SIZE: 8 3/4" x 7 1/4"
The "Unexpected Joy" Icon shows a room where an
icon of the Virgin Mary is present, and a young man is kneeling at prayer beneath it.
The icon represents the story by Dimitry Rostovsky about the sinful youth, who was praying one day before the icon of the Virgin Mary before going out to commit a sin. Suddenly, he saw that wounds appeared on the Lord's hands, feet, and side, and blood flowed from them. The
Mother of God told, "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 Virgin Mary and the Christ 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.
Feast Days. January 25/Feb. and May 1/14.
