The Akathist Hymn, which is chanted on the first five successive Fridays of Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, is dedicated ...

According to an early sixteenth century Russian manuscript, "The Tale of Miracles of the Icon of the Tikhvin Mother of God," the Theotokos herself decided ... praying before the icon to seek healing ...

Thus, when on this and other feasts the Orthodox Church honors the Theotokos, the Mother of God, it is not just because God chose her but also because she herself chose to follow His will. The icon of ...