Homily on the Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God*
By Righteous Alexei Mechev
(Delivered on August 16, 1914)
By Righteous Alexei Mechev
(Delivered on August 16, 1914)
Today's celebration, dear friends, is established in memory of the appearance of the icon of the Mother of God in the year 1239 to Prince Vasily Georgievich of Kostroma in a forest, on a tree, during a hunt. During the invasion of Batu, the inhabitants of the city of Gorodets in the Nizhny Novgorod province fled from the city, leaving behind their holy shrine, which was located in the Gorodets Convent, named after the nearby city of Gorodets.
On August 16, the inhabitants of Kostroma witnessed a man dressed in rich military attire, strikingly similar to Saint Theodore Stratelates** as he is depicted in icons, being carried through the city. The icon that appeared was placed in the Temple of Saint Theodore in Kostroma, hence it received the name of the Theodorov (Feodorovskaya) Icon. The prince took the holy icon with him while going against the Tatars who were advancing on Kostroma, and the enemies, struck by the extraordinary radiance that consumed their ranks like fire, fled in disarray.
The wondrous sign of the Mother of God was necessary against both external and internal enemies, and it was revealed to all in visible defeats and deliverances. But who among us currently does not have such enemies and does not need signs to fight against them and to defeat them in the field of spiritual warfare? We all know that the world entices us into its snares and deceives us with its illusory blessings; indeed, our very flesh, with its passions and lusts, wages war against our spirit and is ready to disrupt all that is natural and gracious within it. And our primal enemy, ever vigilant, roams everywhere seeking us as prey for his consumption. In addition to these constant enemies, how many misfortunes and calamities do we encounter, how much sorrow and grief wear down our soul and body! From all sides, troubles surround us. Our natural powers are insufficient to repel enemies and endure misfortunes. Our close ones are unable to assist us in our needs and tribulations, being as weak and frail vessels. Only hope in God and the Most Pure Mother, who always saves us, remains. Remember how many times, urged by our prayers, the Queen of Heaven miraculously delivered our homeland from encroaching foes! How many times has She saved those who sought refuge under Her protection from calamities! Those who are worthy and have earned Her grace through their humility and piety witness Her miraculous power even today. She is always ready to be an invincible wall and a source of miracles for all faithful servants who humbly pray to Her. Someone recounted:
"My parents were poor people. When our family faced tragedy, my father had to go far into the city for about six months to earn something. The mail did not come to us; it was impossible to receive news about him. This greatly saddened my mother. She fell ill and could hardly get out of bed. To our misfortune, my little six-year-old brother also fell ill. My brother's illness further deepened my mother's sorrow and despair. One day she said to me: 'Go to church and pray for me and your brother.' I went. The church was full of people praying with reverence. The thought that my mother might die deeply stirred me. I fell to my knees and wept. My eyes were drawn to the icon of the Mother of God. I perceived so much pity and compassion in her face that I felt much lighter afterward and was a little consoled.
At that moment this is what was happening at home: the mother, sobbing, leaned over her child, listening to his breathing – but there was no breath; it had ceased. The mother cried out and fell to the floor in a faint. Then, in a half-dream, but clearly as if awake, a majestic Woman approached her, laid her hand upon her, and said: 'Do not be afraid, your child shall not die!' It was the Mother of God, in the form and attire in which She is depicted in the church on the icon. The mother revived, opened her eyes, and with alarm and hope looked at her child, and saw that he was alive.
When I returned from church, my brother felt better, and after a few days he was able to walk. My mother also recovered. Soon, my father returned home. The previous tranquility was restored in our family."
Friends! Look upon the icon of our Lady, look upon it with ardent, fiery prayer! She constantly prays to the Heavenly King of Glory, who became incarnate and suffered for our sake.
True, our sins and needs are great, but the prayers of the Mother of God are stronger than all needs and bitterness.
Notes:
* Published for the first time according to the "Speech Plans" from the archive of E. V. Apushkina. The Feodorovskaya Icon of the Mother of God on Maroseyka Street in Moscow was located in the Nikolsky side-chapel on the right side of the solea. Initially, Father Alexei served a sanctifiation of the waters service before it with the reading of the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos on Wednesdays after the Liturgy, and later on Saturdays after the all-night vigil. After the church was closed, the icon was given to Nun Iuliania Sokolova for safekeeping. It was returned to Maroseyka in 1990.
** Commemorated on February 8 and June 8.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
