The Sash of the Virgin Mary Arrives in Burgas for Veneration

The spiritual life of Burgas will be marked by an exceptional event that brings together believers from all over the country. For the first time, the city will host one of the most revered Christian relics preserved to this day — the Honorable and Holy Cincture of the Most Holy Theotokos. The arrival of the relic is at the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Arseny of Sliven and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Ignatios of Dimitriada from the Greek Orthodox Church.

The relic, which is kept in the "Panagia Kato Xenia" monastery in the Greek city of Volos, will be brought to Bulgaria by the abbess of the holy monastery, Gerontissa Nymphodora. This event is expected with great interest by thousands of lay people who will have the opportunity to touch the relic, considered the only one to have survived from the earthly life of the Mother of God.

Solemn Welcome and Liturgical Procession

The welcome of the holy cincture will take place on September 14, at exactly 6:00 PM, in front of the cathedral "St. St. Cyril and Methodius". A crowd of believers is expected to fill the square to witness the solemn ceremony. After the welcome, the relic will be carried in a liturgical procession that will pass along the central streets "Alexandrovska" and "Uspenska". The procession will end at the "St. Theotokos" church, where a Hierarchical festive vespers will be served in honor of the event. Hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of residents and guests of the city are expected to gather in the streets, who will reverently follow the path of the relic. The atmosphere will be filled with solemnity and pious emotion.

The relic arrives in Burgas on the great Christian holiday of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, September 14, and will remain in the "St. Theotokos" church until September 17, when the holiday of Hope, Faith, and Love is celebrated. During these days, the church will be open around the clock so that all who wish can venerate the relic and seek its intercession. Believers will be able to offer prayers:

• for health, healing from illnesses
• for the blessing of childless spouses
• for comfort in spiritual and physical suffering
• for patronage over children, families, and parents

Historical Significance of the Cincture of the Most Holy Theotokos

According to Holy Tradition, the cincture was woven by the Most Holy Theotokos herself from camel hair. After Her Dormition, she gave it to St. Apostle Thomas. Since then, the relic began its long journey through the centuries, being preserved successively in Jerusalem, Cappadocia, and Constantinople. For many years, the relic was kept in the Blachernae church and in the imperial palace in Byzantium, where it was known for its miraculous power. One of the most famous testimonies of its healing power is the healing of Empress Zoe, the wife of Emperor Leo VI the Wise.

In the 12th century, the Church established an official feast in honor of the relic, which is celebrated on August 31. Historical records show that the cincture then passed through the territories of Bulgaria and Serbia before being handed over at the end of the 14th century by Prince Lazar to Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, where it is kept to this day. Nevertheless, parts of the holy cincture are also preserved in other monasteries and churches around the world, including in Cyprus, Georgia, Italy, Syria, as well as in the "Panagia Kato Xenia" monastery in Volos, from where it arrives for veneration in Burgas.

The testimonies of the miracles performed through this cincture are countless, as believers speak of healings, blessings, and protection over families and children. The arrival of the relic in Burgas is a great gift for the local residents and pilgrims, who will be able to seek the intercession of the Mother of God during the days of veneration.