Why National Unity Day coincides with the feast of the Kazan Icon: the history and meaning of the date

November 4th is not a random date on the calendar. This day connects secular history with Orthodox tradition. The holiday celebrates the unity of the people against an external threat and honors the miraculous Kazan icon of the Mother of God as a heavenly intercessor. For more information about the holidays— see the Izvestia article.

The history of the establishment of the feast of the Kazan Icon on November 4

The holiday in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in autumn originated in the 17th century as a thank you for getting rid of troubles. The image was acquired in 1579 in Kazan, when nine-year-old Matrona Onuchina, at the sleepy behest of the Mother of God, found the icon in the ashes after a fire. Miracles immediately appeared: during the first procession, the blind people regained their sight, and the image became a symbol of heavenly mercy.

The autumn celebration on November 4 (according to the Julian calendar, October 22) was established in 1649 by decree of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It is dedicated to the icon's role in the liberation of Moscow from Polish invaders in 1612. The second people's militia, led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin, led the banner with the image: three days of fasting and prayer services in front of the icon preceded the storming of the Kremlin. The victory on October 22 marked the end of the Time of Troubles, and in honor of this event, the Kazan Cathedral was erected on Red Square.

The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed the date in 1919, but in Soviet times the celebration faded away. The restoration in the 1990s brought back the tradition: annual religious processions in Moscow and Kazan gather thousands of believers, emphasizing the spiritual connection with the past.

Connection with National Unity Day: reasons for the coincidence of dates

The establishment of National Unity Day in 2005 is directly based on the events of 1612. In 2004, President Vladimir Putin signed a law that replaced November 7 (October Revolution Day) with a new date. The choice fell on November 4 to celebrate the contribution of all the peoples of Russia to the victory over the interventionists, without revolutionary overtones.

The coincidence with the icon's feast was not accidental: the militia acted under its patronage, and the image became a sign of unity: boyars, peasants, Tatars and other ethnic groups rallied in the face of the threat. In the 2000s, the State Duma justified the date with a historic victory, where the Kazan Icon acted as a spiritual leader. This decision reflected the desire for new narratives: instead of class struggle, national revival.

The meaning of coincidence: symbols of unity and relevance today

The coincidence of the dates underscores the idea that national unity is rooted in spiritual values and a shared history. The Kazan icon, as an intercessor from troubles, symbolizes maternal protection — from Troubles to modern challenges. In 1612, she united disparate forces, showing that unity overcomes any invasions.

In the modern context, the holiday teaches tolerance: in multinational Russia, the icon found in Kazan recalls the Christianization of the Volga and the peaceful coexistence of ethnic groups. Processions and festivals on November 4 bring together people of different faiths, emphasizing the theme of peace and solidarity.

For young people, this is an occasion to study history: schools teach lessons about the Troubles, and museums organize exhibitions. In 2025, patriotic actions are expected to intensify, including reenactments of the events of 1612. Thus, the date of November 4 is a bridge between the past and the present, where faith and unity help to overcome crises.

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