Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Kazan | 24464

Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Kazan | Kazanskaya | 24464.

This icon:

In this sacred icon, the depiction of Jesus deviates from the traditional image where He sits upon the hand of the Mother of God. Instead, He stands to the left of her, raising His right hand in a blessing.

The gentle inclination of the Mother of God’s head towards the child conveys a tender connection between them. Positioned alongside are the Guardian Angel and Saint Martyr Anna, who accompany them in their divine presence.

The Legend:

The revered Kazan icon originated in 1579 when it appeared in Kazan. The Mother of God appeared in the dreams of nine-year-old Matrona and entrusted her with a mission to inform the authorities about the buried icon. Despite initial disregard, Matrona and her mother persisted.

On July 8, they excavated the designated spot, but the icon remained elusive. Undeterred, Matrona continued the digging and miraculously unearthed the perfectly preserved icon. It was then transported to Moscow and enshrined in the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg.

The icon holds immense veneration in Russia, adorning churches and homes. Newlyweds seek its blessings for family well-being. Feast days are celebrated on July 8 and October 22.

Saint Martyr Anna of Rome

Additionally, we acknowledge Saint Martyr Anna of Rome, whose commemoration falls on January 20, adding her esteemed presence to the tapestry of revered saints.

Saint Martyr Anna of Rome, also known as Saint Anne, holds a revered place in Christian tradition and devotion. She is recognized as the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ, making her a significant figure in the lineage of the Savior.

According to ancient Christian writings and apocryphal texts, Saint Anne was married to Saint Joachim, and together they lived a devout and virtuous life. They experienced a period of infertility, which brought them great sorrow. In their longing for a child, they fervently prayed for divine intervention.

Their prayers were answered when an angel appeared to Saint Anne, announcing that she would conceive a child. Overjoyed, Saint Anne conceived and gave birth to a daughter, whom they named Mary. This child would go on to become the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary.

Saint Anne played a vital role in Mary’s upbringing, nurturing her faith and devotion to God. Although not extensively documented in scriptures, she is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. She is honored for her faith, connection to Mary’s life, and role in the coming of the Messiah.

Saint Martyr Anna of Rome exemplifies the importance of maternal love, faith, and God’s plan. Many seek her intercession for guidance, protection, and support in family, fertility, and motherhood.

Feast days for Saint Anne are celebrated on July 25th in the Roman Catholic Church and July 26th in the Eastern Orthodox Church. These occasions unite believers to honor and seek Saint Anne’s intercession, recognizing her significance in the salvation story and her advocacy in the Christian faith.

Source: Orthodox icon | Mother of God of Kazan | 24464 © 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