“Tenderness” Icon of the Mother of God from the Pskov Caves

Commemorated on May 21.

The sacred Tenderness Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was painted and brought to the Pskov Caves monastery through the efforts of the devout Pskov merchants Basil and Theodore. It was transferred it to the town of Pskov in the year 1521, and was glorified by miracles of healing in 1524. The Tenderness Icon is especially honored as the protector of the city when it was besieged by the Polish King Stephen Bathory (1533-1586) in the year 1581. Both the Tenderness Icon and the Dormition Icon were glorified at that time.

The Tenderness Icon is also honored on October 7, the day when Pskov was liberated from Napoleon's invasion in 1812. Other days on which the Tenderness Icon is commemorated are: June 23, August 26, and on the Seventh Sunday of Pascha.

Troparion

Let all of us, who are burdened with sins, fall on our knees before the Theotokos,
bowing before her wonderworking Icon of Tenderness,
kissing it and crying aloud with tears:
“O Sovereign Lady, accept the prayer of your unworthy servants,
and grant to us who ask, your great mercy.”

Kontakion

We have no other help, we have no other hope but you, O Lady.
Help us, for in you do we hope,
and of you do we boast, for we are your servants.
Let us not be put to shame.