Totemsk-Sumorin Icon of the Mother of God

The city of Tot'ma is located in the Vologda gubernia. Saint Theodosios contested nearby during the XVI century, and the spot was named Totemsk, after the place of his ascetical exploits. The residents of Tot'ma treated the aged Elder with reverence and helped him from their own means. When Venerable Theodosios wanted to build a monastery, they wrote to Tsar Ivan the Terrible petitioning him to allow Elder Theodosios to build a monastery in their city. Their request was granted, and in 1554 Archbishop Nikander of Rostov gave Elder Theodosios a charter to build a church and everything necessary for its consecration. At the same time, the Igoumen of the Savior-Priluki Monastery blessed Father Theodosios with an Icon of the Mother of God for his successful completion of the new monastery. The holy Elder brought this Icon to Tot'ma.

After the Saint's repose in 1568, the wonderworking Icon was placed in a kiosk before his shrine in the Monastery's Ascension Church. In 1919, the Savior-Sumorin Monastery was closed. The Icon disappeared, and the relics of Saint Theodosios were confiscated by the Soviet authorities and placed in a storeroom of the Vologda Museum. Since 1998 his relics have been kept in the church of the Nativity of Christ at Tot'ma, since the Savior-Sumorin Monastery was in a dilapidated state. Iconographers restored the Totemsk-Sumorin Icon, and on May 10, 2002, the holy Icon was returned to Tot'ma. The church of the Nativity of Christ was consecrated on the same day.

The wonderworking Icon is not only called Totemsk, but also Sumorin. The latter name is borrowed from the surname of Saint Theodosios — Sumorin. Both names are often combined and so the Icon is called the Totemsk-Sumorin Icon of the Mother of God, or even Savior-Sumorin.

This Icon of the Mother of God is renowned for its numerous miracles. Sometimes, in answer to their prayers, Saint Theodosios appears to sick people, holding the holy Icon in his hands, and healing them.

The Totemsk-Sumorin Icon is commemorated on January 28, and also on June 29.

We pray before the Sumorin-Totemskaya Icon for help in healing various diseases and addictions; facilitating childbirth and the birth of healthy children; obtaining strength to overcome life's turmoils; to search for a worthy spouse; as protection from enemies and those who wish us ill; solving domestic issues; consolation after the loss of loved ones; strengthening of faith; restoration of fortitude; and a return to the path of salvation.