The discovery of the Our Lady of Kazan icon is attributed to a young girl named Matrona who, while playing near her home, reportedly saw a light emanating from the ground and subsequently unearthed the holy icon. The icon's depiction shows the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, a common representation in Orthodox Christianity. Upon its discovery, the icon was taken to the local church, where it quickly became an object of veneration and pilgrimage. The succeeding increase in the icon's popularity was aided by several reported miracles attributed to its presence, such as healings and divine interventions in personal and communal matters.

Almost immediately, the news of the or Constantinople came to the attention of Tsar Feodor I of Russia, who recognized the icon's significance and its potential to unite the Orthodox faithful. This led to the establishment of a special church dedicated to the Our Lady of Kazan in Kazan, which became a major pilgrimage site. Over time, the icon influenced church policy and played a pivotal role in the 17th-century religious and cultural renaissance in Russia, underscoring the deep ties between faith and national identity.

Throughout the years following its discovery, the icon has been the subject of scrutiny and reverence. The Russian Orthodox Church canonized the feast of Our Lady of Kazan, marking its importance in the liturgical calendar. The icon experienced physical relocations and even losses during periods of conflict, yet its significance persisted across generations, solidifying its status as one of the most revered icons in Russian Christianity.