Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Protection of the Theotokos

The feast day celebrates the appearance of the Mother of God at Blachernae (Vlaherna) in the tenth century. The Theotokos approached the center of the church, knelt down and remained in prayer for a long time. Her face was drowned in tears. Then she took her veil off and spread it over the people as a sign of protection. During the time, the people in the city were threatened by a barbarian invasion. After the appearance of the Mother of God, the danger was averted and the city was spared from bloodshed and suffering. To read more, click HERE.

Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church
and with choirs of saints she invisibly prays to God for us.
Angels and bishops worship,
apostles and prophets rejoice together,
since for our sake she prays to the pre-eternal God.

Kontakion of the Feast

Click an ikon to zoom full size.

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