Prayer to the Holy Spirit

My bountiful God, I beseech Thee, listen to my humble prayer, that I may ever feel that the married state is holy and that I must keep it holy. Grant Thy grace that I may never sin against the faithfulness and love of this marriage. Foster between us the spirit of understanding and of peace, that no strife, quarrel or misunderstanding, may arise between us. Grant us health and our daily bread, whereby we may serve Thee more. Amen.

«You should respect your wives. If you don’t feel love, they will suffer and think that they are a means for your enjoyment, and they will feel terrible themselves... A woman wants love to be satisfied with her husband. She has a more delicate heart because she will raise children, and her condition is sensitive. She has tenderness. She doesn't want ribaldries and no dignities. That's why she gets hurt when they treat her like a ‘piece of meat’ and don’t care about her feelings.»

In front of this icon the vigil of the Saturday of the Akathistos Hymn was held from a very early date. After the end of this vigil, and in front of this icon, it happened on one occasion that the weary first cantor of the Lavra, and former chief musician of the Palace, St Ioannes Koukouzeles, had started to doze in his stall when he saw the Blessed Virgin before him.