The Theotokos - the Holy Veil of Protection

The Veil of Protection of the Theotokos shows Her looking at us with a veil spread out in Her hands. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared at the Church of the Vlachernae in Constantinople in the 10th century, on Sunday, October 1. St. Andrew, the Blessed Fool of Christ, witnessed the dome opening and the Virgin descending to the altar, kneeling, and shedding tears in a prayer for protection on behalf of all Christians in the world. Then, the Virgin spread Her veil over all the people to protect them against the attack of the pagan Rus army. This icon is a pledge to the Theotokos for protection and healing during the current pandemic. A Russian icon from the Sofrino factory was the model that spoke to my heart.