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Orthodox Church commemoration of the Holy Belt

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2026-08-31 09:53 UTC → 2026-09-13 06:51 UTC · added removed

The Orthodox Church observes the feast of the Deposition of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary on August 31. Religious tradition holds that the relic was entrusted to the Apostle Thomas and later moved from Jerusalem to Constantinople during the 5th century. In Constantinople, the relic century, where it was historically kept in a golden reliquary known as the ‘Agia Soros’. Historical accounts within the tradition mention a 10th-century miracle where Empress Zoe was reportedly healed by the relic, a connection also linked to Byzantine emperors Arcadius and Leo VI the Wise. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, fragments of the belt were dispersed, with significant portions preserved at the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. The feast day also commemorates Saint Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage, who is recognized for his defense of Church unity and his martyrdom during the persecutions of Emperor Decius around 250 AD. In Greece, the religious feast is marked by local celebrations, such as the Great Panegyric Vespers at the Panagia Lykourissi Monastery in Skutera, Agrinio, which draws crowds to honor Agrinio. In Serbian tradition, the region’s religious feast is particularly observed by women, who often pray for fertility and cultural heritage. ease in childbirth. The Serbian Orthodox Church also uses this period to commemorate the Holy Martyrs of Jasenovac, honoring the hundreds of thousands who perished during World War II. The feast day also commemorates Saint Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage, and honors the martyrs of Nicomedia and other saints, Nicomedia, marking the conclusion of the liturgical month of August.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-13 06:51 UTC Orthodox Church commemoration of the Holy Belt
  2. 2026-08-31 09:53 UTC Orthodox Church commemoration of the Holy Belt
  3. 2026-08-31 05:54 UTC Orthodox Church commemoration of the Holy Belt
  4. 2026-08-31 04:47 UTC Orthodox Church commemoration of the Holy Belt

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