Holy Cincture of the Theotokos

There is a tradition in Vatopaidi Monastery: at the request of pilgrims, the monks give away ribbons blessed on the Honorable Belt of the Mother of God. Through these ribbons, by the grace of the Honorable Belt, many miraculous healings have been performed. Most of them are healings from infertility. By the grace of the Cincture, many childless couples have become parents.

The Placing of the Honorable Sash: Troparion and Kontakion

Troparion, tone 8

Ever-Virgin Theotokos, protectress of mankind, you have given your people a powerful legacy: the robe and sash of your most honored body which remained incorrupt throughout your seedless childbearing; for through you time and nature are renewed! Therefore we implore you: “Grant peace to your people and to our souls great mercy!”

Kontakion, tone 4

Today your flock celebrates the enshrinement of your precious sash, and it earnestly cries out to you: “Rejoice, O Virgin, boast of all Christians!”

Kontakion, tone 2

Thy precious sash, O Theotokos, which encompassed thy God-receiving womb, is an invincible force for thy flock, and an unfailing treasury of every good, O only Ever-virgin Mother.