The Ukrainian cities of Odessa and Kherson have been given a special mercy of God, for six months a year there is a Christian shrine on their territories - the Kasperovsky image of the Mother of God. For six months, Orthodox Christians and pilgrims from all over the world can touch the holy face and pray in front of it in various churches in southern Ukraine.
The Kasperovskaya Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos is a particularly revered miraculous image of the Mother of God, prayer appeals to which are constantly heard in the Odessa Assumption Cathedral.
History of the creation of the icon
The Kasperovskaya icon of the Mother of God was brought to the territory of Rus' in the 16th century from Transylvania by a certain Serbian Christian. A man who stayed in the Olviopol district near the city of Kherson passed on the image to his children. So the icon, passing from generation to generation, at the beginning of the 19th century ended up in the possession of a local landowner named Kasperova.
By that time, the outlines of the holy faces of the Virgin and baby Jesus in the dilapidated image were barely visible. The woman handled the image with care and prayed often. In 1840, while spending a February night in prayer before the icon, the landowner was surprised to notice that the image had been updated, and the features of the Mother of God and the Savior could already be seen.
People began to come to the icon, renewed by miraculous providence. Reading prayers in front of the image, believers observed true miracles of healing and help to those turning in their affairs. Based on numerous popular testimonies, the Holy Synod recognized the icon as miraculous.
In 1844, the owner transferred the shrine to the St. Nicholas Church in the village of Kasperovka. Since 1852, according to numerous popular requests, the icon was transferred to Kherson annually on the date of the celebration of the Ascension. Since 1853, during the month of July, the image was in the city of Nikolaev. Then, for almost 2 years, at the height of hostilities in Crimea, the shrine was in Odessa.
CELEBRATION
: - May 4 - moving (fourth day of Easter); - July, 12; - October 14.
Icon of the Virgin Mary Kasperovskaya
The Kasperovsky miraculous icon of the Mother of God is a great shrine of the cities of Kherson and Odessa, where it remains for about six months a year. The days of her bringing to Odessa (October 1) and her departure - on the fourth day of Easter - became great church celebrations. The sight of this small icon, painted with oil paints on canvas glued to a board, makes a strong impression. The Lady and the Infant God are depicted only up to the upper chest. The Mother of God, with sorrowful eyes on her face, presses the Infant Christ to Her cheek, holding His head with both hands. Clinging to the Most Pure One, the Child with his left hand grabbed the cloth covering the head of the Ever-Virgin, in his right He holds a scroll. According to legend, this icon was brought to Russia from Transylvania at the end of the 16th century by a Serb who settled in the Olviopol district of the Kherson province. Passing from parents to children, in 1809 the holy image became the property of the landowner Kasperova, who lived in the Olviopol district, on the Novo-Ivanovka estate. The icon was dilapidated, and the painting was so dark that it was difficult to make out the features of the Mother of God and the Savior. In February 1840, experiencing great sorrows, Kasperova prayed for a long time in front of the icon one night. During prayer, she noticed that the faces of the Mother of God and the Child brightened, and the icon was miraculously renewed. From the holy image of the Most Holy Theotokos, which was in the house of the landowner, many miracles and healings subsequently occurred, after the study of which the icon was recognized by the Holy Synod as miraculous. Many pilgrims began to constantly flock to her, and in 1844 Kasperova, considering it impossible to keep the miraculous image in her home, took the icon to the local St. Nicholas Church. In 1852, the residents of Kherson petitioned for permission to bring the miraculous icon to them every year on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord in a religious procession. And since 1853, residents of Nikolaev were able to worship the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God in their churches from July 1 to August 1. During the Sevastopol War of 1853–1855. Odessa, besieged by an enemy fleet, was going through difficult times. In August 1854, the holy miraculous image was solemnly transferred in a procession to the city cathedral, where it remained until May 20, 1856. In 1855, on the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, after the Odessa Archbishop Innocent served a prayer service in front of the Kasperov Icon with a large crowd of believers, the enemy retreated and the city remained unharmed. According to the general belief, Odessa was saved by the grace of a miraculous image. It was decided “as a lesson to posterity, to make this event unforgettable, and the day of October 1st to be the most sacred holiday.” The village of Kasperovka continues to be considered the main location of the miraculous icon, but the image is not there for long. Every year on October 1, it is brought from Kasperovka to Odessa and remains there until Wednesday of Easter week, placed at the southern wall of the front part of the cathedral. For the rest of Easter week and the coming weeks, the icon is in Kasperovka, on the Feast of the Ascension it is transferred to Kherson, where it remains until June 29, and then until August 1, the residents of Nikolaev worship it. At all places where the icon is located, an akathist is read in front of it on Fridays.
Icon of the Virgin Mary Kasperovskaya
Akathist to the Holy Mother of God before the Kasperovskaya Icon Kontakion 1
To the Most Holy Theotokos Virgin Mary, chosen from all generations and the wondrous Intercessor of the entire Christian race, we bring praise to Her unworthy, wonderful and holy image of Kasperovsky, brought to our land from Orthodox Serbia to strengthen the faith of Christ and our salvation, with love those who run to Her and sing: Rejoice , Bogomati Most Pure, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Ikos 1
You have appeared above the angels. Most Holy Queen, with the appearance of Your icon, You filled the Saints with joy, Orthodox Christians who come to You with faith and love. You, the Most Pure Virgin, have shown the living city of Odessa and the entire Black Sea region, wondrous intercessions, illuminating with the streams of your miracles all the faithful, crying out in joy to You: Rejoice, our faithful Intercessor before the image of those who pray. Rejoice, Thy countless bounties, who ask us from the Lord. Rejoice, for the word of God in You will never fail. Rejoice, for no one leaves You empty-handed or unheard. Rejoice, for before Your image many receive blessings. Rejoice, for before Him your requested desires were fulfilled. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 2
Seeing You, the zealous Intercessor of the Christian race, depicted on Your Kasperovskaya icon and many miracles performed by Her, every day of faithfulness they come to You in their prayers, asking for help and intercession. You, Mother of Mercifulness, awaken joy to all those who grieve and those who are offended by the Intercessor, who sing in praise of Your God: Hallelujah.
Ikos 2
The human mind cannot comprehend Your wondrous miracles, O Most Holy Virgin. Just as the city cannot hide at the top of the mountain while standing, they light a lamp below and place it under a bushel, but on the candlestick, and it shines on everyone who is in the temple, so is your holy Kasperovsky image. Like a Divine luminary, this image pours out the grace of those who run to Him and sing to Ty, Mother of God: Rejoice, Thou our strong and incomprehensible intercessor. Rejoice, fulfilled desire, You are our all-good. Rejoice, You are the immovable preservation of pious faith. Rejoice, the highest lamp placed on the candlestick. Rejoice, you who are pious and miraculously preserved from troubles and sorrows. Rejoice, You turn away embittered souls from destruction. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High calls many Orthodox people throughout Kasperovka to find Your wonderful icon. You, the Queen of Heaven, deigned to glorify this Holy image, magnifying signs and wonders. People sent up honor and glory to Your image, crying out to the Lord in spiritual songs: Hallelujah.
Ikos 3
Having a strong Orthodox faith from his youth, a certain noble Serb brought from Transylvania the ancestral image of this Most Holy Theotokos to our land. And like the shrine of Velia, this icon has been a blessing from generation to generation in the village of Kasperovka. Before Her, those praying pour out their sorrows and sighs of prayer, receiving more requests, singing with faith to the Mother of God: Rejoice, our most merciful Comforter. Rejoice, our surest salvation. Rejoice, preserving Christian families in piety. Rejoice, strengthening those who live in the faith of Christ. Rejoice, blessing of the homes and marriages of the pious. Rejoice, protection and praise of pious Christians. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 4
The storm of thoughts confused the Kasperov wife, what a wonderful renewal of Thy holy icon, O Lady, appearing in the deep night and without Her witnesses. Although this miracle was hidden, and by mutual agreement, the spouses could not tell a lie. For the Divine will judge otherwise, so that this great miracle may not be hidden, but revealed to all the faithful, singing to God in joy: Hallelujah.
Ikos 4
Hearing about the wondrous miracle of the renewal of Your icon, Lady, many faithful from all over the Black Sea region flocked to worship this great Shrine, Praise and veneration of You, Most Pure Mother of God, rewarding with faith and love singing: Rejoice, by the appearance of Your holy Icon, you have made many Orthodox people happy. Rejoice, you who accept the prayers offered to You from the hearts of the faithful. Rejoice, confirmation of the true Orthodox faith. Rejoice, many unfaithful have been brought to faith by this image. Rejoice, Thou who hast taught us the Divine treasure through Thy icon. Rejoice, you guide our souls on the true path. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 5
Your God-bright star appeared, Kasperovskaya, Most Holy Virgin, when you were brought into the Church of God. Henceforth, Thy gracious Protection has thus spread to all the towns and cities of the Black Sea region, all who faithfully come to Thy icon, and pray with faith to receive healing and grace-filled help, singing to God: Hallelujah.
Ikos 5
Having seen great miracles in the holy temple from the icon of the saints, the Most Pure Virgin, countless peoples flocked to the celebrations and glorification of Her. The processions of the cross take place in honor of the newly-appeared icon of Yours, carrying Him around and crying out to You for salvation and intercession with tenderness: Rejoice, Intercessor, Queen of Heaven, joy and consolation for our country. Rejoice, Most Blessed Virgin, Who spreads Her Veil over us. Rejoice, for you have deigned to accept prayers from us, the unworthy. Rejoice, for you yourself desired to bring our prayer to the Throne of the Most High God. Rejoice, for by finding Your icon, you have appeared as a miracle of God's great mercy to our country. Rejoice, for in this way pagan pride and vacillation have been cast down. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 6
The holy Kasperovskaya icon rose with wonderful glory, when the Holy Synod of the Church truly recognized and testified that this icon was the great shrine of the entire Black Sea land. And from now on, the omnipotent intercession of the holy icons of Kasperovsky appears as the blessed Protection of the Mother of God, spread out over our land. Hearing this good news, the faithful sang to God: Hallelujah.
Ikos 6
The cities and towns of the Black Sea land preach the Truth of Your holy icons of Kasperovsky, Mother of God Most Pure, as You have deigned to glorify Your holy image with numerous signs and wonders. Many cities and villages desired to see Your holy image, begging to bring it for prayers and worship, and in Joyful encounters with this great Shrine, they sang to You, the Most Blessed One: Rejoice, our joys, our joys, transforming our sorrows into joy. Rejoice, All-merciful intercessor who delivers you from all troubles and temptations. Rejoice, O All-Merciful Lady, Who by Thy mercy does not abandon us. Rejoice, Climbed Voivode, conquering enemies visible and invisible. Rejoice, good Goalkeeper, showing the way to the faithful to the gates of Paradise. Rejoice, Divine One who is quick to hear, who accepts our prayers. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 7
Desiring to gaze upon Thy holy icon, O Most Holy Virgin, and pray fervently with faith, a crowd of many thousands of those praying will meet this Kasperovskaya icon, kneeling along the path of the procession of the cross processions of the Great Shrine, silently chanting: Hallelujah.
Ikos 7
Wonderful signs of mercy accomplished by the power of Grace, Thy Divine miraculous icons, O Most Pure Virgin: the sick were healed, the paralytic were strengthened, the demons were freed from unclean spirits, the blind saw the Most Pure Image. With one mouth and heart I all cry out: Most Holy Theotokos, help us and save us all, Your name is magnified with joy: Rejoice, You are our representative to God, unashamed. Rejoice, Thou art forever reigning with Thy Son and our God. Rejoice, You organize salvation for mankind for the good. Rejoice, You are the first Healer of the sick and suffering. Rejoice, for through You sinners are saved from destruction. Rejoice, for through You we are delivered from the passions of wickedness. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 8
There was great joy for all those living in the city of Odessa, when the honorable icon of Kasperov was presented by the Orthodox for prayerful intercession from enemy attacks, and as a visible sign of the heavenly protection of this city. This is Your Holy Image, the Most Pure Virgin, appearing as a faithful, insurmountable bulwark against the foreign forces of the enemy and the most reliable guarantee of our salvation, glorifying the Most High God and singing: Hallelujah.
Ikos 8
All the weak things of the world have been chosen by God, so that the strong, weak things of the world will be confounded and destroyed, chosen and those that do not exist, and that they that exist will be abolished. Thus, by Your Saints, Most Holy Theotokos, blessing and protection descended on meek and humble people, silent, trembling before the word of God. All who come running to You to save, granting obedience to the children, patience to the offended, complacency to the grieving, and everyone who honors Thee, before the image of those praying, accepts healing, singing to Thee: Rejoice, you who showed encouragement and consolation to the city of Odessa in prayers before the image of the saints. Rejoice, for you deliver this city from enemy captivity. Rejoice, you who called all those living in it to popular repentance and prayer. Rejoice, you who showed your mercy and mercy to the city with the Kasperov icon. Rejoice, you who drove away the enemy fleet from the destruction of the city of Odessa. Rejoice, you who strengthened all the living city of Odessa with faith in salvation. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 9
Every nature of heaven and earth brings praise to Thee, the Queen of Heaven, as Thy Holy Image appears as a cover of heavenly intercession and protection of the city of Odessa in difficult times of disasters and attacks of the enemy, preserving those living in it and crying out to God: Hallelujah.
Ikos 9
The branches of humanity will not be able to extinguish Thy generosity, O Most Pure Virgin, nor to explain the divine power emanating from the holy icon of Kasperovsky. All who resort to Her and pray with faith to Thee, O Mother of God, are more desired and sing of joy to Thee: Rejoice, Thou art our Guardian and Confirmation. Rejoice, enlightening all the faithful with the rays of Your miracles. Rejoice, you are our quiet and kind refuge. Rejoice, You are the joy of the cities and all the Black Sea lands. Rejoice, You are the Praise and Glory of the Orthodox Church. Rejoice, Thou who destroyest evil undertakings and dissolves the machinations of the enemy. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 10
If you want to save us sinners, you have favored the Mother of God, show your Kasperovskaya icon on the Intercession and save not only the city of Odessa, but the entire Black Sea land. Many of Your mercy and generosity, in this way You have bestowed upon the faithful. With reverence and faith, those who come to You cry out: “Be our zealous Intercessor at the Throne of God Almighty, and may the Lord vouchsafe us to stand on our right hand and sing to Him with all the saints”: Hallelujah
Ikos 10
You are an insurmountable wall, a vigilant guard against all misfortunes and troubles for all who come running to You. Your holy image has appeared as an inexhaustible source of grace, exuding healing to all who turn to Him in prayer with faith. In the same way, we, falling to You in sorrows and illnesses, tenderly say to You: Rejoice, our only Mother of mercy, have mercy on us sinners. Rejoice, for You are our gracious Protector, covering us from all evil. Rejoice, for through You all our mental and physical illnesses are healed. Rejoice, for with Your help all our passions and ailments are destroyed. Rejoice, for you are helping us to strengthen our faith, hope and love for God. Rejoice, for in all circumstances you guide the path of salvation. Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 11
Accept our unworthy singing with tenderness to You. Most Pure Virgin, and listen to our warm prayer, hear all those who come running to You. For You are truly our Intercessor, turning away terrible troubles from us, comforting all passions and strife, and under Your mercy we all come running, singing to God: Hallelujah.
Ikos 11
Through the light-receiving candle of the non-evening light we see Your Holy Icon. Kasperovsky’s image of Her shines unwaveringly in the holy temple of the city of Odessa, illuminating with Divine grace all those who come running under the protection of the one Intercessor of the entire Christian race. This Holy Image, by the power of God, drives away the actions of the enemy, heals all our ailments and bestows blessing on those crying to the Mother of God: Rejoice, for You are the Intercessor of the offended and the help of those who suffer. Rejoice, for You, by Your mercy, restrained the right hand of the Lord, stretched out to punish sinners. Rejoice, for with Your mercy You averted disasters from our Fatherland and consoled strife and wars. Rejoice, for through You the devastating leprosy was stopped and hunger was satisfied. Rejoice, for through the anointing of oil from the lamp of Your icon, the sanity of many possessed by the power of demons has been restored. Rejoice, for many have received health at prayer services at Thy holy icon. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 12
Divine grace appeared abundantly through Your Holy Icon, Blessed Virgin. Your image of Kasperov was given to the faithful for the sanctification and salvation of our souls, for protection from attacks from enemies visible and invisible, and as a sign of the greatest intercession of our entire fatherland. In the same way, with faith, we offer Him worship and prayerfully sing to God: Hallelujah.
Ikos 12
Singing and glorifying Your miracles, Most Holy Virgin, performed from Your holy icon, we all fall down to You with fear and trembling, and we pray to You, the Lady of the World. Be to all of us an invincible shield and an invincible wall, an indestructible cover and an intercessor to Your Son and our God, with unceasing voices singing to You: Rejoice, You are always victorious over our enemies, visible and invisible. Rejoice, You who fulfill the good wishes of all the faithful. Rejoice, You enlighten all faithful people by the appearance of Your holy icon. Rejoice, for, looking at Your holy icon, we worship You, the true Mother of God. Rejoice, for You are the One who glorifies Your name among all who glorify. Rejoice, for in every need of ours, you are useful and good, helping everyone. Rejoice, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands.
Kontakion 13
Oh, our Most Pure and Merciful Lady, Virgin Mary! Before Your holy icon, hear us who stand before You praying with faith and love. Listen to the voice of our prayer, and deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes, sorrows and illnesses and the coming torment of all who call on Your name and cry out to Your Son: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. (This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1 are read)
Icon of the Virgin Mary Kasperovskaya
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, Most Pure Mother of God, protection and intercession of the city of Odessa and all the Black Sea lands! We fall down and bow to You before Your Holy and Most Honorable Kasperovskaya Icon, which performed wondrous and glorious miracles. You alone art our intercessor of joy and as the Mother of God you can help us all. You alone have been given the maternal boldness to propitiate Your Son Christ our God for the salvation of us sinners. In the same way, we humbly pray to Thee, our All-Merciful Lady, do not despise or abhor our sighs, but help us, the weak, bad and uncorrected, the grieving and embittered, the sick and lost, who come running in the contrition of our hearts. Deliver us, Most Blessed Lady, Mother of the Lord Most High, from all troubles and sorrows, from all ailments and illnesses, from sudden death, from the misfortunes of demons and the slander of evil people, for by You the demons are trampled upon and all our enemies are put to shame. Pray, O Most Pure Lady, to the Lord to preserve our Fatherland and our Orthodox Church in peace and silence. With His Most High Blessing, may the Lord strengthen our Orthodox Bishops and shepherds, the Christ-loving army with all Orthodox Christians. Protect us all from all evil with Your goodness, and comfort us with Your merciful visit and all the benefits to us. Also, O Lady, we pray to Thee, overthrow the heretical rebellion, gather the scattered, return the lost to the one flock of Christ, support old age, bring understanding to the young, protect orphan widows, heal the sick and comfort the sorrowing. Rest in peace the fathers and children and our brethren who have departed before in the blessed heavens and villages of the righteous, and with them receive us all in repentance and confession, and we, with all the Saints, glorify the Most Honorable and Most Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Orthodox Church Holidays.
Prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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Description and meaning in Orthodoxy
A relatively small original image of the faces of the Mother of God and the baby Jesus is painted in oil on canvas, which is mounted on a wooden base. On a golden background, symbolizing divinity and majesty, the Virgin Mary and the Savior are depicted in close-up to the shoulder line.
The mother holds the child in her arms, bending tenderly over His head. Virgo's deep gaze is full of sadness and humility. She knows about the great mission of the Son of God, about the upcoming unbearable torment in the name of the salvation of mankind. Loving the baby with all her heart, the Mother takes pity on Him and silently prays to God to mitigate future suffering.
The head of the Virgin Mary is traditionally covered with maforium, on which the stars of Bethlehem can be seen. The color of Virgo’s robe on most lists is red, less often blue, green or gold. On icons with frames, the robe of the Mother of God is white or gold, decorated with openwork trim and stones.
The Infant of God holds the edge of the maforia with his Mother's hand, holding in the other palm a folded list of the Holy Scriptures, as a sign that it is He who is destined for the secret destiny of bringing the Christian faith to the people. In Kasperov’s image, Jesus clings to the Virgin Mary, leaning against Her cheek with childish tenderness. Their heads are illuminated by Divine halos. The red color of the baby's robe foreshadows the future suffering of the Savior of human souls crucified on the cross.
The icon, painted in the style of Tenderness, shows the reverent feelings between the Son of God and His Mother, characteristic of human nature. The union of the holy faces symbolizes the unity of God the Son and the earthly man Jesus Christ.
Description of the Kasperovskaya Icon of the Mother of God
An unknown author depicted the Lady and the Infant God only up to the upper chest. Looking sadly at the parishioners, the Mother of God, hugging Jesus to her, holds His head with both hands, and He grabbed the edge of her headscarf with his left hand. The little Savior holds a scroll in his right hand.
The icon is small in size; unlike others, it is painted not on a board, but on a canvas pasted onto the board. According to the type of iconography, it belongs to the icons of Tenderness.
Unlike other ancient images painted on boards, the Kasperovskaya icon is made on canvas stretched over a wooden base.
But there is no smile on the face of the Mother of God - She knows that her Child is doomed to mortal torment, and in Her eyes one can read doom, but at the same time humility before God’s will. In the right hand of the Child Jesus is a rolled scroll, which symbolizes the purpose of Jesus, which is still unknown to people.
Miraculous phenomena
Over the years, believers testify to the miraculous properties of prayers read at the Kasperovskaya Icon of the Mother of God. Miracles began even when the image was in the landowner’s house. The Mother of God appeared to a woman with a paralyzed arm, living next door, in a dream and directed her to the icon in the Kasperovs’ house. The woman prayed in front of the image, and her sore arm was restored.
Another time, a woman immobilized by paralysis was brought to the icon. After the prayer, the patient miraculously rose to her feet and was able to walk. It is also known about a thirteen-year-old boy who was healed of epilepsy after praying in front of the shrine. A local peasant woman who was anointed with lamp oil standing near the icon was also cured of mental confusion.
The miracle that Odessa residents saw happened on October 1, 1855 during the Crimean War. Miraculously, after a mass prayer service in front of the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God, the enemy lifted the siege from Odessa and retreated.
In 1922, cholera broke out in the village of Gnilyakovo, located near Odessa. Every day people died from the disease. The local clergyman asked the bishop to temporarily transfer the miraculous Kasperovsky image of the Virgin Mary to the village, for which he received permission. After the mass service before the icon, no one died from illness in the village.
How Odessa survived
During the war in Crimea, which began in 1853 and ended in 1855, the miraculous icon was solemnly transferred to Odessa, besieged by the enemy, and from August 1854 to mid-May 1856, prayer to the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God was constantly heard from the city cathedral cathedral Here, in the Odessa church, the miraculous image itself resided.
The Anglo-French squadron of 96 battleships retreated in 1855 for unknown reasons... after the Odessa residents, taking the Kasperov icon, walked around their hometown in a religious procession. The war actually ended after the service, which was celebrated by Archbishop Innokenty of Odessa on October 1 near the Kasperovskaya icon. A large number of believers were present at the service in honor of the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, and each of those present was sure that the city owed its salvation to the grace of the miraculous icon. Since then, this day has been revered in Odessa as a great religious celebration.
Today, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Kasperovskaya is the holy of holies and protector of Odessa and Kherson. She stays here for about six months every year. In Odessa, for example, the days when the icon is brought and taken away - the first day of October and the fourth Easter day, respectively - are revered along with the most significant religious holidays.
Where to find the image
From the date of the miraculous liberation of Odessa (October 1 according to the old calendar and October 14 according to the new style), the Kasperov icon was in the Transfiguration Cathedral of the city. In the middle of Easter week, the image was returned to the village of Kasperovka, and for the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord, the shrine was placed in the city of Kherson, from where the image was transferred to Nikolaev for the month of July. In the places where the image was located, an akathist was sung weekly on Fridays.
From 1936 to the present day, you can pray in front of the icon in the Odessa Cathedral. The revered list is located in the Leningrad region, within the walls of the Intercession monastery. The shrine is venerated on the day of the miraculous renewal of the prototype - July 12, and on the day of the liberation of Odessa - October 14. Believers bring flowers to the icon, light candles, and the clergy conduct a solemn service.
Words of the Great Patriarchs
The Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God is revered by the entire Orthodox world. Some residents of Odessa still remember how, after the end of the Great Patriotic War, Patriarch Alexy I visited their hometown, whose plans were to pray at the famous icon and thank the Intercessor for not allowing the enemy to break through the southern borders of the Soviet Union.
Patriarch Pimen left several teachings about this icon for Christians, who, when visiting the southern city, was always present at the akathist (for the last 150 years, the akathist to the Kasperov Icon of the Mother of God has been sung in the cathedral building on Fridays).
Patriarch Pimen once (07/12/1975) admitted to Odessa residents that during his stay in Moscow he often remembers the majestic Assumption Cathedral, rejoicing for the Odessa Orthodox Christians who were lucky enough to visit the temple at any time and bring their sorrows and sorrows here.
What do they ask for in front of the icon?
Before the face of the Mother of God with the Child Savior, believers ask for help in solving worldly problems, forgiveness of sins and intercession before God.
Prayer to the Kasperov miraculous image helps believers:
- to be healed from bodily illnesses;
- get rid of mental suffering;
- gain protection from evil;
- guide loved ones on the right path;
- receive consolation in sorrows;
- get rid of demonic influence;
- change your life for the better;
- find the right solution in a difficult life situation.
Those who sincerely pray, lead a righteous lifestyle and keep the commandments of God will be heard in Heaven and will find what they were looking for. You need to read prayers with pure thoughts and a desire for good, consciously pronouncing every word with true faith in the Lord and His power.
Life of the Mother of God
Believers know practically nothing about the life of the Mother of God on Earth. In the gospel narrative there is not a single word even about historical facts that were directly related to the Blessed Virgin. Church ministers explain this by humility - the greatest dignity of the Mother of God.
One of the days of Bright Week - Wednesday - is revered by Orthodox Christians in Odessa as a great holiday. On this day, the Kasperovskaya Icon of the Mother of God is glorified in all seaside churches. What does this icon help with and what does this icon save believers from? From all kinds of sorrows and troubles, from all sorts of illnesses and sudden death, from demonic machinations and slander spread by evil people...
