The church calendar is different from the conventional calendar. It begins in September with one holiday dedicated to the Virgin, Christmas. The year ends with August. On its last day, the church celebrates another feast dedicated to the Mother of God: the position of her belt in the Church of Constantinople. But not only the church year, the whole Orthodox life in Russia is overshadowed by the invisible presence of the Queen of Heaven. Through her prayers we receive blessings and intercession before our Lord. Because of her, faith stands and grows.
Orthodox.
The story of the holiday began when 2 pilgrims accidentally learned about a relic stored in Palestine: the belt of the Virgin. With great respect they brought him to Constantinople. It happened at the turn of the 4th and 5th centuries. The emperor Arkady reigned at that time. In the capital of the empire, the shrine was placed in the ark, sealed with the imperial seal. The casket was placed in the church at the Copper Trading (an area called Khalkopratia). There were many pilgrims to worship the shrine. Weekly night marches were held in her honor.
After 4 centuries, the ark with a belt was opened. The reason was sad: Empress Zoya fell ill. In her dream there was a voice that said that the only way to heal was to put the belt of the Virgin. The Patriarch opened the casket, with prayer he took out a belt and stretched over the Empress. She was healed immediately.
The shrine was again placed in the ark, but was returned to another church — Blaherna. There was already a robe (maphoria) of the Mother of God. This happened on the last day of August according to the Gregorian calendar.
Later, the belt was divided several times. Its parts ended up on Mount Athos, Cyprus, in Georgia. In 2011, the Athonite belt was brought to Russia. The hearts of believers were filled with joy and joy. An endless stream of people to the shrine.
The belt returned to the Athos monastery Vatopedi, but grace remained. For Rus has always been the lot of the Mother of God and she will not leave her forever.
Part of the belt was placed in a relic, which is located in the church of Elijah the Prophet, near the metro station “Kropotkinskaya”.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion! Holy Mother of God, pray for us!
Charity foundHoly Land.
Soul investment!
