Most Holy Theotokos Belt to arrive in UOC's Mukachevo Eparchy
The reliquary containing the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos. Photo: Press Service of the Mukachevo Eparchy
With the blessing of Metropolitan Theodor of Mukachevo and Uzhhorod, the Mukachevo Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will receive a reliquary containing a portion of the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos, the diocesan website reports.
“We invite the clergy and faithful to join in prayer and veneration of the holy relic,” the diocesan information department stated. “We will offer special prayers for peace in Ukraine, for our soldiers, and for God’s blessing upon the Ukrainian people.”
According to Church Tradition, the Mother of God herself gave her belt to the Apostle Thomas after her Dormition. Since ancient times, Christians have venerated this relic as a source of special help and divine grace for all who turn in faith to the Queen of Heaven.
The reliquary will visit the largest cities and villages of the eparchy. The schedule of the shrine’s пребывание will begin on Sunday, May 17, at the Cathedral of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God in Mukachevo. In the following days, the faithful will be able to venerate the Belt of the Theotokos at the Holy Resurrection Monastery in Uzhhorod, as well as churches in Svaliava, Serednie, Velyki Luchky, and other localities.
The visit of the holy relic to the eparchy will conclude on June 1. On the Day of the Holy Spirit, it will be present at Holy Trinity Church in Uzhhorod.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos will be brought from Mount Athos to the Serbian Church for the Feast of the Ascension.
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