There are a great many images of the Holy Virgin depicted on icons and copies of them; one of the most revered and famous is the icon “Softening evil hearts", also called "Semistrelnaya". Today it is revered as miraculous, and the prayer to soften evil hearts is used by believers as a petition for recovery from serious illnesses, elimination of anger and intolerance, cure for serious infections, and the granting of peace and tranquility.
Iconographic information
The icon depicts the Mother of God alone. Moreover, there is a difference between the icons “Softening Evil Hearts” and “Seven Shots”.
Icon of the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts”
In the first case, the Virgin is pierced by swords located three on the right and left, and the seventh at the bottom.
In the second, the Virgin Mary is pierced by arrows, three on one side and four on the other. Swords and arrows are a prototype of the deep sadness that the Great Benefactor carried in her soul all her life.
Finding an ancient icon
The following has long been known about the first glorification of the “Seven Shot” image. A peasant from one of the districts of the Vologda province suffered for a long time from pain in his legs and limped badly, it was very difficult for him to walk and the man’s body was very relaxed. He was treated for a long time by many healers and healers, but nothing helped him. But only the Mother of God was able to restore his lost health.
Icon "Seven Shots"
One day, while he was sleeping, a commanding voice was heard, telling him to climb the church bell tower, find there the ancient icon of the Mother of God and pray earnestly before it. Only then will he be granted the desired healing from a serious illness. The peasant came to the temple twice, talked about the “night order” and tried to fulfill the decree given to him in a dream vision, but the church servants did not believe him and did not let him into the bell tower. The third time, seeing the persistence of the sick lame man, the servants went to meet him: the disabled man climbed the belfry and immediately found the icon. It lay in the dust by the stairs and the bell ringers, not noticing the shrine under their feet, walked straight on it, as if on an ordinary board. The icon was immediately cleaned of dust, washed of dirt, and a prayer service was served. The peasant, who prayed earnestly during the service, soon received the cherished healing.
Prayer Rules
The prayer to soften evil hearts is one of the most powerful prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos. In order for this to happen as quickly as possible, it is necessary:
“Softening Evil Hearts” (“Simeon’s Prophecy”)
- come to an Orthodox monastery;
- in front of the icon of Jesus Christ;
- apply your lips and forehead to the Holy Crucifix;
- go to the “Softening Evil Hearts” or “Seven Arrow” icon, light a candle and read a prayer (you can pray in your own words).
Useful articles:
You can pray at home in front of the icon. To do this, you need to purchase a candle in church, light it during prayer and ask the Queen of Heaven for help in business and intercession before the Lord for the bestowal of Divine Grace.
Prayer before the icon
“Softening Evil Hearts” icon of the Mother of God. Gallery of icons of Shchigra.
According to a long-established tradition, before the face of the Holy Virgin, they pray for their enemies, to soften hostility between people and to bestow a sense of mercy.
Troparion, tone 5:
Soften our evil hearts, Mother of God, and extinguish the misfortunes of those who hate us, and resolve all the tightness of our souls. Looking at Your holy image, We are touched by Your suffering and mercy for us and we kiss Your wounds, but we are horrified by our arrows that torment You. Do not let us, merciful Mother, perish in our hardness of heart and from the hardness of our neighbors, for You are truly the Softener of evil hearts.
To the chosen Virgin Mary, above all the daughters of the earth, the Mother of the Son of God, who gave Him the salvation of the world, we cry with tenderness: look at our many-sorrowful life, remember the sorrows and illnesses that you endured, like our earthly-born, and do with us according to Your mercy, let's call you T:
Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.
Prayer 1
O much-sorrowful Mother of God, softener of evil hearts and superior to all the daughters of the earth, in Your purity and in the multitude of sufferings You have transferred to the earth, accept our much-painful sighs and keep us under the shelter of Your mercy. Do You know of no other refuge and warm intercession, but, as we have the boldness to be born of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we may without stumbling reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where with all the saints we will sing in the Trinity To the One God now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 2
O who will not please Thee, O Blessed Virgin, who will not sing of Thy mercy to the human race. We pray to you, we ask you, do not leave us perishing in evil, dissolve our hearts with love and send your arrow to our enemies, may our hearts be wounded by peace against those who persecute us. If the world hates us - You extend Your love to us, if the world persecutes us - You accept us, give us the grace-filled strength of patience - to endure the trials that happen in this world without grumbling. Oh, Lady! Soften your hearts evil people, who rise up against us, may their hearts not perish in evil - but pray, O Blessed One, Thy Son and our God, that he may pacify their hearts with peace, and let the devil - the father of evil - be put to shame! We, singing Thy mercy towards us, the evil, the indecent, will sing to Thee, O Most Wonderful Lady of the Blessed Virgin, hear us at this hour, those who have contrite hearts, protect us with peace and love for each other and for our enemies, eradicate from us all malice and enmity, let us sing to You and Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: Alleluia! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Important! Your desire will be fulfilled only if it does not contradict the Commandments of the Lord and if it is the Will of God!
The myrrh-streaming miraculous image is kept on the Maiden Field in Moscow, in the Church of the Archangel Michael. The celebration of the icon, also called “Simeon’s Prophecy,” takes place annually on August 26 and on the Sunday of All Saints.
Akathist to the Mother of God in front of the icon “Softening Evil Hearts.”
Many people know that the “Softening of Evil Hearts” icon, beloved and revered by all Orthodox people, has sister named "Semistrelnaya". Outwardly, they are very similar; both depict the image of the Virgin Mary with seven swords or arrows pierced into her chest. The Russian Orthodox Church, considering them to be editions (varieties) of a common iconographic type, recognizes their identity and unites the days of celebration. Talking about one of them, it is impossible not to remember the other.
Are there any differences between these two icons?
The external difference between the “sisters” is only that the icon “Softening Evil Hearts,” a photo of which is presented at the beginning of the article, depicts the Mother of God with three swords stuck on the left, three on the right, and one on the bottom. The “Seven Shot” icon depicts four swords on the left and three on the right. However, this feature is often ignored by icon painters. Often you see an inscription on an icon that does not correspond to the location of the swords. By the way, sometimes there can be arrows instead of swords. What does this weapon symbolize, piercing the chest of the Blessed Virgin? IN Orthodox Church Two interpretations of this image have been accepted.
Gospel interpretation of the image
The first of them relates this symbolism to a famous episode from the New Testament. The Gospel tells how on the appointed day the Baby Jesus was brought to the temple, as required by the Law of Moses. In the temple, the Mother of God with Jesus in her arms and her betrothed Joseph were met by an old priest named Simeon. He was righteous and spent his life in fasting and prayer.
For many years, the words of the Holy Scriptures lived in his soul, which predicted the birth of the Son of God from a virgin. Seeing Mary with Jesus in her arms, he saw God in him through the Holy Spirit. Filled with the consciousness of the fulfilled prophecy, Simeon turned to Mary with words in which he told about the greatness of what had happened, but predicted Her suffering as a result of the atoning sacrifice made by Her son.
Simeon's prophecy
In his words addressed to Mary, he likened suffering to a weapon piercing the soul. Such an interpretation gave rise to the fact that the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” received another, unofficial, name - “Simeon’s Prophecy.” It is no coincidence that suffering is represented in the form of swords, and in some icons - arrows. In any version, a weapon is a symbol of shed blood.
The answer to the question of why it is customary to depict seven swords on an icon can be found in biblical texts. The number seven always symbolizes the completeness and redundancy of something. It is precisely the fullness of the suffering of the Mother of God, who saw her Son crucified on the cross for atonement for the sins of the whole world, that should be expressed by the seven swords piercing Her chest.
The Orthodox Church also accepts a different interpretation of the image. In accordance with it, the icon expresses the suffering of the Mother of God caused to Her by human sins. The number seven symbolizes the seven deadly sins that it speaks of Holy Bible. This topic is so important that it is worth dwelling on it in more detail.
Sins that destroy a person's soul
It is curious that in the early tradition christian church East, the so-called “eight-fold” scheme for calculating sins was adopted. It became “septenary”, accepted in our church, only in the 6th century. It was introduced by Pope Gregory I, who went down in history under the name Gregory the Great. In some modern schemes the order of sins leading to the destruction of the soul changes, but pride is always recognized as the most serious of them. It is she who pushes people to a variety of unseemly acts, and sometimes even to crimes. Following pride are listed stinginess, envy, anger, lust, gluttony (gluttony) and despondency. It is not by chance that it is included in this black list. Dejection is always generated by a person’s lack of faith in the omnipotence of God and His help.
Where did the image come from?
“Softening Evil Hearts” is an icon of North Russian origin. Tradition says that the creation of the initial miraculous image refers to ancient times. However, analysis of the icon, painted on a canvas pasted on a board, forces us to attribute its appearance to XVIII century. Obviously this is a list made from an earlier example. In pre-revolutionary years, the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” was located in one of the monasteries in the Vologda province.
The legend of the acquisition of a miraculous image
Tradition has preserved history for us miraculous phenomenon this image. It tells how a peasant who lived near Vologda long years suffered from lameness. No matter how much he turned to doctors and healers, he received no help. He had already humbled himself and was ready to bear this cross until the end of his days.
But then one day in a dream, a peasant heard a mysterious voice, commanding him to go to the Theological Church for healing, and there, in the bell tower, where the old, dilapidated icons were kept, to find the image of the Most Holy Theotokos and pray in front of it. With all his soul the peasant believed what he heard and went to church. However, it took a long time to persuade the clergy to allow him to undertake the search. Only after asking three times did they go up to the bell tower with him.
Here, to their horror, they actually discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary, covered with a layer of dirt. It was used as a simple board on the stairs. This was the icon “Softening Evil Hearts.” There was obvious sacrilege, because the image, even if old, was stepped on while climbing the stairs. When the icon was thoroughly washed, it was taken to the church and prayed for. Soon the lameness left the peasant.
A new miracle revealed by the icon
Miracles revealed by holy icons are not uncommon in Rus'. That's miraculous icon“Softening Evil Hearts” could have been lost among other holy images if not for a new miracle that glorified it. In previous centuries, epidemics often occurred in our country, sometimes claiming tens of thousands of lives. One such epidemic occurred in 1830. Having captured the North of Russia, it caused terrible devastation in Vologda.
With the blessing of the ruling bishop, the icon of the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” was transferred to Vologda and placed in one of the churches of the city. Pious townspeople met the shrine procession. The flow of people to her never ceased. This is not surprising, because the prayer to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” brought healing from illnesses and help in everyday troubles.
Unfortunately, the fate of the icon after the revolution is unknown. In 1930, the Church of St. John the Theologian, where the image was located, was closed, and services there resumed today. But that icon disappeared without a trace.
The appearance of a new miraculous icon
Nowadays, another miraculous image has been found, known as the “Softening Evil Hearts” icon, streaming myrrh. She is unique in many ways. First of all, this miraculous icon was made in a typographical way, which in such cases is quite rare. Only the providence of God, unknown to us, can explain the fact that this icon, bought in a simple church shop, was suddenly filled with a life unknown to us. Many who approached her testify: they were left with the feeling that they were communicating with a living being.
The miraculous appearance of this icon was preceded by tragic events. In the fall of 1997, with mysterious circumstances another myrrh-streaming icon, the “Iverskaya-Montreal” icon, disappeared. This happened on the day of the martyrdom of its guardian. However, it is gratifying to know that Holy Mother of God did not abandon the Orthodox people. Through a short time One pious Muscovite named Margarita bought the image “Softening Evil Hearts” in a church shop.
Icon exuding myrrh
At first glance, the icon was no different from other icons on display. The woman brought it home and placed it on a shelf among other images. Miracles began immediately. Margarita noticed drops appearing on the surface of the icon. It turned out that it was myrrh. The myrrh-streaming icon “Softening Evil Hearts” began to react to everything in some way important events happening in the world.
Before the explosions of houses in the capital in 1999, it was noticed that the face of the Virgin Mary on the icon suddenly changed. Dark circles under the eyes became sharply visible, and the smell of incense spread throughout the apartment. In a day tragic death of the Kursk submarine, bleeding wounds appeared on the surface of the image. From then on, it was like this: the image constantly streams myrrh, and on the eve tragic events covered with drops of blood.
There is also plenty of evidence that praying to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” brings healing from illnesses. Such facts are recorded in a special journal.
World famous miraculous image
Now the icon “Softening Evil Hearts,” whose importance is constantly growing, travels a lot around the world. A precious ark was made for her, and a chapel was built in the Moscow region. When the election of the new Patriarch of All Rus' took place in Moscow in 2009, the myrrh-streaming icon was in the hall where this historical event took place.
The wonderful properties of the image are also manifested in the fact that it literally chooses its own travel routes. The keeper of the icon - the husband of the very Margarita to whom the image appeared - testifies to the fact that it is impossible to outline anything in advance. Everything happens according to the will of invisible forces. What seemed simple turns out to be unrealistic, and the incredible is accomplished easily and simply. The icon “Softening Evil Hearts,” the photo of which ends the article, is this famous icon. She never stops helping people.
Troparion to the miraculous icon
The troparion to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” amazes with the depth of feeling and thought contained in it. Even people who are not churchgoers, but who have a sensitive soul and a kind heart, cannot listen to him indifferently. It is very characteristic that it begins with a request for the softening of our own hearts and ends with words about deliverance from death in our own hard-heartedness and the hard-heartedness of our neighbors. The great truth is contained in this troparion: the path to improving the world begins with oneself, but one should follow this path only with the help of God.
Akathist to the miraculous image
In terms of spiritual mood, the akathist to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” is also close to the troparion. In printed publications, its text is preceded by an indication that it should be read in case of any manifestations of hostility, be it confrontation in the family or at work. They resort to it when someone tries to rise above others or humiliate their neighbor. And although by its nature the akathist is, first of all, a hymn of praise, everywhere one can see the idea that we are God’s creations and are powerless without his help. Created in the image and likeness of God, we must be worthy of our Creator and His Most Pure Mother.
Icon from the Don shores
There is one associated with the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” interesting story which occurred during the Second World War. On the banks of the Don, near the city of Pavlovsk, there was an Italian military unit, who fought on the side of the Germans. Soviet artillery conducted massive fire across the area where the Italians were located. Wanting to hide from the fire and save themselves from certain death, the soldiers hid in chalk caves, which are found in abundance on the banks of the river. And then one of the Italians found an ancient icon in the cave labyrinths.
This was one of the copies from the “Softening Evil Hearts” icon. When the fire died down, he took it to the regimental chaplain. Italians are also Christians, although they profess Catholicism. The chaplain, realizing the value of the find, placed the icon in the camp church. It soon became clear that the found icon had previously been in a cave blown up by the Bolsheviks. monastery. The Italians called it the Don Icon in honor of the river on the banks of which they found it.
The miraculous image brought these Italians alive from the fire of that terrible war, who had become bargaining chips in someone else’s ruthless political game. Veterans of the regiment testified that they saw their relatives again only thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God, sent down through the icon, which they continue to call Donskaya.
Thus, the Most Pure Mother of God shows her help and mercy through icons that are very close and similar, like sisters. These are the “Softening of Evil Hearts”, the “Seven Arrow” icon and the “Donskaya” icon, now kept in Italy. They belong to a single iconographic type and are united in their spiritual content.
That's how amazing she is - antique icon"Softening Evil Hearts." What does she protect us all from? Probably from ourselves, from our malice and anger. And if, after prayers addressed to the icon, the heart of each of us softens, then the arrows of suffering will stop piercing the chest of the Most Holy Theotokos.
All about religion and faith - “strong prayer softening evil hearts” with detailed description and photographs.
There are a great many images of the Holy Virgin depicted on icons and copies of them; one of the most revered and famous is the “Softening of Evil Hearts” icon, also called the “Seven Shot”. Today it is revered as miraculous, and the prayer to soften evil hearts is used by believers as a petition for recovery from serious illnesses, elimination of anger and intolerance, cure for serious infections, and the granting of peace and tranquility.
Iconographic information
The icon depicts the Mother of God alone. Moreover, there is a difference between the icons “Softening Evil Hearts” and “Seven Shots”.
In the first case, the Virgin is pierced by swords located three on the right and left, and the seventh at the bottom.
In the second, the Virgin Mary is pierced by arrows, three on one side and four on the other. Swords and arrows are a prototype of the deep sadness that the Great Benefactor carried in her soul all her life.
Finding an ancient icon
The following has long been known about the first glorification of the “Seven Shot” image. A peasant from one of the districts of the Vologda province suffered for a long time from pain in his legs and limped badly, it was very difficult for him to walk and the man’s body was very relaxed. He was treated for a long time by many healers and healers, but nothing helped him. But only the Mother of God was able to restore his lost health.
One day, while he was sleeping, a commanding voice was heard, telling him to climb the church bell tower, find there the ancient icon of the Mother of God and pray earnestly before it. Only then will he be granted the desired healing from a serious illness. The peasant came to the temple twice, talked about the “night order” and tried to fulfill the decree given to him in a dream vision, but the church servants did not believe him and did not let him into the bell tower. The third time, seeing the persistence of the sick lame man, the servants went to meet him: the disabled man climbed the belfry and immediately found the icon. It lay in the dust by the stairs and the bell ringers, not noticing the shrine under their feet, walked straight on it, as if on an ordinary board. The icon was immediately cleaned of dust, washed of dirt, and a prayer service was served. The peasant, who prayed earnestly during the service, soon received the cherished healing.
Prayer Rules
The prayer to soften evil hearts is one of the most powerful prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos. In order for this to happen as quickly as possible, it is necessary:
- come to an Orthodox monastery;
- place a candle in front of the icon of Jesus Christ;
- apply your lips and forehead to the Holy Crucifix;
- go to the “Softening Evil Hearts” or “Seven Arrow” icon, light a candle and read a prayer (you can pray in your own words).
You can pray at home in front of the icon. To do this, you need to purchase a candle in church, light it during prayer and ask the Queen of Heaven for help in business and intercession before the Lord for the bestowal of Divine Grace.
Prayer before the icon
According to a long-established tradition, before the face of the Holy Virgin, they pray for their enemies, to soften hostility between people and to bestow a sense of mercy.
Soften our evil hearts, Mother of God, and extinguish the misfortunes of those who hate us, and resolve all the tightness of our souls. Looking at Your holy image, We are touched by Your suffering and mercy for us and we kiss Your wounds, but we are horrified by our arrows that torment You. Do not let us, merciful Mother, perish in our hardness of heart and from the hardness of our neighbors, for You are truly the Softener of evil hearts.
To the chosen Virgin Mary, above all the daughters of the earth, the Mother of the Son of God, who gave Him the salvation of the world, we cry with tenderness: look at our many-sorrowful life, remember the sorrows and illnesses that you endured, like our earthly-born, and do with us according to Your mercy, let's call you T:
Rejoice, much-sorrowful Mother of God, transforming our sorrow into joy.
O much-sorrowful Mother of God, softener of evil hearts and superior to all the daughters of the earth, in Your purity and in the multitude of sufferings You have transferred to the earth, accept our much-painful sighs and keep us under the shelter of Your mercy. Do You know of no other refuge and warm intercession, but since You have the boldness to be born of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we may without stumbling reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where with all the saints we will sing praises in the Trinity to the One God, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
O who will not please Thee, O Blessed Virgin, who will not sing of Thy mercy to the human race. We pray to you, we ask you, do not leave us perishing in evil, dissolve our hearts with love and send your arrow to our enemies, may our hearts be wounded by peace against those who persecute us. If the world hates us - You extend Your love to us, if the world persecutes us - You accept us, give us the grace-filled strength of patience - to endure the trials that happen in this world without grumbling. Oh, Lady! Soften the hearts of evil people who rise up against us, so that their hearts do not perish in evil - but pray, O Blessed One, Thy Son and our God, may he pacify their hearts with peace, but let the devil - the father of evil - be put to shame! We, singing Thy mercy towards us, the evil, the indecent, will sing to Thee, O Most Wonderful Lady of the Blessed Virgin, hear us at this hour, those who have contrite hearts, protect us with peace and love for each other and for our enemies, eradicate from us all malice and enmity, let us sing to You and Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: Alleluia! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Important! Your desire will be fulfilled only if it does not contradict the Commandments of the Lord and if it is the Will of God!
Myrrh-streaming miraculous image Holy Virgin Mary is kept on the Maiden Field in Moscow, in the Church of the Archangel Michael. The celebration of the icon, also called “Simeon’s Prophecy,” takes place annually on August 26 and on the Sunday of All Saints.
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Prayer of the Seven Shot Mother of God - Softening Evil Hearts
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A plea for help addressed to the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, is one of the most powerful petitions of the Lord. There are a lot of images of the Queen of Heaven depicted on icons and lists, and one of them is miraculous Mother of God Seven-shot.
This face of the Most Pure Virgin is considered one of the most powerful icons in the Orthodox church world. For many centuries in a row, Orthodox believers appealed to the Blessed Virgin Mary for help and intercession precisely through this image.
Prayer to the Seven Shots Icon of the Mother of God
The icon depicts the Virgin Mary, without the Son of God Jesus Christ, her heart is pierced by seven arrows or swords. Why seven? IN Orthodox world the number seven denotes the “fullness” of anything.
This image of the Most Pure Mother of God symbolizes the fullness of all the grief that Mary experienced during her life; the weapon passed through her soul, through her sorrows and heart illnesses. Also, there is another vision of this image: seven arrows are the seven sinful passions of a person, which the Most Holy Theotokos can read in any heart without much difficulty.
A strong prayer to the “Seven Arrows” icon helps everyone who asked for help, which is why, every day, many people gather in the Church of the Holiest of the Angels Michael to ask the Virgin Mary for help.
What prayer to read to the “Seven Arrow” icon
Orthodox believers ask the Virgin Mary for reconciliation between warring parties, deliverance from hardness of heart, deliverance from anger and hatred towards someone. Prayer "Seven Arrows" Mother of God- “Softening Evil Hearts” is designed to give people hope that mercy, kindness and love will reign in the world, there will be no place for enmity, anger and rage.
The image of the Mother of God “Seven Arrows” and “Softening Evil Hearts” are often confused, since they are almost identical, the only difference is that in the first case, the Virgin Mary is pierced by arrows, and in the second, she is pierced by swords. But among the people, as a rule, both images are referred to as the “Seven Shot” Mother of God.
The prayer to the Mother of God of Seven Arrows is said at her miraculous face in these words:
“O long-suffering Mother of God, Higher than all the daughters of the earth, in Your purity and in the multitude of sufferings You have brought to the earth, accept our much-painful sighs and keep us under the shelter of Your mercy. Do You know of no other refuge and warm intercession, but, since You have the boldness to be born of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we may without stumbling reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where with all the saints we will sing praises in the Trinity to the one God, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen".
Prayer of the Seven Shot Mother of God - how to ask correctly
In order for your request to the Mother of God to come true as quickly as possible, you need to follow some rules:
- Go to an Orthodox church;
- Light a candle for health in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary;
- Pray before the icon of the Son of God Jesus Christ;
- Buy a candle with which you will pray at home;
- Returning home, retire to a separate room, light a candle in front of the image of the Mother of God and ask the Queen of Heaven for help in matters disturbing the soul.
Today, the miraculous myrrh-streaming image of the Most Pure Virgin Mary is kept in Moscow, on the Maiden Field, in the Church of the Archangel Michael.
Days of veneration of the holy face:
The image of the Most Holy Theotokos, pierced by seven arrows, is venerated according to the new style on August 13 ( old style- August, 26th).
The most important thing is not to be afraid to turn to the Lord God, the Mother of God, Jesus Christ or God's Saints and Great Martyrs for help. Sincere prayer - powerful weapon to solve any problems.
Not a single conspiracy, not a single magical act can be compared to prayer in terms of impact. God commanded people to turn to him for help, and not to the dark forces of the devil. Any appeal to the Lord must begin with the prayer “Our Father”, and then ask for indulgence God's grace, healing from an illness or solving a problem.
Don’t be afraid to turn to the Lord, he will hear everyone and help even in the most intractable situation.
God bless you!
Watch also the video prayer to the Most Pure Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts”:
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Nothing more disgusting can be found in combination with the prayer of intrusive and irremovable advertising women's blouses and anything else!!
Prayer before the icon of the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts”
Having come into this world, into this incarnation, everyone lives their own life, but there are moments when we understand that not everything is going well and smoothly for us. We wonder - why is this happening?
Enemies who wish evil may also appear. And very often we pray to the Lord to help us understand such situations and turn to prayers and icons.
One of strongest prayers is the prayer “softening evil hearts”, which helps with illnesses - mental and physical. They pray in front of the icon “Softening Evil Hearts”, also known as “Simeon’s Prophecy” or “Seven Arrows”, which confirms with its name the prophecies of Simeon the God-Receiver of the Mother of God, who lived a righteous life. Presumably, initially his image is considered to have come from Southwestern Rus' more than five hundred years ago, but there is no exact information about the birth of the icon.
In the icon, the heart of the Mother of God is presented with pierced swords - three on the right, three on the left and one below, thereby confirming the entire measure of the sadness of her earthly existence.
The seven-shot icon is close and identical in image to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts”, differing in the writing of swords - with right side The Virgin Mary has three swords, and the left one has four.
The swords depicted on the icon are also interpreted as the 7 deadly sins, and one must pray for the softening of evil hearts before the image of the Mother of God in atonement for these sins.
Believers venerate this icon, which confirms its power in healing from all kinds of ailments. This is how a peasant from the Vologda province suffering from lameness was healed. Treatment and healers could not help him, and the voice he heard during sleep directed him to the bell tower of the Ionian Theological Church, where the icon of the Mother of God was located. Thanks to persistent searches, the icon was found upside down in the form of a staircase board. After bringing the image into proper form, a prayer service was served in front of it, and a miracle happened - the sick peasant was healed, and there were many such examples later.
This miraculous icon, surrounded by a religious procession around Vologda, stopped the cholera epidemic in 1830, justifying people’s hopes and giving even more faith in it. One of them is also the veneration of the healing icon of Italian believers. History tells how in the years Patriotic War Italian mountain rifle soldiers who served in a unit in Belogorye - south Voronezh region-, came across the miraculous image of the Mother of God and handed it over to Father Policarpo, who served as the military priest of the unit.
According to eyewitnesses, the icon formerly belonged to the Resurrection Belogorsk Monastery. The Italians called her the “Don Madonna,” and upon returning to her homeland, Father Policarpo brought her with him to a chapel specially built for her, which receives all those mourning the Italians who died in Russia.
Let Faith into your soul
The Orthodox Church of Rus' considers them representatives of the same type of execution of icons and, accordingly, the days of their veneration were united - August 13, according to the new style on August 26, and on the week of All Saints. It is then that the spoken prayer is considered especially effective.
That is why they recommend turning to an Angel with a pure heart and a bright soul to soften evil hearts. Pray only if you believe. If doubt has crept into your heart, then prayer should be postponed altogether until it is again filled with pious desires.
A sincere prayer to soften evil hearts, said in front of the icon, improves family relationships, protects from anger and mental irritation, from attacks by enemies - the request will always be heard.
It is best to light a church candle. In this way you will improve your concentration and also make the face on the icon seem alive. Even scientists note that visualization helps to fulfill dreams, and in particular, soften evil hearts.
To find out exactly how to do this, you can watch many videos on the Internet. Listening to the prayers of believers on them will also be useful, because internally, you will pray with them. Children will also enjoy listening to holy words, memorizing them for the future.
Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary
In Christianity, the earthly mother of Jesus Christ, one of the most revered personalities and the greatest of Christian saints.
Prayer to the Mother of God for the icon “Softening Evil Hearts”: comments
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The prayer to soften evil hearts is wonderful. She turns away anger from us, even if we deserve it through our actions. And in this, the Mother of God is fair, because if we turn to her for intercession, we thereby admit our sin, bow our heads before a higher power, and show humility. The person who reads this prayer softens himself, the fear of other people’s aggression recedes, and most importantly, internal aggression decreases. The atmosphere around a person ceases to be explosive. Beautiful prayer, and beautiful words in it.
Powerful prayer to the Seven Shot Mother of God – Softening evil hearts
The prayer addressed to the Seven-Arrow Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” (other names: “Seven-Arrow”, “Simeon’s Prophecy”) is aimed at pacifying and calming warring people. In front of the icon of the Mother of God “Simeon’s Prophecy” they pray for their enemies, asking them to soften their hearts. The icon of the Seven Shore Mother of God also helps to alleviate mental anguish, overcome hostility in relationships, and instills mercy in people's hearts.
Text of the prayer of the Seven Shot Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts”
You need to pray to the Most Pure Mother of God in front of her icon “Seven Arrows” (“Softening Evil Hearts”) with the help of the following texts:
Description of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Softening Evil Hearts” (“Seven Arrows”)
The face of the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” is very similar to the “Seven Arrow” icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, therefore both of them are united by the name “Seven Arrow”. The difference between them lies in the arrangement of the arrows:
- in the “Seven Arrows” the arrows that pierced the heart of the Mother of God are located on two sides: three on one side, four on the other;
- in the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” the arrangement of arrows is as follows: three on the left, three on the right side, one on the bottom.
On the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” the Most Pure Mother of God is depicted alone, with her heart pierced by seven swords (arrows). Sometimes there is also a variation where the Most Pure Virgin Mary is painted with the Child Christ on her lap. Seven swords (arrows) are a symbol of the prophecy given by Saint Simeon the God-Receiver in the Jerusalem Temple during the Presentation. He predicted that the Mother of God would face many trials, sorrow and grief at the sight of how her Son would suffer. The swords were not chosen by chance: they mean bloodshed.
The number 7 itself is endowed with a symbolic meaning. In the Holy Scriptures, 7 is a sign of completeness, an excess of something. In the case of the icon, this is the fullness of grief and heartache that befell the Blessed Virgin Mary during her earthly life, the fullness of her sorrow. The Mother of God suffers not so much because of the torment of Jesus Christ, but because of the seven mortal human sins that pierce her soul. Thus, swords (arrows) also act as a symbol of sinful passions.
The origin of the icon of the “Seven Arrow” Mother of God (“Softening Evil Hearts”)
The icon of the “Seven Arrow” Mother of God is extremely revered among believers. The Vologda region is considered the birthplace of the icon. Initially, she stayed in the St. John the Theological Church, which was located on the banks of the Toshni River. This river flows not far from Vologda. One curious legend has been preserved about its origin.
A legend tells about one peasant from Kadnikovsky district, who for many years suffered from an incurable lameness. One day he had a dream in which the Divine voice told him that his illness would be healed if he found an icon in the bell tower of the Theological Church Holy Mother of God, will pray to her with faith and ask for healing.
The peasant came to the temple, told about his dream, asked to be let inside the bell tower, but the clergy refused to fulfill his request, and so on 2 times. The man came a third time, and his persistence and perseverance took their toll. The peasant was allowed to climb the bell tower, and he immediately found the image of the “Seven Arrow” Mother of God.
The icon served a function stair step, and the bell ringers simply walked along it, not suspecting anything. Horrified by the accidental blasphemy, the clergy thoroughly cleaned and washed the image, brought it into proper shape, and then served a prayer service, during which the peasant prayed earnestly. Immediately after this, a miracle happened: his illness subsided, he was completely healed. Thus, the Orthodox Church acquired another icon - the image of the “Seven Arrow” Most Pure Virgin Mary.
The image of the “Seven Arrow” Mother of God received particular fame in 1830, when a cholera epidemic was raging in Vologda. Residents of the city held a religious procession around the city walls, led by the icon. After this, the disease subsided, and soon the epidemic stopped completely.
The miraculous icon disappeared from the Church of St. John the Theologian after the fateful year of 1917. Since 1930, no services have been held here. The parish resumed its activities in 2001, but the icon of the “Seven Arrow” Mother of God has still not returned to its homeland.
In what cases should one turn to the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Softening Evil Hearts”?
Reading strong prayer in front of the image of the Most Holy Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts”, you can achieve improved relationships between family members, between relatives and loved ones, between husband and wife, between children and their parents.
The “Seven-Arrow” Mother of God is able to protect from outbursts of anger, anger and irritation (both her own and other people), from other people’s intolerance. An icon helps with any enmity between family members or society. The Mother of God is also approached with prayer during military operations: she is asked for protection from enemy attack.
Thank you for the text of the prayer! The children (son and daughter) are at enmity with each other, they hate each other, I just don’t have the strength to see all this and endure it. A mother's heart hurts. I will pray to the Seven Shore Mother of God. Let her help them come to their senses.
Most Holy Virgin Mary, soften our evil hearts, pray to the Lord for us sinners! Pray to God for all my relatives, make sure that they stop fighting with each other!
I WILL PRAY TO THE MOTHER OF GOD FOR MY CHILDREN. I HAVE THREE OF THEM. FOR FRIENDSHIP, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, SO THAT THERE IS NO HOMILITY BETWEEN THEM. MOTHER OF GOD FOR THEM.
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The iconography of the Mother of God dates back to the first century of Christianity - a number of images are considered to have been painted during the earthly life of the Ever-Virgin. “Softening Evil Hearts” occupies a special place among the icons. Here the Mother of God is depicted without the Child, and daggers are pointed towards her heart.
History of the icon Softening Evil Hearts
The origin remains a mystery - a similar icon exists among Catholics, perhaps it was borrowed from there by southern icon painters. The basis for the plot is the Gospel story about how in the temple Christ’s parents met a righteous elder who wanted to see the revealed Savior. In honor of this event, the Church has a holiday called Meeting (meeting). Saint Simeon predicted to young Mary that she would suffer cruelly - not only for her Son, but for every mortal.
There is also an almost identical icon in Orthodoxy - ““. The composition is very similar, but the arrangement of the weapons is different - by the way, it is more reminiscent of double-edged blades than arrows. In this case, one is drawn from below, three are directed towards the heart from different sides from above. In "Softening Evil Hearts" 4 swords are depicted on the left (of the viewer) and 3 on the right.
Features of the appearance of the Queen of Heaven:
- The head has a slight tilt to the right (less often to the left or no tilt at all).
- Both hands are at the level of the heart: the palms are either folded crosswise or directed inward, as if indicating a deep wound, sometimes folded in a prayer gesture.
- Most often in Orthodox versions the image is half-length, frontal.
- The gaze is directed to the side, less often - at the person praying.
- The face expresses suffering, but this is not a cry for help, but a deep sadness accepted in its entirety.
More ancient versions depicted the Virgin Mary in full height standing on a cloud. Sometimes swords pierce the heart of the Mother sitting near the body of the crucified Lord. But such hysterical scenes are extremely uncharacteristic for Orthodoxy.
The head and shoulders of St. Mary is covered with a traditional omophorion with stars. Underneath you can see a blue tunic, the cover itself is red. The number of blades means completeness - indicates that the suffering of the Virgin Mary was very strong.
History of acquisition
Tradition has preserved the story of the appearance of the “Seven Shot” (the list on the canvas dates back to the 18th century, but the original was more ancient, it is believed that it is at least 500 years old). One Vologda peasant suffered from a leg disease that prevented him from walking normally. In a vision, he heard a command to climb the bell tower of the church in the name of John the Theologian. Old icons were kept there, among which the man had to find the image of the Mother of God and say a prayer.
It was not immediately that the church authorities blessed the sufferer to begin the search - without permission to the bell tower you can only climb Bright Week. The holy face was right under our feet - one of the steps of the staircase was made from an old icon. Noticing such sacrilege, the priests took out the icon and placed it in the temple. The peasant, having prayed, became healthy. And today the icon “Seven Arrows” has for believers great importance. She reminds us that every sin, every evil word or even a thought painfully wounds the Mother of God to the very soul.
It is believed that today this image is in the Church of Righteous Lazarus in Vologda. The old church where it was found has not survived, only the worship cross remains. Believers make pilgrimages here. According to the composition, color scheme Both icons are very similar, so you can read the same prayers next to them.
A rather ancient image of “Softening Evil Hearts” was acquired during the 2nd World War. It was on the right bank of the Don, where Italians fighting for Germany fought. The Allied soldiers found an icon in one of the destroyed houses and handed it over to the chaplain. Locals claimed that the image was previously in the Belogorsk Monastery.
During the retreat in 1943, the priest took the icon to his home. A special chapel was built at home in Venice. Russians still come here to pray to their “Madonna of the Don.”
The meaning of the holy image
Another name for the icon is “Simeon’s Prophecy”, i.e. prediction of St. Simeon. This is connected with the gospel story. Of course, no one literally pierced the Blessed Virgin with either swords or arrows. The meaning of the “Seven Shot” icon is symbolic; the image of a sharp weapon helps to better understand its theological meaning. Through her, the Mother of God herself calls on all people - both believers and non-believers - to become kinder, and this is possible only through repentance.
Although the Savior's suffering on the cross is long in the past, the Most Pure One continues to suffer. After all, there, near the cross, she became the mother of everyone who is born from an earthly woman. How a mother must suffer, seeing that her children continue to kill each other, quarrel, hate, deceive, steal...
People who have received forgiveness from their evil deeds from the time of Adam have not stopped - they continue to serve their weaknesses. Therefore, every unrighteous act, every harsh word spoken to a neighbor, even a sinful thought - these are the very daggers that wound the innocent Mother of God every day. Such a visual image was chosen so that even the most entrenched in sin heart would tremble and begin to turn to the Lord.
The veneration of Our Lady has deep theological roots - being by birth an ordinary woman, She was able to accommodate herself to the infinite Lord. Thus, she became a kind of new creature - higher than ordinary human nature. The icon “Softening Evil Hearts” shows the way to God for those who have not yet found Him. She is hope for those who want to ascend from earth to Heaven.
Theologians made associations between the Mother of God and the Church. Just as Christ became incarnate on earth through a woman’s body, so through the body of the Church he continues to dwell here. Sin entered heaven through Eve, through feminine has now received full redemption in the form of a Savior.
Where is the icon
Nowadays, there is a miraculous list of the icon “Softening Evil Hearts.” It is located in Moscow, in the temple on Devichye Pole (Sportivnaya metro station, Church of the Archangel Michael). The icon is sometimes transported around the country.
- In 2004, the list was brought to the Tolga Monastery, where during prayer services an abundant release of fragrant myrrh was observed.
- In 2008, the icon was in Ryazan, where the myrrh-streaming was repeated.
In the village of Bachurino there is a printed image made to order for one woman. After it began to stream myrrh, the owner gave it to the Church, and now the icon of the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” is taken around the cities of Russia.
What do they pray to the icon for?
Usually on icons the Mother of God appears as a prayer book, a protector of sinners, and near this image you want to protect her. And this can be done - if you stop sinning, get rid of at least one of your vices. This is exactly what the “Softening Evil Hearts” icon helps with. Before her they pray for the conversion of those who have stopped going to church or have no faith at all. The image helps to pacify those at war - be it relatives, friends or work colleagues.
The prayer to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” should be especially warm and sincere. The Holy Fathers advise building communication with higher powers according to a simple diagram:
- glorify God;
- thank Him (for everything that is);
- repent of offenses against the commandments;
- to ask for what is necessary - spiritual needs must come first.
The Gospel also recommends reconciliation with loved ones before turning to the Lord. If a person only verbally demonstrates his faith, then there is something wrong with it. When repentance is real, it requires visible works. You can pray little, but do the right thing. And such a prayer, albeit short, will please God.
Prayer to the icon Softening Evil Hearts
Troparion, tone 4
Soften our evil hearts, Mother of God, and extinguish the misfortunes of those who hate us, and resolve all the tightness of our soul, for looking at Your holy image, we are touched by Your suffering and mercy for us and we kiss Your wounds, but we are horrified by the arrows of ours, who torment You. Do not let us, O Merciful Mother, perish in our hard-heartedness and from the hard-heartedness of our neighbors, for You are truly the Softener of evil hearts.
Prayer
O many-spirited Mother of God, Higher than all the daughters of the earth, in Your purity and in the multitude of sufferings You have transferred to the earth, accept our much-painful sighs and keep us under the shelter of Your mercy. For you know of no other refuge and warm intercession, but since you have the boldness to be born of You, help and save us with Your prayers, so that we may without stumbling reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where with all the saints we will sing praises in the Trinity to the One God, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.
What you need to know about the icon Softening Evil Hearts
Many people know that the “Softening of Evil Hearts” icon, beloved and revered by all Orthodox people, has a sister named “Seven Shots”. Outwardly, they are very similar; both depict the image of the Virgin Mary with seven swords or arrows pierced into her chest. The Russian Orthodox Church, considering them to be editions (varieties) of a common iconographic type, recognizes their identity and unites the days of celebration. Talking about one of them, it is impossible not to remember the other.
Are there any differences between these two icons?
The external difference between the “sisters” is only that the icon “Softening Evil Hearts,” a photo of which is presented at the beginning of the article, depicts the Mother of God with three swords stuck on the left, three on the right, and one on the bottom. The “Seven Shot” icon depicts four swords on the left and three on the right. However, this feature is often ignored by icon painters. Often you see an inscription on an icon that does not correspond to the location of the swords. By the way, sometimes there can be arrows instead of swords. What does this weapon symbolize, piercing the chest of the Blessed Virgin? There are two interpretations of this image accepted in the Orthodox Church.
Gospel interpretation of the image
The first of them relates this symbolism to a famous episode from the New Testament. The Gospel tells how on the appointed day the Baby Jesus was brought to the temple, as required by the Law of Moses. In the temple, the Mother of God with Jesus in her arms and her betrothed Joseph were met by an old priest named Simeon. He was righteous and spent his life in fasting and prayer.
For many years, the words of the Holy Scriptures lived in his soul, which predicted the birth of the Son of God from a virgin. Seeing Mary with Jesus in her arms, he saw God in him through the Holy Spirit. Filled with the consciousness of the fulfilled prophecy, Simeon turned to Mary with words in which he told about the greatness of what had happened, but predicted Her suffering as a result of the atoning sacrifice made by Her son.
Simeon's prophecy
In his words addressed to Mary, he likened suffering to a weapon piercing the soul. Such an interpretation gave rise to the fact that the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” received another, unofficial, name - “Simeon’s Prophecy.” It is no coincidence that suffering is represented in the form of swords, and in some icons - arrows. In any version, a weapon is a symbol of shed blood.
The answer to the question of why it is customary to depict seven swords on an icon can be found in biblical texts. The number seven always symbolizes the completeness and redundancy of something. It is precisely the fullness of the suffering of the Mother of God, who saw her Son crucified on the cross for atonement for the sins of the whole world, that should be expressed by the seven swords piercing Her chest.
The Orthodox Church also accepts a different interpretation of the image. In accordance with it, the icon expresses the suffering of the Mother of God caused to Her by human sins. The number seven symbolizes the seven deadly sins spoken of in the Holy Scriptures. This topic is so important that it is worth dwelling on it in more detail.
Sins that destroy a person's soul
It is curious that in the tradition of the early Christian Church of the East, the so-called “eightfold” scheme for calculating sins was adopted. It became “septenary”, accepted in our church, only in the 6th century. It was introduced by Pope Gregory I, who went down in history under the name Gregory the Great. In some modern schemes, the order of sins leading to the destruction of the soul changes, but pride is always recognized as the most serious of them. It is she who pushes people to a variety of unseemly acts, and sometimes even to crimes. Following pride are listed stinginess, envy, anger, lust, gluttony (gluttony) and despondency. It is not by chance that it is included in this black list. Dejection is always generated by a person’s lack of faith in the omnipotence of God and His help.
Where did the image come from?
“Softening Evil Hearts” is an icon of North Russian origin. Tradition says that the creation of the original miraculous image dates back to ancient times. However, an analysis of the icon, painted on canvas pasted on a board, forces us to attribute its appearance to the 18th century. Obviously this is a list made from an earlier example. In pre-revolutionary years, the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” was located in one of the monasteries in the Vologda province.
The legend of the acquisition of a miraculous image
Tradition has preserved for us the story of the miraculous appearance of this image. It tells how a peasant who lived near Vologda suffered from lameness for many years. No matter how much he turned to doctors and healers, he received no help. He had already humbled himself and was ready to bear this cross until the end of his days.
But then one day in a dream, a peasant heard a mysterious voice, commanding him to go to the Theological Church for healing, and there, in the bell tower, where the old, dilapidated icons were kept, to find the image of the Most Holy Theotokos and pray in front of it. With all his soul the peasant believed what he heard and went to church. However, it took a long time to persuade the clergy to allow him to undertake the search. Only after asking three times did they go up to the bell tower with him.
Here, to their horror, they actually discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary, covered with a layer of dirt. It was used as a simple board on the stairs. This was the icon “Softening Evil Hearts.” There was obvious sacrilege, because the image, even if old, was stepped on while climbing the stairs. When the icon was thoroughly washed, it was taken to the church and prayed for. Soon the lameness left the peasant.
A new miracle revealed by the icon
Miracles revealed by holy icons are not uncommon in Rus'. So the miraculous icon “Softening Evil Hearts” could have been lost among other holy images, if not for a new miracle that glorified it. In previous centuries, epidemics often occurred in our country, sometimes claiming tens of thousands of lives. One such epidemic occurred in 1830. Having captured the North of Russia, it caused terrible devastation in Vologda.
With the blessing of the ruling bishop, the icon of the Mother of God “Softening Evil Hearts” was transferred to Vologda and placed in one of the churches of the city. Pious townspeople greeted the shrine with a religious procession. The flow of people to her never ceased. This is not surprising, because the prayer to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” brought healing from illnesses and help in everyday troubles.
Unfortunately, the fate of the icon after the revolution is unknown. In 1930, the Church of St. John the Theologian, where the image was located, was closed, and services there resumed today. But that icon disappeared without a trace.
The appearance of a new miraculous icon
Nowadays, another miraculous image has been found, known as the “Softening Evil Hearts” icon, streaming myrrh. She is unique in many ways. First of all, this miraculous icon was made in a typographical way, which in such cases is quite rare. Only the providence of God, unknown to us, can explain the fact that this icon, bought in a simple church shop, was suddenly filled with a life unknown to us. Many who approached her testify: they were left with the feeling that they were communicating with a living being.
The miraculous appearance of this icon was preceded by tragic events. In the fall of 1997, another myrrh-streaming icon, the “Iverskaya-Montreal” icon, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. This happened on the day of the martyrdom of its guardian. However, it is gratifying to realize that the Most Holy Theotokos did not abandon the Orthodox people. A short time later, one pious Muscovite named Margarita bought the image “Softening Evil Hearts” in a church shop.
Icon exuding myrrh
At first glance, the icon was no different from other icons on display. The woman brought it home and placed it on a shelf among other images. Miracles began immediately. Margarita noticed drops appearing on the surface of the icon. It turned out that it was myrrh. The myrrh-streaming icon “Softening Evil Hearts” began to respond to all somewhat important events taking place in the world.
Before the explosions of houses in the capital in 1999, it was noticed that the face of the Virgin Mary on the icon suddenly changed. Dark circles under the eyes became sharply visible, and the smell of incense spread throughout the apartment. On the day of the tragic death of the Kursk submarine, bleeding wounds appeared on the surface of the image. From then on, it was like this: the image constantly streams myrrh, and on the eve of tragic events it becomes covered with drops of blood.
There is also plenty of evidence that praying to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” brings healing from illnesses. Such facts are recorded in a special journal.
World famous miraculous image
Now the icon “Softening Evil Hearts,” whose importance is constantly growing, travels a lot around the world. A precious ark was made for her, and a chapel was built in the Moscow region. When the election of the new Patriarch of All Rus' took place in Moscow in 2009, the myrrh-streaming icon was in the hall where this historical event took place.
The wonderful properties of the image are also manifested in the fact that it literally chooses its own travel routes. The keeper of the icon - the husband of the very Margarita to whom the image appeared - testifies to the fact that it is impossible to outline anything in advance. Everything happens according to the will of invisible forces. What seemed simple turns out to be unrealistic, and the incredible is accomplished easily and simply. The icon “Softening Evil Hearts,” the photo of which ends the article, is this famous icon. She never stops helping people.
Troparion to the miraculous icon
The troparion to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” amazes with the depth of feeling and thought contained in it. Even people who are not churchgoers, but who have a sensitive soul and a kind heart, cannot listen to him indifferently. It is very characteristic that it begins with a request for the softening of our own hearts and ends with words about deliverance from death in our own hard-heartedness and the hard-heartedness of our neighbors. The great truth is contained in this troparion: the path to improving the world begins with oneself, but one should follow this path only with the help of God.
Akathist to the miraculous image
In terms of spiritual mood, the akathist to the icon “Softening Evil Hearts” is also close to the troparion. In printed publications, its text is preceded by an indication that it should be read in case of any manifestations of hostility, be it confrontation in the family or at work. They resort to it when someone tries to rise above others or humiliate their neighbor. And although by its nature the akathist is, first of all, a hymn of praise, everywhere one can see the idea that we are God’s creations and are powerless without his help. Created in the image and likeness of God, we must be worthy of our Creator and His Most Pure Mother.
Icon from the Don shores
There is an interesting story connected with the “Softening Evil Hearts” icon that happened during the Second World War. On the banks of the Don, near the city of Pavlovsk, there was an Italian military unit that fought on the side of the Germans. Soviet artillery fired massively at the area where the Italians were located. Wanting to hide from the fire and save themselves from certain death, the soldiers hid in chalk caves, which are found in abundance on the banks of the river. And then one of the Italians found an ancient icon in the cave labyrinths.
This was one of the copies from the “Softening Evil Hearts” icon. When the fire died down, he took it to the regimental chaplain. Italians are also Christians, although they profess Catholicism. The chaplain, realizing the value of the find, placed the icon in the camp church. It soon became clear that the found icon had previously been located in a cave monastery blown up by the Bolsheviks. The Italians called it the Don Icon in honor of the river on the banks of which they found it.
The miraculous image brought these Italians alive from the fire of that terrible war, who had become bargaining chips in someone else’s ruthless political game. Veterans of the regiment testified that they saw their relatives again only thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God, sent down through the icon, which they continue to call Donskaya.
Thus, the Most Pure Mother of God shows her help and mercy through icons that are very close and similar, like sisters. These are the “Softening of Evil Hearts”, the “Seven Arrow” icon and the “Donskaya” icon, now kept in Italy. They belong to a single iconographic type and are united in their spiritual content.
That's how amazing it is - the ancient icon “Softening Evil Hearts.” What does she protect us all from? Probably from ourselves, from our malice and anger. And if, after prayers addressed to the icon, the heart of each of us softens, then the arrows of suffering will stop piercing the chest of the Most Holy Theotokos.
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