Orthodox Parables and Stories: Our Lady of Pochaev

Healing footprint of the Mother of God at Pochaev Assumption Lavra, Ukraine

The history beings in 1198, only about two centuries after Christianity became institutionalized following the conversion of St. Vladimir.

In this year a monk ascended Mount Pochaev in order to pray. After beginning his prayers a pillar of fire appeared to him and to some shepherds that happened to be nearby. The flames withdrew to reveal the Blessed Virgin. The apparition of the Virgin Mary left behind a footprint, from which a spring of water flowed. (Below is an image of the healing footprint of the Mother of God at Pochayiv Assumption Lavra, Ukraine)

The previously uninhabited mountain became the site of a monastery dedicated to the miracle. Over 200 years later, the monastery was visited by a Greek Bishop, Neophit, who left behind as a gift, an Icon of the Theotokos from Constantinople. This is the Icon which came to bear the monastery's name: the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God.

In 1675, a Turkish army made its way to the Pochaev Mountain, determined to expand the Dar al-Islam. The monastery, being a monastery, was incapable of withstanding an assault, and so despite the presence of armed defenders many gave up hope that Pochaev could survive.

On the morning of July 23 (August 5 in the modern, Gregorian calendar), Pochaev's abbot instructed the monastics to ask for the intercessions of the Mother of God and Job, a previous monk whose relics were laid in the monastery. With the Turks massed at the foot of the mountain preparing their assault, the monks began their Heavenly petitions before the Icon of the Mother of God:

"O Queen of the Heavenly Hosts ..."
With these words, a vision of the Mother of God appeared in the sky, with the monk Job beside her in prayerful petition, along with an army of angels, swords unsheathed. At this appearance, the defenders were over-joyed, whilst the besieging Turks were terrified. Such is the polarizing power of Heavenly Images.

In panic, the Turks fired arrows into the sky at the image but the arrows simply fell back to earth upon the attackers. Further panicked, the Turks turned to flee, trampling each other in the process. The defenders rushed out of the monastery to take prisoners from the routed army. These prisoners later found freedom in Christ, and many stayed on as monks at Pochaev.

The Icon is a copy of the Pochaev Icon. The border of clouds represents the vision of Virgin Mary with her Child, Our Savior, being heavenly. wearing a crown, and holding the infant Jesus. In her other hand “she holds the end of her veil.” This being a ‘tenderness’ icon, Jesus and Mary’s face touch, while Jesus gives a blessing with his hand. Underneath is the footprint upon which the monastery was founded.

The Pochaev Icon produced many other miracles over the years, and is still known as a wonder-working image to this day.

Those who pray before your holy icon, O Lady,
Are vouchsafed healing and receive the knowledge of the True Faith,
And they repel the attacks of the Muslim horde.
Therefore, entreat remission of sins
For us who fall down before you.
Enlighten our hearts to thoughts of piety,
And raise a prayer to your Son to save our souls.
( Troparion (hymn) of the Pochaev Icon )