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This Feast commemorates an event that
happened at Constantinople in the 10th Century. In the year 911, during the reign of Emperor
Leo the Wise, a large army of Saracens was preparing to attack the city and
conquer it. The pious people of Constantinople reacted to the threat by turning to prayer. They thronged to the Church of Blachernae
(where was preserved the Robe and Veil of the Mother of God) and there raised
their voices to Christ the Lord, and to His Mother, the All-Holy Theotokos,
pleading for mercy and help against the foe.
As the soldiers raised their arms in
battle, the church was filled with hymns and prayers. Among the believers was
St. Andrew, a Fool-for-Christ, and his disciple, St. Epiphanius. Suddenly they
saw a vision of the Virgin Mary surrounded by a choir of angels, prophets and
apostles. “Do you see, brother, the Queen of all praying for the peace of the
world” asked Andrew? “Indeed I see, father,” answered the disciple. “I see and
I fear.”
The inhabitants of the city heard of
this vision of the two men, and were filled with joy and hope that this was a
sign of deliverance. They thanked God and sang hymns to the One who interceded
for them. All night they prayed in the church, while outside, the Christian
army fought against the invaders. The tide of battle turned against the enemy
and the defenders of Constantinople emerged with a decisive victory. Saints Andrew and Epiphanius told
everyone of their vision in the church, seeing the Holy Virgin with
outstretched arms, holding a veil over the city as a sign of protection, and
imploring God's mercy upon the people.
Since that time the Feast of the
Protection has come to be celebrated by the Church. In the Feast of the
Protection of the Most-Holy Theotokos, we entreat of the Queen of Heaven to
protect and help: “Remember us in your prayers, O Lady, Virgin Theotokos, that
we not perish for the increase of our sins; protect us from all evil and cruel
misfortune. For we put our hope on you, and honoring the Feast of your
Protection, we magnify you!”
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