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In Ukraine, there is a tradition that honors the Virgin Mary's protecting veil. The tradition dates back to an event that happened in Constantinople.
According to the Ukrainian Institute of America, many Ukrainians celebrate a special feast on October 14, commemorating the special protection of Mary's veil.
The Slavic and East European Journal explains that the word Pokrova means "'Holy Protection of the Mother of God,' 'the Protectress,' 'Festival of the Veil,' 'Protecting Veil.'"
Ukrainians in particular took hold of this devotion to Our Lady and kept it alive over the years, frequently turning to it during times of war and political upheavel.
They continue to venerate Mary in this way, depicting her in icons with a veil that she offers to cover those with her protection.
Often there is an inscription on the devotional images that says, "“I will cover my people” or “We pray: cover us with Your Holy Veil and deliver us from evil.”
