In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Christianity, the Joy of All Who Sorrow (Russian: Всех скорбящих Радость) is a title given to the Theotokos (Mary, the mother of Jesus). The iconography is specifically Russian, without Byzantine precedent.
It is also a type of icon that depicts the Theotokos in a specific manner, standing beneath her Son, who is in Heaven as a king, and surrounded by people and angels. In addition, specific hymns are dedicated to celebrating her role of bringing hope and salvation into the world, thus becoming joy for all who sorrow:
- "To Thee, the champion leader, do we Thy servants dedicate a hymn of victory and thanksgiving, as ones who have been delivered from eternal death by the Grace of Christ our God Who was born of Thee and by Thy maternal mediation before Him. As Thou dost have invincible might, free us from all misfortunes and sorrowful circumstances who cry aloud:
- Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of Grace, Joy of all who sorrow!"
Many Orthodox parishes are named "Joy of all who Sorrow" and specific commemoration of the Joy of all who Sorrow is on July 23, on Orthodox calendars.
Famous quotes containing the words joy of, joy and/or sorrow:
“I wish you joy of your unhappiness, since you cling to it so.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“But every insight from this realm of thought is felt as initial, and promises a sequel. I do not make it; I arrive there, and behold what was there already. I make! O no! I clap my hands in infantine joy and amazement, before the first opening to me of this august magnificence, old with the love and homage of innumerable ages, young with the life of life, the sunbright Mecca of the desert.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Renunciation remains sorrow, though a sorrow borne willingly.”
—George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)