Diveyevo celebrated a patronal feast today: the house church of the monastery’s almshouse, a place of residence for the elderly nuns, was consecrated in the name of the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” icon of the Mother of God. Vespers service with the Akathist, the Vigil service, the Paraklesis with the water blessing prayer service and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated here.

Like any other church celebration, this feast guides us on our spiritual path and teaches us to discern about our afflictions.

As we get disheartened and murmur or our faith grows weaker, we are at fault as Christians. Once we, like others living in affliction, kneel before the Mother of God, our greatest Intercessor before the Lord, She answers by praying for us. As a result of Her intercessions, we receive His heavenly solace according to our faith and love.