November 4th marks the Day of National Unity – the day when the Second People’s Militia, led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and a Nizhny Novgorod merchant, Kuzma Minin drew the Polish and Lithuanian armies out of Moscow. The victory obtained with the help of the Kazan icon of Our Lady was commemorated in 1613 by the new tzar, Mikhail Romanov, and from 1649 till 1917 the day of this icon was officially celebrated in Russia. This tradition was revived in 2005.
I always try to visit the church on this day. Attending the service is not always possible, but lighting candles is a must. So I did the same this afternoon. The photos are from my local church dedicated to St Nicholas.
