Introduction
The Theotokos of Vladimir is an icon of Mary embracing her child Jesus, which came to Kiev from Constantinople in the 1130s. Not only has it become one of the world’s most recognisable works of sacred art, but on several occasions it has been credited with delivering the Christians of Rus’ from seemingly inevitable disaster.
ON June 23rd, 1480, Khan Ahmet, leader of the Tartar Golden Horde, faced Ivan III, Grand Duke of Moscow, across the Ugra River, a few miles southwest of the capital. There was a standoff lasting several weeks and then suddenly, for reasons still unexplained, Ahmet and the Horde fled.
Tradition, however, says that they fled because Moscow was protected by a remarkable icon of Mary kept in the Dormition Cathedral, and that this was not the first time this had happened.
Back in 1395, the Horde was commanded by Tamerlane, a Muslim with an insatiable thirst for conquest who saw himself as a new Genghis Khan.* He too had suddenly abandoned what was likely to be a successful siege of Moscow, after dreaming of shining hosts camped about it, led by a glorious Lady. At that very moment, Metropolitan Kiprian and the people of Moscow were shedding tears before an icon of the Virgin and child,* hurriedly brought over from the city of Vladimir.*
Tamerlane or Timur (1336-1405), founder of the Timurid Empire in Persia and Central Asia.
Kiprian or Cyprian was Metropolitan of Kiev and All Rus’, but following the complete destruction of Kiev now resided in Moscow. In 1441, Metropolitan Isidore was deposed for agreeing reunion with heretical Rome at the Council of Florence, and after a seven year hiatus Metropolitan Jonas was elected in his stead: Constantinople, still in its shotgun marriage with Rome, could hardly be consulted, though the remaining Orthodox Churches approved Jonas’s appointment. His successors have been independent of Constantinople and styled either Metropolitan or Patriarch of Moscow (not Kiev) and All Rus’ ever since. On the Council of Florence and the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, see Filioque.
Vladimir-on-Klyazma, roughly halfway between Moscow a hundred miles to the west and Nizhny Novgorod just a little further to the east. It was founded, according to the Primary Chronicle, in 1108 by Vladimir II Monomakh, who has an English connection: see Gytha and Vladimir.
Précis
In 1395, the Golden Horde came up against Moscow, but their leader, Tamerlane, unexpectedly withdrew after - so it is said - seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary. The people of Moscow were at that time praying before an icon of Mary borrowed from the city of Vladimir, and it would help them against the Horde once more a century later. (60 / 60 words)
In 1395, the Golden Horde came up against Moscow, but their leader, Tamerlane, unexpectedly withdrew after - so it is said - seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary. The people of Moscow were at that time praying before an icon of Mary borrowed from the city of Vladimir, and it would help them against the Horde once more a century later.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, besides, if, just, or, until, whether, who.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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