Service in celebration of the first-ever arrival of the Belt of the Mother of God in Russia

One of the greatest Christian shrines, the belt of the Mother of God from the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, has been brought to Russia for the first time.

Christians believe that the belt of the Mother of God has special powers.

The shrine is accompanied by the monks of the Vatopedi Monastery (). On Wednesday, the belt of the Mother of God has been delivered to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, at Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent.

According to legend, the Mother of God wove the miraculous belt out of camel hair and wore it until the end of her Earthly days. At the time of her ascension, she passed the belt on to Thomas, the Apostle.

According to tradition described in written sources, shortly prior to her Dormition (the end of her life in the physical realm), the belt and the robe of the Mother of God were given to two pious widows and it was passed from generation to generation. Under the rule of emperor Arcadius (395-408), a precious reliquary with the belt of the Mother of God was moved to the church. Thereafter, the shrine was split into parts and exhibited at various sites.

The Vatopedi monks have guarded the shine for many years; for pilgrims, they make small belts that according to legend and the testimony of believers help with problems concerning health and the birth of children.

Any shrine should be welcomed with honor and respect. Photo: Service in celebration of the arrival of the Belt of the Mother of God, to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, at Voskresensky Novodevichy Convent.

The shrine will remain in Russia from October 20 until November 23, and will be delivered to 12 cities, including remote eparchies in the North, Far North and South.