November 27, Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary as depicted...
Our Lady of the Sign, also known as the Virgin of the Sign, is an icon that is particularly venerated by the Orthodox Church, as well as by Christians in general. Catholics celebrate her on November 27. This feast day is therefore dedicated to the veneration of this Russian icon. Great miracles are attributed to her.
Description of the Icon of the Virgin of the Sign
The icon depicts Our Lady praying with her hands raised before her and wearing a circular medallion on her chest featuring a bust of the Child Jesus .
On the reverse side of this icon, one can see Saint Joachim and Saint Anne praying before the Savior.
Origin of the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Her Icon of the Sign
It is said that on November 27, 1150, the city of Novgorod, in Russia, was under siege. The entire city turned to prayer, hoping for a miracle. And on the third day, the city’s archbishop, Johan, heard a voice from Heaven commanding him to take the icon of Our Lady of the Sign (which was then in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilina) and place it on the city walls. During a battle, the icon of the Virgin was struck by an arrow, and immediately darkness enveloped the city. The terrified enemies immediately lifted the siege.
From that time on, the archbishop established a feast day to celebrate the miracle obtained through the intercession of Our Lady of the Sign.
Hymn for the Feast of the Icon of Our Lady of the Sign
“Rejoice, Mother of God, joy of angels and men; rejoice, steadfast hope and protection of the city; rejoice, for through your power we defeat our enemies; rejoice, Mother of the spiritual sun that enlightens the faithful and plunges the unfaithful into darkness; rejoice, O Virgin, praise of Christians.”
Continue your prayer with the Holy Mother of God through Hozana!
Discover through Hozana!
, let us allow Mary to speak to our hearts so that the Kingdom of Heaven may descend within us and we may discover its profound joy!
Take part in and journey toward holiness for a month with the Holy Mother of Christ!
