The Protection (Pokrov) of the Theotokos

The Theotokos appears above a congregation of the faithful, spreading her veil (maphorion) over them as a sign of protection. This feast and icon type is particularly beloved in the Russian and Ukrainian traditions.

The icon commemorates a vision of St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ in 10th-century Constantinople, who saw the Theotokos in the Blachernae church spreading her veil over the city.