The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, whose significance cannot be overestimated, is a very strong image that has defended the Russian land from foreign invaders from time immemorial. Before her, not only ordinary people prayed, but also princes, kings. There are legends about her miracles, but the younger generation does not always know not only about her features, but also a rather interesting story. So let's start with a little excursion into the past.
Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. History
Who wrote this bright image and what is its general background is not known for certain. Accurate information began to reach us only from 1579. That year was very difficult for the Kazan land. The summer was dry and hot, from which a fire started near the church of Nikolai Tulsky. The flames quickly spread first to the Kremlin, and then to the homes of ordinary people, destroying part of the city. Muslims and pagans, of whom there were a great many in these Tatar lands, not so long ago recaptured by the Russiansarmy under the command of Tsar Ivan the Terrible (1552), rejoiced, and said that the Orthodox faith in these parts had come to an end. Indeed, many began to doubt and grumble. When the people nevertheless rebuilt, then one nine-year-old girl named Matrona had a vision in a dream in which the Mother of God herself came and indicated the place where the icon was buried. She ordered to tell the governors and the archbishop about this. But they just laughed at the girl. After the third repetition of the dream, the mother and daughter, and with them the rest of the people, went to look for the icon in the indicated place. No matter who dug, the icon was not found, but as soon as Matrona started work, the image was immediately found.
It was wrapped in a piece of cloth and looked like it had just been painted. This icon was immediately assigned to the church. The Kazan icon of the Mother of God, the meaning of which was not yet known, as well as where it came from in that place, showed its miraculous power from the very first day, healing many people. Among them, Joseph and Nikita were especially singled out - blind beggars who had not seen for years, but after praying at the image, they immediately received their sight.
Such a miraculous appearance of the holy image helped people to strengthen their faith and return to the true path again. At the place where the icon was found, Ivan the Terrible ordered to rebuild a monastery with a convent, in which the same Matrona (and later the abbess) became the first nun. Over time, the image was transferred to the Kazan Church on Red Square. The Kazan icon of the Mother of God (its meaning) was immediately appreciated, because thanks toshe experienced many miraculous healings, not only physically, but also spiritually. Her fame grew day by day.
Later, not only physical and spiritual healings were associated with this icon, but also multiple victories over the enemies of the Russian land. Lists were made from it and sent to churches. But, as suddenly the icon appeared, it disappeared. It was stolen in 1904 and its whereabouts are still unknown.
Further in the story there is a continuation, but about the lists from the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.
Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Meaning
Since the original image has not survived to this day, or rather, it has been lost, it remains only on the lists to judge how and to whom it helps. As mentioned earlier, the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is of particular importance in the healing of the blind. And this applies not only to the physically blind, but also to those who have lost the spiritual ability to see, lost along the way.
In addition, this image is considered a talisman of the Russian land from foreign invaders. She is the Guidebook showing the right path. Also, the icon of the Kazan Mother of God is a wedding image, which is used to bless the young, protect their marriage. Prayer in front of this icon will help everyone who asks with all their hearts. Keeping it in your house, you protect it from troubles, and if you place the image near the crib, then no demons, evil spells and other otherworldly nature will touch the child. If you ask the image for help in a difficult situation, then you will quickly find a way out ofher.
