Celebration of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Marytranslated

Today, October 14, the Holy Church celebrates a great event. We prayerfully celebrate the Protection of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. This holiday is one of the most beloved and revered among the people; it has been celebrated in Rus' since the 12th century. He reminds us of the perfect maternal love of the Mother of God for people and Her all-powerful protection in times of difficult trials. The holiday was established in honor of the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God, which took place in the Blachernae Church near Constantinople in the tenth century. During the all-night vigil, when the city was surrounded by pagan troops, Saint Andrew the Fool and his disciple Epiphanius were honored to see the Most Pure Virgin Mary praying with the saints for all those present in the temple. As a sign of protection, She spread Her cloth over the worshipers - an omophorion, taken from her head. This Veil became a great visible symbol of the intercession and intercession of the Most Pure Virgin before the Face of God. Through the prayers of believers, Constantinople was saved, and the besieging troops retreated.

In Rus', this holiday acquired special significance, combining in the popular consciousness the image of spiritual armor and maternal care. The Most Pure Mother always extends Her veil over the repentant, beseeching Her Son...