The Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is celebrated in Russia on November 4th. This day holds two important events for Russians - the Day of National Unity and the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most famous miraculous icons in Russia. In 2024, the celebrations will take place on a Monday.
The Kazan Icon holiday was established in 1649 in honor of the liberation of Moscow from the Polish invaders. This historic event took place on November 4th, 1612, when the people's militia, led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, entered the Kitai-gorod and forced the Polish interventionists to retreat. Before the decisive assault, the militia prayed all night before the miraculous icon, relying on the help of the Mother of God.
It is believed that the list of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was brought to Moscow by the Kazan militia, who came to the aid of the capital's militia. After the victory, Pozharsky built the wooden Kazan Cathedral with his own funds and placed the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in it, making it the main military shrine of Russia.
The holiday is often called the "Autumn Kazan Icon." Another day of commemoration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, known as the "Summer Kazan Icon," is celebrated on July 21st. It commemorates the miraculous appearance of the Kazan Icon in 1579 in Kazan. After the icon was found, lists were made from it. One of these lists, now referred to as the Moscow Icon, is located in the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square.
On the Day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, special services are held in churches, and thousands of believers gather for them. The clergy wear blue vestments, the color of the Mother of God, symbolizing the highest purity and immaculateness. Prayers are also offered for all the soldiers who have ever defended Russia. And, of course, the exploits of the militia, to which a separate holiday is dedicated - the Day of National Unity, are remembered.
There are certain prohibitions for believers on this major church holiday. It is forbidden to curse, swear, refuse mercy to those in need. It is also advisable to refrain from heavy physical work and entertainment events. Household chores, such as cleaning, laundry, and minor repairs, are better postponed to another day. Instead, this day should be dedicated to spiritual purification and prayer.
The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God is considered a symbol of the Day of National Unity for its role in saving Russia. In ancient times, it was believed that couples who got married on this day would live a long and happy life together. Unmarried girls performed special rituals on the Autumn Kazan Icon to attract a spouse. Dreams that occurred on the night of November 4th were considered prophetic and could indicate future changes.
