Marian devotion
Smolensk's miracle in 1812
Smolensk, Russia
How the Virgin of Smolensk icon protected Russia from the Napoleonic invasion.
In 1812, when Napoleon invaded Russia with his Great Navy, the icon of the Virgin Odighitria of Smolensk was taken out in procession before the Russian army. The soldiers believed that the Virgin would protect them from the invader.
La Batalla de Borodinó
Before the Battle of Borodinó (September 7, 1812), the icon was brought before the troops of General Kutuzov. Although the battle was bloody and did not have a clear winner, the Russians considered it a moral victory. Napoleon couldn't destroy the Russian army.
The withdrawal of Napoleon
After Napoleon's withdrawal from Moscow, the icon was returned to Smolensk with military honors. The Russians attributed Napoleon's defeat to the intercession of the Virgin of Smolensk.
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