The icon of “Our Lady of Vladimir” is the earliest known surviving icon and one of the most revered wonder-working icons of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In the central part of the icon is a traditional bust-length image of the Mother of God with the Child Christ She is holding in Her arms. The Divine Child is embracing Our Lady by the neck, His right hand stretched forward and touching Our Lady’s shoulder. The Virgin Mary’s countenance is sad: She anticipates the tragic fate that awaits Her son.
This is a copy that differs from the ancient protograph, i.e. the original, in the position of Mary’s hands. Here, the left hand of the Virgin Mary is raised higher, whereas in the original version both hands are at the same level. The garment of the Mother of God in the icon is traditionally painted with a dark paint, often purple. This color symbolizes the heavenly royalty of the Mother of God. As for the Infant Jesus, He is depicted in golden robes, which usually symbolizes the radiance of His heavenly glory.
It is customary to pray to this icon for the salvation of Russia. According to legend, many miracles and signs are associated with the Vladimir icon. The anointing of Russian rulers to the kingship was performed in front of it. When electing metropolitans, and then patriarchs, the lot was placed in a veil in the casket of the Vladimir icon, hoping that the Mother of God Herself would point to the chosen one.
The icon first came to Russia in the middle of the 12th century. It is believed that on the road to Suzdal, not far from Vladimir, the horses with the cart, where the relic was kept, stopped, and could not move from the place. In this place the Assumption Cathedral was soon erected, where the wonder-working icon known since then as Our Lady of Vladimir was put. At the end of 1395, when the Mongol conqueror Tamerlane moved to Moscow, the Vladimir icon was moved to the capital. The inhabitants of Moscow turned to the shrine with prayer.
According to legend, when Tamerlane was sleeping in
his tent, he saw a high mountain, from which a Majestic Lady was descending,
surrounded by angels with flaming swords. Terrified, Tamerlane awoke and
commanded an explanation of his dream. He was answered that he had just seen
the Heavenly Protectress of the Russian people — the Most Holy Mother of God.
Tamerlan said, “I will not fight other people’s gods, ” and gave an order for
his army to turn back. One of the annals says,
