October 14 – The Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God: beautiful pictures and greeting cards

According to legend, in 910 Constantinople was besieged by enemies, and the inhabitants prayed for salvation. At this time, the fool Andrew of Constantinople had a vision: The Virgin removed a shining veil from her head and stretched it over the prayers, giving them protection. Soon a strong storm arose, which swept the invaders' ships and saved the city from ruin.

A curious historical fact: many researchers, including the famous church historian Anton Kartashov, believe that the very “barbarians” were the squads of the Russian princes Askold and Dir. According to this version, the events took place in 866. Having suffered defeat from the elements, the Russians not only retreated, but also became seriously interested in the power of the Christian God. Soon after this campaign, they sent ambassadors to Byzantium with a request to send a missionary. Historians often call this moment “the first baptism of Russia”.

The feast of the Intercession was fully established in Russia, not in Greece. In the 12th century, St. Andrew Bogolyubsky introduced it into the church calendar. In honor of this event, real masterpieces of architecture were erected: the white-stone temple of the Intercession on the Nerl and the famous cathedral in Moscow, in the mass consciousness associated today with the name of Basil the Blessed.

In the national calendar, Pokrov also symbolized the final transition from autumn to winter: “On Pokrov before lunch, autumn, and after lunch, winter-winter.” Believers on this day traditionally pray to the Mother of God for intercession, peace in the family and prosperity, remembering that sincere faith can overcome any adversity.