«Rejoice, The Most Pure, A sign of eternal joy to the world that comforts!..»
126 years ago on this day 8 March (Old Style) 1898 A community of young revolutionaries decided to blow up the miraculous image. The attackers made a time bomb and set it up like this, so that it would work during the All-Night Vigil, When the church is full of worshippers.
But the plans of the young Socialist-Revolutionaries were thwarted. The explosion occurred, But not then, when they planned. The temple was empty, therefore, not a single person was injured. Of course, Aisle, Where the image was located, has been severely damaged, Shrines were damaged, nearby, All the lamps were broken next to each other by the miraculous icon, But she herself turned out to be intact!
This event is recounted in the Akathist in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Sign”: “Wicked People, darkened by unbelief, I couldn't know, As from Thy icon, To the Lady, Many miracles are poured out, And thou hast learned from the devil to destroy Thy holy image, But shame the besh. The walls of the monastery were shaken by a terrible explosion, The whole city is in turmoil, beholding the utter destruction. This wondrous shrine has appeared unharmed, Filling the world with joy”…
The news of the miracle that took place in Kursk spread all over Russia and even penetrated abroad. As Indicated in Archival Documents, to all the churches next Sunday, 15 March, thanksgiving prayers to the Lady were served, on the occasion of the miraculous salvation of Her Icon. Kursk began to be flooded with pilgrims, and for the removal of the icon during the procession of the cross on the ninth Friday after Pascha, glass above 60 thousands of pilgrims.
Remind, that this year is the celebration of the Icon of the Mother of God “Sign” Kursk-Root Station postponed to Sunday 24 March.
Source: website of the Diocese of Kursk
