Kefalonian snakes and the Assumption of the Virgin

There is a small island in Greece Kefalonia. In the world it is known not only for its picturesque landscapes, but also for the fact that year after year a miracle occurs there, in the town of Markopulo. On the feast of the Assumption of the Mother of God, snakes, called by the people "the Mother of God," come to this village from all over the world. A distinctive feature of them is a mark in the form of a cross on the scales near the head.
Snakes tend to get into the chapel, standing on the site of the former convent. The coming of snakes always happens only on the eve of the Assumption. On that day, the divine service is performed in the chapel. And snakes freely penetrate inside the building, are there during the service, and then rapidly disappear.
Local residents perceive the appearance of snakes as a reality - they fearlessly touch them, take them in their arms and even kiss. They believe that snakes will not harm them for anything. So it always happens - the snakes poisoning throughout the whole year on the Assumption become like tame ones.
The appearance of reptiles in Markopulo on the eve of the Assumption is not accidental. Many centuries ago, when there was a nunnery in Markopoulo, pirates attacked him. The attack occurred just on the feast of the Assumption. The nuns began to pray fervently to the Theotokos in front of Her icon, so that she would save them from the villains. And a miracle happened. When the robbers broke the gates and burst into the cloister, they saw serpents instead of nuns. Frightened, the pirates returned to the ship and sailed away.
As a reminder of the event, Kefalonia now experiences the invasion of snakes, which on the day of the Assumption are absolutely safe. The icon, before which the nuns prayed, is preserved. It is she who, like a magnet, attracts a snake. Reptiles hang on the icon, creep under it. But to approach and kiss the shrine to people do not interfere.
The icon of the Mother of God, located in Markopulo, is greatly esteemed by the Greeks. On all sides it is hung with jewels that were donated by people in gratitude to the Theotokos for Her help.
A couple of years ago some intruder entered the temple at night and stole the offerings. Thank God, he did not steal the icon and did not damage it. Therefore, the church life in Kefalonia continued. And let's hope that the Uspenskoe miracle with snakes, which occurs there every year, will continue to amaze the world.

Source: https://vk.com/dosug.prav.detey