Orthodox Christians celebrate the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God 0 21

The miraculous image is greatly loved by Christians and is celebrated twice a year: on July 21 and November 4. This image is considered miraculous and healing from various diseases.

The Day of the Kazan Icon is not included in the list of the 12 main holidays – the Twelve Great Feasts, as it is not associated with key events in the earthly life of Christ and the Mother of God. It is also not in the list of major feasts: the Kazan Icon holiday belongs to the third group of celebrations – the polyelaios.

History

It is believed that the appearance of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God took place on July 21, 1579. According to tradition, at that time a strong fire swept through Kazan and destroyed many houses. The Mother of God appeared three times to the 10-year-old daughter of a merchant, Matrona, and spoke to her about her icon in the ashes of the burned house.

At first, no one believed the girl, but after the third appearance, her mother agreed to go to the indicated place, where they found a beautiful icon that had not been harmed by the fire at all. Since then, many miracles have occurred with the icon.

The image was honorably transferred to the Church of St. Nicholas of Tula, and later to the Annunciation Cathedral. During the celebration, the first miracles occurred – Joseph, who had been blind for three years, regained his sight, as did the blind man Nikita. Soon after the appearance of the icon, a women's monastery was erected at the site. The first inhabitants were Matrona and her mother.

What to pray for on this day

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is considered a protector of women.

In ancient times, there was a belief: "Whoever marries on Kazan will be happy." A copy of the image is given to newlyweds after their wedding. It is believed that prayers before it help strengthen marriage. In 1649, it became the patroness of the Romanov family.

People ask Kazan for family protection, health for children and husbands, and easy childbirth. They also pray to the Kazan Mother of God for healing from serious illnesses and well-being. She is prayed to for relief from sorrow and grief.

It is believed that this icon heals the sick and restores sight to the blind.

Traditions

Traditionally, on this day, believers attend the service and read the prayer to the Mother of God.

The Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was considered by our ancestors to mark the end of autumn and field work. In ancient times, after this date, nothing else was planted in the garden and field, only care was given to winter crops.

On November 4, wives would meet men returning from work. The Kazan holiday was celebrated with a lavish feast.

On this day, gardens are weeded if there is no rain. Cellars are also prepared for storing vegetables. It was considered a good omen to celebrate a wedding on this date – then the marriage would be very strong.

Unmarried girls pray for a worthy groom.

What not to do

It is forbidden to wash white clothes, sew, work at home, quarrel, envy others, or cry.

Swimming in bodies of water is not recommended.

Construction and repairs are not allowed.

It is an unfavorable day for work in the garden and orchard.

Today, it is not allowed to lend money.

Folk omens

A Kazan day without rain is a bad omen, which promises a poor harvest next year.

A heavy downpour means it will rain for a long time.

Morning fog indicates a thaw, while evening fog indicates a drop in temperature.

A sunny and clear day indicates a drop in temperature.

If the grass is covered with frost in the morning, winter will be early.