Marian devotion
The Virgin of Bitola
Bitola, North Macedonia
In the city of Bitola, the Virgin Mary is venerated as the protector of merchants and travelers.
The Church of the Holy Mother of God
The Church of the Holy Mother of God in Bitola was built in the 19th century by the town's Christian community. The church houses an image of the Virgin Mary that has been venerated by generations of merchants and travelers.
The Virgin of the Merchants
The image of Our Lady of the Merchants is a painting depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, surrounded by angels protecting merchants on their journeys. Tradition says that the Virgin appeared to a group of merchants who were about to be robbed by bandits on the road from Bitola to Thessaloniki.
"The Virgin of the Merchants does not allow her children to get lost on the paths of commerce."
Miracles attributed
The faithful of Bitola recount numerous miracles attributed to the intercession of the Virgin of the Merchants:
- Saving merchants in danger of assault
- Cures for travel-related illnesses
- Protection during travel
- Spiritual guidance in times of confusion
Prayer
O Virgin of the Merchants, protector of the merchants of Bitola. You who saved your children from the dangers of the road, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. Guide us on the path of life and protect us from all harm. Amen.
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