June 3 is the Day of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: traditions of a significant church holiday

Every year on June 3, Orthodox believers celebrate the memorial day of one of the most revered Russian images — the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. Since ancient times, she has protected the country from invaders, given comfort to the suffering and restored health to the sick. In 2025, her holiday falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells us what miracles are associated with this image and what people ask the Mother of God for.

What is the date of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God?

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is associated with three memorable dates in a year. So, on June 3, the church commemorates the miraculous salvation of Moscow from the invasion of Mehmed Giray in 1521. Then on July 6, the rescue of the Russian capital from the troops of Khan Akhmat in 1480 and liberation from the Tatar-Mongol yoke are celebrated. Finally, on September 8, the presentation of the miraculous image is celebrated. The celebration commemorates the rescue of Moscow from Tamerlane.

It is believed that for centuries the image has protected people in Russia from enemies, cured of serious ailments. The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God has become a symbol of hope and salvation for the Russian Orthodox.

The history of the feast Day of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

According to legend, the icon of the Mother of God, which later became known as the Vladimir Icon, was painted in the 1st century by the apostle and Evangelist Luke. To create the image, he used a board from the table where Jesus, the Virgin Mary and Joseph the Betrothed dined. Until the 5th century, the icon was kept in Jerusalem, and then it was transported to Constantinople.

The image came to Russia in 1113, when Prince Yuri Dolgoruky received it as a gift from the Patriarch of Constantinople. Initially, the shrine was placed in the convent of the Mother of God in Vyshgorod. Subsequently, Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky's son decided to transport the icon of the Mother of God to his possessions in the north-east of Russia.

According to legend, when Bogolyubsky rode past Vladimir, his horses stood on the bank of the Klyazma River and refused to go any further, no matter how hard they were urged. At that moment, the Virgin appeared to the prince with a scroll in her hand and ordered him to leave his image in the city, and build a temple at the place of her appearance. Bogolyubsky could not disobey the Mother of God and followed her words exactly. Since then, the icon has been named Vladimirskaya.

As the defender of Russia, the Vladimir icon of the Virgin Mary began to be revered after 1395. At that time, the troops of the Turkic-Mongol conqueror Tamerlane, who was famous for his ruthlessness, were approaching Moscow. To strengthen the fighting spirit of the soldiers and residents, a miraculous image was brought to the capital.

According to legend, after the Muscovites served a prayer service in front of the icon, Tamerlane saw in a dream a Radiant Wife who was marching towards him with an angelic army. In the morning, the wise men explained to the commander that he had seen the Mother of God, the protector of the Russian land. After that, the commander deployed his army and withdrew from Moscow.

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God also played a role in the liberation of Russia from the Tatar-Mongol yoke. In 1480, Akhmat Khan of the Great Horde gathered an army to march on Moscow, which refused to pay tribute to the invaders. Prince Ivan III was going to fight back and moved forward with his soldiers. The two armies met on the Ugra River, where they took up waiting positions.

According to legend, at that time all the inhabitants of the country prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary for liberation from the Horde. Especially large-scale prayer services were held in front of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God. As a result, Ivan III decided to move away from the Ugra and meet the Tatar army on his shore. However, Akhmat thought that he was being lured into a trap, and ordered his men to retreat. Thus, Russia was freed from the long-term oppression of the invaders.

For the third time, the Virgin Mary interceded for the Russian land in 1521, when Tatar troops were approaching Moscow again, this time under the leadership of Khan Mehmed Giray.

According to legend, at that time the blind nun had an unusual dream: Moscow saints were coming out of the Spassky Gates of the Kremlin, taking with them the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God as punishment for the sins of the inhabitants of the city. The Venerable Sergius of Radonezh and Varlaam of Khutyn stood in their way and tearfully prayed for forgiveness and the salvation of Moscow. After that, the participants read a common prayer and returned the shrine to the Kremlin.

Blessed Basil witnessed a similar vision. But the Tatar khan saw a completely different picture: the Virgin appeared before him at the head of a formidable army. After that, Mehmed Giray fled Moscow in fear, and the capital was saved again.

The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God has repeatedly become a participant in historical events. In 1918, it was handed over for restoration, and then sent to the fund of the State Historical Museum, from where it got to the Tretyakov Gallery. Today it is located in the church-museum of St. Nicholas at the gallery.

To preserve the ancient image, special temperatures and humidity are maintained in the temple, and the icon itself is kept under bulletproof glass.

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Day in 2025 — traditions

On the days of veneration of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, solemn services are held in churches throughout Russia. Believers come to light a candle and pray to the Mother of God. If there is no opportunity to attend worship, people pray at home.

Also on this day, there is a tradition to ask for forgiveness from relatives and let go of all grievances themselves. Some people prefer to dedicate the holiday to good deeds: making donations, participating in volunteer programs, visiting orphans and the elderly, and collecting things for those in need.

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In 2025, the celebration falls on a Monday.

Fasting on the day of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is not necessary, but it is recommended to give up fatty foods for a while. In addition, it is worth postponing troublesome household chores, financial, property and other complex issues. It is better to devote your free time to reading spiritual literature and thinking about the meaning of a bright celebration.

Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God — what helps

The Vladimir icon of the Mother of God belongs to the "Tenderness" type. Its main feature is a touching depiction of the affection between mother and son. The baby Jesus rests his cheek against the cheek of the Virgin Mary, and she hugs him to her chest. At the same time, grief is visible on the face of the Virgin, because she already knows what fate awaits her child.

The Vladimir icon has a number of distinctive features. So, unlike other images of the same type, you can see the heel of the baby Jesus on it. Some researchers believe that this detail was added during the restorations. In addition, the icon is two—sided - on its back side the throne and the instruments of the passion of Christ are depicted.

In the Orthodox tradition, the Mother of God is considered the main intercessor of mankind before God, so you can turn to her with any sorrows. In front of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, believers most often pray for the protection of family members from troubles, help in resolving difficult situations, forgiveness of sins, healing from diseases and the birth of healthy children. They also turn to the Heavenly Queen to gain clarity of mind and strengthen their faith.

There are several prayers that are customary to read in front of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.:

• canonical prayer with an address to the Most Holy Theotokos,
• prayer for choosing a path and help in difficult times,
• Prayer for the health and well-being of the household.