The icon of the Theotokos with the seven swords is also called “The Prophecy of Symeon the Righteous” or “the Softener of Evil Hearts” and depicts the Mother of God with three swords to her left, three to her right and one from beneath. This is based on the prophecy of Saint Symeon the God-Bearer, who foretold the pain that the Mother of God would suffer in being separated from her beloved Son.
This icon used to be located in the bell tower of a church near the river Tosin. However, a man suffering many illnesses named Kantikov saw in a dream that he needed to find this icon and pray before it if he wished to become well. After much searching, Kantikov found the icon, cleaned it, venerated it and was healed. From that time, it has been considered a miracle-working icon. In addition, this icon is said to have streamed with tears on September 11, 2001 when the Twin Towers collapsed. Its feast day is the 13th of August.
