The Kasperov Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. Tradition says that this holy icon
had been brought to Cherson from Transylvania by a Serb at the end of the sixteenth century. Passing down from parent and
child, the icon had come to a certain Mrs. Kasperova of Cherson in 1809.
One night in February of 1840 she was praying, seeking consolation in her many sorrows. Looking at the icon of the
Virgin, she noticed that the features of the icon, darkened by age, had suddenly become bright. Soon the icon was glorified
by many miracles, and people regarded it as wonderworking.
During the Crimean
War (1853-1856), the icon was carried in procession through the city of Odessa, which was besieged by enemy forces. On Great
and Holy Friday, the city was spared. Since that time, an Akathist has been served before the icon in the Dormition Cathedral
of Odessa every Friday.
The icon is painted with oils on a canvas mounted on
wood. The Mother of God holds Her Son on her left arm. The Child is holding a scroll. Saint John the Baptist (Janurary 7)
is depicted on one side of the icon, and Saint Tatiana (January 12) on the other. These were probably the patron saints of
the original owners of the icon.
The Kasperov Icon is commemorated on October 1, June
29, and Bright Wednesday.
