The Mother of God Comforts All

Prayers addressed to the Mother of God are never left unattended. As a true Mother, She always renders help, comfort, and strength to Her children, to all of us. On July 9th, the day of the Tikhvin icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, thousands of people came on Her feast day with love, joy, and trust to the Mother of God; and surely, no one has left unconsoled. Let us remember what this feast has was for us.

Metropolitan of Ekaterinburg and Verkhoturye Kirill:

– On the feast day of the Tikhvin icon, the Most Holy Theotokos especially comforts all of us. How many years we were together on this day, and throughout all these years it never rained, there is always wonderful, sunny weather. This alone testifies to the fact that the Mother of God is with present with us, that She wants to make us happy. And of course, we feel Her presence in our souls – we can tell it by this special peace that fills one's heart. Today She spreads Her protection over all of us.

Schema-archimandrite Avraam, confessor of Novo-Tikhvinsky convent:

– On this day, as on all feasts of the Mother of God, the Gospel reading ends with the following words: "Blessed are those that hear the word of God and keep it." These words are foremost about the Most Holy Theotokos. She points the way to all of us. We all hear the word of God: whenever we come to church, whenever we read the Gospel, or the holy fathers. Let us keep all these words in our heart, let us delve carefully into them, let us be nourished by them. Then these words will transform our soul. Thus we shall emulate the Mother of God, and we could truly be called blessed.

Servant of God Sergiy:

– This feast is unique. I have never seen so many people gathered together on another occasion to venerate the Mother of God. On this day we all look alike: all faces are somehow childlike, joyful. The Mother of God has really helped me in my life. I come here to pray and to thank. I hope to come again.

Servant of God Irina:

– This is my first time at this feast, and I feel overjoyed! Thanks to everyone for this wonderful opportunity – to attend a most beautiful service, then to walk with a cross procession, then to rest one's heart at a concert and a talk with Fr. Artemiy! I am also grateful for the opportunity to see such wonderful, radiant faces – it gladdens one's heart to see so many kind eyes and smiles!