September 8 — Presentation of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God: history and traditions of the holiday

On September 8, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Presentation of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most revered images in Russia. The celebration was established in memory of the miraculous event when the intercession of the Virgin Mary saved Moscow from the invasion of Tamerlane. On this day, believers thank the Mother of God and pray in front of the icon for protection from harm. In 2025, the holiday date falls on a Monday. For more information about its origin and meaning, see the Izvestia article.

The history of the miraculous image

In 1395, the conqueror Tamerlane invaded the Russian lands with a huge army and was approaching Moscow. Grand Duke Vasily Dmitrievich, not relying on his own strength, ordered to bring to Moscow the main shrine of Russia — the Vladimir icon of the Virgin Mary, which was kept in the Assumption Cathedral of Vladimir. All the residents of the city came out to meet her. Hence the name of the holiday — Candlemas, which means "meeting" in Old Slavonic.

According to legend, after this event, Tamerlane, who was standing near the capital, had a dream. The Blessed Virgin herself appeared to him, surrounded by a shining army, and ordered him to leave the Russian land. In the morning, the conqueror turned to the sages to explain the vision. They replied that he had seen the very defender of Christians, whom he could not resist. Shocked, Tamerlane ordered the army to retreat.

This event is deeply rooted in the hearts of Russian Orthodox people as a symbol of divine protection and patronage. Later, a separate holiday was established in honor of the salvation of Moscow, and the Sretensky Monastery was founded at the meeting place (candlemas) of the icon, which gave its name to one of the central streets of the capital, Sretenka.

The meaning of Candlemas for believers

From a theological point of view, Candlemas is a meeting of man with God. It is believed that every person experiences such an encounter, crossing the threshold of the temple for the first time and turning to the Lord with prayer.

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Therefore, when they celebrate the Presentation of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, they do not just remember the historical event. First of all, the holiday reminds us that sincere faith and prayer can perform a real miracle and influence the outcome of even the most hopeless situation.

What do they pray for on the church holiday on September 8th?

Solemn divine services are held every year on September 8 in all temples and churches. Those who cannot attend the service can read a prayer in front of the icon at home, using the text of a special prayer or using their own words.

As on any other day, the Mother of God prays in various life situations. She is asked for health, spiritual enlightenment, solace in sorrows and sorrows, peace and harmony in the family. However, there are several special pardons on Candlemas related to the history of the celebration.

What to pray for:

• on peace and prosperity in the Russian land;
• about protection from enemy attacks;
• to help those who serve in the army or defend their Homeland in any other way.;
• on the speedy healing of the wounded in battle;
• about soldiers who are in captivity or missing in action.

Iconography of the Vladimir Image of the Mother of God

According to the iconographic type, the Vladimir icon of the Mother of God belongs to the type of "Eleusa" (Tenderness). In it, the Virgin Mary hugs the baby Jesus, who hugs her neck. However, it is distinguished from other similar images by the foot of the Baby's left foot, which is depicted with the sole turned towards the viewer.

It is believed that the icon was painted by the Evangelist Luke. Until the middle of the fifth century, the miraculous image was located in Jerusalem, then it was moved to Constantinople. The shrine came to Russia from Byzantium around 1130 as a gift to the holy Prince of Kiev Mstislav Vladimirovich.

At first, the icon was located in a convent near Kiev. Then it was moved to the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, as a result of which the name Vladimirskaya was assigned to it. For a long time, the shrine was patronized by the inhabitants of this ancient Russian city, and later by the whole of Russia.

Over the years, princes and tsars prayed before the icon when going on military campaigns, and Russian sovereigns were crowned kings and metropolitans were elected in front of it.

Where is the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God?

Today, the original icon is in the church-museum of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. There are also many copies of this image in churches throughout Russia.

The Vladimir Icon is venerated several times a year. In addition to Candlemas, two more holidays are dedicated to her: in memory of the intercession of the Virgin Mary from the Crimean Khan Mahmet Giray in 1521 and on the occasion of the salvation of Moscow from Khan Akhmat in 1480, which went down in history as Standing on the Ugra River. Both of these dates are celebrated in early summer.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God and what this image is known for.