Commemorated on March 7
The Icon of the Mother of God “Surety of Sinners” is known by this
name because of the inscription on the icon: “I am the Surety of sinners
for My Son Who has entrusted Me to hear them, and those who bring Me
the joy of hearing them will receive eternal joy through Me.” The Mother
of God embraces Her Child, Who holds Her right hand with both His hands
so that Her thumb is in His right hand, and Her small finger in His
left hand. This is the gesture of one who gives surety for another.
Although
we do not know when or by whom the icon was originally painted, it is
believed that the basis of the icon is to be found in the Akathist to
the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos: “Rejoice, You Who offer Your
hands in surety for us to God.”
In 1848, through the zeal of Lt.
Col. Demetrius Boncheskul, a copy of the wonderworking “Surety of
Sinners” Icon was made and placed in his home. Soon it began to exude a
healing myrrh, which was given to many so they might recover their
health after grievous illnesses. Boncheskul donated this wonderworking
copy to the church of Saint Nicholas at Khamovniki in Moscow, where a
chapel was built in honor of the icon.
The “Surety of Sinners” Icon is also commemorated on May 29 and on Thursday of the week of All Saints.
SOURCE:
SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2016(with 2015's link here also and further: 2014 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, and even 2008!):
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