On August 14, 1164, two extraordinary events occurred. Thousands of kilometers apart, the two troops went on a campaign against the enemy, who made regular raids on their territory. One army was commanded by Russian Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky.
He led troops to curb the Volga Bulgars and discourage them from attacking the border territories. Another army was commanded by the Byzantine emperor Manuel Comnenus. He went to fight the Saracens.
In front of the Russian troops carried 2 icons. One depicted the Mother of God, later called Vladimir. The other was twofold: the Savior of the Unmade and the Worship of the Cross. The images were on both sides of the icon.
Before the battle, the prince turned to the Virgin with a fervent prayer, and then attached himself to the icon. After him, all the clergy, commanders and soldiers did the same.
The Bulgarian army was defeated in the battle and fled the battlefield. When the prince and the soldiers returned to the place where the icons remained, all those present were amazed by the dazzling rays emanating from the images of the Virgin, the Savior and the Cross.
The emperor also won. From the icons in his army also came light. Such a coincidence can only happen by a miracle. In memory of this miracle, a feast was established for the Savior and the Mother of God.
As a punishment for the Volga Bulgars, Prince Andrew ordered them to deliver a white stone to Vladimir and Suzdal. Every tenth block they left at the mouth of the Nerli river. Over the year, enough material has accumulated to erect a remarkable monument of Russian church architecture: the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.
Celebration
14 August
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
