Alexy II commemorates Marian apparition in Constantinople

On 14-th of October at Pokrovskiy nunnery in Hotkovo, one of the oldest Russian cloisters, a liturgy in honor of the Protecting Veil of the Theotokos was served by Patriarch Alexy II.This holy day is based on the appearance of the Blessed Virgin at Constantinople in the year 910. During the war between the Byzantine empire and the Saracens, the people at Constantinople were endangered, but the Blessed Virgin appeared, prayed with the people and spread her kerchief above them, which was the sign of her holy protection against the enemy. And then the miracle happened: the Saracens retreated. For Orthodox believers in Russia, this holy day is an important reminder to recall the Virgin's love for them and her constant prayer for all people.Pokrovskiy nunnery wasn't chosen for the Patriarch's liturgy by chance, since it had been founded in honor of the Protecting Veil of the Theotokos 700 years ago. After the liturgy, Patriarch Alexy II congratulated the nuns for this remarkable day:"We believe the Protection of the Holy Mother to be always above this holy place. Today, for the first time after the long period in the hallowed, miracle man Nicholas' temple, I served the liturgy with the special feeling and contemplation for the beauty our ancestors had created in the name of God."

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• Patriarch
• Alexy
• II
• liturgy
• congratulation
• Marian
• apparition