08/31/2026
On August 31, the Orthodox Church commemorates the feast of the Placing of the Honorable Sash of the Most Holy Theotokos.
At the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Apostle Thomas came into possession of the sash and after various transfers it came to Cappadocia. It was later taken from there to Constantinople, where it was kept in a sealed casket in the Church of the Theotokos at Blachernae, at the time of the Emperor Arcadius (395-408). The casket was not opened until the reign of the Emperor Leo the Wise (886-912), when the Empress Zoe, who was ill, had a vision in which she was told to have the sash placed upon her. The Emperor obtained the blessing of the Patriarch, the sash was placed upon the Empress, and she was immediately healed.
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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!” - Troparion, Tone 8
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 4
