to hear and sing to God, the Judge of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
One immaculate and pure Virgin of Heavenly joy, grant all of us and our relatives, friends and acquaintances with heavenly joy, may the Lord rest them with Thy all-powerful prayers, O Most Pure One, in a bright place, where there is no illness, no sorrow, no sighing, but endless life. May the Lord forgive them every sin committed by them from their youth until the hour of their death, may they also cry with us: Rejoice, who did not forsake you in Her dormition; Rejoice, Mother of Life. Rejoice, thou who deliverest our souls from death; Rejoice, never-ending prayers to the Mother of God. Rejoice, you who introduce us to the joys of heaven; Rejoice, you who gave birth to God in flesh. Rejoice, you who save us from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, joyful repose of all those who have died in faith and hope. Rejoice, Hope of the unreliable; Rejoice, you who open doors of mercy for us. Rejoice, destroyer of deadly sin. Rejoice, our Joy, who in your arms carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 9
Oh, Mother of God! Deliver us, Thy sinful servants, from fiery hell, unlighted darkness, the torment of hell, and make us worthy of ageless life, so that we may always sing to the Sweetest Jesus: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Most Pure Virgin, with Your intercession before the throne of the Most High, illuminate my soul and body, mind and heart, renew me entirely, adorn me, make me chaste, glorify, save, enlighten, and bless with Your heavenly and earthly blessing, so I cry to You: Rejoice, unbrided Mother and unartful ; Rejoice, for through You we knew the Son of God. Rejoice, indestructible wall; Rejoice, all-perfect salvation of our souls. Rejoice, Lady and Mother of the Deliverer from eternal death; Rejoice, most holy angels. Rejoice, for truly from You the Lord reigned and was clothed with beauty; Rejoice, you who take away sinful filth. Rejoice, brightest spring morning; Rejoice, thou who tames the fierce storm of my soul. Rejoice, illuminating lightning of the soul. Rejoice, our Joy, who in Your arms carried the joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 10
Confirm, O Virgin Mother of God, all faithful Russian people in Orthodoxy, cover them with Your honest omophorion from all evil, and sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
God-loving Virgin Mary, Brideless Lady Theotokos, the faithful have salvation and hope! Because You have much boldness towards the Heavenly King, who became incarnate from You, deliver us from fierce sorrows and bitter sorrow. We ask You for consolation and joy, our Joy; Most of all, we demand eternal salvation from You, tenderly crying out: Rejoice, Bread of Life, who gave birth to the Divine Lamb; Rejoice, O vine, who has brought forth for us the fruit of life. Rejoice, you who fill us with the wine of heavenly joy; Rejoice, O granter of the holy, fearful, heavenly, divine, immortal and life-giving mysteries of Christ to the faithful. Rejoice, unevening Light of the Ineffable Mystery; Rejoice, light of my darkened soul. Rejoice, my protection and hope; Rejoice, my refuge. Rejoice, my consolation; Rejoice, my joy. Rejoice, you who revive me, who was killed by sins. Rejoice, our Joy, who carried the joy of the whole world in Your arms.
Kontakion 11
Opening the door of Heaven to the faithful, open the door of repentance to me, Mother of God, may the Most Righteous Judge have mercy on me, may he not declare my secret sins and not put me to shame before His Angels, may I sing to Him forever: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Cleanse me, Most Pure One, from all defilements of the flesh and spirit, drive away despondency from me, enlighten my thoughts of the heart, give me mortal memory, keep my heart from the lusts of the evil one and hear me cry: Rejoice, my Most Blessed Queen; Rejoice, my Most Blessed Intercessor. Rejoice, helper of those who labor; Rejoice, O offended Intercessor. Rejoice, consolation and consolation to those who mourn; Rejoice, consolation in my death. Rejoice, joy of my soul; Rejoice, beauty of the Church. Rejoice, enlightenment of my mind; Rejoice, comfort to all Christians. Rejoice, strong prayer book and intercessor to God. Rejoice, our Joy in your arms, who carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 12
In the light of Thy saints, how unworthy I am, O God, my God! Even if I dare to go into the palace, my clothes expose me as if they were not for marriage! Enlighten the robe of my soul, O Life-Giver, with the prayers of the Mother of God, that I may sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Oh, Heavenly, Oh, dear, Oh, Your sweetest voice, gladdening our hearts! You truly promised to be with us until the end of the century, O Virgin Mother of God! Through your prayers the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the sick are fed, the naked are clothed, widows are comforted, orphans rejoice, the beggars rejoice, sinners are saved, the poor rejoice, singing: Rejoice, animated God's Icon; Rejoice, God-loving Queen and Lady. Rejoice, you who save us from famine and destruction, cowardice and flood; Rejoice, you who protect us from fire, sword, invasion of foreigners and civil strife. Rejoice, taming the stormy waves of the sea of life; Rejoice, you who wipe away every tear from our eyes. Rejoice, for you have truly loved us with motherly love; Rejoice, giver of divine goodness. Rejoice, you who carried eternal Joy in your womb; Rejoice, for you have prepared a quiet haven for our souls. Rejoice, for there is unceasing joy of all generations. Rejoice, our Joy in Your embrace, who carried the Joy of the whole world.
Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, Most Pure Lady, Virgin Mother of God! Accept this small prayer of ours, strong intercessor of those in sorrow and sorrow; We beg You through the honorable and life-giving cross of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to grant us a contrite spirit, a humble heart, tears of compunction, forgiveness of our many sins and unfading joy, so that in the heavenly Jerusalem we may sing to the Savior God: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion)