Russian Orthodox Icon "The Unexpected Joy"


From a large collection of antique Russian Icons out of a NYC estate.  Icon of a youth praying to the Mother of God who then gets quite the shock.  Story is below.  Lovely older icon well painted.

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 January 25 and May 1.


We have been selling on eBay for over 25 years and have launched this ID as a separate business to compliment our website. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Priority Mail shipping in the US. Buyer pay actual shipping costs. Good luck with your bid!

  


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