Akathist to the Koretsk icon, the helper of sinners. Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of the icon of the helper of sinners. Icon of the Mother of God "Helper of Sinners". Historical reference

Akathist. The history of the emergence and veneration of the icon of the Mother of God. Ancient and miraculous icons and modern images...

Commemoration of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Helper of Sinners”: March 7 / 20, May 29 / June 11

Icon of the Mother of God "Helper of Sinners". Historical reference

The Icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners” is named after the inscription preserved on the icon: “I am the Helper of Sinners to My Son...”

This image first became famous for miracles in the Nikolaev Odrina monastery of the former Oryol province in the middle of the last century. The ancient icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners”, due to its dilapidation, did not enjoy proper veneration and stood in the old chapel at the monastery gates. But in 1843, it was revealed to many residents in dreams that this icon was endowed with miraculous power by God’s Providence. The icon was solemnly transferred to the church. Believers began to flock to her and ask for healing of their sorrows and illnesses. The first to receive healing was a relaxed boy, whose mother fervently prayed in front of this shrine. The icon became especially famous during the cholera epidemic, when it brought back to life many terminally ill people who flocked to it with faith.

A large three-altar church was built in the monastery in honor of the miraculous image. On the icon “Helper of Sinners,” the Mother of God is depicted with the Child on her left hand, who holds Her right hand with both His hands. The heads of the Mother of God and the Child are crowned.

In 1848, through the diligence of Muscovite Dimitry Boncheskul, a copy of this miraculous image was made and placed in his house. He soon became famous for exuding healing peace, which gave many people recovery from serious illnesses. This miraculous list was transferred to the Church of St. Nicholas in Khamovniki, in which a chapel was built at the same time in honor of the icon of the Mother of God “Helper of Sinners.” In addition to March 7, the festival in honor of this icon takes place on May 29.

Orthodox church calendar

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon “Helper of Sinners”

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Most High, sinners to the Assist, who bows down to the mercy of His Son, that He may save even He created with His hand, we offer a song of thanksgiving to Thee, the Virgin Mother and Lady, about the appearance of Thy wondrous and miraculous icons. But You, as an intercessor to the Lord, are drawn from diverse circumstances deliver us and bring us eternal salvation, yes, chanting, we cry out to Ti:

Ikos 1

The faces of angels reverently serve You and all the saints with silent voices please You, Virgin Mother of God, as she gave birth to the Angels of the King, Christ our God, but we, sinners, boldly imitate them and praise You in bewilderment, humbly, the archangel’s voice cries out to You, Pure One:

Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Rejoice, Most Blessed among Women, All-Immaculate Virgin.

Rejoice, Daughter of the Heavenly Father.

Rejoice, Mother of the Eternal Son.

Rejoice, village of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, constant wonder of angels and man.

Rejoice, Most Honest Cherub.

Rejoice, Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 2

Having seen our earthly sorrowful life, infirmities and illnesses, the Most Merciful Mother of God, deigned to give us His holy icon as a blessing and consolation, for joy and salvation and from all troubles and misfortunes, calling upon Her the help of sinners, and bringing joy before this icon to Her , joyfully always sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Opening the heavenly mind, O Virgin Mother of God, You have deigned to glorify Your holy icon with many miracles, called the Helper of sinners, and all who know Your good will towards her call You in song:

Rejoice, Merciful One, Mother of us all in Christ.

Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of Divine grace.

Rejoice, for through You God's favor descends upon us.

Rejoice, for through You the imams have increased boldness towards God.

Rejoice, you who accept the prayers of all Christians.

Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners.

Rejoice, for through Your intercession we hope to be saved.

Rejoice, for through Your prayers we will receive the Kingdom of Heaven with tea.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 3

The power of grace overshadows everyone, Most Blessed Mother of God, with faith towards You, as the Helper of sinners who come and worship Your holy icon: You alone have been given the gift of quickly fulfilling every good request and having mercy on sinners and saving them, and You alone can truly help everyone When you wish, you sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the most maternal providence for all, You, the All-Blessed Mother of God, call even the most desperate sinners to salvation, saying: I am the Helper of sinners to My Son and God, who promised Me to always hear Me, so that those who bring joy to Me will forever rejoice through Me . For this reason, we, sinners, joyfully call to You, as our Helper:

Rejoice, zealous Intercessor, given to us by God.

Rejoice, our Blessed Guide to the Heavenly Fatherland.

Rejoice, you who consume from the pit of destruction.

Rejoice, you who receive the helpless into your omnipotent hands.

Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency.

Rejoice, you who restore those who have fallen to grace.

Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask.

Rejoice, making the foolish wise.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 4

Tempted by a storm of doubts, a certain woman did not want to believe in the miracles that came from Thy icon, the Helper, but suddenly struck by a deadly ulcer, she recognized Thy omnipotent power, Lady, and the miraculous icons of Thy grace, and, repenting, tearfully praying to Thee for the forgiveness of her unbelief, with mercy Healed by You, always crying out to God in gratitude for You: Alleliua.

Ikos 4

Your Lord hears your petition for us in Heaven, Queen of Heaven, and fulfills your petitions, but we, sinners, as our all-good Quick-to-Hear and Helper, ask and pray to You: Lady, soon hear our prayers and turn all our sorrows into joy, and petitions Fulfill all those who pray here soon, so that we may always joyfully sing to Ti:

Rejoice, you who bring the prayers of the faithful to Your Son and God.

Rejoice, and always praying for us at the throne of Your Son.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners.

Rejoice, Seeker of the lost.

Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful.

Rejoice, who will soon fulfill our petition.

Rejoice, O Most Merciful One, who always has mercy on us.

Rejoice, you who arrange our good life.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 5

Like a radiant star, illuminating the whole world, you gave to us, the Lady of the World, your honorable icon, called the Helper of sinners, looking at us, we worship you, the true Mother of God and the Virgin, saying: Lady, accept the prayers of your servant and deliver us from all needs and sorrows, praising You and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Rejoice, you who held the Divine Fire without burning, through which our sins are burned.

Rejoice, you who bore the inviolable Light, through which our souls are enlightened.

Rejoice, you who offer your hand to God in charge of us.

Rejoice, you who open the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven to us sinners.

Rejoice, for lightning cuts through the darkness of our sins.

Rejoice, as fragrant myrrh, softening our hearts.

Rejoice, you who flow forth springs of miracles everywhere.

Rejoice, making all people glad with Your icon.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 6

The whole Christian world preaches Thy mercy and miracles, O Glorified Mother of the Lord, and is brightly adorned with many of Thy miraculous icons, among which Thy icon, the Helper of sinners, called like the full moon, shines unwaveringly with the rays of Thy mercy and miracles, enlightening and illuminating our souls with the light of God's grace, challenging us to cry out in praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

Rejoice, you who transform our sorrows into joy.

Rejoice, you who bring joy to those who do not hope with undoubted hope.

Rejoice, Holy One, ever-burning at the throne of God.

Rejoice, Lampado, shining with Divine oil.

Rejoice, radiant Light, showing us the path of life.

Rejoice, animate Temple, who sanctifies us all.

Rejoice, you who give shameless life to those who trust in You.

Rejoice, even after death you continually intercede for them before God.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 7

Although the Long-suffering Lord revealed the Abyss of His love for mankind and generosity, He chose You, Most Holy Virgin, as His Mother and revealed You as an inexhaustible source of His mercies, so that whoever is worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, by Your intercession, like a sinner, will be preserved, calling with a loud voice: Alleluia .

Ikos 7

You showed us Your wondrous deeds, O Lord, in Your Most Pure Mother, and You gave us Her wondrous icon, illuminating people more than the rays of the sun, like those who behold the Mother of God Herself and with heartfelt love from the soul, like the Mother of God and the Virgin, crying out to Her:

Rejoice, Kupele, in Neizha all our sorrows are immersed.

Rejoice, Chalice, through which we all receive joy and salvation.

Rejoice, Life-Giving Source, who revives us all.

Rejoice, unfading flower, fragrant to us all.

Rejoice, delight in our sorrows.

Rejoice, our sorrows have been quenched.

Rejoice, healing of our illnesses.

Rejoice, our deliverance from troubles is imminent.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 8

We are strangers and strangers on earth and, according to the words of the Apostle, are not the imams of the city that resides here. But to whom shall we resort, O Lady, in the sorrows of our life, if not to You, All-merciful Helper for us sinners! Do not reject us, Mother of God, and do not tell us: We do not know your sins for your sake, but have mercy on us, the orphans and helpless, and take us into the eternal shelter, our Patroness, so that we joyfully cry out in the glory of Heaven to the King of glory, Christ: Alleliua.

Ikos 8

It is a comfort to all the faithful to look at Thy holy icon, Lady, Helper of sinners, in which we see Thee, in Thy hand holding the Eternal Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, and we worship Him magnificently, as our Creator and God, to You, the true Mother of God, we tenderly say : Lady, help us, having mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away Your vain servants, who cry out to You:

Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher.

Rejoice, robe of the naked.

Rejoice, Protector of widows.

Rejoice, Patroness of orphans.

Rejoice, O intercessor of the persecuted and offended.

Rejoice, speedy Liberator of the suffering and captives.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 9

All angelic nature brings hymns of praise to You, the Mother of God and Helper of all who fall to You and ask for Your help and Your consolation, as through Your firm and strong intercession you cheer the righteous, intercede for sinners and deliver them from troubles and satisfy sorrows, and pray for everyone who calls with faith To you God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Every fluttering tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to her inheritance, but the mind and the most worldly praise of Thee, the Mother of God, amazes; Otherwise, O good being, accept faith, for our divine love is ours; You are the Representative of Christians who call to You:

Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Your most pure soul.

Rejoice, who made all heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body.

Rejoice, Thou who adopted us all at the Cross of Thy Son.

Rejoice, always showing Your motherly love for us.

Rejoice, O all-powerful Giver of all spiritual and physical gifts.

Rejoice, zealous intercessor for us, temporal and eternal blessings.

Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful.

Rejoice, filling our hearts with joy and gladness on earth.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 10

To save the human race from eternal torment and unceasing sorrow, the Lover of Mankind, the Lord, His Mother, has given the gift of help to the earthly, saying: sons of humanity, behold My Mother will be your protection and refuge, consolation for the sad, joy for the grieving, Intercessor for the offended, for the needy - help, for the sick - the Healer, for the sinners - the Helper, so that he can raise everyone from the depths of sin, crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

Heavenly King, My Son and God, - this is what the Heavenly Queen always prays for us, - accept every person who glorifies You and calls on Your Holy Name, and those who glorify Me for Your Name's sake, and do not cast them away from Your presence, but be pleased with them and Accept every good prayer from them and deliver them all from troubles. We, sinners, relying on Your Mother of Prayer, call to You:

Rejoice, for You are our warm prayer book to God.

Rejoice, for Your prayer is always powerful before God.

Rejoice, through Your prayers you also make our poor prayers acceptable to God.

Rejoice, and filling our unworthiness with Your intercession.

Rejoice, O unashamed Helper of repentant sinners.

Rejoice, Intercessor of all Orthodox Christians.

Rejoice, you who heal all our illnesses.

Rejoice, you who disperse the cloud of passions and temptations.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 11

Receive all-contrite singing from us, our Heavenly Helper, and soon hear the prayer offered to You, Virgin Mother of God; For in times of misfortune, grief and sadness we run to You and before You in our troubles we shed tears and pray: Lady, quench your sorrows and accept the prayers of Your servants who sing for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

Rejoice, you who pour out blessed joy upon us.

Rejoice, you who soon give us spiritual consolation.

Rejoice, fulfiller of God's desires.

Rejoice, you who hasten to help us in all sorrowful situations.

Rejoice, you who dearly love those who live in faith and piety.

Rejoice, thou who inflame their hearts with love for God and people.

Rejoice, in the hour of bewilderment you put a good thought in your heart.

Rejoice, you who teach us to have trust in God in everything.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 12

The grace of God inherent in Your holy icon, called the Helper of sinners, the Lady of God, draws to her all those who mourn and are burdened with many sins and misfortunes, and they do not depart in vain from this source of Your manifold mercies and bounties, but in sorrows - joy, in adversities - protection, in illness - healing, and all that is beneficial for the soul and body are abundantly received from Thy miraculous image, O All-Good One, even if, according to God, they place all their trust in Thee, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Rejoice, saving the whole world through Your prayers.

Rejoice, intercession of the entire Universe through Your intercessions.

Rejoice, for you quickly help everyone who flows in with faith.

Rejoice, you who ask for the Kingdom of Heaven for them.

Rejoice, for as we look at Your icon, we worship You, the true Mother of God.

Rejoice, through Your intercession all our good desires will soon be fulfilled.

Rejoice, even in the hour of death you do not abandon your faithful.

Rejoice, even after death interceding for their eternally blessed repose.

Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 13

Oh, All-Singing Mother, All-Good Helper of the salvation of sinners, Virgin Mary! Mercifully accept our present prayer, which we offer from our zeal in thanksgiving to You, and ask us from the All-Merciful God for steadfastness in the Orthodox faith, in Christian love for success and forgiveness of our sins, so that through Your intercession we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and be honored with all the saints to sing to God: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “The faces of the angels...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen from the Most High...”.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon “Helper of Sinners”

O Most Blessed Lady, Protector of the Christian race, refuge and salvation of those who flow to You! We know, truly we know how greatly we have sinned and are angry, O Merciful Lady, the Son of God born in the flesh of You, but I have seen many images of those who angered His compassion before me: tax collectors, harlots and other sinners, to whom forgiveness of their sins was given, for the sake of repentance and confession. Thou, therefore, imagining the images of those who were pardoned by the eyes of my sinful soul, and looking at the great mercy of God that they had received, I, a sinner, dared to resort with repentance to Thy compassion. O All-Merciful Lady, give me a helping hand and ask Your Son and God with Your Mother and Your most holy prayers for forgiveness of my grave sin. I believe and confess that He Whom You gave birth to, Your Son, is truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Judge of the living and the dead, rewarding each according to his deeds. I again believe and confess that You are the true Mother of God, the source of mercy, the consolation of those who mourn, the recovery of the lost, a strong and unceasing Intercessor to God, who dearly loves the Christian race, and the Helper of repentance. Truly, there is no other help and protection for man except You, the Most Merciful Lady, and no one else, trusting in You, was ashamed when, by You begging God, no one was quickly abandoned. For this sake, I pray to Your innumerable goodness: open the doors of Your mercy to me, who have gone astray and fallen into the darkness of the depths, do not disdain me, the foul one, do not despise my sinful prayer, do not abandon me, the accursed one, as an evil enemy seeks to kidnap me into destruction, but beg for may Thy merciful Son and God be born to me from Thee, may He forgive my great sins and deliver me from my destruction; as if I, together with all who have received forgiveness, will sing and glorify God’s immeasurable mercy and Your shameless intercession for me in this life and in the endless eternity. Amen.

March 20 (March 7, old style) and June 11 (May 29)
Icon of the Mother of God “HANDMAN OF SINNERS”

First prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

To whom shall I cry, O Lady, to whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, the Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing and quickly obediently heed our prayers, if not You, All-Blessed Helper, the Joy of all our joys? Hear the present hymns and prayers offered to You for me, a sinner. And be my Mother and Patroness and Giver of Your joy to all of us. Arrange my life as you want and as you wish. I commend myself to Your protection and providence, so that I may always joyfully sing to You with everyone: “Gracious One; , Delighted. , Prebla-golovennaya; , Glorified forever. Amen.

Second prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

My Most Blessed Queen, My Most Holy Hope, Helper of Sinners! Behold, a poor sinner stands before You! Don’t leave me, abandoned by everyone, don’t forget me, forgotten by everyone, give me joy, who knows no joy. Oh, my troubles and sorrows are severe! Oh, my sins are immeasurable! Like the darkness of the night is my life. And there is not a single strong help in the sons of men. You are my only Hope. You are my only Cover, Refuge and Affirmation. I boldly stretch out my weak hands to You and pray: have mercy on me, O All-Good One, have mercy on Your Son, redeemed by the Blood, quench the sickness of my much-sighing soul, tame the rage of those who hate and offend me, restore my fading strength, renew my youth, like eaglets, let us weaken in keeping the commandments of God. Touch my confused soul with heavenly fire and fill me with unashamed faith, unfeigned love and known hope. May I always sing and praise You, the Most Blessed Intercessor of the world, our Protection and Helper of all of us sinners, and I worship Your Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, with His Beginning Father and the Life-Giving Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

The third prayer before the icon of the Helper of Sinners

O Most Blessed Lady, protector of the Christian race, refuge and salvation of those who flow to You! We know, truly we know, how greatly we have sinned and are angry, Having mercy on the Lady, the Son of God born in the flesh of You: but I have seen many images of those who angered His mercy before me: tax collectors, harlots and other sinners, and to them was given forgiveness of their sins, for the sake of repentance and confession. Thou art imagining the images of those who were pardoned by the eyes of my sinful soul, and looking at the great mercy of God that they received, I dared, even a sinner, to resort with repentance to Thy compassion. O all-merciful Lady, give me a helping hand and ask Your Son and God with Your motherly and most holy prayers for forgiveness of my grave sins. I believe and, as the One You gave birth to, Your Son is truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Judge of the living and the dead, reward each according to his deeds. I also believe in You to be the true Mother of God, the Source of mercy, the Consolation of those who mourn, the recovery of the lost, a strong and unceasing Intercessor to God, who dearly loves the Christian race, and the Helper of repentance. Truly, there is no other help and protection for man except You, Most Merciful Lady, and no one was ashamed of trusting in You, and by You begging God, no one was quickly abandoned. For this sake, I pray to Your innumerable goodness: open the doors of Your mercy to me, who have gone astray and fallen into the darkness of the depths, do not disdain the foul me, do not despise my sinful prayer, do not leave me the accursed, as an evil enemy seeks to kidnap me into destruction, but beg for me who was born from You, Your merciful Son and God, may He forgive my great sins and deliver me from my destruction: for I, too, with all those who have received forgiveness, will sing and glorify the immeasurable mercy of God and Your unashamed intercession for me in this life and in the endless eternity. Amen.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Supportress of Sinners”

Kontakion 1
Chosen by the Most High, sinners to the Helper, who bows to the mercy of His Son, that He who created with His hand will save, we offer a song of thanksgiving to Thee, the Virgin Mother and Lady, about the appearance of Thy wondrous and miraculous icons. But You, as an intercessor to the Lord, are drawn from diverse circumstances deliver us and bring eternal salvation to us, yes, chantingly, crying out to Ty: sinners, Helper, always bringing Her hands to God in charge of us.

Ikos 1
The faces of angels reverently serve You and all the saints with silent voices please You, Virgin Mother of God, as she gave birth to the Angels of the King, Christ, our God, but we, sinners, boldly imitate them and praise You in bewilderment, humbly, the archangel’s voice cries out to You, Pure One: “Blessed One, The Lord is with You; , Most Blessed among Women, All-Immaculate Virgin. , Daughters of the Heavenly Father; , Mother of the Eternal Son. , Holy Spirit village; , Angels and people are incessantly surprised. , Most Honest Cherub; , The most glorious without comparison, Seraphim. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 2
Having seen our earthly sorrowful life, infirmities and illnesses, the Most Merciful Mother of God, deigned to give us Her holy icon as a blessing and consolation, for joy and salvation and from all troubles and misfortunes, calling upon Her the help of sinners, and bringing joy before this icon to Her, They always sing joyfully to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Opening the heavenly mind, O Virgin Mother of God, You have deigned to glorify Your holy icon with many miracles, called the “Helper of Sinners”, and all who know Your good will towards her, singly call You: “Mother of us all merciful in Christ; , inexhaustible treasury of Divine grace. , God’s favor descends upon us through You; , Because of you, the imams have increased boldness towards God. , accepting the prayers of all Christians; , and does not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners. For through Your intercession we hope to be saved; , as through Your prayers the Kingdom of Heaven will be received with tea. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 3
The power of grace overshadows everyone, Most Blessed Mother of God, with faith towards You, as the Helper of sinners who come and worship Your holy icon: You alone have been given the gift of quickly fulfilling every good request and merciful and saving sinners, and You alone can truly help everyone When you wish, you sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having the most maternal providence for all, You, All-Blessed Mother of God, call even the most desperate sinners to salvation, saying: “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son and God, who promised Me to always hear Me, so that those who bring joy to Me will forever rejoice through Mene." For this reason, we, sinners, joyfully call to You, as our Helper: zealous Intercessor, given to us by God; , to the Heavenly Fatherland, our Graceful Guide. consuming from the pit of destruction; , who accepts the helpless in His all-powerful hand. , driving away constant despondency; , raising those who have fallen to grace. , giving the word of wisdom to those who ask; and making the foolish wise. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 4
Tempted by a storm of doubts, a certain woman did not want to believe in the miracles that came from Thy icon, the Helper, but suddenly struck by a deadly ulcer, she recognized Thy omnipotent power, Lady, and the miraculous icons of Thy grace, and, repenting, tearfully praying to Thee for the forgiveness of her unbelief, with mercy Healed by You, always crying out with gratitude to God for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Your Lord hears your intercession for us in Heaven, Queen of Heaven, and fulfills your petitions, but we, sinners, like our good Quick-to-Hear and Helper, ask and pray to You: Lady, soon hear our prayers and turn all our sorrows into joy and petitions quickly fulfill all those who pray here, so that we may always joyfully sing to You: bringing the prayers of the faithful to Your Son and God; and She herself is always praying for us at the Throne of Your Son. , Helper of sinners; , Recovery of the dead. , giving unexpected joy to the faithful; , and our petition will soon be fulfilled. , Gracious, always us; , who arranges our good life. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 5
As a radiant star, illuminating the whole world, You gave to us, the Lady of the World, Your honorable icon, called the “Support of sinners”, as we look upon us, we worship You, the true Mother of God and the Virgin, saying: Lady, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver We are from all need and sorrow, praising You and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
A certain reverent man was filled with great fear when, on the night of Christ’s Holy Resurrection, he saw Your icon, the All-Blessed Helper, shining with the light of Heaven and, like raindrops, oozing myrrh and emitting lightning-like sparks, having recognized in this sign of Your mercy towards people, with tears of tenderness and gratitude joyfully sang to You, Most Blessed Mother of God: Who held the Divine fire without burning, by which our sins are burned; , Who bore the inviolable Light, through which our souls are enlightened. , offering His hand to God in charge of us; , the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven and opens to us sinners. , like lightning cutting through the darkness of our sins; Like fragrant myrrh, it softens our hearts. , flowing sources of miracles everywhere; , making all people glad with Your icon. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 6
The whole Christian world preaches Thy mercy and miracles, O Glorified Mother of the Lord, and is brightly adorned with many of Thy miraculous icons, among which Thy icon, “Helper of Sinners,” called, like the full moon, the rays of Thy mercy and miracles shines unwaveringly, enlightening and illuminating our souls by the light of God's grace, urging us to cry out in praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
On one of the nights the heavenly light appeared in the Nikolo-Khamovnichesky temple, when Your miraculous image, the Help of sinners, was received, then the lamps and lamps were kindled in this temple by an invisible power, a burning light like someone carried invisibly around the throne in service. The people who stood outside the temple and saw all this, marveled, glorifying Thee, the Mother of God, and Thy Son, but we, remembering this wondrous vision, with tenderness say to Thee: transforming our sorrows into joy; , rejoicing those who do not hope with undoubted hope. , more luminous, ever-burning at the throne of God; , lamp, shining with Divine oil. , radiant light, showing us the paths of life; , an animated temple, illuminating us all. , who trusts in You, bestowing shameless life; , and after death persistently intercedes for them before God. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 7
Although the Long-suffering Lord revealed the Abyss of His love for mankind and generosity, He chose You, Most Holy Virgin, as His Mother and revealed You as an inexhaustible source of His mercies, so that whoever is worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, by Your intercession, like a sinner, will be preserved, calling with a loud voice: Alleluia .

Ikos 7
You showed us Your wondrous deeds, O Lord, in Your Most Pure Mother, and You gave us a wondrous icon of Her, illuminating people more than the rays of the sun, like those who behold the Mother of God Herself and with heartfelt love from the soul, like the Mother of God and the Virgin, crying out to Her: font, in it all our sorrows are immersed; , the cup by which we all receive joy and salvation. , Life-giving source, reviving us all; , unfading color, fragrant to us all. , our sorrows are delight; , quenching our sorrows. , healing our diseases; , our deliverance from troubles is speedy. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 8
We are strangers and strangers on earth and, according to the words of the Apostle, are not the imams of the city that resides here. But to whom shall we resort, O Lady, in the sorrows of our life, if not to You, All-merciful Helper for us sinners! Do not reject us, Mother of God, and do not say to us: “We do not bear your sins for your sake,” but have mercy on us, the orphaned and helpless, and accept us into the eternal shelter of our Patroness, so that we joyfully cry out in the glory of Heaven to the King of glory Christ: Alleluia .

Ikos 8
It is a comfort to all the faithful to look at Thy holy icon, Lady, Helper of sinners, in which we see Thee, in Thy hand holding the Eternal Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who we worship Godfully, as our Creator and God, to You, the true Mother of God, we tenderly say: Lady, help us, having mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away Your vain servants, who cry out to You: those who are hungry for the Nourisher; , naked robe. , widows to the Protector; , orphans Patroness. , persecuted and offended to the Intercessor; , the suffering and captives are brought to the Liberator. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 9
All angelic nature brings hymns of praise to You, the Mother of God and Helper of all who fall to You, asking for Your help and Your consolation, as through Your firm and strong intercession you cheer the righteous, intercede for sinners and deliver them from troubles and satisfy sorrows and pray for everyone who calls for You in faith To God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
Every fluttering tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to His inheritance, but the mind and the most worldly sing to Thee, Mother of God, amazes: O you who are Good, accept faith, for our Divine love weighs: For Thou art the Representative of the Christians who call upon Thee: with the radiance of Thy Most Pure soul, enlightening the whole earth; Who made all heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body. , who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; , always showing Your motherly love for us. , all spiritual and physical gifts to the omnipotent Giver; , the blessings of temporary and eternal are our zealous Intercessor. , opening the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; , and filling our hearts with joy and gladness on earth. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 10
To save the human race from eternal torment and unceasing sorrow, the Lover of Mankind has granted You, His Mother, the gift of help to the earthly, saying: sons of humanity, behold My Mother will be your protection and refuge, the sad - a consolation, the grieving - joy, the offended - an Intercessor, to the needy - help, to the sick - to the healer, to the sinners - to the helper, so that he may raise all from the depths of sin, crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
“Heavenly King, My Son and God,” the Heavenly Queen always prays for us, “accept every person who glorifies You and calls on Your Holy Name, and who glorifies Me for Your Name’s sake, and do not cast them away from Your presence, but be pleased with them and accept from them every good prayer and deliver them all from troubles.” We, sinners, who rely on Your Mother of Prayer, call upon You: for You are our warm Prayer Book to God; , as your prayer is always powerful before God. , By Your prayers you make our wretched prayers pleasing to God; , and filling our unworthiness with Your intercession. , repentant sinners, shameless Lieutenant; , all Orthodox Christians to the Intercessor. , healing all our illnesses; , dispelling clouds of passions and temptations. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 11
Receive all-contrite singing from us, our Heavenly Helper, and you will soon hear the prayer offered to You, Virgin Mother of God: for in adversity, sorrow and sorrow we run to You and before You in our troubles we shed tears and pray: Lady, quench your sorrows and accept prayers Your servant, who sings about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
With the bright rays of signs and wonders, Your holy icon, the Virgin Mary, shines unwaveringly, and gracefully illuminates everyone who prays to You with faith before it, driving away every enemy action by the power of God emanating from it. We, sinners, rejoice in the same way, having such a wonderful icon of Yours in our temple, as a guarantee of Your favor towards us and our temple, and to You, our Helper and Quick to Hear our prayers, we gratefully cry out: “O pouring out grace-filled joy upon us; , which will soon give us spiritual consolation. , fulfilling godly desires; , in all sorrowful circumstances, hastening to help us. , fiercely loving those who live in faith and piety; , inflaming their hearts with love for God and people. , in an hour of bewilderment, putting a good thought in the heart; , teaching us to have trust in God in everything. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 12
The grace of God inherent in Your holy icon, called the “Helper of Sinners”, the Lady of God, draws to her all those who mourn and are burdened with many sins and misfortunes, and they do not depart in vain from this source of Your manifold mercies and bounties, but in sorrow there is joy, in in times of adversity - protection, in illnesses - healing, and everything that is beneficial for the soul and body is abundantly received from Thy miraculous image, O All-Good One, even if, according to God, they place all their trust in Thee, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards us sinners, we praise You, as our Almighty Helper, we bless You, as the All-merciful Quick-to-hear our prayers, and with tenderness we worship You in Your most honest icon, we believe and trust, as even now You have asked us from Your Son and God, that in this life and after our death His mercy will be unfailing for all who sing with love to Ti: “Saving the whole world through Your prayers; , Through Your intercessions the entire Universe is interceding. , as if quickly helping everyone who comes with faith; , and asking for the Kingdom of Heaven for them. As we look at Your icon, we worship You, the true Mother of God; , Through Your intercession, all our good desires will soon be fulfilled. , and in the hour of death does not abandon Her faithful; , and after death interceding for their eternally blissful repose. , the sinful Helper, who always brings Her hand to God in charge of us.

Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, All-Blessed Helper of the salvation of sinners, Virgin Mary! Mercifully accept our present prayer, which we have offered in thanksgiving to You, and ask us from the All-Merciful God for steadfastness in the Orthodox faith, for prosperity in Christian love and for forgiveness of our sins, so that through Your intercession we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and be honored with all the saints to sing To God: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

The icon of the Helper of Sinners received its name from the content of one of the scrolls located in the four corners of the icon: “I am the Helper of Sinners to My Son.” Sporuchnitsa - means the Surety before Jesus Christ for sinning people, the vigilant Intercessor and Prayermaker for them.
In 1844, the merchant wife Pochepin came to the monastery where the icon of the Helper of Sinners was located (Nikolo-Odrinsky Monastery near the city of Karachev, Oryol province) with her two-year-old son, who was suffering from severe seizures, and asked to serve a prayer service before the icon of the Helper of Sinners. A prayer service was served, and the sick child recovered. Soon other miraculous signs followed from the icon. Since then, the image of the Mother of God in the Nikolo-Odrinsky Monastery began to be considered miraculous. The icon became especially famous for its healings during the cholera epidemic in 1847/48.
In 1846, the hieromonk of the Odrina monastery was sent to Moscow to build a chasuble for the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, Helper of Sinners, where he was sheltered by Lieutenant Colonel D.N. Boncheskul. In gratitude for his hospitality, an exact list (copy) of the miraculous icon, made on a linden board, was sent from the Odrina monastery.
D. Boncheskul reverently placed the resulting icon of the Helper of Sinners with other icons in the home iconostasis. Soon everyone began to notice that an extraordinary shine flashed across the icon of the Helper of Sinners, and drops of oily moisture began to flow from the icon itself. They anointed several sick people with this moisture, and they were healed. Sick people began to come to the icon from all sides, prayed in front of it and received healing.
In 1848, Lieutenant Colonel Boncheskul donated his icon “Supportress of Sinners” to the parish St. Nicholas Church in Khamovniki. The flow of oily liquid from the icon continued, and the deacon standing by the icon wiped off the moisture with paper and distributed it to the people. Soon the myrrh-streaming stopped, but phenomena of unusual light began in the altar of the church in the form of stars appearing and disappearing. The icon became famous for its many officially recorded healings.
Currently, the miraculous icons of the Mother of God, the Helper of Sinners, are located in the Nikolo-Odrinskaya hermitage in the village of Odrino, Karachevsky district, Bryansk region, and in Moscow in the Church of St. Nicholas in Khamovniki (Lva Tolstoy St., 2, metro station "Park Kultury" (Koltsevaya)).

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Most High, sinners to the Helper, who bows to the mercy of His Son, that He who created with His hand will save, we offer a song of thanksgiving to Thee, the Virgin Mother and Lady, about the appearance of Thy wondrous and miraculous icons. But You, as an intercessor to the Lord, are drawn from diverse circumstances deliver us and bring us eternal salvation, yes, chanting, crying out to Ti: Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Ikos 1

The faces of angels reverently serve You and all the saints with silent voices please You, Virgin Mother of God, as she gave birth to the Angels of the King, Christ, our God, but we, sinners, dare to imitate them and praise You in bewilderment, humbly, the archangel’s voice cries out to You, Pure One: Rejoice, Full of Grace , The Lord is with You; Rejoice, Most Blessed among Women, All-Immaculate Virgin. Rejoice, Daughter of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, Mother of the Eternal Son. Rejoice, village of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, constant wonder of angels and man. Rejoice, Most Honest Cherub; Rejoice, Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 2

Having seen our earthly sorrowful life, infirmities and illnesses, the Most Merciful Mother of God, deigned to give us Her holy icon as a blessing and consolation, for joy and salvation and from all troubles and misfortunes, calling upon Her the help of sinners, and bringing joy before this icon to Her, They always sing joyfully to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Opening the heavenly mind, O Virgin Mother of God, You have deigned to glorify Your holy icon with many miracles, called the “Helper of Sinners,” and all who know Your good will towards her, singly call You: Rejoice, Mother of us all merciful in Christ; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of Divine grace. Rejoice, for through You God's favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You the imams have increased boldness towards God. Rejoice, you who accept the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners. Rejoice, for through Your intercession we hope to be saved; Rejoice, for through Your prayers we will receive the Kingdom of Heaven with tea. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 3

The power of grace overshadows everyone, Most Blessed Mother of God, with faith towards You, as the Helper of sinners who come and worship Your holy icon: You alone have been given the gift of quickly fulfilling every good request and merciful and saving sinners, and You alone can truly help everyone When you wish, you sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Having the most maternal providence for all, You, All-Blessed Mother of God, call even the most desperate sinners to salvation, saying: “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son and God, who promised Me to always hear Me, so that those who bring joy to Me will forever rejoice through Mene.” For this reason, we, sinners, joyfully call to You, as our Helper: Rejoice, zealous Intercessor, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Blessed Guide to the Heavenly Fatherland. Rejoice, you who consume from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who receive the helpless into your omnipotent hands. Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency; Rejoice, you who restore those who have fallen to grace. Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, making the foolish wise. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 4

Ikos 4

Your Lord hears your intercession for us in Heaven, Queen of Heaven, and fulfills your petitions, but we, sinners, like our good Quick-to-Hear and Helper, ask and pray to You: Lady, soon hear our prayers and turn all our sorrows into joy and petitions Quickly fulfill all those who pray here, so that we may always joyfully sing to You: Rejoice, who brings the prayers of the faithful to Your Son and God; Rejoice, and always praying for us at the Throne of Your Son. Rejoice, Helper of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful; Rejoice, who will soon fulfill our petition. Rejoice, Merciful One, always merciful to us; Rejoice, you who arrange our good life. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 5

As a radiant star, illuminating the whole world, You gave to us, the Lady of the World, Your honorable icon, called the “Support of sinners”, looking at us, we worship You, the true Mother of God and the Virgin, saying: Lady, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver We are from all need and sorrow, praising You and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

A certain reverent man was filled with great fear when, on the night of Christ’s Holy Resurrection, he saw Your icon, the All-Blessed Helper, shining with the light of Heaven and, like raindrops, oozing myrrh and emitting lightning-like sparks, having recognized in this sign of Your mercy towards people, with tears of tenderness and gratitude joyfully sang to You, Most Blessed Mother of God: Rejoice, you who unburntly held the Divine fire, by which our sins are burned; Rejoice, you who bore the inviolable Light, through which our souls are enlightened. Rejoice, you who offer your hand to God in charge of us; Rejoice, you who open the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven to us sinners. Rejoice, for lightning cuts through the darkness of our sins; Rejoice, as fragrant myrrh, softening our hearts. Rejoice, you who flow forth springs of miracles everywhere; Rejoice, making all people glad with Your icon. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 6

The whole Christian world preaches Thy mercy and miracles, O Glorified Mother of the Lord, and is brightly adorned with many of Thy miraculous icons, among which Thy icon, “Help of Sinners,” called, like the full moon, the rays of Thy mercy and miracles shines unwaveringly, enlightening and illuminating our souls with the light of God grace, urging us to cry out in praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

On one of the nights the heavenly light appeared in the Nikolo-Khamovnichesky Church, when Your miraculous image, the Help of sinners, was received, then lamps and lamps were kindled in this temple by an invisible force, a burning light like someone carried invisibly around the throne in service. The people, standing outside the temple and seeing all this, marveled, glorifying Thee, the Mother of God, and Thy Son, but we, remembering this wondrous vision, say with tenderness to Thee: Rejoice, turning our sorrows into joy; Rejoice, you who bring joy to those who do not hope with undoubted hope. Rejoice, O Light, ever-burning at the throne of God; Rejoice, lamp, shining with Divine oil. Rejoice, radiant light, showing us the paths of life; Rejoice, animated temple, illuminating us all. Rejoice, you who give shameless life to those who trust in You; Rejoice, even after death you continually intercede for them before God. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 7

Ikos 7

You showed us Your wondrous deeds, O Lord, in Your Most Pure Mother, and You gave us a wondrous icon of Her, enlightening people more than the rays of the sun, like those who behold the Mother of God Herself and with heartfelt love from the soul, like the Mother of God and the Virgin, crying out to Her: Rejoice, font , in which all our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup, through which we all receive joy and salvation. Rejoice, Life-Giving Source, who revives us all; Rejoice, unfading flower, fragrant to us all. Rejoice, delight in our sorrows; Rejoice, our sorrows have been quenched. Rejoice, healing of our illnesses; Rejoice, our deliverance from troubles is imminent. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 8

We are strangers and strangers on earth and, according to the words of the Apostle, are not the imams of the city that resides here. But to whom shall we resort, O Lady, in the sorrows of our life, if not to You, All-merciful Helper for us sinners! Do not reject us, Mother of God, and do not say to us: “We do not know your sins for your sake,” but have mercy on us, the orphan and helpless, and accept us into the eternal shelter of our Patroness, so that we joyfully cry out in the glory of Heaven to the King of glory Christ: Alleluia .

Ikos 8

It is a comfort to all the faithful to look at Thy holy icon, Lady, Helper of sinners, in which we see Thee, in Thy hand holding the Eternal Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who we worship Godfully, as our Creator and God, to You, the true Mother of God, we tenderly say: Lady, help us, having had mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away your vain servants, who cry to you: Rejoice, you who hunger for the Nourisher; Rejoice, robe of the naked. Rejoice, Protectress of widows; Rejoice, Patroness of orphans. Rejoice, O intercessor of the persecuted and offended; Rejoice, speedy Liberator of the suffering and captives. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 9

All angelic nature brings hymns of praise to You, the Mother of God and Helper of all who fall to You, asking for Your help and Your consolation, as through Your firm and strong intercession you cheer the righteous, intercede for sinners and deliver them from troubles and satisfy sorrows and pray for everyone who calls for You in faith To God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

Every soaring tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to His inheritance, but the mind and the most peaceful sing to Thee, Mother of God, are amazed: O you who are Good, accept faith, for our Divine love weighs: For Thou art the Representative of Christians who call to Thee: Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Thy Most Pure soul ; Rejoice, who made all heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body. Rejoice, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; Rejoice, always showing Your motherly love for us. Rejoice, O all-powerful Giver of all spiritual and physical gifts; Rejoice, zealous intercessor for us, temporal and eternal blessings. Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, filling our hearts with joy and gladness on earth. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 10

To save the human race from eternal torment and unceasing sorrow, the Lover of Mankind has granted You, His Mother, the gift of help to the earthly, saying: sons of humanity, behold My Mother will be your protection and refuge, the sad - a consolation, the grieving - joy, the offended - an Intercessor, for the needy - with help, for the sick - with help, for the sick - with help, for sinners - with help, that He may raise all from the depths of sin, crying out: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

“Heavenly King, My Son and God,” the Heavenly Queen always prays for us, “accept every person who glorifies You and calls upon Your Holy Name, and who glorifies Me for Your Name’s sake, and do not cast them away from Your presence, but be pleased with them and accept from them every good prayer and deliver everyone from troubles.” We, sinners, who rely on Your Mother of Prayer, call to You: Rejoice, for You are our warm Prayer Book to God; Rejoice, for Your prayer is always powerful before God. Rejoice, through Your prayers you also make our wretched prayers pleasing to God; Rejoice, and filling our unworthiness with Your intercession. Rejoice, unashamed Assist of repentant sinners; Rejoice, Intercessor of all Orthodox Christians. Rejoice, you who heal all our illnesses; Rejoice, you who disperse the cloud of passions and temptations. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 11

Receive all-contrite singing from us, our Heavenly Helper, and you will soon hear the prayer offered to You, Virgin Mother of God: for in adversity, sorrow and sorrow we run to You and before You in our troubles we shed tears and pray: Lady, quench your sorrows and accept prayers Your servant, who sings about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

With the bright rays of signs and wonders, Your holy icon, the Virgin Mary, shines unwaveringly, and gracefully illuminates everyone who prays to You with faith before it, driving away every enemy action by the power of God emanating from it. In the same way, we, sinners, rejoice in having such a wonderful icon of Yours in our temple, as a guarantee of Your favor towards us and our temple, and to You, our Helper and Quick to Hear our prayers, we cry out with gratitude: Rejoice, you who pour out grace-filled joy upon us; Rejoice, you who soon give us spiritual consolation. Rejoice, fulfiller of God's desires; Rejoice, you who hasten to help us in all sorrowful circumstances. Rejoice, you who dearly love those who live in faith and piety; Rejoice, thou who inflame their hearts with love for God and people. Rejoice, in the hour of bewilderment you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, you who teach us to have trust in God in everything. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 12

The grace of God inherent in Your holy icon, called the “Helper of Sinners,” called the Lady of God, draws to her all those who mourn and are burdened with many sins and misfortunes, and they do not depart in vain from this source of Your manifold mercies and bounties, but in sorrow there is joy, in in adversity - protection, in illness - healing, and everything beneficial for the soul and body is abundantly received from Thy miraculous image, O All-Good One, even if, according to God, they place all their trust in Thee, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards us sinners, we praise You, as our Almighty Helper, we bless You, as the All-merciful Quick-to-hear our prayers, and with tenderness we worship You in Your most honest icon, we believe and trust, as even now You have asked us from Your Son and God, that in this life and after our death His mercy will be unfailing for all who sing with love to Ti: Rejoice, saving the whole world with Your prayers; Rejoice, intercession of the entire Universe through Your intercessions. Rejoice, for you quickly help everyone who comes with faith; Rejoice, you who ask for the Kingdom of Heaven for them. Rejoice, for as we look at Your icon, we worship You, the true Mother of God; Rejoice, through Your intercession all our good desires will soon be fulfilled. Rejoice, even in the hour of death you do not abandon your faithful; Rejoice, even after death interceding for their eternally blessed repose. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 13

Oh, All-Singing Mother, All-Blessed Helper of the salvation of sinners, Virgin Mary! Mercifully accept our present prayer, which we offer from our zeal in thanksgiving to You, and ask us from the All-Merciful God for steadfastness in the Orthodox faith, for prosperity in Christian love and for forgiveness of our sins, so that through Your intercession we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and be worthy to sing to God with all the saints: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)

Prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Support of Sinners”

First prayer

To whom shall I cry, O Lady, to whom shall I resort in my sorrow, if not to You, the Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing and quickly obediently heed our prayers, if not You, All-Blessed Helper, the Joy of all our joys? Hear the present hymns and prayers offered to You for me, a sinner. And be my Mother and Patroness and Giver of Your joy to all of us. Arrange my life as you want and as you wish. I commend myself to Your protection and providence, so that I may always joyfully sing to You with everyone: Rejoice, O full of grace; Rejoice, Delighted One. Rejoice, Most Blessed One; Rejoice, Glorified One forever. Amen.

Second prayer

Prayer three

O Most Blessed Lady, protector of the Christian race, refuge and salvation of those who flow to You! We know, truly we know, how greatly we have sinned and are angry, Having mercy on the Lady, the Son of God born in the flesh of You: but I have seen many images of those who angered His mercy before me: tax collectors, harlots and other sinners, and to them was given forgiveness of their sins, for the sake of repentance and confession. Thou art imagining the images of those who were pardoned by the eyes of my sinful soul, and looking at the great mercy of God that they received, I dared, even a sinner, to resort with repentance to Thy compassion. O all-merciful Lady, give me a helping hand and ask Your Son and God with Your motherly and most holy prayers for forgiveness of my grave sins. I believe and confess that the One You gave birth to, Your Son, is truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Judge of the living and the dead, rewarding everyone according to his deeds. I again believe and confess that You are the true Mother of God, the Source of mercy, the Consolation of those who mourn, the Seeker of the lost, a strong and unceasing Intercessor to God, who dearly loves the Christian race, and the Helper of repentance. Truly, there is no other help and protection for man except You, Most Merciful Lady, and no one was ashamed of trusting in You, and by You begging God, no one was quickly abandoned. For this sake, I pray to Your innumerable goodness: open the doors of Your mercy to me, who have gone astray and fallen into the darkness of the depths, do not disdain the foul me, do not despise my sinful prayer, do not leave me the accursed, as an evil enemy seeks to kidnap me into destruction, but beg for me who was born from You, Your merciful Son and God, may He forgive my great sins and deliver me from my destruction: for I, too, with all those who have received forgiveness, will sing and glorify the immeasurable mercy of God and Your unashamed intercession for me in this life and in the endless eternity. Amen.

Troparion to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Supportress of Sinners”

Troparion, tone 4

Now all despondency falls silent, and the fear of despair disappears, sinners in the sorrow of their hearts find consolation, and are illuminated with heavenly love: today the Mother of God extends to us a saving hand, and from Her Most Pure Image she speaks, saying: I am the Helper of sinners to My Son, this One has given I can’t hear for them, I’ll take me out. Also, people who are burdened with many sins, fall at the foot of Her icon, crying out with tears: Intercessor of the world, Helper of sinners, beg with Mother’s prayers the Savior of all, that with Divine forgiveness He may cover our sins, and open the bright doors of heaven to us, for You are the intercessor and salvation of the Christian race.

Kontakion, tone 1

The Honest Dwelling of the former ineffable nature of the Divine, above words and above the mind, and you are the Helper of sinners, giving grace and healing, as the Mother of all the Reigning, pray to Your Son to receive mercy for us on the day of judgment.

Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before Her icon,
called "Helper of Sinners"

Kontakion 1
Chosen by the Most High, sinners to the Helper, who bows to the mercy of His Son, that He who created with His hand will save, we offer a song of thanksgiving to Thee, the Virgin Mother and Lady, about the appearance of Thy wondrous and miraculous icons. But You, as an intercessor to the Lord, are drawn from the circumstances of many ; to deliver us in kind and eternal salvation, yes, chanting, crying out to Ty: Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Ikos 1
The faces of angels reverently serve You and all the saints with silent voices please You, Virgin Mother of God, as she gave birth to the Angels of the King, Christ, our God, but we, sinners, dare to imitate them and praise You in bewilderment, humbly, the archangel’s voice cries out to You, Pure One: Rejoice, Full of Grace , The Lord is with You; Rejoice, Most Blessed among Women, All-Immaculate Virgin. Rejoice, Daughter of the Heavenly Father; Rejoice, Mother of the Eternal Son. Rejoice, village of the Holy Spirit; Rejoice, constant wonder of angels and man. Rejoice, Most Honest Cherub; Rejoice, Most Glorious Seraphim without comparison. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 2
Having seen our earthly sorrowful life, infirmities and illnesses, the Most Merciful Mother of God, deigned to give us Her holy icon as a blessing and consolation, for joy and salvation and from all troubles and misfortunes, calling upon Her the help of sinners, and bringing joy before this icon to Her, They always sing joyfully to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 2
Opening the heavenly mind, O Virgin Mother of God, You have deigned to glorify Your holy icon with many miracles, called the “Helper of Sinners,” and all who know such things from You are blessed; fasting, the song is called to You: Rejoice, Merciful Mother of us all in Christ; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of Divine grace. Rejoice, for through You God's favor descends upon us; Rejoice, for through You the imams have increased boldness towards God. Rejoice, you who accept the prayers of all Christians; Rejoice, you who do not reject the prayers of the most desperate sinners. Rejoice, for through Your intercession we hope to be saved; Rejoice, for through Your prayers we will receive the Kingdom of Heaven with tea. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 3
The power of grace overshadows everyone, Most Blessed Mother of God, with faith towards You, as the Helper of sinners who come and worship Your holy icon: You alone have been given the gift of quickly fulfilling every good request and merciful and saving sinners, and You alone can truly help everyone When you wish, you sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3
Having the most maternal providence for all, You, All-Blessed Mother of God, call even the most desperate sinners to salvation, saying: “I am the Helper of sinners to My Son and God, who promised Me to always hear Me, so that those who bring joy to Me will forever rejoice through Mene." For this reason, we, sinners, joyfully call to You, as our Helper: Rejoice, zealous Intercessor, given to us by God; Rejoice, our Blessed Guide to the Heavenly Fatherland. Rejoice, you who consume from the pit of destruction; Rejoice, you who receive the helpless into your omnipotent hands. Rejoice, you who drive away constant despondency; Rejoice, you who restore those who have fallen to grace. Rejoice, you who give the word of wisdom to those who ask; Rejoice, making the foolish wise. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 4
Tempted by a storm of doubts, a certain woman did not want to believe in the miracles that came from Thy icon, the Helper, but suddenly struck by a deadly ulcer, she recognized Thy omnipotent power, Lady, and the miraculous icons of Thy grace, and, repenting, tearfully praying to Thee for the forgiveness of her unbelief, with mercy Healed by You, always crying out with gratitude to God for You: Alleluia.

Ikos 4
Your Lord hears your intercession for us in Heaven, Queen of Heaven, and fulfills your petitions, but we, sinners, like our good Quick-to-Hear and Helper, ask and pray to You: Lady, soon hear our prayers and turn all our sorrows into joy and petitions Quickly fulfill all those who pray here, so that we may always joyfully sing to You: Rejoice, who brings the prayers of the faithful to Your Son and God; Rejoice, and always praying for us at the Throne of Your Son. Rejoice, Helper of sinners; Rejoice, Seeker of the lost. Rejoice, you who give unexpected joy to the faithful; Rejoice, who will soon fulfill our petition. Rejoice, Merciful One, always merciful to us; Rejoice, you who arrange our good life. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 5
As a radiant star, illuminating the whole world, You gave to us, the Lady of the World, Your honorable icon, called the “Support of sinners”, as we look upon us, we worship You, the true Mother of God and the Virgin, saying: Lady, accept the prayers of Your servant and deliver We are from all need and sorrow, praising You and singing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5
A certain reverent man was filled with great fear when, on the night of Christ’s Holy Resurrection, he saw Your icon, the All-Blessed Helper, shining with the light of Heaven and, like raindrops, oozing myrrh and emitting lightning-like sparks, having recognized in this sign of Your mercy towards people, with tears of tenderness and gratitude joyfully sang to You, Most Blessed Mother of God: Rejoice, you who unburntly held the Divine fire, by which our sins are burned; Rejoice, you who bore the inviolable Light, through which our souls are enlightened. Rejoice, you who offer your hand to God in charge of us; Rejoice, you who open the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven to us sinners. Rejoice, for lightning cuts through the darkness of our sins; Rejoice, as fragrant myrrh, softening our hearts. Rejoice, you who flow forth springs of miracles everywhere; Rejoice, making all people glad with Your icon. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 6
The whole Christian world preaches Thy mercies and miracles, O Most Glorified Mother of the Lord, and many miracles are brightly flaunted; Your creative icons, among which Your icon, the “Helper of Sinners,” called, like the full moon, the rays of Your mercy and miracles shines unwaveringly, enlightening and illuminating our souls with the light of God’s grace, challenging us to cry out in praise to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6
On one of the nights the heavenly light appeared in the Nikolo temple; Ha; monastic, when Your miraculous image, the Help of sinners, was received, the lamps and lamps were then kindled in this temple by an invisible power, a burning light like someone carried around the throne invisibly in service. The people, standing outside the temple and seeing all this, marveled, glorifying Thee, the Mother of God, and Thy Son, but we, remembering this wondrous vision, say with tenderness to Thee: Rejoice, turning our sorrows into joy; Rejoice, nena; Rejoicing those who work with undoubted hope. Rejoice, O Light, ever-burning at the throne of God; Rejoice, lamp, with Divine oil; nom luminous. Rejoice, radiant light, showing us the paths of life; Rejoice, animated temple, illuminating us all. Rejoice, you who give shameless life to those who trust in You; Rejoice, and after death you will always care about them before God; dating. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 7
Although the Long-suffering Lord reveals the Abyss of His brow; love of ages and generosity, I chose You, Most Holy Virgin, to be Your Mother and show You as an inexhaustible source of Your mercies, so that if anyone is worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, He will be Your intercessor; in the same way, as a sinner, the Helper will be preserved, calling loudly: Alleluia.

Ikos 7
You showed us Your wondrous deeds, O Lord, in Your Most Pure Mother, and You gave us Her wondrous icon, illuminating people more than the rays of the sun, like those who see the Mother of God Herself and with faith; with daily love from the soul, like the Mother of God and the Virgin, in Her; drinkers: Rejoice, font, in which all our sorrows are immersed; Rejoice, cup, through which we all receive joy and salvation. Rejoice, Life-Giving Source, who revives us all; Rejoice, unfading flower, fragrant to us all. Rejoice, greater than our sorrows; getting along; Rejoice, our sorrows have been quenched. Rejoice, healing of our illnesses; Rejoice, our deliverance from troubles is imminent. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 8
We are strangers and strangers on earth and, according to the words of the Apostle, are not the imams of the city that resides here. But to whom shall we resort, O Lady, in the sorrows of our life, if not to You, All-merciful Helper for us sinners! Do not reject us, Mother of God, and do not say to us: “We do not know your sins for your sake,” but have mercy on us, the orphan and helpless, and take us into the eternal shelter, our Patroness, so that we joyfully cry out in the glory of Heaven to the King of glory Christ: Alleluia .

Ikos 8
It is a comfort to all the faithful to look at Thy holy icon, Lady, Helper of sinners, in which we see Thee, in Thy hand holding the Eternal Child, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who we worship Godfully, as our Creator and God, to You, the true Mother of God, we tenderly say: Lady, help us, having had mercy on us, struggling, we are perishing from many sins, do not turn away your vain servants, who cry to you: Rejoice, nourisher of the hungry; face; Rejoice, robe of the naked. Rejoice, Protectress of widows; Rejoice, Patroness of orphans. Rejoice, O intercessor of the persecuted and offended; Rejoice, speedy Liberator of the suffering and captives. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 9
All angelic nature brings hymns of praise to You, the Mother of God and Helper of all who fall to You, asking for Your help and Your consolation, as through Your firm and strong intercession you cheer the righteous, intercede for sinners and deliver them from troubles and satisfy sorrows and pray for everyone who calls for You in faith To God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9
Every soaring tongue is perplexed to praise Thee according to His inheritance, but the mind and the most peaceful sing to Thee, Mother of God, are amazed: O you who are Good, accept faith, for our Divine love weighs: For Thou art the Representative of Christians who call to Thee: Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of Thy Most Pure soul ; Rejoice, who made all heaven rejoice with the purity of Your body. Rejoice, you who adopted us all at the Cross of Your Son; Rejoice, always showing Your motherly love for us. Rejoice, O all-powerful Giver of all spiritual and physical gifts; Rejoice, zealous intercessor for us, temporal and eternal blessings. Rejoice, thou who openest the doors of the Kingdom of Christ to the faithful; Rejoice, filling our hearts with joy and gladness on earth. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 10
To save the human race from eternal torment and unceasing sorrow, O Lover of mankind, the Lord has given You, His Mother, the gift of the earth; to help them, saying: sons of humanity, behold My Mother; may it be shelter and refuge for you, consolation for the sad, joy for the grieving, an Intercessor for the offended, adversity; for the sick - as a helper, for the sick - as a healer, for sinners - as a Helper, so that he can raise everyone from the depths of sin into; drinkers: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
“Heavenly King, My Son and God,” this is how the Heavenly Queen always prays for us, “receive every person who glorifies You and calls on Your Holy Name, and who glorifies Me for Your Name’s sake, and do not cast them away from Your presence, but be pleased with them and accept from them every good prayer and deliver them all from troubles.” We, sinners, who rely on Your Mother of Prayer, call to You: Rejoice, for You are our warm Prayer Book to God; Rejoice, for Your prayer is always powerful before God. Rejoice, through Your prayers you also make our wretched prayers pleasing to God; Rejoice, and filling our unworthiness with Your intercession. Rejoice, unashamed Assist of repentant sinners; Rejoice, Intercessor of all Orthodox Christians. Rejoice, you who heal all our illnesses; Rejoice, you who disperse the cloud of passions and temptations. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 11
Receive all-contrite singing from us, our Heavenly Helper, and you will soon hear the prayer offered to You, Virgin Mother of God: for in adversity, sorrow and sorrow we run to You and before You in our troubles we shed tears and pray: Lady, quench your sorrows and accept prayers Your servant, who sings about You: Alleluia.

Ikos 11
With the bright rays of signs and wonders, Your holy icon, the Virgin Mary, shines unwaveringly, and gracefully illuminates everyone who prays to You with faith before it, driving away every enemy action by the power of God emanating from it. In the same way, we, sinners, rejoice in having such a wonderful icon of Yours in our temple, as a guarantee of Your favor towards us and our temple, and to You, our Helper and Quick to Hear our prayers, we cry out with gratitude: Rejoice, you who pour out grace-filled joy upon us; Rejoice, you who soon give us spiritual consolation. Rejoice, fulfiller of God's desires; Rejoice, you who hasten to help us in all sorrowful circumstances. Rejoice, you who dearly love those who live in faith and piety; Rejoice, thou who inflame their hearts with love for God and people. Rejoice, in the hour of bewilderment you put a good thought in your heart; Rejoice, you who teach us to have trust in God in everything. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 12
The grace of God inherent in Your holy icon, called the “Helper of Sinners”, the Lady of God, draws to her all those who mourn and are burdened with many sins and misfortunes, and they do not depart in vain from this source of Your manifold mercies and bounties, but in sorrow there is joy, in in times of adversity - protection, in illnesses - healing, and everything that is beneficial for the soul and body is abundantly received from Thy miraculous image, O All-Good One, even if, according to God, they place all their trust in Thee, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing Your ineffable Motherly mercy towards us sinners, we praise You, as our Almighty Helper, we bless You, as the All-merciful Quick-to-hear our prayers, and with tenderness we worship You in Your most honest icon, we believe and trust, as even now You have asked us from Your Son and God, that in this life and after our death His mercy will be unfailing for all who sing with love to Ti: Rejoice, saving the whole world with Your prayers; Rejoice, intercession of the entire Universe through Your intercessions. Rejoice, for you quickly help everyone who comes with faith; Rejoice, you who ask for the Kingdom of Heaven for them. Rejoice, for as we look at Your icon, we worship You, the true Mother of God; Rejoice, through Your intercession all our good desires will soon be fulfilled. Rejoice, even in the hour of death you do not abandon your faithful; Rejoice, even after death interceding for their eternally blessed repose. Rejoice, Helper of sinners, always offering Your hand to God for us.

Kontakion 13
Oh, All-Singing Mother, All-Blessed Helper of the salvation of sinners, Virgin Mary! Mercifully accept our present prayer, which we offered in thanksgiving to You from our zeal, and ask us from the All-Merciful God for steadfastness in the Orthodox faith, prosperity in Christian love and forgiveness of our sins, and before; Through Your intercession we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and we will be worthy, together with all the saints, to sing to God: Alleluia.

(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)