The Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos belongs to the great non-twelve feasts of the Orthodox Church and is celebrated on October 14. Its history dates back to the beginning of the 10th century, when Constantinople was besieged by the enemy, whose army several times outnumbered the defenders of the city. At the most terrible moment, when the outcome of the battle seemed to be a foregone conclusion, the faithful gathered in the Blachernae Church, where the robe of the Virgin was kept, to pray for the protection of the city. Then Saint Andrew the Fool and his disciple Epiphanius were honored with a vision: the Most Holy Theotokos, accompanied by John the Baptist and the Apostle John the Theologian, prayed with tears for the coming people. Then She took off the omophorion from Her head and covered the worshippers with it. The enemy soon retreated from the city walls without causing any damage. It was this event that formed the basis of the holiday, and the intercession (omophorion) The Virgin Mary became a symbol of Her protection and patronage.
In Russia, the holiday was established under Prince Andrey Bogolyubsky in 1164. Since that time, churches began to be built in honor of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of the most famous was the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl.
The main meaning of the feast of the Intercession is revealed in the idea of the intercession and intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos before God for the entire human race. The intercession or omophorion of the Mother of God is not just a historical relic, but a symbol of the grace of God that covers, strengthens and preserves believers on the path to salvation. The holiday reminds us that the prayer of the Heavenly Church is combined with the prayer of the earthly Church, and the Mother of God, as a loving Mother, is ready to help everyone who sincerely appeals to Her.
In Russia, in the national calendar, the Cover marked the end of agricultural work and the onset of winter: "The cover covers the earth with a leaf, then with snow." By this time, the harvesting of bread was completed, winter gatherings and women's work began: spinning and weaving.
The time of weddings began in Russia with the Intercession. The name of the holiday was associated with a headscarf or a bride's veil: "The veil will come, the girl will cover her head." Unmarried girls hurried to the church early in the morning to light a candle, believing that the one who did it first would be the first to get married. The families created at that time were considered the strongest and happiest.
There are two main types in the iconography of the Intercession: "Novgorod" and "Suzdal". On the icons of the Novgorod monastery, the Mother of God is depicted in the image of Oranta, with her arms raised, and Angels holding a wide veil over Her. In the Suzdal version, the Mother of God Herself holds the maforium, extending it over the worshippers. The jeweler Vladimir Mikhailov in his works refers most often to the Suzdal tradition of depicting the holiday. The Mother of God, standing on a cloud, covering Christians with tenderness and care, is depicted on crosses and icons. The image of the Veil has found a precious embodiment. These handmade works become a personal shrine and a reminder of the heavenly intercession of the Mother of God.