October 6 is the Feast of the Slovenian Icon of the Mother of God: the story of the miraculous image

On October 6, the Orthodox Church celebrates an important religious holiday — the day of the Slovenian Icon of the Mother of God. In 2025, it falls on a Monday. Read more about the origin and miraculous properties of this image in the Izvestia article.

The Feast of the Slovenian Icon of the Mother of God: the story of the miraculous image

The history of the Slovenian Icon of the Mother of God begins in 1628. At that time, a man named Tit Gavrilov lived in Kostroma province. He suffered from a serious illness that led to vision loss and paralysis, experiencing not only physical but also mental suffering.

One day, the Virgin appeared to Titus in a dream. She told him to go to Kusa parish, located next to the Slovinka River, and find an abandoned church through the roof of which a tree had sprouted. The Mother of God also pointed out to the patient the place where he was to find Her miraculous image. When Titus woke up, his illness had disappeared. On the same day, he packed his things and went to the designated place, taking Priest Evdokim with him.

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On the way, they met a hunter named Iakinth, who led them to an abandoned temple. Once there, they entered the church and found the icon of the Virgin shining with a bright light. This sight shocked Titus, and he decided to devote his life to the service of God. Soon he took monastic vows and stayed in the temple to take care of the shrine. Subsequently, the icon became known for its miraculous power, becoming famous for its many healings and signs.

Where is the Slovenian Icon of the Mother of God?

In 1635, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov ordered the construction of a monastery on the site of an abandoned church, which was named Slovenskaya Pustyn. The monastery existed until 1764, and after its abolition, the miraculous icon of the Virgin was moved to a wooden church located in the village of Slovinka, Kostroma region.

In the early 1800s, a new stone temple was erected next to the wooden one. It was consecrated in honor of the Slovenian Icon, and later, in 1892, the building was rebuilt and consecrated in honor of John the Baptist, Saints Zosima and Savvati of Solovetsky and the Slovenian Icon of the Virgin. Since then, the icon has been kept in this temple.

The miracles of the Slovenian Icon and the help of believers

The Slovenian Icon of the Mother of God is considered one of the most miraculous. Many people come to her with requests for healing from various diseases, including diseases of the musculoskeletal system. They also pray in front of the icon for help in treating mental disorders and restoring mental balance.

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However, the miracles of this icon are not limited to physical healing only. People turn to her for spiritual support, asking the Mother of God to help them in difficult life situations, make important decisions, and strengthen their faith. For many believers, the Slovenian icon is a source of spiritual strength and comfort, especially at times when life becomes difficult and uncertain.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and significance of the icon of the Mother of God "Healer".