The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Theotokos

On Sept. 13/Aug. 31 the Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated.

Besides the robe of the Most Holy Theotokos, Her honorable Sash was kept among Christians who, according to one story, was entrusted by Her to the Apostle Thomas after Her Dormiton, and then by right of succession transmitted by believers to one another. This feast was established in commemoration of a miracle by the honorable Sash held over the sick Greek Empress Zoë. In the tenth century the Empress Zoë, wife of Leo the Wise, suffering from continuous illness, received healing by putting the honorable Sash of the Mother of God on her. Then the honorable Sash was solemnly placed in a new shrine, and the feast was established in memory of the miracle. Parts of the honorable Sash are in the Vatopedi monastery on Mount Athos, in Trier monastery, and in Georgia.Today many miracles occurr with the honorable Sash.