Our Lady of Kazan

Our Lady of Kazan

Our Lady of Kazan also known as the Holy Protectress of Russia is a holy icon venerated by all Orthodox Christian faithful.

Second World War

The icon was used in religious processions around Leningrad fortifications during the Siege of Leningrad (1941–1944).

Reportedly, during the Siege of Moscow, Stalin ordered the Kazan Icon to be put on an airplane with priests on board and flown over the front to bless the troops.

During the Battle of Stalingrad, the icon was with the Russian army on the right bank of the Volga, and the Nazi troops couldn't cross the river. The Battle of Stalingrad began with a supplication before the Kazan Icon. Only when it was finished, did the troops receive the order to attack. The Kazan Icon was at the most important sectors of the front where the troops were preparing for an offensive.

During the assault on Königsberg in 1945, the Soviet troops were in a critical situation. Suddenly, the soldiers saw their commander arrive with priests and an icon. Many made jokes, "Just wait, that'll help us!" The commander silenced the jokers. He ordered everybody to line up and to take off their caps. When the priests finished the supplication, they moved to the frontline carrying the icon. The amazed soldiers watched them going straight forward, under intense Nazi fire. Suddenly, the Nazis stopped shooting. Then, the Russian troops received orders to attack on the ground and from the sea. Nazis died in the thousands.