HER PURITY AS OUR SHIELD: A SERMON FOR THE FEAST OF THE PROTECTION OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS (OCT. 1/28)

A Contemporary Byzantine Icon of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Blessed Virgin Spreading Her Veil Over the City of Constantinople 

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

Introduction 

The Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, celebrated primarily in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, is a deeply cherished observance, filled with historical significance and theological richness. It commemorates the miraculous intervention of the Virgin Mary in Constantinople during a time of peril, offering the faithful a powerful reminder of her ceaseless intercession and loving protection. Rooted in an event that occurred in the 10th century, this feast resonates far beyond its historical context, touching on cultural, philosophical, and spiritual themes that continue to inspire many Christians today.

Historical Background: The Miracle at Blachernae

The story of this feast takes us back to the year 911 in the city of Constantinople. The Byzantine Empire, already weakened by external threats, was facing a dire situation as invaders loomed near the city walls. The people of Constantinople, desperate for deliverance, gathered in the Blachernae Church—a church famous for housing the relic of the Virgin Mary's robe. Among the faithful present were St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ and his disciple, St. Epiphanius. As they prayed through the night vigil, St. Andrew was granted a vision of the Theotokos, the Mother of God, descending from heaven, surrounded by angels and saints. She spread her veil, or omophorion, over the congregation, symbolizing her protection and intercession on their behalf. This vision was a significant moment of reassurance for the Byzantine faithful, and the invaders miraculously retreated, sparing the city from destruction. This event became a symbol of the Holy Theotokos' constant protection of the Church and her people, celebrated annually as a feast of thanksgiving.

Theological Significance: The Mother of God as Protectress

Theologically, the feast speaks to the role of the Virgin Mary as the intercessor par excellence. In Eastern Christian theology, the Theotokos holds a unique and exalted position, being the one who, through her humility and obedience, became the Mother of God in the flesh. Her role in the life of the Church does not end with the Incarnation, however. As seen in her many appearances and miracles throughout Christian history, she continues to act as a loving mother, interceding for the faithful before her Son.

The image of the Theotokos spreading her veil over the people carries rich symbolism. Her veil, a symbol of her modesty and her humility, showing submission to God in the Scriptures, becomes her weapon and shield. It points to her as a protector, not only in the physical sense but also in the spiritual. Just as she shielded the city of Constantinople, she shields the Church from the spiritual attacks of sin and darkness. The veil, always worn by women and for their protection, becomes an instrument whereby she protects others, and also represents her closeness to God in prayer, showing that her intercessions are powerful and effective.

Cultural Impact: A Feast Across the Orthodox World

While the feast originated in Constantinople, present day Istanbul, Turkey, its celebration spread across the Eastern Orthodox world, particularly in Slavic countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Serbia, where it is known as the “Pokrov.” In these cultures, the feast has taken on special national and cultural significance. Churches, monasteries, and even cities have been named in honor of the Protection of the Theotokos, and the image of her veil has become a prominent iconographic theme, symbolizing national protection and divine favor. In Russia, for example, the “Pokrov” is one of the most beloved feasts of the Church, closely associated with the idea of divine guardianship over the whole nation. It has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, embedding itself deeply into the fabric of Slavic Orthodox spirituality. This feast day is often marked by processions and the veneration of icons of the Theotokos of the Protection, reminding the faithful of her ongoing presence in their lives and importance in the Mystery of the Incarnation. 

Reflections: Divine Providence and the Human Response

On a deeper philosophical level, the Feast of the Protection invites reflection on the nature of divine providence and human cooperation with God’s grace. The miracle of the Theotokos’ protection in Constantinople was not an isolated act of divine intervention but a response to the fervent prayers of the faithful. God allows us to be involved in His work of salvation through our prayer and fasting. This emphasizes a key principle in Christian thought: God acts in the world, but He does so in response to the prayers and faith of His people. Rather than doing things on His own and unaccompanied, God invites us to co-create and co-labor with Him. God wants us to be intercessions and to mediate His grace and power to the world! The Protection of the Theotokos serves as a reminder that we are not passive recipients of divine grace, His Uncreated Energies, and that we are called to participate actively in God’s work through prayer, repentance, and trust.

The feast also invites us to consider the role of vulnerability in the Christian life. Just as the Holy Virgin turned her veil into a shield, her humility and prayer into a powerful wall against the enemies, so to must we be constant in prayer and humility. Just as the people of Constantinople were powerless against their enemies and turned to God in their weakness, we too are often faced with challenges beyond our control. The Protection of the Theotokos assures us that in our weakness, God’s grace -  mediated through the intercession and agency of His saints - becomes our ultimate strength.

Spiritual Application: The Theotokos in Our Lives Today

In our contemporary world, the message of the Theotokos’ protection is just as relevant as it was a thousand years ago. While we may not face the same physical threats as the people of Constantinople (and we often still do), we are often beset by spiritual and emotional struggles that can feel overwhelming. The Feast of the Protection reminds us that we are not alone  in our battles. The Mother of God is ever-present, interceding for us and covering us with her prayers, like a loving mother. Her veil, symbolizing both the modesty of nursing and the spreading of God’s divine grace through the salvific work of Jesus Christ, continues to protect the Church and all who call upon her.

In times of crisis - whether personal or communal - the faithful are encouraged to turn to the Theotokos, confident in her powerful intercession. The tradition of invoking her protection through humbly asking for her intercession, and also by honoring icons of her carrying the Christ-child, remains strong in the Orthodox world and offers spiritual comfort to Christians everywhere.

The High Hymns of the Season

The liturgical texts for the Feast of the Protection are filled with beautiful hymns that express the joy and gratitude of the Church for the Theotokos’ ministry of protection to us, her loving children. One of the most well-known hymns for the feast is the Apolytikion (Troparion) and Kontakion, which highlights her ministry of intercessory prayer:

Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church,

and with choirs of saints she invisibly prays to God for us.

Angels and bishops worship,

apostles and prophets rejoice together,

since for our sake she prays to the pre-eternal God.

The Virgin is present today in the Church

and with the choirs of saints she prays to God for us.

Angels and bishops worship,

apostles and prophets rejoice together,

since for our sake she prays to the pre-eternal God.

In commemorating this feast, may we always turn to the Theotokos as our heavenly advocate, confident that she prays for us, guides us, and protects us on our journey toward Christ.

COLLECT 

To conclude our reflection on this most beloved Byzantine feast, let us offer a prayer in the quintessential voice of our beloved English Prayer Book Tradition: 

O Almighty and Everlasting God, who through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Thy Son, didst grant miraculous deliverance to Thy faithful people; Grant, we beseech Thee, that we, ever shielded by her heavenly protection, may with confidence call upon Thy mercy in all our needs, and find in Thee our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

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