Russian Icon - Our Lady of Unexpected Joy

Our Lady of Unexpected Joy depicts the story about the sinful youth, who was praying to the icon of the Mother of God before going out to commit a sin. Suddenly, he saw that wounds appeared on the Christ's hands, feet, and side, and blood flowed from them. The Mother of God miraculously spoke to him, "You and other sinners because of your sins, crucify Christ anew." Shocked with the vision for a long time he prayed with tears to the All-Pure Mother of God and the Savior for mercy. Finally, he received the unexpected joy of the forgiveness of his sins. Thus he grew in his spirit and totally changed his life.