The Intercession of the Theotokos, also known as the Feast of Intercession and the Protection of the Theotokos, is celebrated worldwide on October 1 in the Julian calendar, which corresponds to October 14 in the Gregorian calendar. This significant feast of the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates an event from the 10th century in Constantinople, where the Virgin Mary, referred to as Theotokos, appeared in the Church of Saint Mary of Blachernae. During this apparition, she knelt and prayed for the faithful, symbolically spreading her veil over the congregation to signify her protection. This act is believed to have aided the citizens of Constantinople in defending their city from a pagan invasion. In Ukraine, the feast is also recognized as a public holiday known as the Day of the Defender of Ukraine, while in Belarus, it coincides with Mother's Day. The celebration emphasizes the role of the Virgin Mary as a protector and intercessor for the faithful.