Eduard Abashia, a lecturer at the Department of Psychology at the Dnipro Institute of PJSC "IAPM", a legal expert, psychologist at the Amur-Nizhnodniprovskyi District Department of the State Institution "Probation Center" branch in Dnipropetrovsk region, and a member of the International Association of Psychologists and Consultants in Sexual Education, informs about the following. Orthodox believers celebrate the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos annually on October 14. Since 1999, on the day of the Feast of the Protection, Ukraine also began celebrating the Day of Ukrainian Cossacks, and since 2014, the country has been observing a state holiday - the Day of Defenders of Ukraine.

The holiday is based on the legend of the apparition of the Mother of God in Constantinople at the beginning of the 10th century, as described in the life of Andrew the Fool-for-Christ. At that time, the Byzantine Empire was once again on the brink of destruction, as Constantinople was besieged by eastern neighbors while the empire's army was on a distant campaign.

It is believed that the events to which the holiday is dedicated took place on October 14, 910 (October 1 in the old style). People hoped for the help of the Most Holy Theotokos, who had saved them from enemy invasions many times before, so they prayed day and night. For this purpose, they chose the Church of Blachernae, where the robe of the Mother of God, her main veil, and a part of her belt were kept.

According to legend, on this day, the army of ancient Rus, led by Askold, besieged Tsargrad (Constantinople), trying to capture the city. The inhabitants of the Byzantine capital turned to the Mother of God in fervent prayer, asking for salvation. And the Mother of God appeared before the people, covering them with her veil (omophorion). After this, the enemies could not see them, and this forced the invaders to retreat and leave the city, the psychologist noted.

On this blessed day of the Protection, may people's souls be cleansed of all negativity, and may their hearts be filled with God's grace!