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From
among the Holy Ones commemorated on the 25th of January, we especially remember the Icon of the Mother of God "The
Unexpected Joy".
The “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the
Most Holy Theotokos, is painted in this way: in a room is an icon of the Mother of God, and beneath it a youth is kneeling
at prayer. The tradition about the healing of some youth from a bodily affliction through this holy icon is recorded in the
book of Saint Demetrius of Rostov, The Fleece of Prayer [See Judges 6: 36-40]. The sinful youth, who was nevertheless devoted to the Theotokos, was
praying one day before the icon of the All-Pure Virgin before going out to commit a sin. Suddenly, he saw that wounds appeared
on the Lord’s hands, feet, and side, and blood flowed from them. In horror he exclaimed, “O Lady, who has done
this?” The Mother of God replied, “You and other sinners, because of your sins, crucify My Son anew.” Only
then did he realize how great was the depth of his sinfulness. For a long time he prayed with tears to the All-Pure Mother
of God and the Savior for mercy. Finally, he received the unexpected joy of the forgiveness of his sins. The “Unexpected Joy” icon is also commemorated
on May 1 and December 9.
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