Day of the Kazan Mother of God. Dates of holidays in honor of the icon. July - the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the story of a miraculous appearance

Throughout the history of the formation of Christianity, people have repeatedly allowed themselves to doubt the Orthodox faith, and it was at such moments that the Lord showed miracles to the world that dispelled all doubts about the power of the Divine. The appearance of the icon of the Mother of God in Kazan to the people belongs to such a miracle.

Prayers to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God are considered the most powerful in Orthodoxy. We present to you the strongest prayers that will help you appeal to the mercy of the Mother of God. Let them help you life path. An extraordinary divine energy hovers around the holy image.

Finding an icon

The history of the Kazan icon began back in 1579. That year, a severe fire destroyed more than half of the Kazan Kremlin and part of the city. Nothing could be saved, only ashes remained. The glow burned for many hours. Moans, lamentations of women, appeals to the Lord and crying of children were heard all around. Many families were exsanguinated, but life went on, and new housing had to be built before the approaching cold weather. Fire victim Daniil Onuchin was also in a hurry with the construction. He had a daughter, Matronushka. One day she saw the Mother of God in a dream, and she told the girl to get an icon out of the ground. Matrona told her parents about the dream. But they did not attach due importance to this. But on the second and third nights, the Mother of God appeared in a dream to the girl and indicated the place where the holy image was found. In the morning, Matresha and her mother nevertheless went to the indicated place. There they found an icon of the Mother of God, it was wrapped in linen. The image was so bright and light, as if it had just been painted. This is how the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was found by fire victims. Prayer to her helps from many troubles and misfortunes.

Epiphany from an icon

In an instant, the good news of the discovery of the icon spread throughout the city. Priests from surrounding churches hurried to the spot. The image of the Mother of God was solemnly transferred to the Church of St. Nicholas, Archbishop Jeremiah read a prayer service. They placed the icon in the Annunciation Cathedral - the first Orthodox church in Kazan, which was built by Ivan the Terrible. It immediately became clear to everyone that the image of the Mother of God was miraculous. During the solemn religious procession, when the shrine was being moved, two blind men who really wanted to see miraculous icon, prayed passionately and suddenly received their sight. From that moment on, even those who doubted began to offer prayers to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God and ask her for mercy. Until now, the Kazan Icon works true miracles and listens to those who ask by faith. The list of gracious help is endless. Tsar Ivan the Terrible was so amazed by the story of the discovery of the holy image that he ordered the construction of the Kazan Cathedral. A convent was founded there, and later Matronushka and her mother were tonsured there.

Troubled times

Everyone knows from history the period of the Time of Troubles early XVII century. At that time, all the tragic circumstances coincided. Natural disasters caused crop failures, which resulted in famine. During the same period it was interrupted royal dynasty Rurikovich, the crisis began public administration, the economy was collapsing. As a result of all this, part of the country with the capital was captured by the interventionists. Patriarch Hermogenes called on the Russian people to defend the Motherland. The militia was led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. A list of the miraculous image of the Mother of God was sent from Kazan to help the people. The militia and all the people observed strict fasting for three days and extolled prayers to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, asking for heavenly help. The Mother of God heard the people's prayer. Under her patronage, Moscow was liberated from the Polish invaders.

Ancient lists (copies)

The first copy of the image of the Kazan Mother of God was made in 1579 and transferred to Tsar Ivan the Terrible in Moscow. In 1636, this image was transferred to the newly built Kazan Cathedral on Red Square. Later, in 1737, he was transported to the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (St. Petersburg). In 1811, the icon was moved to the Kazan Cathedral.

In the Time of Troubles, in 1611, a second list of the shrine was made. It was handed over to the army of Dmitry Pozharsky for the militias who liberated Moscow from the Polish army.

In the 19th century, many copies of the Kazan Icon were made. The original, however, was lost. At the beginning of the 20th century, the shrine was stolen, the precious frame was looted, and the icon itself disappeared without a trace.

Copies made from the image spread throughout the world and became famous as miraculous. Many icons were taken abroad from Russia after the revolution in 1917. Strong prayers to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God make the whole world believe in miracles. The icon is especially famous for miracles of healing from eye diseases and blindness. The Kazan icon is an indispensable assistant in difficult war times.

Where is the icon

The modern Russian Orthodox Church is doing everything to ensure that shrines are returned to Russian land. Most oldest list available to people in the Tretyakov Gallery. The dating date of the holy image is 1606.

At the residence of the Moscow Patriarch there is another holy copy of the Kazan Icon, which is also of great value. The image was received from the Roman Catholic Church as a sign of the end of rivalry.

There is a list in the Prince Vladimir Cathedral in St. Petersburg; it is closest to the oldest prototype of the icon.

Defender of the Russian land

Image of Kazan Mother of God classified as guide icons. They show the right path to lost souls and help those in need. The icon became famous for its miracles during troubled times. The Mother of God showed the defenders the path to victory and supported the military spirit. The icon helped to win more than one terrible battle.

Under the protection of the Kazan Icon, in the Time of Troubles, an entire army went to battle, and the soldiers under the leadership of Prince Pozharsky liberated the capital from the Polish invaders.

Peter I in front of the famous Battle of Poltava also exalted strong prayers right before this list. In 1812, with the image of the Kazan Mother of God, soldiers fought off French raids, and the beginning of victories over Napoleon’s army was laid. Before going into the active army, Mikhail Kutuzov stood before the Mother of God with strong prayers.

But not only rulers and troops receive blessings from the icon. The common people also turn to her for help and receive miracles that she bestows on those who pray.

What do they pray for in front of the image?

A prayer to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God for help is offered for any bodily ailment. People often ask for the return of vision. They also turn for spiritual insight, when searching for the right path, if the flame of faith has weakened in the soul.

The Mother of God helps with her consolations and instructions in any difficult life situations when there is no strength left to fight difficulties.

The Guide comes to the aid of those who pray and seek the right decision. It protects from misfortunes and making mistakes, and points the way to a good goal. Many people talk about the appearance of the holy face in a dream, when the Mother of God advises what to do to avoid trouble.

They pray to the Mother of God for the soldiers, from getting rid of enemy raids.

In joy they also turn to the Mother of God, the young people ask for blessings for marriage and starting a family. There are many signs associated with the icon. If the wedding falls on the feast of the holy image, then the marriage will be happy. The icon helps to avoid discord in the family, bring prosperity and harmony.

Prayer to the icon of the Kazan Mother of God for children will protect your child from sorrows and misfortunes. Will help him in his development on the path of life.

The Mother of God helps everyone without exception. Whoever asks her with ardent faith in his heart, she gives her protection and blessing.

How to pray in front of an icon

In order for your prayers to reach the Mother of God, you need to pray to her correctly. You can do this not only in church, but also at home. If you have a desire to ask the Mother of God for help, it is best to do this in the morning:

• Wash well after waking up clean water. Cross your arms in advance. Tune in only to positive emotions.
• Throw out of your head various negative, bad thoughts that irritate you.
• Light the candles and kneel in front of the image. Begin the ritual.
• It doesn’t matter what prayer to read to the icon of the Kazan Mother of God. The most important thing is to say your words from the bottom of your heart, sincerely, then you will be heard.
• After prayer, express your request to the Mother of God. Remember one thing - she will never accept any negative wish of yours that will negatively affect another.

Family support

Prayer to the icon of the Kazan Mother of God for marriage has helped many people find a family. It is no coincidence that young girls who get married are blessed by their mothers with this icon. Since ancient times, it has been believed that this image is the most powerful in providing family support. The Mother of God helps everyone who prays with strong faith and wants to create their own hearth.

If the mother blessed the girl for marriage with this icon, the image of Our Lady of Kazan must be kept in the family. This is a kind of amulet for your home. Prayers offered to her will preserve the family hearth, as well as the children who will be born in this marriage. They will help maintain peace and quiet in your home.

Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the most powerful prayer. Miracles of Healing

Many miracles happened before the image of the Kazan Icon; we will tell you about the most famous ones.

• The sight of the blind. The icon of those praying for healing from blindness often surprises. Everyone remembers the amazing discovery of an icon in Kazan. Already at procession Two blind men, sincerely praying to the image, regained their sight. The news of this spread far beyond the borders of Kazan. The needy and sick were drawn to the shrine. Soon a desperate mother brought the blind baby to the icon. From her lips flowed a prayer to the icon of the Kazan Mother of God for recovery, and the parishioners of the temple and the priest himself supported her. Just a short time after the prayer, the baby began to touch his mother’s face with his hands and everyone realized that he had received his sight. There was a case of epiphany and a blind monk. He did not find relief during prayer in the temple, and he left disappointed. Then the Mother of God appeared to the monk in a dream and ordered him to continue his prayers and then wipe himself with a shroud. Having done everything exactly, the monk received his sight.
• Healing the weak in mind and body. Healing was recorded in the city of Kazan young man from relaxation. For more than two years the young man did not get back on his feet. The parents did not stop praying and believing in the mercy of God. The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God helped. The most powerful prayer was simultaneously said by the mother in the temple in front of the image and by the son, who, lying in bed, tearfully asked the Mother of God for healing. Suddenly he felt relief and was able to get to his feet. Leaning on two staves, he went to his mother in the temple. The fervent prayers of two believing hearts allowed a miracle to happen. Dementia is also healed by prayer to the Mother of God. A young man in the Kazan Cathedral sincerely prayed and asked for healing. After the prayer service, to the surprise of all parishioners, he went home completely healthy.
• Many deliveries from cancer have been recorded through prayers to the Kazan Icon. The guide is considered a protector in the fight against the enemy, and the battle with a tumor is nothing more than a battle for one’s health against this scourge, which simply mows down people no less than on the battlefield. Therefore, turning to prayer to cure this disease has a special meaning.

Feast of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God. Prayers

In the summer, the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated on July 21, and it is dedicated to the discovery of the shrine, when the image appeared in a dream to little Matrona. Later, Ivan the Terrible built a monastery, where in the future Matrona became Abbess Mavra (Martha).

The autumn holiday is celebrated on November 4th. As already mentioned, in the Time of Troubles on this date, thanks to the intercession of the Mother of God, Russian militias were able to liberate Moscow from the invasion of the Poles.

A significant event was the fact that it was on November 4 that the restored Kazan Cathedral was opened in Moscow, in front of Red Square. Today, the image of the Kazan Mother of God is one of the greatest in the Orthodox Church. Miracles through prayer continue to happen in our time. In the procession of the cross in Donbass, Orthodox believers carried the Kazan Icon as one of the main ones. They prayed to the intercessor for the granting of peace and tranquility in their native land. Why does the shelling in Donetsk not subside? Maybe people have lost faith in heavenly power and therefore lost the protection of the saints. The whole world needs to unite the people and, as in the Troubled Times of the 17th century, turn to the intercessor, extolling strong prayers from a pure, sincere heart.

The Icon of the Mother of God “of Kazan” is truly famous, miraculous, every Orthodox Christian appreciates and reveres it. This ancient Russian shrine is found in almost every home.

Since ancient times, both ordinary people and kings and princes have turned to the Patroness. According to popular belief, it gives people health, cures the most terrible illnesses, and also restores lost vision and hearing. The intercessor does wonderful things that can be confidently called miracles, so believers come to her when they overcome troubles and difficulties. How to correctly read prayers with petitions to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God and what significance does it have, why does it protect?

Appearance of a miraculous shrine

The icon of the Kazan Mother of God was discovered after a large-scale fire in Kazan, which burned everything to ashes in 1579. The Mother of God was dreamed of by a little girl named Matrona, the daughter of the archer Daniil Onuchin. She ordered to go to the fire to find a shrine in the burnt ruins. However, the first time no one believed the child. When the dreams began to repeat themselves every night, Matrona’s parents nevertheless decided to go to the indicated place. The villagers actually found an icon of the Saint at the fire. To the surprise of people, the colors on it were fresh and bright, as if it had just been painted. The icon immediately healed two blind elders - Joseph and Nikita. They had only touched her when they were given sight. Then the villagers believed in her healing power.

Where they found the shrine, people built a convent, and the find itself was transported to the territory of the Kazan Assumption Cathedral. In 1904, the holy face was stolen by vandals because of its precious frame. Further fate The icon is unknown, presumably it was burned. Today, only copies of the Holy Image have survived. But their power is no less than that of the original source.

On the Kazan Icon, the Infant God is depicted to the left of the mother’s hand. He blesses every Orthodox Christian, since he right hand frozen in the air, and two fingers crossed - this main feature forgiveness as well as approval.

The earliest icon of the Mother of God is dated 1606. It is kept in the Moscow Tretyakov Gallery. Another image, which is greatly revered by believers, is located in the house church at the residence of the Moscow Patriarch. It was handed over by Rimskaya Catholic Church gift of the Russian Orthodox Church, when the dioceses stopped competing. Also, the holy face, considered the closest to the ancient prototype, is in the St. Petersburg Prince Vladimir Cathedral.

All Orthodox Christians celebrate twice a year divine holiday in honor of the face, July 21 and November 4. These days the church holds a service with a sermon and then a kontakion.

How the Kazan Icon helps the Orthodox

The holy face of the Mother of God grants help to all Orthodox Christians, without exception, who come to her with pure thoughts and an open heart. She blesses and protects those who truly believe and strive to find harmony.

It is recommended to contact the icon in the following cases:

• • For healing from illnesses, both physical and spiritual. The saint especially helps with problems with vision and hearing, skin diseases, and ailments internal organs. Also, the Mother of God heals the soul, guiding us on the true path. It opens your eyes to spiritual insight and instills faith.
  • For support in difficult life situations. The Protector shows a person that everyone is given a cross according to their strength, and gives the opportunity to overcome obstacles. The saint instructs and consoles during any sorrow.
  • For intercession. If you pray in front of the face, you can get a strong amulet for a long time.
  • For help in making a decision. The Mother of God is a guide. She always comes to the rescue when the question concerns a serious choice. Protects the believer from making mistakes and misfortunes that can negatively affect a person’s life. Prayer at the icon indicates the path only to a good, selfless goal. Many Orthodox Christians said that when they found themselves at a crossroads and did not know what to do, a holy face appeared to them in a dream. He talked about how to avoid trouble or correct its consequences. Our Lady always gives instructions to those in need.

• For protection for warriors. The Kazan Saint is the main patroness of soldiers defending their native land. It will help those who are ridding the Motherland of invaders and occupiers. You can pray both for protection on the battlefield and for health in the rear.
• To maintain peace and harmony in the family. The icon of the Mother of God belongs to women's amulets. She has married women ask for assistance in family life. The image in the home strengthens the family, makes it strong in the face of problems and adversity; improves relationships and brings well-being.
• For a blessing. Since ancient times, the Intercessor blessed the newlyweds before the wedding, and was also considered a wedding icon. Before getting married, young people should pray in front of the icon, ask her for a happy, comfortable life together. Then the new family will always have money, and the newlyweds will not quarrel over trifles. By the way, there is a sign associated with this icon. If the wedding ceremony falls on a divine holiday in honor of the face, then the life of the family will be happy, and harmony and peace will reign between the spouses.
• For the health of children. Our Lady of Kazan is especially supportive of children. She protects them from sorrows and helps them along the path of life. In order for the child to be favorably treated by higher powers, he does not get sick, he is lucky, parents need to constantly pray to the Intercessor.

Rules of prayer before the image

Our Lady of Kazan hears everyone Orthodox Christian who believes. However, there are unspoken rules of prayer that must be followed. Here is their description.

It does not matter where to read the prayer to the Intercessor: this can be done both in the temple and at home. It is best to ask the icon for help early in the morning, immediately after waking up. Before doing this, you should wash your face clean. cold water, which washes away bad thoughts, instructing in a divine way. It is imperative to tune in to positive emotions and a wave of humility. Get rid of all annoying and negative thoughts from your head; your thoughts should be pure and clear.

Light before the face of the Holy One church candles, kneel down and say the words of prayer. It doesn’t matter how to do it, the main thing is that the request comes from a pure heart, sincerely, with faith in the bright. The person who speaks the words must believe in them himself. After the prayer has been read, it is recommended to simply spoken language state your request. This should be done calmly and consciously. It is important to understand that the Mother of God will not fulfill a request if it contains negative words or bad thoughts.

The holiday of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God has been celebrated in Rus' for several centuries. This is one of our most revered images.

When is the Day of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God celebrated?

The miraculous discovery of an icon Holy Mother of God happened in the city of Kazan in 1579. In memory of this event, the celebration of the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated annually on July 21.

Also, the Feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated in the fall - on November 4, in memory of the deliverance of Moscow and all of Russia from the invasion of the Poles in 1612. Then, during the Time of Troubles, the copy from the icon helped Russian soldiers win several battles.

History of the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

The history of the holiday of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God is as follows: after a fire occurred in Kazan, many citizens were left homeless. Among the fire victims was the daughter of the archer Matryona (Matrona) Onuchina, to whom the Mother of God appeared in a dream and pointed out where her icon was hidden underground.

At first, no one believed the girl - neither the local mayor nor the archbishop. When the girl had this dream for the third time, her family independently began excavations, and in the indicated place, at a depth of about a meter, the girl discovered an icon.

She was sent to the first Orthodox church Kazan – Annunciation Cathedral. Several people took part in this procession. It is known that two blind people, having touched the icon, regained their sight.

A convent was built on the site of the miraculous find. Matryona was the first to take monastic vows and subsequently became his abbess.

In 1649, on the occasion of the birth in 1648 on the feast of the “miraculous icon of Kazan, during the all-night singing” of the heir to the throne, Tsarevich Dmitry, Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich ordered to celebrate on October 22 (November 4, new style) the Feast of the Icon of the Kazan Mother of God “in all cities throughout years."

A copy of this icon was sent to Ivan the Terrible in Moscow. Later, in 1737, the copy of the icon was transported to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in St. Petersburg, on the site of which the Kazan Cathedral was later built.

In 1904, the icon was stolen to sell its precious frame and destroyed. Today, in churches around the world, copies of the miraculous image are used, which have already demonstrated miraculous properties more than once. This icon has become one of the independent iconographic types of Mother of God icons in Russia.

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

The celebration of the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is widely celebrated in Russian Orthodox Church. On this day, people turn to the Mother of God with prayers for their loved ones.

According to tradition, this icon has long been used to bless newlyweds. It is believed that this helps to build a strong and happy family.

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God also has many healing properties. There are numerous cases of healing of believers who turned to her from blindness and other eye diseases.

The prototype of the icon was found back in 1579, it is unknown who exactly and when it was painted. There was a huge fire in the city of Kazan, entire streets were on fire, and most of the wooden buildings were destroyed. According to a legend that has survived to this day, immediately after a terrible fire, the little daughter of the merchant Onuchin appeared in a dream and pointed out the place where the miraculous image, untouched by the fire, lay. The merchant sorted out the rubble of his burnt house and found under it an icon written on a cypress board.

The icon was not only beautiful, but also had a difference from others famous icons Our Lady. On the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, the infant Christ is depicted left side from his mother, and his right hand is raised in a blessing gesture.

The icon of the Kazan Mother of God had mysterious healing powers. Many people applied themselves to the image in the hope of healing. There is evidence that the icon restored vision, relieved headaches and other ailments. It was installed in the Annunciation Church in Kazan. Crowds of people came to see and pray at the image.

The news of the miracle icon spread far beyond the city and reached the king. A copy of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God was made and sent to Ivan the Terrible. She made a stunning impression on everyone royal family. Ivan the Terrible ordered the construction of a convent on the site of the holy image.

The role of the icon in the history of Russia

In addition to miracles of healing, the icon of Our Lady of Kazan played an important role in the history of the Russian state. At the beginning of the 17th century, misfortunes befell Russia, the throne was left without a ruler. The Poles took advantage of the turmoil and captured Moscow, and installed their prince Vladislav as king. The prince did not want to change his Catholic faith to the Orthodox faith and honestly rule the Russian people. As a result, Patriarch Hermogenes called on the people to rise up, overthrow the Poles and place an Orthodox king on the throne.

In 1612, a copy of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God was brought to Moscow by Kazan militias; it was in the chambers of Prince D.I. Pozharsky. Before battles, the warriors prayed to the image and asked the Mother of God for help.

After the victory over the Poles, Pozharsky assigned the icon to the Church of the Entry on Lubyanka. In gratitude for victory and salvation in the battles, the prince erected the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square, where the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary was transferred.

The prototype of the Kazan Mother of God is associated with the triumph of Russian troops in the battle of Poltava in 1709, as well as the victory in the war with Napoleon. It is noteworthy that before the Battle of Poltava, Peter the Great prayed with his army in front of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God.

Great Catherine the Second ordered a precious crown to be made and personally crowned the holy image with it.

In 1812, during the First Patriotic War, leaving Moscow to the French, Field Marshal Kutuzov took the icon from the cathedral and took it out on his chest under his overcoat. After the victory, the icon returned to its place.

The third copy of the image of the Kazan Mother of God was brought to St. Petersburg by order of Paul I in 1708. First, she was placed in a wooden chapel on the St. Petersburg side, and then transported to the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on Nevsky Prospekt. The icon remained here until 1811, then it was moved to the newly built Kazan Cathedral, where it remains today.

The holy image also played a huge role during the Great Patriotic War. According to historical records, the icon was secretly delivered to besieged Leningrad. She was carried through the streets of the city, and he survived. Also, during the war, the icon was taken to Moscow, and in Stalingrad a prayer service was served in front of it. It is believed that the Mother of God is the protector of Russia and helps the country to withstand its enemies.

Miracles of Moscow

It is interesting that in the first days of the icon’s stay in Moscow, many miracles and healings occurred. The story of Savva Fomin has reached our time. This Kazan townsman, who lived in Moscow, decided to commit a terrible crime. He called on the devil and promised to give him his immortal soul. But after the crime was committed, Savva was struck by a serious illness, and over time he wanted to repent of his crime. Preparing for death, he confessed to the priest, after which the Mother of God appeared to him in a dream and ordered him to arrive on July 8 at the Kazan Cathedral. Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich heard about this and ordered the sick Savva to be taken to the cathedral on a carpet. During the service, Sava began to experience severe pain, he began to cry out to the Queen of Heaven, and the Mother of God appeared to him and ordered him to enter her church. To the amazement of the parishioners, Savva stood up and entered the Kazan Cathedral on his own feet. He fell to his knees in front of the icon and promised to devote his life to serving God. Subsequently, he distributed all his property and became a monk at the Chudov Monastery.

The mystery of finding the original icon of the Kazan Mother of God

Many copies are currently written miraculous icons, but the location of the original sacred image still remains a mystery.

There are several versions about the disappearance and secret storage of the icon. The original was lost in early XIX century. At that time, there were rumors about the theft of an icon from the Bogoroditsky Monastery. Allegedly, along with the Mother of God, the image of the Savior and a valuable church utensils. A reward of 300 rubles was offered for the capture of the thieves or information about the location of the icon.

The thief was caught some time later in Nizhny Novgorod. He turned out to be a seasoned thief - a repeat offender with 43 years of hard labor behind him, a certain Chaikin. His “specialty” was church robberies. During interrogations, he changed his testimony several times, first he claimed that he burned the icon, then he began to say that he chopped it with an ax. However, neither the court nor the people believed him, since even such an inveterate criminal could not have been unaware of the value of the relic. But until 1917, Chaikin claimed that he had destroyed the icon of the Virgin Mary.

The clergy thought that the icon had fallen into the hands of the Old Believers. The fact is that the Old Believers believed that having found the icon of the Kazan Mother of God, they would receive freedom of religion. In essence, this is practically what happened: in 1905, a law on religious tolerance was issued and the Old Believers were restored to their rights. People began to say that this bad sign and troubles await Russia. After the bloody events of 1917, the trace of the icon was lost forever.

According to the second version, only a copy of the icon was stolen, and the original was in the chambers of the mother abbess of the monastery at the time of the crime.

Historian Khafizov conducted his own investigation about mysterious disappearance holy image. He believes that the icon was taken from Russia in 1920 during Civil War and sold at an underground auction to an English collector. After which the icon passed into the hands of new owners several times and was eventually purchased by the Blue Army organization and transferred to the Vatican, from where it returned to Russia in 2004.

There is another version: the original icon of the Kazan Mother of God was not destroyed and was never taken out of the country. The face is securely hidden in a secret place.

Interesting fact: even modern copies of the icon have great power and there are many eyewitnesses who claim that they experienced its miraculous power.

How to contact an icon

You can consult the icon both in the church (temple) and at home. For appeals and prayers you need an image; you can purchase an icon in any church shop. Light a candle in front of the icon and concentrate. The most important condition is sincerity; prayer must come from your heart. Most often, they pray to the Mother of God for the health of children and loved ones, asking for help and intercession in family and everyday matters. It is customary to bless the newlyweds with this icon for a lasting and happy marriage.

IN troubled times before the Mother of God they pray for intercession, the success of soldiers in battles and the liberation of the country from enemy forces.

There is a wonderful maternal custom - to place the icon of the Kazan Mother of God at the head of the crib, thereby protecting the child from adversity and serious illnesses.

There are special appeals for reading in front of the icon of the Kazan Mother of God:

• prayer;
• kontakion;
• troparion

The celebration of the image in Russia takes place two days a year: July 21 and November 4. Summer holiday dedicated to the appearance of a miraculous face, and in the fall to the liberation of Moscow from Polish invaders in 1612. Currently, divine services are held every day in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow, and the gaze of parishioners turns to the holy image.