A HISTORIC icon of the Virgin Mary, reputed to work miracles, is visiting a church in Colchester.

The Kursk Root, found in Russia in the 13th century, will be on display at St John’s Orthodox Church, in Military Road, on Saturday.

Father Andrew Phillips, rector of the Russian Orthodox church, described the visit of the icon as “a very significant moment” for the congregation.

“The icon tours the world every few years from its home in New York and is only in this country for two weeks,” he said.

“It is the First time it has come to us since we moved to the church two years ago, although we have had it before when we were based in Felixstowe.

“The church will be open through the day for people to come to see the icon.

“On previous visits, we’ve had groups of Catholics come to admire and pray at it, as well as people with cancer and other illnesses seeking strength from it.”

The icon was found in 1295 by a hunter by the roots of a tree near the city of Kursk, which had been ruined by the invading Mongol army.

Father Andrew said: “The icon was taken to the local church and all sorts of strange things started to happen. Not necessarily the lame throwing away their crutches, but it made the people think about their faith.”

A chapel was built at the site where the icon was found and became a place of pilgrimage.

The icon remained there through Russia’s tumultuous history, until it was taken out of the country when the communists seized power at the end of the First World War.

After travelling across Europe, it found a home in the Russian Orthodox cathedral in New York.

Father Andrew said the icon occasionally gives off a strong scent. He said: “The perfume comes and goes during services, which is very unusual and cannot be explained.

“I’ve held it my own hands and looked over it and there are no taps or secret sources on it.”

l The church will be open from 10am on Saturday, with a service from 10.30am until noon.