The Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most favorite Orthodox holidays, which is celebrated on October 14. Many icons are dedicated to him. They depict the Virgin Mary, stretching her cover as a sign of special protection. That is how this holiday was interpreted in Russia.
History of the Feast of the Protection of the Holy Virgin
The basis of the Orthodox holiday of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary was the event that occurred, according to legend, in Constantinople in the first half of the 10th century (in 910).
The life of Blessed Andrei the Holy One tells of the appearance of the Mother of God in the Blachernae Church, witnessed by Andrei himself and his student Epiphanius. In those days, the capital of Byzantium was besieged by the Saracens. In the Blachernae church, sacred relics were stored - the vestments of the Most Holy Virgin, part of her belt and omorph (headdress).
Fleeing from enemies, many residents of the city took refuge in the temple in the hope of the mercy and intercession of the Queen of Heaven. During the all-night blessed Andrew and his disciple had a vision. Accompanied by angels, John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, the Virgin Mary went to the altar, prayed for people, and then took off the maforium (cloak) and, holding it, spread it over all those gathered in the temple. It was as if I wanted to stand up for them before the Savior and shelter from possible troubles. This miracle marked the beginning of a special church service in honor of the Mother of God.
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Intercession since 1164. And in 1165, Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky built a temple on the Nerl River, consecrated in honor of the Intercession.
