Yelets Icon of the Mother of God

Commemorated on January 11.

The Holy Virgin appeared with a multitude of Saints, in a threatening vision to Tamerlane as he was resting in his tent on Mount Argamach. On the same day (August 26) the residents of Moscow met the wonderworking Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, praying before it for deliverance from the terrible invasion. Terrified by the vision, Tamerlane exclaimed, "So, we shall not defeat the land of Russia!" and then he retreated with his horde.

The Yelets Icon is commemorated on January 11, and also on August 26, in remembrance of Tamerlane's retreat. The Elets-Chernigov (or Chernigov Spruce Tree) Icon of the Mother of God is commemorated On February 5.

Troparion

Today the ancient city of Yelets rejoices with exultation,
remembering the glorious miracle of the Most Holy Theotokos,
when on the streets of the capital city of Moscow the people met her wonderworking Icon,
then the Sovereign Lady, on Mount Argamach in the city of Yelets,
came out to meet the wicked Tamerlane,
turning back his formidable offensive.
Contemplating the wondrous appearance of the newly-painted Icon,
and thanking our Protectress for all her blessings,
we humbly cry: “Do not forsake us in the future, O Merciful Mother.”