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The Feast of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God in 2025: history, traditions and powerful prayers
In September, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Presentation of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The celebration symbolizes the spiritual protection of Russia in times of various trials. One of them is connected with the miraculous rescue of Moscow from the invasion of Tamerlane's troops in 1395. It is believed that the Vladimir icon gives comfort, strength and protection in difficult periods of life. For more information about the origin, meaning and customs of the holiday, see the Izvestia article.
The meaning of the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most ancient and revered shrines of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to church tradition, it was written by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which Jesus Christ, the Most Pure Virgin Mary and the righteous Joseph ate during their earthly lives.
The icon was brought to Russia from Constantinople in the early 12th century and was originally kept in the Maiden Monastery of Vyshgorod. Later, the shrine was transported by Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky to Vladimir, where it became an important symbol of spiritual patronage.
In 1395, the army of Tamerlane, known for his brutality and conquests, invaded Russian territory. The troops defeated the forces of the Golden Horde and rushed to Moscow, threatening to destroy the city. Despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, Prince Vasily Dmitrievich gathered soldiers to defend the capital. At this difficult moment, the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was considered the guardian of the Russian land and a source of spiritual strength, was brought from Vladimir to Moscow.
According to legend, on the night of her arrival, Tamerlane had a dream in which the Virgin ordered him to retreat. On the morning of August 26 (September 8, New style), Tamerlane's army suddenly turned back without launching an assault on Moscow. This moment became a symbol of the powerful protection of the Mother of God through the Vladimir Icon, and the Sretensky Monastery, the meeting place of the holy image, was founded in memory of the event.
What is depicted on the Vladimir Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos
The icon belongs to the "Eleusa" type, which means "tenderness" — on it the Mother of God gently hugs the baby Jesus, who gently hugs her neck. This gesture reflects the deep maternal love and exceptional closeness between the Mother of God and Christ.
The expressions of the faces are especially remarkable: the peace and warm tenderness with which the Mother of God bends her head to her Son, and the Baby touches her cheek. A distinctive feature of the original is the visible sole of the Baby's left foot, which makes it easier to recognize this shrine.
The icon is filled with theological symbolism: the Virgin Mary appears as the bearer of divine grace, and Christ as the Savior who brought redemption to mankind. The image inspires repentance, strengthening of faith and spiritual consolation.
When is the Candlemas of the Vladimir Icon celebrated in 2025
The celebration of the Presentation of the Vladimir Icon falls annually on September 8 in the new style (August 26 in the old style). In the church context, the word "candlemas" means "meeting" and is associated with the solemn meeting of the icon in Moscow in 1395, when it was brought to protect the city from the army of Tamerlane. This holiday does not change the date and is always celebrated on the same day, accompanied by divine services, processions and prayers.
Who does the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God help?
This holy image is a strong spiritual support for everyone who prays. The icon helps to strengthen faith, especially in times of life's trials and important decisions. Requests are made before the Vladimir icon for the protection of the family, peace in the house, reconciliation with loved ones and the restoration of love.
It is also revered as a shrine that heals bodily ailments, especially heart and eye diseases, and grants spiritual enlightenment. Historically, the image served as a stronghold of warriors and defender of the country during times of war, and people turn to it for help in strengthening peace, unity and spiritual revival of the people.
Prohibitions and traditions on the day of celebration on September 8th
On this holy day, it is important to avoid quarrels and conflicts, to show mercy and patience to others. It is undesirable to complain or become discouraged, as this interferes with spiritual peace. You should refrain from hard work and excessive food, as well as avoid harsh language.
According to popular superstitions, it is forbidden to break mountain ash, litter and walk barefoot on this day, so as not to cause trouble. The main recommendation on the holiday is to devote time to prayer, good deeds and the preservation of harmony in the family and society.
What prayers should be read in front of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God?
In front of the Vladimir Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, believers traditionally offer sincere prayers, turning to the Virgin Mary with requests for protection, healing and support. Among the most revered prayers are the troparion and kontakion, praising the face of the Mother of God, as well as prayers for mercy and help in difficult moments of life.
Kontakion of the holiday
"To the victorious Voivode, for having been delivered from evil by the coming of Your honorable image, O Lady Theotokos, we lightfully celebrate the feast of Your presentation and usually call You: hail, Bride of the Unknown."
Troparion of the feast
"Today the most glorious city of Moscow stands brightly, for we have received Your miraculous icon at the dawn of the sun, O Lady, to which we now flow and pray to You, crying out: O most wonderful Lady Theotokos! Pray to our God incarnate Christ from You, that this city and all Christian cities and countries may be delivered unharmed from all the lies of the enemy, and that our souls may be saved, for You are Merciful."
In addition, prayers are read in front of the image with requests for health, strengthening faith and help in life's hardships.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
