The Miraculous Icon of the Seven-Shooter Holy Mother of God: Protector from Evil and Peacemaker of Hearts

The miracle-working Seven-Shooter Icon of the Holy Mother of God is one of the most popular icons to place in the home of an Orthodox family. This is because it protects against the evil eye, evil thoughts, and harmful words. It is usually placed in an entryway to protect the home or office whenever someone enters. 

Although this icon is deeply loved by Orthodox Christians, perhaps not everyone is familiar with its symbolism and miracle-working power. That is why, in this article, we decided to tell you a little more about the holy image of the Seven-Shooter Icon of the Holy Mother of God. 

What the Seven-Shooter Icon of the Holy Mother of God Symbolizes 

In the image, the Mother of God is depicted with arrows pointing toward her heart. These seven arrows symbolize the prophecy of St. Simeon the God-Receiver concerning the sorrow of the Most Holy Virgin during the Crucifixion of Her Son, Jesus Christ: “and a sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:35).

The seven arrows symbolize the sufferings that the Mother of God endured from the moment of Simeon’s prophecy until Christ’s burial. These two stages encompass events such as the flight into Egypt, learning of the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem, Jesus disappearing from the temple, the meeting of mother and son while he carried his cross, the Crucifixion, and the Descent from the Cross.

What the Seven-Shooter Icon of the Holy Mother of God Helps With 

Also known as the “Simeon Prophecy” and the “Softening of Evil Hearts,” this icon of the Holy Mother of God is venerated and prayed to with faith and humility. It is believed to protect against magic, negative thoughts, and envious intentions, drive away evil spirits, and express the soul’s need for mercy and tolerance. Prayers before this icon not only protect against evil but are also offered to improve family relationships and bring reconciliation in disputes and quarrels between loved ones and relatives.

The miracle-working icon is considered a comforter and peacemaker that helps resolve conflicts and eliminate hostility. It is believed to have the power to reconcile warring peoples and provide protection from enemy attacks.

The Miracles of the Seven-Shooter Icon of the Holy Mother of God  

The most remarkable testimony to the miracles of the icon comes from Russia. One of the first documented miracles took place in the Vologda region, where a sick peasant dreamed of the icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God. He heard a voice telling him to find it in the bell tower of the Church of St. John the Theologian and pray before it. The sick man managed to find the icon, even though it was so darkened that the bell ringers, mistaking it for an ordinary board, stepped on it. As soon as the icon was cleaned and a prayer service was held in the church, the peasant was immediately healed. 

Another miracle involving the icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God dates back to 1830. During a cholera epidemic, the residents of the city of Vologda held a procession with the icon, and the disease soon disappeared. 

PRAYER to the icon of the Seven-Shot Mother of God  

O greatly sorrowful Mother of God, You who surpass all the daughters of earth in Your purity and in the multitude of sufferings You endured on earth!

Receive our sighs of great sorrow and keep us beneath the shelter of Your mercy. We have no other refuge or fervent intercessor but You. But since You have boldness before Him whom You bore, help us and save us through Your prayers, so that we may reach the Kingdom of Heaven without hindrance and there, with all the saints, praise the one God in Trinity, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen!

Most Gracious Queen, my hope, Mother of God, Protector of orphans and Advocate for strangers, Joy of the sorrowful and Guardian of the oppressed! You see my distress; You see my sorrow. Help me, for I am weak; guide me, for I am a stranger. You know my plight—deliver me as You will. For I have no other Helper, Advocate, or gracious Comforter but You, O Mother of God. Preserve me and shelter me forever and ever. Amen!

TROPARION

Soften our evil hearts, Most Holy Mother of God, drive away the attacks of those who hate us, and deliver our souls from every affliction. As we gaze upon Your holy image, we are moved by Your mercy toward us, we venerate the sufferings You endured, and we kiss Your wounds, filled with dread at our sins, which, like arrows, wound Your soul.

Do not let us perish, O Merciful Mother, in the hardness of our hearts or because of the cruelty of our fellow human beings, for You truly have the gift of softening evil hearts.