The Holy Church solemnly glorifies the “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God. This feast is celebrated to honor many miracles manifested by the Lord to those who appealed in prayer to His Most Pure Mother in sorrow, trouble and illness.

The miraculous event of the merciful intercession of the Mother of God depicted by icon painters took place at the end of the 17th century. A young man, tormented by passion, came to the icon of the Queen of Heaven seeking Her help. He knew that his passion is a force capable to destroy his soul. But the Queen of Heaven inclined to show mercy and spiritually heal him.

The “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God is especially revered by the faithful. The Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery has a skete consecrated in honor of this icon. It celebrated the patronal feast today. On the eve of the feast, Rev. Fr. Daniel Gatin from the monastery served the All-Night Vigil with litya followed by the paraklesis with the water blessing prayer service and the Divine Liturgy on the feast day.

“O Mother of the Most High God, the Most Pure One, give help and intercede for Thy servants who appeal in faith to Thy sovereign protection cover, for we, the sinners, have no other deliverance in times of trouble and sorrow as we are burdened with many sins,” we appealed to the Queen of Heaven today.

The feast concluded with the procession around the church and the Rite of Panagia.