In 1170, Russian prince Andrey Bogolubsky sent his son Mstislav to besiege the city of Novgorod, as punishment for withholding their customary tribute. Mstislav had four armies at his disposal, and the terrified citizens could only huddle in the city gaol to await their fate. But their Archbishop, John, remained steadfastly at prayer in his cathedral.

As he prayed, Archbishop John experienced a vision which prompted him to send for an icon of Mary in a nearby church. Following his instructions, he raised the icon in the sight of the people and their adversaries. The icon began weeping, and at the same moment a blind panic filled Mstislav’s forces, allowing the Novgorodians to defeat them.

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