“Assuage My Sorrows” Icon of the Mother of God
Commemorated on October 9.
Today we commemorate a copy of the “Assuage My Sorrows” Icon (January 25) which is treasured in the Saint Nicholas Odrino Monastery in the Orel Diocese, Karachev district.
Until 1784, this icon belonged to Count Nicholas Borisovitch Samoilov, who regarded it as a holy icon. At first, it was at the Count’s home in Moscow, where it was renowned for many miraculous healings. Later, N.B. Samoilov moved it to his estate adjoining the Saint Nicholas Odrino Monastery. He constructed, at his own expense, a heated chapel in honor of the “Assuage My Sorrows” Icon as part of the Saint Nicholas katholikon (main church).The Count later donated the icon to the monastery.
This wonderworking icon is celebrated locally twice a year: on January 25 , and on October 9. Many people visit the Saint Nicholas Odrino Monastery on both days.
Troparion
Assuage the sickness of my much-sighing soul,
you who wipe away every tear from the face
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of the earth:
for you drive away the sicknesses of mankind,
and end the despondency of sinners.
Through you, Most Holy Virgin Mother,
all of us acquire hope and affirmation of faith.
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Compare Isaiah 25:8: “... again the Lord God has taken away every tear from every face” (LXX) and Revelation 7:17: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Kontakion
Do not entrust me to human protection, Most Holy Sovereign Lady,
but accept the prayers of your servant,
for I am fettered by sorrow, and I cannot endure the arrows fired by demons;
I have no shelter and there is nowhere to run.
I am wretched and my enemies are on every side, and I have no consolation except you,
O Sovereign Lady of the world, the hope and protection of the faithful.
Do not despise my prayers,
but do that which is beneficial for me.