Our Lady of Kazan, "Liberatrix and Protectress of Holy Russia" (I)

The miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Kazan has that sad look of the Russian Virgins, who tenderly clasp the Infant Jesus to them. Previously covered with an oklad (a gilt or silvered metal protective shell) and adorned with precious stones, the Virgin represented by the icon was reputed to restore sight to the blind, who would thank her with gifts of pure emerald gemstones. 

The story of the icon can only be traced back to the great fire that destroyed part of the city of Kazan in 1579. The icon was discovered that year under the rubble of a burnt-out house by a ten-year-old girl, to whom the Virgin appeared several times, instructing her to search there. She was subsequently venerated as the "Liberatrix and Protectress of Holy Russia", and led the Russian troops in defeating the Swedes and Napoleon. 

The last political act of Tsar Nicholas II, in 1918, was to dedicate his Empire to her.

Source: AFALE Magazine, 

Issue # 293, September 2004