1 ЖОВТНЯ – † ПРАЗНИК ПОКРОВУ ПРЕСВЯТОЇ БОГОРОДИЦІ.

The Eparchy of Wrocław-Koszalin observes the Feast of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary on October 1. The feast highlights the spiritual motherhood and mercy of Mary, whom the Church calls the Mother of Mercy.

According to tradition, the feast commemorates an event in the Blachernae Church in Constantinople on October 14, 910. During a time when Turkish armies surrounded the city, the community gathered to pray for protection alongside Saint Andrew the Fool. During the prayers, Saint Andrew reportedly saw the Virgin Mary appear in a bright light alongside John the Baptist and the Apostle John. Mary is said to have taken her large veil, or omophorion, and spread it over the people in the church to signify her care and protection over the city.