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.

The miraculous icon came to Vladimir in the twelfth century, from Constantinople by way of Kiev. It was brought to Moscow when the Golden Horde rose against the city in 1395 and 1480, and again when the Khanate of Kazan threatened in 1521. On every occasion, the enemy withdrew without pursuing their advantage.

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