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[CULTURE] · Bulgaria · 6 sources

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Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Belt of Mother of God and Saint Cyprian

On August 31, the Orthodox Church observes the feast of the Placing of the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Mother of God. According to religious tradition, the belt was entrusted to the Apostle Thomas following the Assumption and was later moved from Jerusalem to Constantinople in the 5th century during the reign of Arcadius.

Historical accounts within the tradition highlight a 10th-century miracle involving Byzantine Empress Zoe, who was reportedly healed of a mental illness after the Holy Belt was laid upon her by the Patriarch. The relic is regarded by believers as a symbol of spiritual strength and divine protection.

Additionally, the day commemorates Saint Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage. A prominent early Christian figure and teacher, Cyprian was ordained as bishop in the late 240s AD. He is noted for his defense of Church unity and his eventual martyrdom during the persecutions initiated by Emperor Decius in 250 AD.

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Constantinople · Empress Zoe · Mother of God · Orthodox Church · Saint Cyprian of Carthage

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