Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Kazan | Kazanskaya | 24439

Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Kazan | Kazanskaya | 24439.

This icon:

The depiction on this icon presents a unique arrangement, as Jesus stands to the left of the Mother of God, rather than sitting on her hand. He raises His right hand in a blessing, while the Mother of God gently inclines her head toward the child. Flanking them on the side are Saint Martyr Myron and Saint Venerable Eudokia of Persia, adding to the richness of the composition.

The Legend of Kazan:

The history of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God traces back to the year 1579, when it made its miraculous appearance in the city of Kazan. The Virgin Mary appeared in a series of dreams to a nine-year-old girl named Matrona, urging her to inform the archbishop and city officials to unearth her buried icon.

The precise location was indicated as being beneath the ashes of a recently burned-down house. Unfortunately, the initial pleas of the young girl were disregarded. Determined to fulfill the mission entrusted to her by the Mother of God, Matrona enlisted the help of her mother.

On July 8, Matrona’s mother began digging, but the icon wasn’t immediately found. Undeterred, Matrona took over and soon unearthed the sacred icon, miraculously intact as if freshly painted. The icon was then transported to Moscow and, in 1811, found its permanent home in St. Petersburg’s Kazan Cathedral, a grand structure built to honor it.

The Kazan icon of the Mother of God holds deep significance for Russian believers. It adorns every church and is cherished in countless devout homes. Newlyweds receive blessings with the Kazan icon, invoking it for family well-being and prosperity. The icon is celebrated on July 8 and October 22.

The Saints on the sides:

Saint Martyr Myron, honored on August 17, originated from Achaja. Under Emperor Dekios’ rule, he became a priest. However, his steadfast opposition to the idolatrous practices of regent Antipater resulted in his beheading in Xeryka in 261.

Saint Venerable Eudocia of Persia, a revered nun, dedicated her life to spiritual devotion and asceticism. She passed away around 362, leaving behind a legacy of holiness and piety.

The icon itself is a masterpiece, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship with its intricate details and gilded robes, captivating the hearts and minds of all who gaze upon it.

Source: Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Kazan | Kazanskaya | 24439 © Ikonen Mautner. Typing errors, other errors or changes reserved. For more information: “Das Synaxarion. Die Leben der Heiligen der Orthodoxen Kirche.” (http://www.prodromos-verlag.de/buecher.html) and Joachim Schäfer: Das Ökumenische Heiligenlexikon – https://www.heiligenlexikon.de