As we've already written before, the Holy Cincture (Belt, or Sash) of the Mother of God is the only relic that has survived from the time of Her earthly presence. At present, the Belt is kept in the Monastery of Vatopaidi of the Holy Mount Athos. According to tradition, the Mother of God wove the belt Herself from camel hair; Later, after the Dormition, She handed it over to the Apostle Thomas.
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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.
In this article, we have collected the most frequently asked questions about the Belt of the Theotokos and the ribbons blessed on it.
What Does the Holy Belt Help With?
First of all, the Cincture of the Blessed Mother is known to help childless and infertile couples who dream of having children. It is often prayed to for help in the fight against cancer, as well as for help to all those who suffer without losing faith and with trust in Our Lady.
Where Can I get a Ribbon Blessed on the Honorable Belt?
Many pilgrims who visit Mount Athos seek to have a ribbon blessed on the Honorable Belt of the Mother of God. This can be done at the Monastery of Vatopaidi.
However, it's not the only place where you can get a ribbon. The Honorable Belt of the Mother of God is often taken from Mount Athos to various churches for pilgrimages.
The Belt often travels around Greece, and by following its movements one can drive up to the place where it is located.
You can also receive a ribbon by ordering any items in Mount Athos Shop. Simply indicate your request in the comments to your order, or contact us via online chat. Please note that ribbons are not merchandise, so no additional charge will be applied.
Finally, you can follow the promotions of the Mount Athos Shop, during which we add the ribbon to every order. The banner announcing such a promotion is placed on the main page of the online shop, as well as on the pages of all product categories and goods.
Please note that during such promotions, a ribbon is added to every order placed in our e-shop. Therefore, no additional actions are required from you.
How do I Wear the Ribbon?
The ribbon is often worn by believers like an ordinary belt. It can be worn both day and night. However, there are no strictly established rules: for example, you can tie a ribbon around your hair and even wear it on your wrist..jpg)
We should always remember that wearing a ribbon blessed on the Blessed Cincture is not a magic ritual. Here, as in every Christian rite, our love for our Lord Jesus Christ and His Immaculate Mother plays the most important role.
It is not the way we wear the ribbon that is important, but the meaning we attach to it. For example, one may not wear it at all, but simply kiss it while praying to the Blessed Mother.
Should I Wear the Ribbon All the Time?
There's no need in wearing the ribbon all the time. It is usually worn on special occasions or during illness. Furthermore, one should not rely solely on the fact of wearing the ribbon: despite its great importance, this relic is only a supplement to our life in the bosom of the Church. It does not diminish the importance of prayer, of going to church, or of the sacraments of confession and communion.
Can I Take the Ribbon Off?
Like any other relic, the ribbon should be handled with care and precision. If desired or necessary, it can be removed; it is not considered a sin or deviation from the rules.
The ribbon is usually given along with a small booklet that contains a brief information about it.
Should the Ribbon be Removed During Intimacy?
In answering this question, the difference between faith and magical thinking should be emphasized once again. Questions about whether to remove the ribbon during physical intimacy — or, say, when going to the restroom — fall more into the second category. Sinning while wearing the ribbon is indeed a sin, much like sinning without wearing one. But there is no sin in wearing the ribbon while going about our daily activities and living a normal life that does not violate the commandments and is not contrary to the Christian faith.
Can the Ribbon be Washed?
The ribbon can be washed if necessary. However, since it has been blessed, it is better not to dispose of the water in which it has been washed, but to use it, for example, to water houseplants.
Can the Ribbon be Cut in Two?
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This is one of the common questions about the ribbons, as they are not easy to obtain and the demand sometimes exceeds the capacity of the monks. Therefore, it is not forbidden to cut a ribbon into two or even three pieces to share with loved ones in need. In such cases, the size of the ribbon will no longer allow you to wear it as a belt, but you can still tie it around your arm.
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.
