The feasts of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God on November 4 and July 21 — spiritual meaning and historical context

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is one of the most revered shrines of the Russian Orthodox Church. Its acquisition is connected with the events of 1579 that took place in Kazan. The day of the appearance of the icon is celebrated annually in the Orthodox calendar on July 21 in a new style. This is a significant date for Orthodox Christians: festive divine services, processions, prayer services and charity events are held on this day. The history of the holiday is in the material of Izvestia.

The history of the acquisition of the Kazan Icon

According to church tradition, the miraculous appearance of the Kazan Icon occurred in 1579 after a severe fire that destroyed part of the city. A nine—year-old girl named Matryona (sometimes referred to as Matrona or Matryona in sources), the daughter of the Sagittarius Danila Onuchin, saw the Virgin Mary in a dream and pointed out the place where the holy image was hidden underground.

The child's story was taken seriously. When the residents, together with the girl's parents, excavated the indicated place, they found the icon, carefully wrapped in cloth. After that, a solemn transfer of the shrine to the temple took place, and soon the first evidence of miraculous healings followed. This event is described both in church sources and in historical chronicles.

The appearance of the image made a huge impression on contemporaries, and the Kazan icon soon became known as miraculous. Among the eyewitnesses was Priest Hermogenes, the future Metropolitan of Kazan and Patriarch of Moscow, who left notes about the event and the first miracles that took place at the icon's prayers.

By order of Ivan the Terrible, a temple was built on the site of the find, and later the Kazan Bogoroditsky Monastery was founded. It was from there that the widespread veneration of the Kazan Icon began throughout Russia. Already in the first decades after the acquisition of the image, lists were written, many of which also became miraculous and played a significant role in the religious and military history of the country.

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In the 17th century, the icon gained national significance. Her lists were accompanied by the militia of Minin and Pozharsky during the liberation of Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian troops. This episode fixed the second, autumn date of the celebration of the Kazan Icon in the church calendar. Since then, the Kazan icon of the Virgin Mary has become not only a religious, but also a national symbol.

The researchers note that the historical basis of the events of the 16th century eventually intertwined with folk legends. However, the faith passed down from generation to generation has made the Kazan Icon one of the most significant shrines in Russia — a symbol of spiritual unity and hope.

When do they celebrate the Day of the Kazan Icon?

In the Orthodox tradition, the Kazan Icon is venerated twice a year. The summer holiday dedicated to its acquisition is celebrated on July 21 (July 8, Old style). On this day, solemn services, processions and prayer services are held in churches, festive events are held in monasteries and parishes.

Autumn Memorial Day is associated with historical events of the early 17th century and falls on November 4 (October 22, Old style). At that time, the Kazan Icon accompanied the People's militia that liberated Moscow. This day later became a national holiday — National Unity Day. Therefore, the Kazan icon is often remembered not only in the church, but also in the national context.

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Pilgrims gather annually in Kazan and other places where well-known icon lists are kept. People come to worship at the shrine, light a candle, read the akathist, or submit a prayer request.

What do they pray for in front of the Kazan Icon?

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is perceived as the intercessor and defender of the family. They pray in front of her for the health of children, successful childbirth, family peace, protection of the home and spiritual support in difficult times. It is believed that the icon provides special protection to mothers and children, recalling the wonderful story of its acquisition through the girl Matryona.

Along with personal prayers, the Kazan icon has a social significance. In difficult historical periods, her image accompanied the warriors, strengthened the national spirit and symbolized the unity of the country. Therefore, in modern prayers, the icon is addressed with requests for peace, protection of the Fatherland and deliverance from troubles.

Believers bring flowers to the icon, place candles, read akathists and perform prayer services. Many people note that prayer at the Kazan Icon brings solace and inner peace.