Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking Out the Lost” is a special depiction of the Mother of God in the Orthodox tradition, venerated as the patroness of those who find themselves in spiritual or physical crises, as well as those who have strayed from God or feel “lost.” She is often invoked as the one who intercedes for lost souls and shows them the way back to Christ.
Typically, this icon portrays the Mother of God Mary holding the Christ Child in her arms. Her expressive countenance conveys compassion and concern for those who are lost. In Orthodox prayers, the Mother of God “Seeking Out the Lost” is called upon as a powerful intercessor who helps the faithful rediscover the path to faith, hope, and God.
This icon is frequently used at special occasions and services for people in personal or spiritual crisis, and for those who have lost their connection to their faith. It symbolizes not only physical suffering but also the spiritual and emotional struggles from which Mary can rescue the faithful.
The exact origins of this iconography are unclear, but it is especially widespread in the Russian Orthodox tradition and is highly revered in various places throughout Russia.
Feast Day
- Julian calendar: February 5
- Gregorian calendar: February 18
Patronage
- Patroness of those who are spiritually or emotionally lost.
- For people ensnared in sin or guilt.
- For those who despair or feel far from God.
- For all who fall into mental distress or depression.
- Patroness for those who have strayed and seek conversion.
- For individuals who have lost their way in life and seek inner transformation or a new direction.
- For addicts, alcoholics, and everyone plagued by dependencies.
- Patroness of the physically lost or missing.
- For people who have disappeared or are missing.
- For families who worry about loved ones and hope to find them again.
- Patroness for protection and rescue in external distress.
- For the homeless and refugees who have “lost their home”.
- For the sick, the lonely, and those marginalized who often “fall through the cracks” and stand alone in their need.
- Patroness in times of despair and mortal danger.
- For those in life-threatening or hopeless situations.
- For all who need protection, support, and new hope.
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