The Icon of the Mother of God "The Unexpected Joy"
In the writings of St. Dimitrius of Rostov there is an
instructive narrative about a certain sinner who unexpectedly experienced the
joy of repentance before an icon of the Mother of God. This event became so
beloved of the Russian people that an icon was drawn depicting it, which came
to be known as “The Unexpected Joy.” The icon shows a sinner standing on his
knees, praying before an icon of the Theotokos and cleansing his soul through
penitence.
This sinner had the habit of praying each day to the
Blessed Virgin, often repeating the Archangel’s greeting: “Rejoice, O Virgin
full of grace!” Once, before routinely going out to sin, he turned to the holy
image and fearfully saw the Holy Virgin standing live with Her Divine Son in
Her arms. The Infant had wounds on His hands and feet, and blood was flowing
from a wound in His side, just as it had been on the cross. The sinner fell to
his knees and cried out:
“O Mistress! Who did this?”
“You and other sinners. Over and over again you
crucify My Son by your sins, just as the Jews had done,” – the Theotokos
answered softly.
“Have mercy upon me,” – tearfully cried out the
sinner.
“You call Me the Mother of mercy, yet you offend Me
and bring Me sorrow by your deeds.”
“No, Mistress,” – the sinner cried out in fear. – May
my malice not overcome Thy indescribable kindness and mercy! Thou alone art the
hope and safe haven of all sinners! Have mercy upon me, O benevolent Mother!
Entreat Thy Son and my Creator on my behalf.”
Seeing a soul being purified by repentance, the most
blessed Mother began to entreat Her Son: “My benevolent Son! For the sake of My
love have mercy upon this sinner.” But the Son replied to Her: “Do not be
angry, My Mother, if I do not obey Thee. I, too, entreated My Father to have
this cup of suffering pass Me by.”
Over and over the Mother of God entreated Her Son,
reminding Him how She had nurtured Him at Her breast, how She had suffered at
His cross. But the Lord would not bend down to mercy. Then the Mother of God
arose, put Her Son down, and was ready to fall at His feet. “What dost Thou
wish to do, Mother?!” – cried out the Son. “I shall remain, – She replied, –
lying at Thy feet together with this sinner until Thou forgivest him his sins.”
Then the Son said: “The law requires a son to venerate his mother, while
justice demands that the giver of the law be himself obedient to the law. I am
Thy Son, Thou art My Mother; I am obliged to do Thee homage by fulfilling Thy
request. Let it be as Thou wishest! His sins are now forgiven for Thy sake! And
as a token of forgiveness, let him press his lips to My wounds.”
The sinner arose, with trembling and joy kissed the
most holy wounds of the Infant, and came to himself. When the vision ended, he
felt within his heart both awe and joy. His soul exulted, streams of tears ran
down his face. He kissed the icon, filled with gratitude for having found
repentance and forgiveness, and prayed that he be granted the gift to always
see his sins and repent of them. His life changed completely and remained
God-pleasing to the end of his days.
The icon, which so vividly embodied people’s hopes for
the merciful intercession and help of the Most-holy Theotokos, was always
venerated highly in Russia. And even in our days Orthodox people approach the
icon with a warm and heartfelt prayer, and receive comfort in sorrows and
misfortunes.
Source: http://www.holy-transfiguration.org/library_en/moth_unexp.html
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