The Miracle of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary: how and from whom did the Virgin Mary protect the omophorion

Among the numerous Orthodox holidays, a special place is occupied by the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is celebrated annually on October 14. This day has long been revered in Russia and is considered one of the brightest and most reverent in the church calendar. The image of the Mother of God, spreading her omophorion over the world, symbolizes boundless maternal love, intercession and consolation, giving people hope and faith even in difficult times. About the origin of the holiday, its traditions and prohibitions — in the material of Izvestia.

Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos: when is it celebrated

The Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is not one of the twelve great celebrations of the Orthodox Church. However, it occupies a special place in the Russian Christian tradition due to its spiritual significance.

The Intercession is celebrated annually on October 14, which is an unchangeable date, since the holiday is not associated with Easter Day. In 2025, Orthodox believers will celebrate the Intercession on Tuesday.

The Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos: an omophorion spread over people

The events that the Church remembers on this day took place in Constantinople, presumably in 860 or 926 AD. They are described in the life of St. Andrew, a former slave in the house of a Byzantine dignitary who accepted the feat of foolishness for the sake of Christ.

At that time, the capital of Byzantium was besieged by numerous hordes of enemies. The situation was desperate, the residents of the city understood that they could not resist without a miracle. The Emperor, clergy and people gathered in the Blachernae Church, a special place where the shrines associated with the Virgin Mary were kept: her robe, belt and omophorion.

During the service, Saint Andrew suddenly saw a wonderful vision: the Most Holy Theotokos appeared before people surrounded by angels. Kneeling down, asking for the salvation of Christians, she cried out to Her Son with tears. Then, approaching the Altar, she took off the veil, the omophorion, from her head and spread it over the worshippers, as if hiding them from troubles and enemy arrows. It shone in her hands, illuminating the temple with light, and the Mother of God herself was surrounded by a luminous army.

Soon a miracle happened, the enemies unexpectedly retreated from Constantinople and the city was saved. This event became for the believers a clear sign of the heavenly intercession and maternal love of the Mother of God. In memory of this miraculous phenomenon, the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos was established. At first it was celebrated in Byzantium, and after the baptism of Rus it became especially widespread on Russian soil. Already in the XII century, the veneration of the Intercession became universal. It was then, with the blessing of Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky, that the construction of temples in honor of this event began.

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Since then, the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos has become not only a church celebration, but also a celebration of the national soul. On this day, believers turn to the Mother of God with prayers for protection, healing, help in difficulties and strengthening faith. It is believed that prayers offered on the day of intercession have special power, and the Mother of God herself will not ignore a single sincere request.

Tips for the Orthodox on October 14th

The Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos is a time of spiritual renewal, gratitude and good deeds. This day should be spent with prayer, peace in the heart and attention to others.

First of all, Orthodox Christians are advised to attend a festive church service. A good tradition of the Intercession is to show mercy, such as helping those in need, supporting loved ones, the lonely, and the elderly. Any kind act performed with a pure heart is considered the best gratitude to the Mother of God for her constant intercession.

It is worth spending the day in piety, avoiding quarrels and idle talk. It is useful to devote time to reading spiritual literature, reflecting on the meaning of the holiday and how the example of the Virgin Mary can inspire us to kindness and compassion.

What is undesirable to do on the Feast of the Intercession

According to church tradition and popular beliefs, it is not recommended to work in the garden or field for Protection. Our ancestors believed that a woman who took up the land that day would "forget" the future harvest or bring on early snow. It is better to devote time to rest, prayer and home comfort.

In addition, you should not do heavy housework — washing clothes, sewing clothes or cleaning. After all, such activities on a holiday can bring misfortune or trouble to the household. You should not drink alcohol in excess or arrange noisy feasts. Intercession is primarily a spiritual celebration, and it is important to spend it with pure thoughts and a grateful heart. Scandals, quarrels and insults on this day are especially undesirable. It was believed that whoever quarreled over the Veil would live in discord all year round.

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If you have to fast on this day, it is important to follow the rules of nutrition established by the church — to abstain from meat and dairy. Although Pokrov does not belong to strict days of abstinence, but moderation always does not hurt on a holiday.

The main point of all these restrictions is not in strict prohibitions, but in an effort to preserve an atmosphere of peace, silence and reverence.

Traditional menu for the Feast of the Intercession

For the celebration of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the table is decorated with hearty and delicious dishes. One of the main symbols of the holiday is the Pokrovsky loaf, a lush sweet bread that is served to all guests and family members. It symbolizes hospitality and generosity, bringing people together at the same table. Pancakes are considered an integral part of the table, symbolizing happiness and comfort. They are served with a variety of fillings and jelly. Traditionally, pancakes with salty fillings are not cooked on the Cover — sweets were considered a way to expel diseases and attract health.

Pies also occupy an important place on the festive table. Most often they are baked with peas, which symbolize hope for a bright future. In general, the pie is a sign of prosperity and well-being in the house. In some regions, jelly is traditionally prepared. Perepechi, especially common in Udmurtia, symbolize life, rebirth and productivity.

Boiled eggs are often served at the festive table as a symbol of a new life, and mushrooms that were harvested on that day and dried for good luck and prosperity. Cabbage dishes, including sauerkraut, also traditionally occupy a place on the Pokrovsky table.

Pokrov is not a fast day. However, if the holiday falls on Wednesday or Friday, it is allowed to eat fish, which is related to the church requirements of fasting.