Holy Belt - Holy Cincture of the Virgin Mary
Where is the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary located
The Holy Belt or ‘Agia Zoni’ of Theotokos is the only heirloom that is preserved from her earthly life and a part of it is kept in the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos.
According to the ecclesiastical tradition, Theotokos was resurrected and ascended into heaven three days after her Dormition. During her ascension, she entrusted the Holy Belt to the Apostle Thomas.
Find here: icons with Apostle Thomas.
What is the Holy Belt made of
It is said that the Holy Belt was crafted by the Virgin Mary from camel hair.
A few centuries later, Empress Zoe, wife of Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886 - 912 AD), managed to survive after a miraculous cure. This event led her to embroider the Holy Belt with golden thread, demonstrating her boundless gratitude.
The Holy Cincture, where the Belt of the Virgin is kept
Initially, the Holy Belt was kept in Jerusalem by faithful christians. Later, it was transferred to Constantinople by Emperor Arcadius, who placed it in a reliquary called the 'Holy Cincture'.
Find here: icons of the Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary
How the Holy Belt was saved
During the Fourth Crusade in 1204, pieces of the Holy Belt were stolen by the crusaders, yet few devout christians managed to conceal parts of it.
After the reconquest of Constantinople in 1261 by Michael VIII Palaiologos, the fragment of the Holy Belt was placed in the Church of Panagia of Blachernae.
Eventually, a piece of the Holy Belt was found in the possession of John VI Kantakouzenos (1347-1355), who donated it to the Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, due to his special devotion to the monastery.
Up to this day, the Holy Belt remains at the Holy and Great Monastery of Vatopedi. It is kept in a silver case, which depicts the monastery along with the donor Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos.
Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary: when does it celebrate
During the 12th century, at the reign of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, the Holy Belt of Theotokos was established to be honored on August 31.
Find here: The Sacred and Grace-Bearing Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos
Holy Cincture: miracles and hope for pregnant women
The power of the Sacred Belt of Theotokos is great and miraculous. It preserves the grace of the Virgin Mary, sanctifies the faithful and frees them from sorrows and diseases. The Holy Belt has performed innumerable miracles, especially in cases of women who had difficulty conceiving children. A ribbon sanctified by the Agia Zoni helps women to have a good pregnancy.
Find here: Wooden crosses with sacred ribbon in the Holy Belt
