During the reign of Emperor Leo the Wise (or the Philosopher), in the year 911, there was an all-night vigil in the Blachernae church in Constantinople. The church was full of people. In the background stood Saint Andrew the Foolish, with his disciple Epiphanius. At the fourth hour of the night, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared above the people with an omophorion spread out in her hands, as if covering the people. She shone all over in an indescribable splendor, surrounded by apostles, saints, martyrs and virgins. Saint Andrew, seeing the Most Holy, pointed to her with his hand to blessed Epiphanius. Today's feast was established to remind us of that event, but also of the continuous patronage of the Most Holy Theotokos to the Christian race. Her help, both to individuals and to nations, has been confirmed countless times.

Holy Apostle Ananias. Venerable Roman the Sweet-Singer. Venerable John the Kukuzel. Venerable Gregory.