Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates Placement of the Mother of God's Belt

The Serbian Orthodox Church and its believers are celebrating the Placement of the Belt of the Most Holy Mother of God. According to tradition, following the Dormition of the Mother of God, Saint Thomas found only a belt in her tomb, which became a significant relic.

Historical accounts describe how the relic was later moved to Constantinople. During the reign of Leo the Wise, the belt was used to heal Empress Zoe after a dream by Saint Thomas suggested its medicinal power. In Serbian tradition, this feast is particularly observed by women, who often pray for fertility and ease in childbirth.

In addition to the religious feast, the Serbian Orthodox Church also commemorates the Holy Martyrs of Jasenovac. This observance honors the more than 700,000 people who perished during World War II in camps such as Jasenovac, Donja Gradina, and Glina, as well as other martyrs from various massacres.