The birth of any holiday is preceded by any significant historical or mythological event. The history of the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos dates back more than one hundred years; it is based on the siege of Constantinople by pagan tribes in the middle of the tenth century. The people who were under siege for a rather long period of time had only to pray and trust in the powers of God. Continuous prayers were performed in the famous Vlacherna Church, in which the robe and part of the belt of the Mother of God were stored. Legend has it that one night the clergyman and his disciple in the temple witnessed the miraculous appearance of the Virgin, spreading a white unshakable veil over the people who had not seen her, which, they believed, became a sign of the speedy rescue of the city from invaders. A few days later, the barbarians really left the city in fear for no apparent reason. This event dates from the year 930 from the birth of Christ.
In Russia, the main meaning of the concept of "Protection of the Virgin" was significantly expanded. By it was meant the place of veneration of the Queen of Heaven. The Feast of the Intercession itself has been celebrated by the Orthodox of our country since the 12th century. Many historians are inclined to believe that the first Pokrovsky temple was a monument of ancient Russian architecture - the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl , famous in those days .
Veil Day is a recognized holiday not only among the Orthodox. Western Christians and Greeks also venerate the Mother of God as their protector and patroness. The meaning of the holiday, common to all Christians, is the merciful appearance of the Virgin to protect people and the country, found expression in various symbols. For Catholics, this is the cloak of the Queen of Heaven, for the Greeks - Skepe (cover, protection), for the Orthodox - Pokrov.
In Russia, the Mother of God was always one of the most revered saints, and the feast of the Intercession was one of the thrones and was celebrated everywhere. Cossacks went into battle carrying an icon of the Mother of God in front of them , parishioners of city churches prayed to the Virgin Mary for the health and protection of their near and dear ones. It was believed that for a long time the holy patroness helped Russian soldiers win victories in battles that were significant for the formation of the country.
For over 800 years, the feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been one of the most significant Russian holidays, as evidenced by the huge number of Intercession churches in the country. By the way, the surname “Pokrovsky”, widespread among the Russian population, originates in the middle of the 19th century, when surnames were given to the best graduates of theological seminaries in accordance with the greatest Orthodox holidays.
Annually, the Feast of the Intercession falls on October 14th. According to an old popular belief, the first snow of the coming winter falls on this day. In ancient times, on Pokrov Day, girls read prayers for a fast marriage, since it was believed that the snow given by the Heavenly Mother protects the earth and is a harbinger of imminent change. With the celebration of the Intercession of the Day, a huge number of fortunetelling and signs will be associated. For example, to see flying cranes flying off to Pokrov - by a cold long winter, if on October 14 all the trees drop their leaves, the winter will be warm, otherwise it will be sunny and frosty.
Today, the feast of the Intercession, like fifty years ago, is revered by the Orthodox of the whole world. In the temples of many countries on this day celebratory services and chants are held. The construction of many churches of our country is devoted to the Protection of the Mother of God, including: St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin in Bogorodsk (Nizhny Novgorod Region), the Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Saratov, Krasnoye Selo , etc.