Orthodox religious observances for September 12

September 12 and 13 mark several religious observances within the Orthodox and Greco-Catholic calendars. These include the conclusion of the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God and the commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Autonomus and Cournutos (also referred to as Karnoutos).

Saint Cournutos, a native of Iconium, is honored for his service as Hierarch before being martyred by decapitation. Saint Autonomus, a bishop who served in Italy during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, is recognized for his missionary work in Bithynia. After establishing a church dedicated to Saint Archangel Michael, he was martyred by stoning or killed by non-believers in the sanctuary. His relics are noted for remaining incorrupt.

On September 13, the Church commemorates Saint Cornelius the Centurion, a Roman centurion who converted to Christianity following an encounter with the Apostle Peter and later served as the Bishop of Scythopolis in Mysia. Additionally, the commemoration includes Saint Aristides of Athens, a 2nd-century philosopher and martyr who defended the Christian faith under Emperor Hadrian.

The Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos celebrates the feast of the placement of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary with special liturgical services, including an All-Night Vigil and Panegyric Hierarchical Vespers. Tradition holds that the belt was given to the Apostle Thomas and later kept in Constantinople; historical accounts associate a miracle involving the relic with Empress Zoe. A significant portion of the belt is preserved at Vatopedi, with historical ties linking the relic to the Serbian Prince Lazar. Other observances include the commemoration of the Holy Icons of the Mother of God.