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[CULTURE] · Greece, Cyprus · 29 sources

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Orthodox Church commemorates the Deposition of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary

The Orthodox Church commemorates the Deposition of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary on August 31. This significant religious feast honors the relic believed to have been passed from the Virgin Mary to the Apostle Thomas.

Historical traditions state the belt was moved from Jerusalem to Constantinople, where it was kept in a golden reliquary known as the 'Agia Soros'. One notable tradition recounts that Emperor Leo the Wise opened the reliquary to heal his wife, Empress Zoe, through the relic's power. While many fragments of the belt were dispersed throughout history, the only remaining portion is preserved at the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos.

In Greece, local celebrations include a major Panegyric Vespers at the Panagia Lycourissi Monastery in Skutera, Agrinio, attended by many faithful and local officials. The day also honors the martyrs of Nicomedia and other saints, marking the conclusion of the liturgical month of August.

Entities

Agri muchio · Constantinople · Holy Monastery of Vatopedi · Holy Monastery of Vatopedi · Jerusalem · Mount Athos · Orthodox Church · Panagia Lycourissi · Panagia Lycourissi Monastery · Panagia Lykourissi Monastery · Saint Aidan · Vatopedi Monastery

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12 days ago