Cincture of the Theotokos in Russia

The Cincture of the Theotokos (or the Belt of Holy Mary), an Orthodox relic kept in the Mount Athos monastery, was brought to Russia in October 2011. For 40 days Russian people were able to view the relic. Thousands of Muscovites stayed in line for hours and days on end in order to visit the Saint-Savior Cathedral, where the relic was placed. The mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, was among those who went to the Cathedral to see the cincture. The relic was exhibited in 15 Russian cities and the capital was the last one. 

It was the first time that the Cincture of Theotokos had been brought to Russia. The monks that brought it were amazed by the passion that Russians demonstrated during the exhibition of the relic. The monks say the belt performed several miracles and they are going to publish a book about these events.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also viewed the relic and underlined that people of all religions came to see it. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also praised the cincture. The head of state thanked the Mount Athos monastery that organized the relic's exhibition in Russia.