The celebrations in honor of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria"

The celebrations in honor of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" which is one of the three Orthodox shrines mostly venerated in Russia (along with the Vladimir and Kazan icons) were held in Smolensk on August, 10. On this day there was a Divine Liturgy held in the Assumption Cathedral, which was attended by Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy.

Hundreds of Christians of Smolensk and pilgrims from Ukraine, Belarus, CIS and overseas countries gathered in the main Cathedral of Smolensk region to look with love and hope at Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" which means “showing the way”.

As other miraculous icons the Smolensk "Hodegetria" has always had a beneficial impact on people. In hard times the Orthodox people defeated enemies, overcame difficulties, strengthened their spirit and mind saying prayers to this icon. The church sermon was followed by the Cross procession around the main cathedral.

The Day of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” was established in 1525 to commemorate returning Smolensk to the Russian state. According to legend, the "Hodegetria" was written by Luke the Evangelist and the artist. From Jerusalem the icon was brought to Constantinople and became the main cult object of the Byzantine Empire. In the XI century it was brought to the Russian land.

In 1101 Grand Prince Vladimir Monomakh placed the holy image in the new Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this is the place where the Cathedral is now situated. Since that time the icon became known as the Smolensk icon. Numerous copies of it have been made. According to experts, the icon situated in Smolensk is not the original miraculous image. People pray in front of another miraculous image of "Hodegetria" dated of the late the XVI or early XVII century.

This icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” has been under restoration in Moscow for two years since September, 2012. As a result of the painstaking work of the experts seven layers of paint have been found. Now the original image is being restored. It will appear in front of the Smolensk people after the restoration work. As for the icon itself, a special icon-case will be made for it, which will support the necessary micro-climate to ensure the preservation of the ancient original image. This icon-case with the icon will return to its usual place – the right nave of the cathedral - at the end of this year.