On December 10th, the Russian Church observes the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary dedicated to Her Kursk icon. This icon was found near the city of Kursk (South of Moscow) in the year 1295, a most sorrowful time when our land was pillaged by Mongol savages. Partly because of that, and because the Christians of the ancient Rus in their hopelessness so fervently prayed for help to the All-Merciful Lady, this icon remained in the highest esteem in Russia throughout the centuries.

And the recent past has had the historical account repeated. The Kursk icon was taken abroad by Russian refugees who fled the Communist atrocities in 1920. Through the 20th century the Russian Christian diaspora prayed to the Blessed Virgin before Her ancient image, just as fervently as their ancestors six hundred years ago prayed that “She will help deliver our people from the bitter torment of godless authorities, and confirm in us oneness of mind, brotherly love, and piety.”

The way home was long, steep, and rocky, but on the Trinity Day of 2007 the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Church Abroad were re-united. Now the Kursk icon of Our Lady often visits her homeland, traveling across Russia for veneration by the faithful, receiving many thankful prayers.