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

The Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" (along with the Vladimir and Kazan icons) is one of the three Orthodox shrines mostly venerated in Russia. On its day hierarchs held the Divine Liturgy in the Assumption Cathedral, which was attended by Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy.

Hundreds of Christians of Smolensk, the participants of the Cross procession "Our common way – “Hodegetria”, pilgrims from Ukraine, Belarus, CIS and overseas countries gathered on August, 10 in the main cathedral of the city.

Bishop Isidor addressed them with his pastoral speech in which he pointed out that as other miraculous icons the Smolensk "Hodegetia" has always provided its holy healing and miracles. In hard times the Orthodox people came to it with prayers to help them to defeat enemies, overcome difficulties, strengthen their spirit, mind and will.

After the Divine Liturgy a prayer service was held at the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria" in the Cathedral Square after which archpastors addressed the faithful, congratulating the reigning bishop of the Smolensk Diocese His Grace Bishop Isidor, and those present on the holiday important for the Smolensk and all Orthodox faithful.

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. Where the original is, or if it has survived at all is not known.