O Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Through the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God and the protection offered by a wonder-working icon, Moscow was delivered from the Invasion of the fearsome Khan Tamerlane in 1395. This event and the icon associated with it is commemorated on the Julian Calendar date of Aug 26 (Sept 8 ).

The “Vladimir” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was painted by the Evangelist Luke on a board from the table at which the Saviour ate together with His All-Pure Mother and Righteous Joseph.

The icon was brought from the city of Vladimir to Moscow as Khan Tamerlane was preparing an invasion of Russia. Along the way, on both sides of the road, countless people prayed kneeling: “O Mother of God, save the land of Russia!” At that same hour, Khan Tamerlane had a dream of a Radiant Lady commanding him to leave the domains of Russia. His experts explained that the Radiant Lady was the Mother of God, the great Protectress of Christians. Tamerlane then gave the order for his troops to retreat.