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Veneration of the Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God on September 15: the history of the image, prayers and omens
On September 15, Orthodox believers celebrate the memory of one of the most famous shrines of the Kaluga region — the Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God. Since the 18th century, this image has served as a symbol of protection and comfort for the inhabitants of the region, as well as for all those who turn to it with faith. Over the years, the shrine has gained fame thanks to numerous miracles and healings, and in 2025, the veneration and traditions associated with the icon continue to retain deep significance. For more information about the celebration of the Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God, see the Izvestia article.
The origins of the appearance of the shrine and the beginning of veneration
The Kaluga icon appeared to people in 1748 in the village of Tinkov in the house of the landowner Vasily Kondratievich Khitrov. Two maids, while cleaning in the attic, discovered a package with the image of the Virgin in monastic robes and with an open book in her hands.
The frivolous Evdokia, unaware of the shrine, spat on the image and was soon stricken with a serious illness, losing her speech and eyesight. At the behest of the Blessed Virgin, the parents performed a prayer service in front of the icon and sprinkled their daughter with holy water, which led to a complete cure. This event marked the beginning of widespread veneration of the image as a miraculous and source of healing for the Kaluga land.
Unique iconography features and spiritual meaning
A special feature of the Kaluga icon is the image of the Virgin without a baby, which distinguishes it from other images of this subject and emphasizes the role of the intercessor and mentor. The dark monastic robe and the open book symbolize inextinguishable wisdom and spiritual guidance, and the stern but merciful face shows a combination of love and strength. This image inspires believers to spiritual rebirth and the preservation of Orthodox traditions.
Miracles of the Kaluga Icon and help for believers
For more than two and a half centuries, the Kaluga icon has become famous for many miracles. Among the main events are the cessation of the plague epidemic in 1771 after the procession with the icon, the liberation of Kaluga land from cholera in 1892 and protection from the Napoleonic invasion in 1812. Nowadays, there continues to be evidence of new healings of seriously ill people after prayers in front of the image of the Kaluga Virgin, which confirms the unceasing spiritual power of the holy image.
Dates of worship and customs
The Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated three times a year — on July 31, September 15 and October 25. Religious processions, prayer services and all-night services are held these days, attracting a large number of pilgrims from the region and other cities. Folk customs on holidays advise to refrain from troubles and hard work, focusing on prayer and spiritual purification, which creates an atmosphere of peace and faith.
What prayers are read on the Day of the Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God
On the feast day, September 15, the akathist and prayers are especially read, which offer an appeal to the Mother of God as the supreme patroness of the Kaluga land and an assistant in healing and protection. The akathist contains the words of a request for protection from spiritual and bodily ailments, strengthening faith and mercy.
In addition, kontakions and troparia are read, praising the miraculous power and gratitude for its intervention in the destinies of people. Of particular importance is prayer, where they ask the Mother of God to pay attention to the sighs of the faithful and grant them health, peace and spiritual renewal.
Folk traditions and beliefs on September 15th
On September 15, Orthodox believers celebrate the memory of the Kaluga Icon of the Mother of God in honor of Kaluga's deliverance from the plague in 1771. On this day, it is customary to visit the temple, ask the holy image for healing from ailments and pray for protection. It is considered a good deed to show mercy — to help the sick and those in need.
Among the prohibitions of this day is abstinence from quarrels, lies and excessive conversation. People try not to give in to discouragement, not to engage in difficult tasks and not to get into petty conflicts. It was considered an important rite to read the troparion of the Kaluga Icon three times before going to bed with a request for worldly wisdom and help.
September 15 also coincides with the memorial day of the Holy Martyr Mammoth, the patron saint of livestock, so special attention was paid to animal protection and care of the farm. According to legend, good deeds and work on this day attract health and well-being, and refusal of help and ill-will can lead to illness and failure.
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