Commemorated on May 5The "Inexhaustible Chalice" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was revealed in Russia in 1878. A retired soldier from Tula had spent his pension on alcohol, ruining his health. Though he was no longer able to walk, he continued to drink.
One night a holy Elder appeared to him in a dream and told him to go to the Serpukhov monastery of the Mother of God. "Have a Molieben served before her Icon "The Inexhaustible Chalice." Since he had no money and could not walk, the man paid no attention to the dream. Then the Elder appeared a second and third time, speaking to him with increasing severity.
Crawling on all fours, the man reached the next village and stayed in the home of an old woman. She rubbed his legs, and he began to feel better. The next day, he resumed his journey with two canes, then with one, until he arrived at the monastery.
He described his dreams to the monks, but none of them had ever heard of "The Inexhaustible Chalice" Icon. Finally, one of them remembered an icon on which a chalice was depicted. On the back of the icon was an inscription, "The Inexhaustible Chalice." After the Molieben, the peasant returned home restored to health, and cured of his alcoholism.
News of the miracle spread, and many alcoholics and their families came to pray before the Icon. Many of them came back to thank the Mother of God for answering their prayers. Every Sunday in the Serpukhov-Vyotsk monastery a Molieben with an Akathist is served before the Icon for those who are addicted to alcohol.
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SAINT OR FEAT POSTED THIS DATE 2008:
As one who once suffered from alcoholism this story echos in me. Particularly where he begins to get well as soon as he begins to do something (follow the elders words)
ReplyDeleteI know that was the first step in my recovery, admitting my problem and seeking help. The words of the Moleben should be more widely known as well as this icon of the Theotokos.
Joe Quinton
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI too have suffered. I received this Akathist several years ago from my priest and have incorporated it into my prayer rule ever since.
In Las Vegas there is an annual AA Roundup and this icon somehow became a part of it. Interesting ey?