Orthodox Christians who observe the old church calendar on October 14 celebrate the Protection of the Mother of God. The feast marks the miraculous appearance of the Mother of God in the Church of Blachernae, before the people, standing in the air and praying with tears. The Protecting Veil was held in the hands above the heads of the faithful. Around her there were the apostles, saints and martyrs, IPN reports.
According to church canons, the Protection of the Mother of God or the Intercession of the Theotokos is an important holiday for Orthodox Christians because it represents a beginning of Christianity, given that the Most Holy Lady gave birth to the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The feast of the Protection of the Mother of God is not part of the 12 royal feasts, but it has a special significance as, through the Veil she wears before the Savior Jesus Christ, the Mother of God protects the Orthodox from enemies.
The miracle with the protecting veil of the Mother of God happened during the time of Emperor Leo the Wise (886-912). It is said that in the year 911, during an all-night vigil in the Church of Panagia in Blachernae, St. Andrew and his disciple Epiphanius saw the Mother of God enter the church, accompanied by Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. When she reached the middle of the church, she knelt down. After she got up from prayer, she took off the veil and lifted it over her head, so as to cover everyone present in the church.
The priests say that the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God is special because the omophorion of the Mother of God is like support, help and protection over everything and those who pray to the Mother of God hope that they will be protected.
On this day, the Patron Saint is celebrated in a number of churches and also localities of the country, including in the city of Chisinau.
