because it contained the clothes of the Mother of Jesus.
Z Enemy squads besieged the capital of Byzantium, and frightened residents gathered at night to pray to the Lord for intercession. Among the parishioners was for Christ a fool named Andrew. And so, the hour before dawn, Andrew raised his eyes to the sky, praying fervently, with all the strength of his soul.
He saw an extraordinary vision: the Mother of God entered the temple through the air. She was accompanied by 2 John, Forerunner and Apostle. There were saints and angels around them. But nothing could compare with the face of the Virgin, radiating a dazzling light. Not trusting himself, Andrew asked his disciple if he saw the Virgin. After receiving confirmation, Andrew realized that this was actually happening. The Mother of God is actually here in the temple, praying with the citizens. At the end of the prayer, the Virgin removed the veil from her head and stretched it over the worshippers. And until she left the church, her plate continued to shelter all believers.
The Mother of God protected Constantinople with her prayer. The enemy has retreated. Andrei’s vision was recorded, but later the exact date could no longer be established.
In Rus’, the Mother of God was always especially revered. It is not surprising that it was here that the holiday in honor of her Intercession originated. Rus’ is the destiny of the Mother of God; the Orthodox have relied on her prayers for centuries and hoped for her protection. Therefore, from the 12th century, they began to celebrate the day when her Veil covered and protected believers. The text of the service for the holiday dates back to the 12th century. He came to other Orthodox churches under Russian influence.
According to legend, Andrei Bogolyubsky established the holiday after the victory over the Volga Bulgars. He also built the first temple dedicated to the Intercession of the Virgin Mary — the church on the Nerl. The most famous Russian temple, St. Basil’s Church, is also dedicated to the Intercession.
The people especially revered the holiday. There are many signs and legends associated with this day, as well as the feeling that winter is coming, but everything will be fine. Under the Protection of the Mother of God it cannot be any other way. Soul!
