Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God: signs, traditions, history. Holidays Kazan summer and Kazan winter (autumn)

On November 4, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, known as the Kazan Winter (Autumn) Icon. Kazan Summer is celebrated on July 21.

Finding of the Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Summer 1579. Part of Kazan was destroyed by a fire that started near the house of the merchant (according to other sources, the archer) Daniil Onuchin. His nine-year-old daughter Matrona has a dream in which the Mother of God turns to the girl with a request to find an icon in the ashes. He shows her the place where this icon was secretly hidden by Christians. The parents do not believe the girl, but the vision is repeated three times. The latter is more demanding. The girl’s mother told the Metropolitan of Kazan about this. In the presence of the people and clergy, the girl takes out the icon exactly where it was indicated to her. The found icon is transferred to the temple. Later (in 1595), on the site where the icon of the Mother of God was found, a Church and the Mother of God Convent were built. The first nun (later abbess) there will be Matrona, who took the name Martha. The day of the discovery of the icon will become a church holiday dedicated to the discovery of the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in the city of Kazan. People call this day “Kazan Summer”.

From this time on, the icon always patronizes the Russian people. Later, several lists (copies) will be made of the icon. In 1612, the image was transported by the people's militia to Moscow. Prince Dmitry Pozharsky leads the attack on the Polish gentry who settled in Moscow. They ask the Mother of God for help, and then storm Kitay-Gorod and the Kremlin. Victory remains with the militia. After the liberation of Moscow, the prince transferred the miraculous image to the cathedral, which was built on Red Square. Another Kazan Cathedral is located in St. Petersburg. By the 19th century, the Kazan image was the most revered icon in Rus'. The Kazan Icon helped Peter the Great win the Battle of Poltava, Kutuzov, who specially came to pray at the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Today in Moscow, the Kazan Cathedral rises on Red Square, and not far from it there is a monument to Minin and Pozharsky.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in front of Her icon called “Kazan”

O Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos! With fear, faith and love, before Thy honorable icon, we pray to Thee: do not turn Thy face away from those who come running to You, beseech the Merciful Mother, Thy Son and our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, that He may keep our country peaceful, and may He establish His Holy Church. will preserve the unshakable from unbelief, heresies and schism. There are no imams of any other help, no imams of other hope, except You, Most Pure Virgin: You are the All-Powerful Helper and Intercessor of Christians. Deliver all those who pray to You with faith from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from all temptations, sorrows, troubles and from vain death: grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of sinful lives and remission of sins, and let everyone praise greatness with gratitude. Yours, let us be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom and there, with all the saints, let us glorify the Most Honorable and Magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

They played at Kazan winter (autumn) weddings

The Feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was considered the boundary between autumn and winter. People said: “Go to Kazanskaya on wheels, and put the runners in the cart.”

People have always loved the Kazan winter (autumn) season: men returned to the villages from work, bringing money and gifts. At home, tables were set with intoxicating beer and pies for them. The whole village walked around.

Weddings were always played at the Kazan winter (autumn) festival. “Whoever marries Kazanskaya will be happy.” Girls who were unlucky with suitors also got their chance. It was necessary to approach a birch tree and find on the branches or on the ground a leaf covered with frost on both sides. Then it’s like looking into a mirror. From that moment on, the best suitors began to set their sights on the girl.

WHAT DOES THE KAZAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD HELP WITH?

Prayers in front of the image of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God can help you in many matters in life, and besides, they pray to Her in times of despondency, sadness and disaster, when there is no longer enough strength to fight adversity.
With the help of prayers in front of the image of the Kazan Mother of God, you can be cured of any disease, especially eye diseases and even blindness, not only physical, but also spiritual.
The image of the Mother of God and prayers to Her help to find the right solution to complex issues.
For many centuries, people placed the “Kazan” icon near a child’s crib, knowing that the Mother of God would look after the child and protect him, if necessary.
Also, since ancient times, the Kazan Icon has been used to bless newlyweds for a long and happy life. And, if the wedding falls on the day of the celebration of this icon, family life should be long and happy.

It must be remembered that icons or saints do not “specialize” in any specific areas. It will be right when a person turns with faith in the power of God, and not in the power of this icon, this saint or prayer.
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DISCOVERY OF THE KAZAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

The miracle of the discovery of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God occurred on July 8, 1579, several decades after Ivan the Terrible conquered the Kazan Khanate.
In June 1579, there was a big fire in Kazan, which destroyed a significant part of the city’s wooden buildings, and half of the Kazan Kremlin burned down.
Muslims rejoiced at the troubles and said that this Russian God was angry with Christians. But, as usually happens with God’s providence, the fire actually became the beginning of the spread of Orthodoxy in the Khanate.
The house of archer Daniil Onuchin, who was planning to build a new home in the same place, was also damaged in the fire. The work had almost begun, but his daughter Matrona, who was then ten years old, had a dream of the appearance of the Mother of God Herself, who indicated the place where Her icon lay under a layer of earth, which was thus hidden by Orthodox confessors in order to protect the image from desecration by Muslims . The Mother of God ordered to find this icon, but no one paid attention to the girl’s words; the adults were busy with their own affairs.
Three times the Holy Mother appeared to Matrona, again and again She indicated the place where the miraculous icon was hidden. The girl still managed to persuade her mother to help in the search, and finally they began to dig together in the indicated place. And a miracle happened, the icon was found!
All the clergy arrived at the place where the shrine was miraculously found. Archbishop Jeremiah took the found image of the Mother of God and solemnly transferred It to a nearby church in the name of St. Nicholas, and from there, after serving a prayer service, the shrine was transferred by procession to the very first Orthodox church in Kazan, which was built by order of Ivan the Terrible.
Immediately, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God began to work miracles; during the procession of the Cross, two blind men, Nikita and Joseph, regained their sight.
The newly found icon of the Mother of God very soon became a national shrine, because in this way Holy Mary showed a sign to the entire Russian Church. More than once, “Kazanskaya” showed the way to glory and victory for Orthodox soldiers, defenders of the Russian land, who fulfilled their duty to God and the Motherland.

While defending Rus' from the atrocities of the Poles, Prince Dmitry Mikhailovich Pozharsky began to gather an army. In Yaroslavl, Kazan warriors with the Kazan icon (with its copy), which they handed over to the prince, also joined the militia. With the icon and prayers of the Mother of God, the Russian army moved towards the capital. And at this time, in Moscow captured by the Poles, the captured Greek Archbishop Arseny († 1626; April 13) was located. One night a bright light appeared in his cell and he saw. The saint told Arseny that the Mother of God had interceded for our Fatherland and soon, by God’s mercy, Russia would be saved.
The Most Holy Theotokos took the Russian troops under Her protection; with Her help, two days later the Poles were expelled from the Kremlin and defeated, and through Her intercession Rus' was saved.

The day after this victory, in gratitude for the help in expelling the enemies, a procession of the cross was made with the miraculous Kazan Icon, to meet which Archbishop Arseny came out of the Kremlin. In his hands he held the miraculous medicine, which he had preserved in his captivity. According to the descriptions, all the people knelt before the image of their Intercessor.

After the Polish invaders were expelled from Moscow, Dmitry Pozharsky installed the holy Kazan icon in the Church of the Entry into the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was located in Moscow on Lubyanka.
After some time, the prince began to build the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square and in 1636, when the cathedral was erected, the shrine was moved to a new location.
November 4 (October 22, old style) was declared the day of celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in memory of the liberation from the Poles. At first this day was celebrated only in Moscow, but since 1649 this holiday became a state holiday.

Before the battle of Poltava, Peter the Great prayed before the icon of the Kazan Mother of God (in the village of Kaplunovka).
In 1812, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was given protection to Russian soldiers who defended Russian soil from French invaders. The first major military success of Russian soldiers in this war happened just on the holiday of the “autumn” Kazan icon; on this day (October 22, old style) the rearguard of the French army was defeated, Napoleonic army lost about seven thousand of its soldiers.
During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. miraculous image Kazan icon They were carried out in a religious procession in besieged Leningrad, a prayer service was served before the icon in Moscow, after which the icon was taken to Stalingrad. Where the miraculous icon was located, the enemy was defeated.

This icon is revered throughout Russia; there is not a single church where there is not a Kazan Icon. This image has been revered at all times, and if there is an image of the Mother of God in a family that is passed down by inheritance, in most cases it will be the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
Now this miraculous icon has been located in the Epiphany Patriarchal Cathedral in Moscow.

Kazanskaya Tobolskaya The icon of the Mother of God was found in 1661 and is located in the city of Tobolsk in the cathedral church. The story of the acquisition of this icon is as follows.

There was an apparition to Hierodeacon Ioannikios, who revealed to him that in the closet of the Church of the Three Hierarchs, facing the wall, there was an image of the Kazan Mother of God. By the command of God, they must build a church nearby in honor of this icon, consecrate it and bring it into the new church as a throne one. But the hierodeacon did not tell anyone about this vision. After some time, the saint visited him again and asked him why he did not tell the archimandrite about this. After this question, the vision disappeared, and the hierodeacon himself fell to the ground out of fear, glorified God, but was still afraid to say about it, “ so that there would be no confusion among the people, and for fear that they would not believe". He did not mention this even after the next, third vision of the saint.
And during the feast of the Kazan Icon, at Matins, Hierodeacon Ioannikiy suddenly lost consciousness and fell. As he later said, among the people he again saw the saint, who said:

“You read this and why don’t you believe it yourself? That image was in the ground, and this one stands in the porch facing the wall; why didn’t you tell about him?”

And he, shaking his hand at me, said:

“From now on, be decrepit until the divine work is completed.”

Having said this, he became invisible, and I fell to the ground out of fear and now I’m telling you.”

After people found out about this, they immediately paid homage to the Mother of God, consecrated the icon and built a church. The narrator noted that until that moment there had been rains that flooded the fields, the rivers began to overflow, like in spring, flooding houses, but as soon as they began to build the temple, everything calmed down, “the bread and vegetables have gotten better since then.”

Kaplunovskaya The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is located in the village of Kaplunovka, Kharkov region.
In 1689, a gray-haired old man appeared in a dream to the pious priest of this village, John Umanov, who ordered him to buy from the Moscow icon painters, who would soon arrive, the eighth Kazan icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

"From her you will receive mercy and grace"

- said this old man. After the icon was purchased, the Mother of God herself appeared to the priest in a dream and ordered to place this icon in the temple. John told the people about this and all the people triumphantly fulfilled this command.
After this, miracles began to happen from this icon.
In 1709, Emperor Peter I, before the battle with the Swedes, prayed to the Mother of God for help to this particular image; this icon was carried in front of all the regiments. According to legend, Swedish soldiers tried to burn down the Kaplunovskaya church, but were unable to do so. And then Karl said:

“If they couldn’t light the church without an icon, then where it is located will be unsafe for us.”

That’s how it all happened, the Russian people won the Battle of Poltava.

Nizhnelomovskaya The Kazan icon appeared in 1643 near the city of Nizhny Loma, Penza region. At first a chapel was built on this site, and later a monastery was founded here.

Voznesenskaya The Kazan Icon is located in the Moscow Ascension Convent, in the Kremlin.
The icon was glorified for the first time in 1689. After the prayer service to the image of Kazan, the candle was not extinguished. It fell and started a fire, which burned the lectern, but the icon itself, despite the fact that it was painted on canvas, was not damaged. In 1701, there was a big fire from which the Ascension Monastery burned down, but the icon itself was not damaged at all. At the same time, she herself miraculously found herself first among the removed icons, and then, after the fire, she independently, without anyone’s help, found herself back in her place. In addition, many healings occurred from this icon.

Pavlovskaya The Kazan Icon is located in the village of Pavlovskoye, Moscow province, Zvenigorod district. Her appearance took place near the village, on a tree, next to which a chapel was built.
The first miracle immediately happened from this icon, the healing of a peasant who had become very ill as a result of his sinful life. The Mother of God appeared to his neighbor in a dream and said that the sick man could recover if he stopped sinning in his life and went to the holy well and washed himself with holy water. With great difficulty, the patient reached this well, washed himself, and immediately recovered.

Yaroslavsky The image of the Kazan Icon is located in the Kazan Convent of the city of Yaroslavl.
In 1588, the pious man Gerasim wished to purchase an icon of the Mother of God, after which he had a miraculous vision of the Mother of God, who told him where it needed to be done and what needed to be done next. When Gerasim found this icon, immediately after he took it in his hands, he was immediately healed from the illness that had tormented him for a long time. Then he went, according to the instructions of the Mother of God, to the city of Romanov, where he handed over this icon to its inhabitants with the condition that a temple be erected for it. The church was built and the icon was in it until 1604, when the city was taken by the Lithuanians. Then the miraculous icon was transported to Yaroslavl, where a temple was erected in honor of the Mother of God, and later a monastery. The residents of Romanov wanted to return the icon to themselves, and wrote a petition to Tsar Vasily Ioannovich. But the residents of Yaroslavl also wanted to keep the shrine for themselves. Then an exact list of the icon was made for the residents of Romanov, and the miraculous icon itself is carried annually in a religious procession from Yaroslavl to Romanov.

In addition to these listed icons, there are many more images and lists of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, and in any of them the Mother of God will show us her love and protection in the face of any troubles, is our Comforter in our sorrows and rejoices with us in our joys.

THE GREATNESS OF THE VIRGIN BEFORE HER ICON OF KAZAN

We magnify You, Most Holy Virgin, God-chosen Youth, and honor Your holy image, through which you bring healing to all who come with faith.

VIDEO ABOUT THE KAZAN ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

This is one of the most beloved and revered images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Russia. The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of the Russian land, which is confirmed by many historical facts. Since ancient times, Orthodox people prayed to her, asking for help and support in the most difficult times for Russia.

Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God: history and signs of the holiday

The Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on November 4. This is one of the most beloved and revered images of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Russia.

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is considered the patroness of the Russian land, which is confirmed by many historical facts. Since ancient times, Orthodox people prayed to her, asking for help and support in the most difficult times for Russia.

The Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated twice a year: in the summer - on July 21 - in memory of the appearance of the icon in Kazan, and on November 4 - in gratitude for the deliverance of Moscow and all of Rus' from Polish invaders.

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God has a very interesting history. It was found in 1579 by a nine-year-old girl in the ashes of a terrible fire that destroyed part of the city of Kazan.

The fire in Kazan started in the house of the merchant Onuchin. After the fire, the Mother of God appeared to the merchant’s daughter Matrona in a dream and revealed to her that under the ruins of their house there was her miraculous image buried in the ground.

It still remains a mystery how the shrine fell into ruins. It is believed that it was buried by secret confessors of Christianity during Tatar rule.

At first they did not pay attention to the girl’s words, but when the dream repeated itself three times, they began to dig and found an icon of amazing beauty in the ashes. The holy image, despite the fire, looked as if it had just been painted.

The image was solemnly transferred to the parish church of St. Nicholas of Tula, the rector of which was then the pious priest, the future Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' Hermogenes.

The future saint, who died at the hands of the Poles for his fidelity to Orthodoxy and was canonized, compiled a detailed account of the miracles of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

The fact that the icon was miraculous became clear immediately, since already during the procession the sight was restored to two Kazan blind people. These miracles were the first in a long list of cases of grace-filled help.

At the site where the icon was found, a convent was subsequently founded, where Matrona and her mother took monastic vows.

So by the time difficult times came in Russia, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God was no longer just known, but also very revered.

Icon in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Many copies were made of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, and the icon itself became famous for its miraculousness - the sick recovered, the blind gained sight, enemies were defeated and expelled.

The most famous miracles of the intercession of the Mother of God are associated with the events of the Time of Troubles. It is believed that it was the miraculous icon that helped the militia led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and merchant Kuzma Minin defeat the enemy on November 4, 1612 and liberate Moscow from the Poles.

Story

At the turn of the 16th-17th centuries, a series of tragic circumstances occurred in Russia and this era went down in history as the Time of Troubles. This is the era of the deep crisis of the Moscow state, caused by the suppression of the royal Rurik dynasty.

The dynastic crisis soon developed into a national-state crisis. The united Russian state collapsed, and numerous impostors appeared. Widespread robberies, robbery, theft, and widespread drunkenness struck the country.

At the call of His Holiness Patriarch Hermogenes, the Russian people stood up to defend their homeland. A list of the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Kazan was sent from Kazan to the Nizhny Novgorod people's militia, which was led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin.

The militia, having learned about the miracles performed by the icon, took it with them and constantly prayed in front of it, asking for help. They liberated Kitay-Gorod on October 22 (November 4, new style), and two days later they took the Kremlin. The next day, Russian soldiers went to the Kremlin with a religious procession with a miraculous image in their hands.

In memory of the deliverance of Moscow from the Poles by the will of Tsar Mikhail Feodorovich, the first Russian Tsar from the Romanov dynasty, and the blessing of Metropolitan, later Patriarch Philaret, the Orthodox Church established annually on October 22 in Moscow the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God with a procession of the cross.

At first this celebration took place only in Moscow, but since 1649 it became all-Russian. It is believed that the Most Holy Theotokos took the Russian militia under her protection. The holiday was celebrated in Russia until the 1917 Revolution.

The icon of Our Lady of Kazan became the common shrine of Kazan, Moscow, St. Petersburg and all of Russia, where there were three main miraculous icons of Our Lady of Kazan - the found one and two copies.

One of the lists of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was brought into Moscow liberated from the Poles by Dmitry Pozharsky, who headed the people’s militia. Now it is kept in the Epiphany Patriarchal Cathedral in Moscow.

Traditions and signs

On this day, all people went to church, where they prayed for their homeland, for their loved ones and relatives, so that there would be peace and tranquility in families.

After the liturgy, all believers went on a religious procession - with icons in their hands, they walked around cities and villages, which symbolized the protection of the settlement from harm. Today they are limited to walking along the main streets or just around the church.

In the old days, women believed that on this day the Mother of God helped them. There were many protective rituals that women used on this day.

For example, a birch leaf gives beauty and protects against old age. To do this, early in the morning on the holiday, women went to a birch grove, where they looked for leaves covered with frost. Having torn off a piece of paper, they looked at it as if in a mirror. It was believed that after this the face would become clearer and younger, and the woman would look beautiful throughout the next year.

This day is considered happy for marriages and weddings. In the old days, it was believed that on such a bright day of the triumph of the Orthodox faith, it was the right time to start a new family. Those who wanted to live their family life without problems and in happiness, sought to time the wedding ceremony specifically for the autumn holiday of the Kazan Mother of God.

There are many signs associated with the weather: if the ground is covered in fog in the morning, it will be warm, and if it rains, it will snow soon, if the sun is shining brightly, the winter will be just as sunny.

Rainy weather on this day is a good sign. People said that this Mother of God cries and prays for all people. She begs the Lord God for forgiveness for the people and asks that their life be easier, that the harvest next year be good, and that there be no famine.

But dry weather, on the contrary, is a bad omen. People say that if there is no rain on Kazanskaya, then next year will be very difficult. And you can’t count on a good harvest at all.

Also on this day, the villagers went out into their gardens and scattered salt on the ground: “they treated them to bread and salt” so that the future harvest would be rich and plentiful. After this, all the fields were walked around with the icon, and then a festive meal was held on the ground, consisting of gifts of earth and holy water.

What do they pray for?

The Kazan Mother of God is considered a miraculous icon, and prayers to her can be fateful. People believe that during any disaster, grief or misfortune, the Kazan Mother of God can cover a person asking for help from all troubles with her invisible veil and save him.

In front of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God they pray for the healing of eye and other diseases, protection of the house from disaster and fire, deliverance from enemy invasions, blessing of the newlyweds, the birth of children, and family well-being.

Prayer

Oh, Most Pure Lady Theotokos, Queen of heaven and earth, the highest angel and archangel and the most honest, pure Virgin Mary of all creation, the Good Helper of the world, and affirmation for all people, and deliverance for all needs! You are our intercessor and representative, you are protection for the offended, joy for the grieving, refuge for the orphans, guardian for widows, glory for virgins, joy for those who cry, visitation for the sick, healing for the weak, salvation for sinners. Have mercy on us, Mother of God, and fulfill our request, for everything is possible through Your intercession: for glory befits You now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Every year on November 4, believers celebrate the Great Orthodox holiday dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. On this special day, prayers read before the shrine of the Virgin Mary are incredibly powerful and capable of miracles. Just imagine how truly believing people get out of situations (thanks to prayers) in which an ordinary person would be confused and would not even imagine what solution might await him.

The Feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is held in honor of great deeds performed in a holy image. The shrine came to the aid of people in the most difficult days of their lives. She really was always there, faithfully and devotedly helping people and entire states. She has hundreds, if not thousands, of miraculous acts associated with the healing of diseases, as well as the liberation of the country from enemies.

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most important and revered images of the Blessed Virgin. People turn to her in prayers in the most difficult and difficult moments of their lives. The miraculous image is capable of healing terrible diseases of the body and soul. The Mother of God helps you gain spiritual enlightenment and truly find your path if you have moved away from it. The Mother of God will not abandon those who need Her support and consolation. When grief and sorrow envelop the souls of believers, hope remains only for a miracle in the person of the protection and intercession of the Mother of God.

Since the icon of the Kazan Mother of God is the patroness of soldiers, defenders of their homeland, before military affairs, campaigns, etc., officers stand in front of her and read prayers.

Our Lady of Kazan protects the house from misfortunes, protects the family from quarrels, blesses marriage and protects children from grief, illness and failure. The face of the Kazan Mother of God is the strongest amulet and assistant in overcoming any difficulties. But the Mother of God comes to the aid only of true believers, whose prayers are filled with sincerity, love and righteousness.

How is the day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God celebrated?

It is worth noting that for Orthodox believers, the holiday in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is one of their favorites. This day for Christians begins with going to church, attending services and, of course, praying before the holy image of the Mother of God. At the end of the service, a religious procession is usually held. Traditionally, the solemn procession is led by the miraculous icon of the Kazan Mother of God.

The main celebration takes place in the homeland of the holy image, in Kazan. After all, it was in this city that the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God declared itself and its power, saving the city and its inhabitants from a terrible fire. On this day, a huge number of believers from all over the world come to Kazan: pilgrims attend services in the temple, pray in front of the shrine, touching the image, feeling the strength and power of the miraculous icon.

Many believers get married on November 4, since the shrine is the patroness of the family and the wedding union. It is believed that people who enter into marriage on this day will live a particularly faithful and happy life together.

If the festival does not fall during the fast week, women can prepare various delicious dishes for lunch. On this holiday, it is customary to invite guests, friends and relatives to the table to share food with them. Lunch is usually held in a relaxed, relaxed atmosphere, with people filled with joy and good humor.

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The great feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God falls on National Unity Day, which is officially a day off in Russia. This is one of the rare coincidences of Orthodox and state holidays on the same day, so some of their traditions are interconnected. In the evening of November 4, a fireworks display is held in honor of National Unity Day, which Orthodox believers also come to watch.

It is worth noting that the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is not a time for sorrow and despondency, it is a bright and cheerful holiday when the Orthodox people offer gratitude and honor to the Mother of God, at the same time asking for support and protection before Her miraculous image.

Prayers to the Mother of God in front of the Kazan Icon

As you know, the miraculous image of the Kazan Mother of God never left believers without attention and support. It is necessary to offer prayers before the holy face with all your heart. First of all, you need to believe in the power of the Mother of God and sincerely repent for the sinful acts you have committed.

First prayer:

“Oh, Holy Mother of God! With hope and bright feelings I bring my prayer to You. Do not turn Your gaze away from those who pray to You. Hear our words, O merciful Virgin. Pray before the Lord and before Your Son Jesus Christ for our mistakes and sinful deeds. Don’t let our country fall in the battle for a free life. Do not let soldiers die in war in bloody and dishonorable battles. Protect our homes from evil spirits and quarrels. Do not let us indulge in grief, sadness and despondency. Give us the strength to move forward and live our lives in health, happiness and joy. Fill our hearts with love, loyalty and courage! And never leave us, O Blessed Virgin! May we praise Your Great Name. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen".

Second prayer:

“Oh, great Mother of God, Protector and Benefactor of Christians. You are the Queen of heavenly souls and the Mistress of humanity living on the sinful earth. You pray for us, thanks to You the Lord gives us repentance and His blessing. Hear our prayers now, for we pray to You before Your Holy Image. Do not leave our souls without Your light and warmth! Fill our hearts with virtue. Drive away malice and deceit, lies and hatred from our lives. Become a talisman for our children, illuminate their life path with righteousness. Our refuge is in You. Oh, Most Pure Virgin, we glorify You, we bow our knees before You, we pray to You and we honor You, Great Intercessor. Don't leave us without help. Heal from mental and physical illnesses. Guide me on the right path. Do not leave in terrible moments. In You is our defense, in You is our road to the Kingdom of God. We will never stop singing and praising Your name. May the will of the Lord be done. From now on and forever and ever. Amen. Amen. Amen".

On this bright holiday in honor of the great Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, every person has a chance to take the right path and change their life for the better, gaining the support of the Mother of God, letting Her into their heart. It is enough just to offer sincere prayers before the face of the Holy Virgin, filling every word with goodness, love and faith.

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The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is a reliable patroness of the Russian land and its inhabitants.

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered and beloved shrines in Russian Orthodoxy. The miraculous Mother of Kazan repeatedly, in difficult times for Russia, provided help where it seemed there was no longer any hope of salvation. The Kazan icon is used to bless marriage or an important life undertaking, it is given as a gift at the baptism of infants, and it is taken with them on a long journey. Many who resort to this holy image with sincere prayer receive help in various life difficulties from the Most Holy Theotokos Herself.

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was miraculously found on July 21 (new style) 1579 - this date is celebrated as the “Kazan summer”. The appearance of the icon was preceded by a fire, which, starting from the house of archer Daniil Onuchin, turned half of Kazan and even part of the Kremlin into ashes.
Soon after this terrible event, ten-year-old Matrona Onuchina, the daughter of Daniel, had a vision. The Mother of God herself appeared to her in a dream and indicated the place from which Her Holy Image should be obtained. The girl told her mother about the sign, but she, not believing her, just waved it off. Matrona’s vision was repeated, but the mayors and the archbishop did not believe it in the same way when she and her mother turned to them. After the third, now formidable command of the Most Pure Virgin, Matrona herself, during the excavation of a fire on the site of the stove of her parents’ house, dug up the Holy Image.