Orthodox calendar: October 28 - feast of the icon of the Mother of God “Control of the Loaves”translated

22nd Week after Pentecost.

Today, October 28, 2026, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the martyr. Sarvila and Vebei of Edessa (c. 98-117); prmch. Lucian, presbyter of Antioch (312); St. Savina, ep. Katansky (760); St. Euthymius the New, Thessalonica (889); St. Athanasia isp., bishop. Kovrovsky (1962); sschmch. Lucian of Pechersk (1243); St. John, bishop Suzdal (1373); sschmch. Simeon the Presbyter (1918); sschmch. Demetrius the Presbyter (1942); Icon of the Mother of God “Spreader of the Loaves” (XIX).

Fast day.

The icon of the Mother of God, called the “Spreader of the Loaves,” was painted with the blessing of the Elder of the Vvedenskaya Optina Hermitage, Hieroschemamonk Ambrose (11/23/1812 - 10/10/1891). Father Ambrose, the great Russian ascetic of the 19th century, burned with childlike faith in the Mother of God. He especially honored all the feasts of the Mother of God and intensified his prayer on these days. With the icon “Spreader of the Loaves,” Father Ambrose blessed the Shamordino Convent, which he founded near the Optina Monastery in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

In this icon, the Mother of God is depicted sitting on clouds. Her arms are open in blessing. Below is a compressed field, and on it, among herbs and flowers, sheaves of rye stand and lie. Elder...