The "Kozelshchansk" Icon of the Mother of God - History - iconsofsaints.com

The Kozelshchansk Icon of the Mother of God - History

Icon of the Mother of God The Kozelshchansk


The Miraculous Kozelshchansk Icon of the Mother of God — History, Meaning, and Recorded Miracles

The Kozelshchansk Icon of the Mother of God, commemorated on February 21, is one of the most beloved and miraculous icons of the Orthodox Christian world. Its fame spread widely after a remarkable healing that shook society and impressed even prominent European physicians. This sacred image became known as a source of divine grace, bringing comfort, healing, and hope to countless people.

Origin of the Icon

The Kozel’shchansk Icon belonged to Count Vladimir Ivanovich Kapnist and was kept on his estate in the village of Kozel’shchyna. The icon is ancient, beautiful, and notable for its distinctive Italian-style lettering and gentle expression. The serene faces of the Mother of God and the Christ Child radiate consolation and tenderness.

According to tradition, the icon came to the Kapnist family through the wife of Siromakh, a clerk of the Zaporozhian Cossack Host, who played a key role in the integration of Little Russia into the Russian Empire.

The Miraculous Healing of Maria Kapnist (1881)

Count Kapnist’s daughter, Maria Vladimirovna, suffered a severe injury after a fall, which left her foot twisted. Over time, her condition worsened:

  • her shoulder joints repeatedly dislocated,

  • her hip turned outward,

  • she suffered extreme pain,

  • and the best-known surgeons and neurologists were unable to help.

Despite visiting leading European specialists, her condition remained hopeless. In their despair, the family placed their trust in the intercession of the Mother of God.

The Turning Point

On February 21, 1881, the Count received a telegram that the long-awaited doctor had arrived in Moscow. The next morning, the Countess prepared for the journey and asked her daughter to polish the metal riza of the family icon—a longstanding tradition practiced by the women of their household.

Maria, who had lost all hope in medical cures, embraced the icon with tears and prayed fervently, pouring out all her suffering before the Mother of God.

The Miracle Occurs

While holding the icon, she suddenly felt strength entering her limbs.

Her cry was heard throughout the house:

“Mama! Mama! I can feel my legs! I can feel my hands!”

Before anyone could stop her, she removed:

  • her bandages,

  • the heavy metal covering of the icon (weighing eight pounds),

  • and stood up—completely healed.

Witnesses, including several guests, ran to the room and saw the once-crippled young woman walking normally. A thanksgiving moleben was immediately served.

Confirmation by Renowned Doctors

Despite the undeniable miracle, the Countess insisted on continuing their journey to Moscow. There, the girl was examined by leading specialists, including the famous neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot.

Charcot remarked that if not for the reliable testimony of Moscow professors, he would have considered the case impossible.

Rumors of the miracle spread rapidly, and crowds flocked to venerate the icon.

Growth of Veneration and Recorded Miracles

After the family returned to their estate:

  • A blind maiden arrived, having seen in a dream that the Mother of God commanded her to seek the icon. After praying before it, she regained her sight.

  • So many miracles were documented that a special commission from Poltava examined twenty-one of them.

  • One boy was healed directly in the presence of the commission.

Foundations Established

  • 1882 — a chapel and later a church were built in the Count’s garden.

  • 1885 — a women’s community with a hospital, school, and orphanage opened.

  • 1891 — the community became a convent dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos.

Symbolism of the Kozel’shchansk Icon

The Christ Child rests on the lap of the Mother of God holding a cross, foreshadowing His redemptive sacrifice.
A bowl and spoon rest on the table — symbols of the joy the Mother of God brings to the world, echoing the Akathist:
“Rejoice, O cup that draws forth joy.”

The icon became especially beloved by young women seeking:

  • healing,

  • protection,

  • guidance,

  • and intercession in family matters.

Later History of the Icon

After the 1918 Bolshevik destruction and the subsequent closures of religious institutions:

  • The icon passed through multiple secret locations, including Obitok and Kobelyaki.

  • It was briefly returned to the Kozel’shchyna Monastery in 1941–1949.

  • From 1961, it was kept by former nuns in Kyiv.

  • On February 23, 1993, after decades of exile, it was solemnly returned to Kozel’shchyna.

Today it remains one of the most revered icons, known for miraculous healings and powerful intercession.

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Its gentle beauty and profound history make it a meaningful spiritual treasure.

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