During the earthly life, the Virgin suffered a lot. The most severe test was the execution of Jesus Christ. After death, all her suffering was compensated by glory and heavenly joy. As a mother, she understands all human suffering and helps everyone who addresses her. She does not condemn the human race, but pities him and asks God for forgiveness for every person. All this is displayed by the icon “Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. In honor of this, there is one of the great holidays of the same name. It is celebrated on October 1 (14 according to the old style).
A wonderful event before the holiday
In the 10th century, in Constantinople, the capital of the Greek Empire, during the attack of a large Saracen army, the inhabitants of the city gathered in the Blachernae Church. At that time, the robe and the headdress of the Mother of God were kept here. Together they prayed to God, asking him for help and salvation from enemies. During the prayer, St. Andrew looked up and saw the Virgin, walking through the air over the arches of the church, surrounded by angels and saints. Together with the inhabitants, She prayed for a long time with tears in her eyes, crying out for the salvation of the city. Then She approached the throne, removed the veil from her head and covered them with all those who prayed at that moment, protecting them from enemies. It is this event that the icon “The Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos” reflects. At dawn, the enemy army was defeated, and the city was saved.
What does the icon help
The icon "Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary" protects from troubles and troubles. Before her, they ask that all the bad pass the house. The Virgin Mary is asked for protection from all kinds of diseases, as well as for their cure, if they are already present. In addition, before this image they ask for protection from enemies visible and invisible.
It is recommended that in each house there is an icon of the “Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary”. Prayer before her image will protect not only your home, but also all those close to you from evil and misfortune. In its first lines there is a praise of the Virgin and Her Son, then confirmation that you believe in her strength and worship the miraculous image. And only then are requests made, after which again there is praise.
Icon Description
The icon of the "Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary" (photo below) united two worlds - heavenly and earthly. On it you can see the altar and naves of the Blachernae church. Here you can see the veil covering the image of the Mother of God. It is written in most cases in dark red tones. Roman Sladkopevets is depicted on the pulpit in the very center . In his hands is a scroll. Andrei stands in a dilapidated rags, showing the pupil Epiphanius a wonderful phenomenon. Near the Roman stands the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Byzantine emperor, monks and people. Above all, the Church of Heaven is depicted with prophets, saints, martyrs, among them John the Baptist, John the Theologian. In the very center of the icon is the Blessed Virgin Mary. She holds in her hands a gracious cover that can cover the whole Orthodox world.
Honored Lists Icons
The icon “Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary” has a sufficient number of venerable lists, many of which can be seen in Russian churches. So, lists from this icon are in Moscow in the Church of the Resurrection. In the capital, a venerable list is located in the Intercession Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, and there is a list in the Red Village in the Church of the Intercession. A revered copy of the icon is kept in the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Kharkov. There are similar venerable copies in the city of Novgorod, where the St. Nicholas Cathedral rises.