Consolation of all the Afflicted

 

The general composition of the icon represents the Christian concept of the Universe and is divided into three distinct parts: the earth, Heaven, and the Kingdom of God (Paradise). In the center of its upper part, sitting on clouds supported by cherubim, is Jesus Christ arrayed in royal vestments. Standing before Him is the Heavenly Queen holding in Her hand a scroll with a prayer for His mercy towards the people. On Her right and left are angels of various orders and down below, rolling ground with humankind on it. Among the people are angels consoling them. In the center a church is depicted. In their hands the angels are holding scrolls praising the Mother of God. The protograph of the icon, known to have existed since 1643, was kept in the Churuch of the Transfiguration of the Savior in Moscow. On September 24,1688, the icon cured Evfimia, the sister of Patriarch loakim of Moscow and All Russia. In 1711, Tsarevna Natalia Alexeyevna brought the holy image to St. Petersburg. From the mid-19th century, numerous copies of the icon began to appear. Its earlier versions show a full-length figure of the Theotokos with the Infant on Her left arm and later ones depict Her together with the afflicted. Feast day: October 24/November 6.