Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: how it helps, the history of the holiday on June 3

On Tuesday, June 3, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and its parishioners celebrate the Day of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. This icon is the earliest known surviving and one of the most revered miraculous icons in Orthodoxy. Since December 1999, the icon has been in the metropolitan church-Museum of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi at the State Tretyakov Gallery.

According to legend, the icon of the Virgin was painted by the Evangelist Luke in the style of Byzantine painting on a board from the table where the Holy Family was eating.: Savior, Mother of God, and righteous Joseph the Betrothed.

The Vladimir Icon of the Virgin Mary is considered the patroness of the Russian people and Russia itself.

The face was brought to Russia in the 12th century as a gift to Yuri Dolgoruky from the Patriarch of Constantinople Luke Chrysoverch.

Passing through the city of Vladimir, the horses that were carrying the icon stopped as if rooted to the spot, refused to continue moving. The Prince saw in this a sign — the desire of the Mother of God to stay in Vladimir. Soon the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin was built there.

The Day of the Vladimir Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated several times a year: June 3, July 6, September 8.

• June 3 (May 21, U.S.S.R.) – it is dedicated to the salvation of Russia from the invasion of Mehmed Giray in 1521,
• July 6 (June 23 of the Old Calendar) is the day of commemoration of the salvation of Moscow from the invasion of Akhmat Khan in 1480.,
• September 8 (August 26, art.) – this date is associated with the salvation of Moscow from the invasion of Tamerlane in 1395.

The most solemn celebration is on September 8, in honor of the presentation of the Vladimir Icon when it was transferred from Vladimir to Moscow.

The icon is asked for intercession from all kinds of enemies, healing, and help in times of disaster. It is believed that the image helps women in labor to become mothers on time, gives them and their babies health.

Each of the three days of veneration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated with prayers in the church, parishioners can put candles for health and for the repose.

If you can't go to the service, you can pray at home, starting very early in the morning.

There is no strict fasting on the holiday, but it is worth excluding fatty foods from the menu.