Academy Honored the Mother of God on the Feast of Her Kazan Icon

Orthodox Christians regard the Mother of God with special reverence and love. She has become a true Mother for the entire Church, for everyone who dies and is co-resurrected with Christ in the waters of Baptism. Her maternal care knows no bounds, extending to all ages, all countries and lands, and reaching the believing heart.

In the most difficult periods of history, the Theotokos has revealed her countenance to Christians, granting great comfort and spiritual joy. For her most pure image is imprinted not only in paint but also, most importantly, in the heart and memory of all the faithful. And this is the true mystery and miracle of the soul's prayerful communion with the Most Holy Virgin. 

History has preserved for present and future generations of Christians, through iconographic copies, numerous icons of the Mother of God discovered in different parts of the world. One such icon is the Kazan Icon, which Christ's Church venerates today.

This image was revealed in Kazan in 1579. Through it the Most Holy Theotokos helped and guided the Christians during hard times. 

To embody the Gospel in one's life means to daily shed one's blood and lay down one's life for one's neighbor. And today, when evangelical love is growing cold in people's hearts, the help of the Mother of God is needed as never before.

Praying in front of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God, teachers and students of the Moscow Theological Academy ask the Intercessor of the Christian race to save the Church in unity and protect its people. 

On November 3, (Knyazev) officiated an All-night Vigil on the day of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God at the Intercession Academic Church co-served by the academic clergy. 

During the service, the academic clergy performed a festive lithia, then offered a prayer to the Lord for the consecration of bread. 

On November 4, Archimandrite Venedikt performed the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Academic Church.

Before Communion, a sermon was delivered by first-year master's student Priest Vadim Afanasyev.

After the Liturgy, the clergy performed a hymn of glorification to the Mother of God before the Kazan Icon. 

MThA Press Office