Divine Liturgy in the church in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Vsetsaritsa”translated

On August 31, on the day of celebration in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “The All-Tsaritsa,” Metropolitan Theodosius of Samara and Novokuybyshevsk led the Divine Liturgy of the patronal feast in the church in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “The All-Tsarina” in the city of Samara. His Eminence was served by the clergy of the church and the clergy of the Samara Metropolis. Liturgical chants were performed by the mixed choir of the Samara Theological Seminary and a mixed children's choir. During the service, the clergy and parishioners offered prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos, asking for Her intercession, help and strengthening for all who turn to Her in illness and life’s trials. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God “The All-Tsarina” (“Pantanassa”) resides on Holy Mount Athos, in the Vatopedi Monastery. The small-sized image was painted in the 17th century. In the icon, the Most Holy Theotokos is depicted sitting on the royal throne with the Infant Christ in her arms. The Savior holds a scroll in his left hand and blesses those praying with his right hand. The Mother of God points to Her Divine Son as the Savior of the world.

Behind the throne are depicted two Angels, reverently overshadowing the Most Pure One with their wings. An ancient Athonite legend is associated with the image. One day to the icon...