Kazan Icon of the Mother of God: the significance of the shrine for Orthodox Christians

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God holds a special place in the hearts of Orthodox Christians, being not only an object of religious veneration, but also a symbol of the national unity of Russia. The miraculous image, found in Kazan in 1579, became the spiritual shield of the country during the most difficult periods of its history. The significance of this shrine extends far beyond the boundaries of church life, influencing the culture, history and self-awareness of the Russian people. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The historical significance and miracles of the finding of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

The icon was found on July 8, 1579, after a fire destroyed part of Kazan. According to legend, the ten-year-old girl Matrona appeared three times in a dream of the Virgin Mary, pointing out the place under the ruins of the house where the miraculous image was located. During excavations at a depth of about a meter, an icon was discovered wrapped in an old sleeve of clothing.

The found image impressed contemporaries with the preservation of colors and the brightness of the faces, despite the long stay in the ground. This event was recognized as a miracle and contributed to the strengthening of Orthodoxy in the Kazan region. Already in 1579, by the decree of Ivan the Terrible, the Bogoroditsky Maiden Monastery was founded on the site of the acquisition.

The spiritual significance of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the Orthodox tradition

The Kazan icon belongs to the iconographic type of Odigitria, which means "Guide book" in Greek. This name reflects the main spiritual meaning of the image — indicating the path to salvation through the incarnate Word God. The Christ child is depicted as a King and Judge, blessing with his right hand.

In the Orthodox tradition, an icon is considered:

• defender of the Russian state;

• an assistant in military affairs;

• The patroness of the family hearth;

• a healer of diseases.

Features of worship and prayer practice

Orthodox Christians especially honor the Kazan Icon twice a year — on July 21 (the appearance of the image) and November 4 (in memory of Moscow's deliverance from the Poles). These days, solemn divine services are held in all the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church. Many believers note that prayer in front of this image brings special comfort in sorrows.

Traditionally, people pray in front of the Kazan Icon.:

• about the healing of eye diseases;

• about protection from enemies and enemies;

• about preserving family peace;

• about understanding in difficult life situations.

Role in the history of the Russian State

The Kazan icon acquired special significance during the Time of Troubles. In 1612, the list of the image was accompanied by the people's militia of Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. According to legend, a three-day fast and fervent prayer in front of the icon helped the Russian soldiers to liberate Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders.

In 1709, on the eve of the Battle of Poltava, Peter the Great and his army prayed in front of the Kazan Icon. During the Patriotic War of 1812, Mikhail Kutuzov prayed in the Kazan Cathedral of St. Petersburg before leaving for the army. These historical facts confirm the icon's special importance as the spiritual protector of Russia.

Modern veneration and place in spiritual life

Currently, the Kazan Icon continues to be one of the most revered shrines. After the revolution of 1917, the original image was lost, but numerous miraculous lists have been preserved. The most famous are in the Kazan Cathedrals of Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as in the Epiphany Cathedral.

In 2004, the so-called Vatican list of the icon was returned to Russia, which is now kept in the Kazan Monastery. Every year thousands of pilgrims come to worship the miraculous images, testifying to the enduring importance of the shrine for Orthodox Christians.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.