On June 11th (May 29th, old style) the Church celebrates the icon of the Mother of God “Surety of sinners.”

The surety of sinners! What a profound thought is contained in these words!… Men have sinned. The righteous judgment of God has deemed men worthy of punishment and perdition. But in the high heavens there is a vigilant Intercessor for them: the Mother of God battles for their salvation. She searches for means to bring man to repentance. Even when man is not yet thinking of correction, She offers surety to God that man will reform himself…

The image on the icon of the Mother of God “Surety of Sinners” is as follows: the Mother of God is depicted to the waist, with Her left hand holding the Divine Infant, Who is clasping the Theotokos’ right hands with both His hands, as is customary when concluding an agreement. In the four corners of the icon is written: “I am the Surety of Sinners before My Son; He gave Me His hands for them, to hear Me out, so that those who bring me joy forthwith, will obtain eternal joy through Me.” How much comfort, how many happy promises for the faithful are contained within these words, that Christ “has given His hands,” i.e. has faithfully promised His Mother that He will always listen to Her entreaties!

This icon appeared in Russia, in one of the monasteries of the Orel diocese, and for a long time remained unknown and unattended in one of the chapels behind the monastery gates. The icon was so covered with grime and dust from the passage of time that the image could barely be discerned, while the inscription could not be deciphered at all.