Feast Of The Protection Of The Mother Of God (1)
The Feast of the Protection or Pilgrimage of the mother of god is celebrated annually on October 1 by the Slav Byzantine Church. It commerates the miraculous intercession of the Mother of God to save the city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
Mary appeared to the praying faithful in the church of Vlachervia and joined them in prayer for the deliverance of the city. As a sign of her protection she covered all present with her mantle. Inspired by her motherly concern, the people received new hope and courage, and the city was saved.
The Omophorion which she holds in her hands is a symbol of her loving care and protection. Graces, illustrated by rays of light, are shown as coming from God above and flowing through Mary’s hands to her spiritual children.
The Byzantine Ruthenian Bishops and the people of their jurisdictions donated this chapel to The Shrine and dedicated on October 6, 1974.
(Text: Shrine Documents)
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