The Intercession of the Virgin - Russian hand-painted icon. The Intercession of the Virgin is associated with the appearance of the Holy Virgin in the church in Valcherna in the 10th century. The city was threatened by an attack by the Saracens. A huge number of people had gathered for prayer, and one of them, Saint Andrew the Foolish, saw the Virgin Mary spreading her veil (shroud) over those present as a sign of protection. This day is one of the true proofs that after her ascension - physical death, the Virgin Mary continues to intercede and pray for people, and also to help us at every opportunity. Text of the parable: In 910, the Arabs invaded Byzantium during the reign of Leo the Wise. In the temple in Blachernae, where a priceless Christian relic was kept - one of the vestments of the Most Holy Theotokos, many believers gathered to ask God for protection. Among the believers in the temple were St. Andrew the Theologian and his disciple Epiphanius. At about 10 o'clock in the evening, St. Andrew the Theologian raised his head to the dome of the church and was amazed by the sight. In the air was the Most Holy Theotokos, surrounded by angels, apostles and prophets. The Theotokos knelt and prayed to Jesus Christ, then stood up. She took off her upper garment - the omophorion and covered the believers with it. St. Andrew the Theologian asked his disciple if he saw the Theotokos, and he confirmed it. The Arabs were driven away from the city. The population was saved and everyone learned that the Most Holy Theotokos had saved them.