Intercession of the Theotokos Date in the current year: October 14, 2024

Theotokos (“the one who gives birth to God”) is the Greek title of the Virgin Mary widely used in the Eastern churches. Roman Catholics and Anglicans typically use the title “Mother of God” instead. The feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos is dedicated to events that occurred in the 10th century in Constantinople.

The apparition of Mary the Theotokos occurred in the Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae where her veil, robe, and part of her belt were kept. The Mother of God entered the church, knelt and prayed for all faithful. Then she spread her veil over the people in the church as a symbol of her protection. The blessing of the Virgin Mary helped citizens of Constantinople protect their city from a pagan invasion.

The Feast of Intercession is celebrated on October 1 in the Julian calendar, which corresponds to October 14 in the Gregorian calendar. It is a holy day of the Byzantine rite. In Ukraine, it is also celebrated as a public holiday, Day of the Defender of Ukraine. In Belarus, it coincides with Mother's Day.