Since ancient times, the "Tsesarskaya-Borovskaya" Icon of the Mother of God has been venerated as miraculous. While no historical record to document the date of its appearance has survived, tradition holds that it was during the first half of the 12th Century. According to local tradition, the Icon was found near a cemetery in Usvyat, Vitebsk province, in a place known as Bor. For this reason, the populace knew it as the Borovskaya Icon. It is also called the Tsesarskaya Icon because it is an exact copy of the ancient Caesar Icon (celebrated 9 April), renowned since the year 792 as miraculous.
The Icon was taken from the cemetery church to Usvyat itself, where it remained, in the Holy Transfiguration Church until 1917.
Both written documentation and oral tradition bear witness to many miraculous signs and healings flowing from this Icon.
A major cholera epidemic appeared in 1859 in Usvyat and its surroundings. Every day, many people became sick, and many died. Having lost hope in any human assistance, the people turned to the Queen of Heaven. Carrying the Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God with profound faith, they made a Procession of the Cross around the afflicted area, and as one, raised up fervent prayers for her intercession. That very day, and to general rejoicing, the cholera began to abate. The next day, another Procession of the Cross was made by the entire populace, and from that point, the plague of cholera ceased.
The "Tsesarskaya-Borovskya" Icon, written in ancient Russian style on a board measuring 88 cm. by 62 cm., is framed in a silver oklad adorned with gilded crowns and precious stones. An inscription on a gilt plaque expresses the thanks of the people of Usvyat for the Most-holy Theotokos’ intercession in saving them from cholera.