Reliquary containing Belt of Theotokos arrives in Vitebsk

MINSK, 4 March (BelTA) – A reliquary containing a portion of the Cincture of the Most Holy Theotokos and the relics of Her holy parents, the righteous Joachim and Anna, were brought to the Assumption Cathedral in Vitebsk, BelTA has learned.

For the second time, the great shrine has arrived to Vitebsk. The reliquary is kept in St. Petersburg at the Kazan Cathedral, and from 4 March to 11 April, Belarusians in Orthodox churches throughout the country have the opportunity to venerate it and ask for the intercession and help of the Mother of God.

A service in the Assumption Cathedral was led by Archbishop Dimitry of Vitebsk and Orsha. The head of the eparchy congratulated the parishioners on such a significant event. He recounted that the shrine visiting Vitebsk has a very rich history. According to tradition, the Theotokos herself wove this belt shortly before her Dormition and then handed it to Apostle Thomas. For millennia, particles of the Belt, enclosed in a reliquary and distributed to various churches around the world, have been kept in holy cloisters. There are many stories associated with the miracles that this relic manifests. Women pray to the Virgin Mary; she protects women in childbirth and gives spiritual support to those who pray for deliverance from infertility.

“We must always turn to God calmly, tirelessly, with faith, and then you and I will see His care and help. The Queen of Heaven, the Theotokos, helps us and protects us from evil. The meaning of our life is the acquisition of God’s grace, the Holy Spirit, which gives joy, peace, and love in our hearts,” the Archbishop said addressing the faithful.

Among those who came to the church was Governor of Vitebsk Oblast Aleksandr Rogozhnik. He thanked Archbishop Dimitry for the opportunity to see such a great shrine in the Vitebsk land. "Today is a special day in the life of Vitebsk Oblast. My heart is filled with great joy. I would very much like this reliquary to bring goodness and love into the heart of every person. To you, Vladyka, I want to express my great gratitude for this event so important for every Christian, for the fact that thanks to your efforts and endeavors we have the opportunity to experience such great joy,"” the governor noted.

The reliquary will remain in Vitebsk until 15 March and will then travel to Polotsk.

Photos by Aleksandr Khitrov/BelTA